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Dunk the Halls Returns to Magic Kingdom as Disney, ESPN, and the NBA Team Up for a Christmas Day Slam Dunk
Disney, ESPN, and the NBA are bringing the holiday magic back to Main Street, U.S.A. with the return of Dunk the Halls, the real-time animated NBA game airing on Christmas Day. This festive alt-cast debuts at noon ET on December 25 and transforms the New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers matchup into a fully animated experience set inside Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
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Once again, the action unfolds in a virtual recreation of Main Street, U.S.A., complete with snowfall, glowing holiday décor, and Cinderella Castle shining in the background. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip and Dale all return to cheer from the sidelines, but this year comes with a big, blue twist. Stitch joins Dunk the Halls for the very first time, bringing his signature chaos and becoming the breakout star of the broadcast.
The animated storyline begins with Mickey making a Christmas wish to Santa, which magically brings the NBA back to Magic Kingdom. Stitch’s arrival quickly turns the celebration upside down, leading to unpredictable antics throughout the game and a brand-new animated Christmas Parade during halftime. The parade competition features floats from Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, and Stitch himself as they battle it out for the title of Best Christmas Parade Float.
Every play from Madison Square Garden will be recreated live using Sony’s Beyond Sports technology and Hawk-Eye Innovations, allowing players to appear as motion-tracked animated versions of themselves in real time. Viewers will see every dunk, pass, and layup as it happens, all wrapped in Disney holiday flair.
Production highlights include Daisy Duck returning as sideline reporter with a special interview featuring NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Santa’s elves serving as camera operators, and Santa himself piloting ESPN’s SkyCam. Disney characters will also take part in pregame and halftime moments, decorate a massive Christmas tree during the broadcast, and keep fans guessing with surprises like snowfall on Main Street and Goofy’s ever-growing churro count.
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The animated broadcast will once again be called by Drew Carter and Monica McNutt, who return for their second year together in the Dunk the Halls booth. Daisy Duck also returns as sideline reporter, and all three commentators will appear animated while using Meta Quest Pro headsets to experience the game virtually from Main Street, U.S.A. The traditional Cavaliers vs. Knicks broadcast will air simultaneously with Ryan Ruocco and Doris Burke on commentary and Jorge Sedano reporting.
Dunk the Halls continues ESPN’s growing slate of innovative animated sports presentations, following recent successes like Monsters Funday Football and paving the way for upcoming animated NHL and WNBA telecasts during the 2025 to 2026 season.
Fans can catch Dunk the Halls on ESPN2, Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and the ESPN App, while the traditional game airs on ABC, ESPN, Disney+, and the ESPN App. It is all part of ESPN’s full NBA Christmas Day lineup airing December 25.
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