Christmas television is getting a welcome dose of nostalgia in 2026 as Disney brings back Mickey’s Christmas Carol to ABC for the first time since 2003. The beloved 1983 animated short will air Wednesday, November 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the night before Thanksgiving, as part of ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney holiday lineup. Based on Charles Dickens’ timeless A Christmas Carol, the 26-minute production features familiar Disney characters in classic roles: Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge, Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, Goofy as the ghost of Jacob Marley, and Donald Duck as Scrooge’s cheerful nephew Fred. It’s a welcome return for a holiday favorite that has entertained generations of Disney fans.
The special holds an important place in Disney animation history. Directed by longtime Disney animator Burny Mattinson, it marked Mickey Mouse’s return to a new theatrical cartoon after a 30-year absence. Released in theaters in December 1983, it was also Disney’s first original Mickey Mouse theatrical short in decades and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film. The project grew out of an earlier Disney recording, a 1974 Disneyland Records adaptation of Dickens’ story that featured many of the same characters. Its successful transition from a record to the big screen helped create one of Disney’s most enduring Christmas productions.
Part of the magic is how naturally Disney’s characters fit into Dickens’ story. Scrooge McDuck was practically made for the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, while Mickey brings warmth and innocence to Bob Cratchit. The production combines traditional Disney animation, memorable character performances, and the timeless message of redemption, generosity, and the importance of family. Over the years, it became a holiday television favorite, appearing on NBC, CBS, The Disney Channel and other outlets. Its return to ABC appears to be part of the network’s effort to revive classic holiday programming and give families more opportunities to share familiar seasonal favorites.
For those who can’t wait until Thanksgiving, Mickey’s Christmas Carol is also available to stream on Disney+, where it can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. But there’s something special about having Mickey, Scrooge, and the gang back on network television, bringing a little old-fashioned Christmas magic into living rooms once again.
