Santa Breakfasts & Festive Sips: Holiday Events Arrive at Downtown Disney’s Paseo, Céntrico & Naples

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November 6, 2025

Discover Santa Breakfasts & Festive Holiday Dining at Downtown Disney

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim! Santa himself is inspiring the festive fun as Patina Restaurant Group invites guests to celebrate the season with cheerful holiday programming, including festive dining experiences, culinary workshops, and other delights designed for locals and visitors alike.

From Paseo’s Cocina Navideña: A Holiday Heritage Celebration to the beloved Breakfast with Santa at Naples, the District will be buzzing with flavor, nostalgia and seasonal joy.

Paseo’s Cocina Navideña: A Holiday Heritage Celebration

Join Executive Chef Rudy Lopez and the Paseo team for a festive culinary experience that brings cherished holiday traditions to life. Through stories and flavors passed down through generations, you’ll discover the heart of the season in every bite.

Each session features live demonstrations of the holiday favorites:

Tamales: traditionally crafted, and easy to make at home
Churros: crispy, golden, and dusted with cinnamon sugar
Ponche Navideno: a traditional holiday punch, served with tequila for guests 21+

As you arrive, enjoy signature chips and salsa—a perfect start to an evening of flavor and celebration.

Dates: Dec.13 and Dec. 20

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: $70 adult, $55 child

Centrico (Frosty Fiesta, Berry MexMas, Mexican Hot Chocolate)jpg

Holiday Cocktails & Dishes at Paseo and Céntrico

At Paseo:

Coco Navidad – Tierra Zafiro Blanco, Malibu Rum, Lime Juice, Grenadine, Coco Lopez
Ponche Navideño – Traditional, housemade Christmas Ponche
Mexican Hot Chocolate

At Céntrico:

Berry MexMas – Casa Loy Reposado, Black Cherry, Lime Juice
Frosty Fiesta – Rum Chada, Captain Morgan, Fireball, Horchata

Seasonal Dishes:

Snowman – Cake, orange mousse, orange peel gel, yogurt streusel, Rosemary and gruyere ice cream
Chicken Tamale – Corn husk tamale with mole rojo, braised chicken and pickled vegetables
Tamales de Rajas – Corn husk tamale, Rajas, Mexican cheese blend and pickled vegetables

Naples Van Winkle Dining Experience

Join the team for an unforgettable evening featuring the legendary Van Winkle and premium Sazerac spirits. Guided by Sazerac experts, you’ll savor every sip while indulging in perfectly paired dishes from the Naples culinary team.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 13

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: $250 per guest

Naples Ristorante e Bar: Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Specials

Cocktails:

Santa Margarita – Asombroso Tequila, Peach Schnapps, Margarita Mix, Cranberry Juice, Chambord
Skrewball Christmas Cider – Skrewball, Apple Cider, Hibiscus Tea, Lemon Juice

Dish Highlight:

Diwali Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza – Neapolitan Dough, Tikka Masala Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Marinated Chicken, Red Onion, Parmesan, Cilantro

What holiday dining event do you want to experience?

FAA Emergency Order Forces Flight Reductions at 40 Airports, Including Orlando International Airport

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

FAA Flight Reductions at Orlando International Could Disrupt Holiday Trips to Disney and Universal

If you’re flying into Orlando for some holiday magic at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, your plans may need a little extra pixie dust. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Emergency Order that requires airlines to reduce daytime flights at major U.S. airports—including Orlando International Airport (MCO)—by up to 10% beginning November 7, 2025.

While we have already reported on the impending cuts, this most recent announcement comes on the heels of an official FAA declaration detailing exactly how airlines are to reduce air travel. The FAA says the cuts are necessary to “ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficiency of the National Airspace System,” citing air traffic controller staffing shortages caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The order affects all domestic commercial flights scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, a move that’s expected to have a significant ripple effect on Central Florida’s tourism industry as the busy holiday season begins.

A phased rollout of flight cuts

Airlines will be scaling back operations in stages leading up to the full 10% reduction:

November 7: 4% reduction in daytime flights
November 11: 6% reduction
November 13: 8% reduction
November 14 and onward: full 10% reduction

The FAA has directed carriers to spread the cancellations evenly throughout the day to prevent bottlenecks during peak travel hours. The cuts are to be scheduled on a rolling schedule seven days in advance, meaning flight cancellations through November 14 must be announced by November 7, cancellations for November 15 on November 8, etc.

How this impacts your Orlando theme park trip

For theme park visitors, the timing couldn’t be trickier. The flight cuts coincide with the start of Disney Jollywood Nights, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Universal Orlando’s holiday celebrations—all events that draw massive crowds in mid-November.

That means:

Fewer available flights for those early arrivals aiming to rope-drop Magic Kingdom or hit Hogsmeade before lunch.
Higher airfares as seat capacity tightens heading into Thanksgiving week.
Potential last-minute cancellations or rebookings as airlines adjust schedules to stay in compliance.
Ripple effects on resort plans if arrival times shift later into the day.

Even a small reduction at a hub like MCO can have big consequences for travelers coming from connecting airports. With roughly 1,200 daily flights, a 10% reduction means more than 100 flights could be impacted each day.

Tips for staying ahead of the turbulence

Check your flight status frequently—airlines are updating schedules daily through mid-November.
Book or switch to earlier flights if possible; morning departures are less prone to cascading delays.
Plan a flexible arrival day with room for travel hiccups before your first park reservation.
Keep your airline app handy for rebooking notifications or automatic itinerary updates.
Know your rights—if your flight is canceled and you opt not to travel, you’re entitled to a cash refund.

A storm over the holiday skyline

While the FAA describes the order as temporary, it hasn’t given an end date. If staffing levels don’t rebound quickly, the order could linger into the holiday peak, affecting both Thanksgiving and early Christmas travel. Once the government shutdown ends, it will take time to ramp back up to full controller staffing, meaning the cancellations will not immediately end just because the shutdown does.

For now, those heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth or the Most Thrilling Place on Earth should add a little patience to their packing list. After all, even Santa’s sleigh might be circling the runway for a bit this year.

Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios

Santa Claus Sets Up Shop at Walt Disney Presents for the 2025 Holiday Season at Hollywood Studios

Santa Claus is coming to… Hollywood! 🎅 Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially announced the location and dates for its annual Santa Claus meet and greet, and this year, he’s trading Grand Avenue for center stage inside Walt Disney Presents.

Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios

Guests will be able to meet the big man in red from November 8 through December 24, 2025, in a cozy new setting filled with festive décor, warm lighting, and a classic holiday movie vibe. The new location follows the permanent closure of It’s A Wonderful Shop, the former year-round Christmas store that became Santa’s home in 2022 before closing alongside Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, PizzeRizzo, and MuppetVision 3D earlier this summer.

For the holiday season, Walt Disney Presents—which typically hosts live-action Ariel—will become Santa’s North Pole outpost at the park. Ariel temporarily relocated to Echo Lake in late October to make way for this jolly seasonal transformation.

Guests attending Disney Jollywood Nights will notice a slightly different lineup, as Santa Duffy will take over meet-and-greet duties inside Walt Disney Presents during the after-hours event.

While exact hours and virtual queue details haven’t been confirmed, it’s expected that Santa’s meet and greet will follow a similar process to previous years across Walt Disney World. Santa will also appear at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs—plus he’ll make a special stop for dinner at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Giant Christmas Tree & Holiday Decorations Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

Giant Christmas Tree & Holiday Decorations Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios cover

Holiday Cheer Lights Up Disney’s Hollywood Studios as Christmas Tree and Decor Return for 2025

The holidays have officially rolled into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the park has never looked more holly-wood! As of this week, the park’s massive Christmas tree is back at Echo Lake, marking the start of the festive season just in time for the first Disney Jollywood Nights event this Saturday, November 8.

Giant Christmas Tree & Holiday Decorations Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The towering tree, decked out in shimmering ornaments and glowing garland, anchors a scene that feels straight out of a vintage holiday postcard. Around the lake, everyone’s favorite dino, Gertie, is once again donning her oversized Santa hat and surrounded by floating ornaments and tinsel-wrapped lampposts—a sight that instantly signals it’s Christmastime at the Studios.

The entire park has been transformed for the season, from the glittering wreaths and glowing stars along Hollywood Boulevard to the retro-style décor of Echo Lake and the sparkling details scattered throughout Toy Story Land. It’s a perfect blend of mid-century glamour and merry nostalgia that fits right in with the park’s golden-age aesthetic.

Of course, this seasonal makeover is all leading up to the return of Disney Jollywood Nights, the park’s after-hours holiday event that brings live entertainment, themed food and drinks, and rare character appearances. With the decorations now complete and the festive music filling the air, the stage is set for a truly dazzling holiday debut.

Garden View Lounge Returning to Operation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in 2026

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

Garden View Lounge Returning to Operation at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort in

Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge Reopening in Early 2026 with a Whimsical New Tea Experience

The Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is getting ready to pour a little more magic back into guests’ cups in early 2026. After a lengthy closure during the resort’s ongoing multi-year refurbishment, Disney has announced that the space will reopen with a completely refreshed look and a new “elevated tea experience” designed to charm guests of all ages.

Formerly known as the Garden View Tea Room, this beloved lounge has long been a favorite for its elegant afternoon tea service—a tradition dating back decades at the Grand Floridian. Now, it’s returning with a fresh infusion of Disney whimsy and refined style to match the resort’s newly updated lobby and guest rooms.

According to Disney, the reimagined lounge will feature refined décor, themed touches, and a new tea service that balances sophistication with family-friendly fun. While details on the menu and structure of the experience haven’t been released yet, the company notes that it will appeal equally to children and adults—hinting at a refreshed twist on the timeless tea tradition guests have missed since the lounge’s closure.

Garden View Lounge Returning to Operation at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort in 2026

The reopening marks one of the final steps in the Grand Floridian’s sweeping enhancement project, which has already seen updates to guest rooms, dining venues, and the resort’s signature lobby. Once complete, the refreshed lounge will once again serve as one of Walt Disney World’s most relaxing retreats—a perfect blend of Victorian elegance and Disney storytelling.

Santa Claus Meet and Greet Returns to DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

Santa Claus Meet and Greet Returns to DinoLand USA at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Santa Claus Returns to DinoLand USA for One Last Roar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It looks like Santa Claus isn’t ready to go extinct just yet! The jolly old elf himself is returning to DinoLand U.S.A. this holiday season for one final round of prehistoric cheer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests can meet Santa at Restaurantosaurus from November 14 through December 24, 2025—marking the land’s truly last hurrah before it officially transforms into the Tropical Americas area.

Fans of DinoLand’s quirky holiday overlay will once again be treated to the “Dino Institute Holiday Party,” complete with dino-sized decorations and the perfect mix of whimsy and nostalgia. Last year’s debut of Santa’s meet and greet at Restaurantosaurus was a surprise hit, featuring the big guy in red surrounded by fossils, string lights, and even the occasional T-Rex ornament.

This year, Santa will again greet guests on the Restaurantosaurus patio, offering a delightfully odd (and Instagram-worthy) backdrop filled with dinosaur bones and garlands. It’s an experience that blends yuletide joy with a touch of Disney’s extinct humor—because nothing says “holiday spirit” like a triceratops in tinsel.

With DinoLand U.S.A. set to go extinct soon, this will truly be your last chance to see Santa in this setting before the area evolves into something brand new. So grab your cocoa, dust off your best Santa hat, and make sure to snap one last photo in front of those dino-sized decorations before they become a piece of Disney history.

Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Dynamic 2026 Slate, Highlighting Fast & Furious Coaster

By

Sara

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November 6, 2025

Get Ready for 2026: Universal Studios Hollywood Drops Huge Slate News

Universal Studios Hollywood just dropped its highly anticipated 2026 Event Calendar! Guests can now plan their “Best Day in L.A.” around an exciting slate of unique events, fan-favorite seasonal activities, and the grand opening of the high-speed outdoor roller coaster: “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.” 2026 is officially shaping up to be a stellar year.

What better way to experience all that Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer than with a coveted Annual Pass. Plus, for a limited time with the purchase of a new 12-month Annual Pass, guests enjoy three additional months free for a total of 15 months of fun, now through April 8, 2026 (restrictions apply).

A great holiday gift or stocking stuffer, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Annual Pass offers member exclusive perks throughout the year, including dedicated events and opportunities from Park Takeovers and Appreciation Days to collectible giveaways and special ticket offers to such popular seasonal events as Halloween Horror Nights and Universal Fan Fest Nights, as well as discounts within the theme park and at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. The must-have Platinum Annual Pass includes the coveted after 3pm Universal Express access to each ride, attraction and seated show with a shorter wait time (restrictions apply).

The return of its popular Mega Movie Summer and fan-favorites events, Butterbeer Season and Back to Hogwarts within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” are just a few examples of the adventure ahead.

At a glance, here’s what to expect in 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood:

Feb-Mar: Pass Member Bonus Benefits
Mar-May: Butterbeer Season
Apr. 23-May 16: Universal Fan Fest Nights
May: Pass Member Collectible Giveaway
May/June: Pass Member Special Event
Jun-Aug: Mega Movie Summer
Jul 3-4: 4th of July Celebration
Aug-Sep: Back to Hogwarts
Aug-Sep: Pass Member Appreciation Days
Sep. 3-Nov. 1: Halloween Horror Nights
Nov: Pass Member Collectible Giveaway
Nov-Dec: Holidays at Universal
Dec: Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover
Dec. 31: Eve

What Universal event(s) are you most excited about?

The Sea of Monsters Awaits: Disney+ Drops Official Trailer for Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2

By

Chip

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November 6, 2025

Disney+ Drops Official Trailer for Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2

Disney+ has made a major announcement with the debut of the official trailer for season two of the Disney+ Original series, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Teasing a heroic new adventure into uncharted and dangerous waters, the new season is based on The Sea of Monsters, the second book in Rick Riordan’s beloved best-selling series.

The trailer promises thrilling new monsters, action-packed mayhem, and higher stakes than ever as the young demigods embark on a perilous quest to save Camp Half-Blood and their friend Grover.

Season two of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” will premiere on December 10 with a two-episode debut on Disney+ and Hulu, followed by new episodes rolling out every Wednesday.

The Quest for the Golden Fleece

Following a breach in Camp Half-Blood’s protective border, Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) embarks on an epic odyssey into the titular Sea of Monsters. His mission is twofold: find his best friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) and secure the one artifact that can save the camp—the legendary Golden Fleece.

Percy is joined by Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), Clarisse (Dior Goodjohn), and his newfound Cyclops half-brother Tyson (Charlie Bushnell). The success of their quest is essential to stopping Luke (Daniel Diemer), the Titan Kronos, and their impending plan to bring down Camp Half-Blood and, ultimately, Olympus.

The returning core cast is joined by a star-studded roster of recurring and guest stars, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jason Mantzoukas, Glynn Turman, Timothy Simons, Virginia Kull, Courtney B. Vance, Andra Day, Adam Copeland, Sandra Bernhard, Margaret Cho, Kristen Schaal, Tamara Smart, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Toby Stephens.

Production and Companion Content

The series was created by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg. Season 2 is executive produced by Steinberg and Dan Shotz alongside Riordan and a host of other producers.

Fans seeking more behind-the-scenes content can look forward to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Official Podcast, an unscripted companion series that will offer exclusive access starting December 10. Podcast episodes will be available to watch on Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube, or to listen to on various podcast platforms, with a new episode dropping after each series episode premieres.

Meanwhile, season three of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is currently in production in Vancouver. Fans can catch up on the first season, now streaming on Disney+ and coming to Hulu starting Monday, November 10.

Mickey and Friends Gingerbread House Cookie Jar With Music To Add To Your Kitchen!

By

Ana Leal

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November 6, 2025

Mickey and Friends Gingerbread House Cookie Jar With Music To Add To Your Kitchen!

Oh. My. Goodness. Get ready to sprinkle some serious holiday cheer into your kitchen because we just found the most adorable, must-have piece of Disney merch for the season: the Mickey and Friends Gingerbread House Cookie Jar With Music! Seriously, if you’re a Disney fan and a lover of all things festive, stop what you’re doing and pay attention.

It retails for $89.99, and you can snag this merry must-have right now at Hallmark.com!

This isn’t just any cookie jar, it’s a ceramic masterpiece straight out of a Disney Christmas dream. It’s sculpted to look exactly like a charming gingerbread house, complete with all those intricate, candy-inspired details that make gingerbread so magical. But here’s the best part: look closely, and you’ll see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, and Daisy all peeking out of the decorated windows, just waiting to join your holiday celebrations! The snowy rooftop lid, the rounded front door, and those bright peppermint accents truly give it that sweet, seasonal touch.

While it’s perfect for stashing your favorite holiday treats, the real showstopper is the music! When you “raise the roof” (literally, the lid!), the cookie jar will play one of five classic Christmas songs! Talk about filling your kitchen with instant, whimsical cheer. It’s a delightful surprise that makes grabbing a cookie (or just admiring the piece) a fun little event every time. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of Disney magic and festive nostalgia to your home decor.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate piece to complete your holiday kitchen theme or searching for that perfect gift for the Disney lover in your life, this cookie jar is it. Don’t miss out on bringing the whole Mickey and Friends gang home for the holidays.

Credit: Hallmark

Disney Shares First Look at 2025 Limited Edition Holiday Pins and Gift Cards

By

Ana Leal

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November 6, 2025

Disney Shares First Look at 2025 Limited Edition Holiday Pins and Gift Cards

Get ready, friends! It’s that time of year again, and Disney is totally leveling up the holiday gifting game for 2025. Forget boring gift cards, we’re talking Limited Edition Holiday Pins and super festive card designs that are basically gifts themselves!

Limited Edition Pins & Gift Cards: The Perfect Combo

If you’re a pin collector (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you’re going to sprint to the parks for this. The new Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series is here, featuring your faves like Stitch, Olaf, Mickey Mouse, and Minnie Mouse, all connected by a cute, jolly garland across the cards. The best part? Each of these gift cards (available at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort spots) comes with a complimentary Disney Trading Pin! These aren’t just any pins, either, they’re character-inspired nutcrackers. Talk about a must-have holiday collectible! Just remember, you’ll need a minimum activation of $125 on the card to snag that exclusive pin, and they’re only around while supplies last, so don’t sleep on this!

More Ways to Gift the Magic

But wait, there’s more magic for smaller gifts, too! You can grab a Disney Gift Card Carrier with a Greeting Card at select WDW locations. These start at just a $15 activation and fold out so you can write a sweet, personal message. Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a Disney card with a heartfelt note.

And if you’re hitting up the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays or the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure or just love a festive accessory, check out the Snow Globe-Inspired Disney Gift Card Wristlet. Starting at $15 activation, you can shake up your holiday spending with this fun, reloadable wristlet that’s perfect for hands-free park snacking and shopping.

Quick & Easy Digital Magic

Not making it to the parks? No sweat! Disney makes it super simple to send some holiday cheer online. You can pick up Holiday, Christmas, and Hanukkah-themed Disney Gift Cards right on DisneyStore.com. Choose an eGift for instant delivery (and you can save it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, score!) or have a physical card sent by mail. With values from $25–500, they fit any budget. Plus, a Disney Gift Card is the gift that truly never expires and can be used for everything Disney, park tickets, dining, merch, you name it. It’s basically a little slice of the Kingdom you can give!

So whether you’re collecting pins, personalizing a small gift, or sending a digital surprise, Disney’s got your holiday shopping covered with a huge dose of festive magic!

Credit:Disney Parks

Get Ready to Cuddle: GUND Disney Plushies Are Here!

By

Ana Leal

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November 6, 2025

Get Ready to Cuddle: GUND Disney Plushies Are Here!

Got room for a new best friend on your couch? If you’re ready to snuggle up with your favorite characters, you absolutely need to check out the adorable GUND Disney plushies! GUND has seriously outdone themselves, bringing the magic of Disney’s most beloved worlds, from the Hundred Acre Wood to Bluey’s backyard and beyond, right into your arms.

These aren’t just any stuffed animals; they fuse that classic, irresistible Disney charm with GUND’s signature super softness and top-notch craftsmanship. Trust us, they feel just as magical as the stories they come from! Whether you’re after a sensory playset, an interactive pal, or just a classic huggable friend, there’s something wonderful here for Disney lovers of all ages.

Interactive Fun and Cozy Companions

First up, let’s talk about the super sweet Peek-a-Boo Winnie the Pooh for $55.99. This 12-inch “silly old bear” is ready to make learning and laughter a truly magical experience! Just gently press Pooh’s foot and watch him play peek-a-boo or count along as he “sips” from his honey pot. With two playful modes and those sweet, recognizable animations, he’s the perfect interactive buddy to turn everyday moments into cuddly fun. He’s surface washable too because accidents happen!

If it’s pure, squishy snuggle time you’re after, you’ll adore the Disney Oh So Snuggly Collection: Chip & Dale for $29.99 each. The clever chipmunks, Chip and Dale, have joined GUND’s award-winning collection, which means they feature that super soft plush combined with stylish, quilted accents. These 12.5-inch cuties are just the right amount of slouchy and under stuffed, making them the perfect go-to companion for kids (or adults!) who need a soft, cuddly friend for movie night.

Adventures and Sustainable Snuggles

But the fun doesn’t stop with the classics! For fans of everyone’s favorite Heeler family, GUND has the fantastic Bluey Adventure Plush Playset for $38.99. This five-piece, adventure-ready set brings Bluey’s world to life through tons of imaginative and sensory play. It includes soft 4-inch Bluey and Bingo plushes, a Floppy Bunny crinkle toy, and a Chatterbox squeaker, all tucked inside a cool 7-inch Bluey family car carrying case! The car has peek-through windows and a Velcro-open roof, making it perfect for pretend road trips, cozy cuddles, and taking the fun wherever you go. Plus, it’s surface washable!

And for the eco-conscious cuddlers, you’ll love the Sustainably Soft Plush: Bluey & Bingo at $27.99 each. These 13-inch versions of Bluey and Bingo are designed with calming, soft color tones and made using luxurious, ultra-soft recycled plush and accent materials. They’re a perfectly huggable, gentle, and sustainable friend for babies and toddlers. Who knew being environmentally friendly could be so incredibly snuggly?

Which of these awesome GUND plush pals are you adding to your collection first? We need them all!

Credit: Disney

ABC Unveils Festive Holiday Programming Lineup with New Specials and Returning Favorites

By

Catherine

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November 6, 2025

ABC Unveils Festive Holiday Programming Lineup

ABC is sleighing this holiday season, unveiling a massive lineup of festive programming that blends new specials with returning favorites, ensuring viewers have plenty of joyful content during the most wonderful time of the year!

The network is introducing dazzling new content to its annual tradition. A brand-new special, “Dancing with the Holidays,” will bring the ballroom to life with seasonal routines and musical performances. Joining the lineup is “Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas,” which explores the powerful journey of Mary and Joseph surrounding the birth of Jesus.

In an exciting broadcast debut, the latest installment of the beloved elf franchise, “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol,” will air on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 9:00 p.m. EST. It joins the broadcast of its predecessors, “Prep & Landing” and “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice,” making for a full evening of North Pole adventures.

Returning Favorites and Episodic Cheer

Fan-favorite specials and holiday-themed episodes will anchor the schedule:

‘The Great Christmas Light Fight’: A new season of the dazzling competition returns on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 9:00 p.m. EST, with judges Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak overseeing the massive, over-the-top displays as families compete for the $50,000 grand prize.
‘CMA Country Christmas’: The 16th annual special, hosted by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, will air on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 9:01 p.m. EST, featuring performances by Lady A, Little Big Town, Riley Green, and more.
Holiday Episodes: Viewers can look forward to festive installments of popular shows like “Abbott Elementary,” “Shifting Gears,” and “Shark Tank,” which will feature holiday-themed business pitches. “What Would You Do?: Holiday Edition,” airing Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 10:02 p.m. EST, also returns with new hidden-camera scenarios.

Classic Movies and Mega-Events

ABC will air several major movies, tapping into a strong trend of family co-viewing. Per the network, the holiday season is a prime time for families to watch together, a trend highlighted by the fact that “Home Alone” has annually been the highest-rated movie on any network among Adults 18-49 since 2022.

The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: Classic airings include “Mary Poppins” on Thursday, Nov. 27, “The Santa Clause” on Sunday, Dec. 7, “Home Alone” on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and the 60th-anniversary screening of “The Sound of Music” on Sunday, Dec. 21.
Big Celebrations: The “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” returns Christmas morning, and the “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025” special will air Wednesday, Dec. 17.

NBA Christmas Day Takeover

ABC will dominate Christmas Day with a national broadcast of all five NBA games, a massive slate of star-studded action:

Time (EST)	Matchup	Key Players
12:00 p.m.	Cavaliers at Knicks	Donovan Mitchell vs. Jalen Brunson
2:30 p.m.	Spurs at Thunder	Victor Wembanyama vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
5:00 p.m.	Mavericks at Warriors	Cooper Flagg vs. Stephen Curry
8:00 p.m.	Rockets at Lakers	Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James & Luka Dončić
10:30 p.m.	Timberwolves at Nuggets	Anthony Edwards vs. Nikola Jokić

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Ringing in the New Year

The holiday festivities will conclude with two major broadcast events: the ratings powerhouse “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025” on Wednesday, Dec. 31, and the “2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony” on Thursday, Jan. 1. The latter will feature performances celebrating inductees like Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, and Soundgarden.