2023 WBAY Holiday TV Guide

Date Time Title & Description

30 Brilliant Minutes - 2023
Thursday, Nov. 23 12-12:30p First Alert Weather Meteorologist Brad Spakowitz counts down his ten favorite "3 Brilliant Minutes"
stories from the past year.
America's Thanksgiving Parade
Every November, something magical happens on Detroit's Woodward Avenue-- a holiday tradition
that dates back to 1924. Since then, 85 celebrations of America's Thanksgiving Parade have captured
the imaginations of millions of children, their families and generations.
4-5p Detroit’s Woodward Avenue comes to life with larger-than-life floats, soaring balloons, rousing bands,
and the country’s largest collection of papier-mâché heads that are certain to dazzle parade viewers
as we "Celebrate the Spirit" of America's Thanksgiving Parade. One million spectators line the street
to take part in the candy land of colors, sparkles, and stars!!
Mark Milovats' Christmas Wonderland Special
Showman extraordinaire Mark Milovats brings his powerful voice and uncanny humor into your
Sunday, Nov. 26 3-4p home! This family friendly program has a great variety of the best Christmas classics, as well as
Mark’s famous Santa Belle Dancers, his 16-piece orchestra, a classic holiday choir, and some great
special guests, like Rick Springfield, Gloria Estefan, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
This ABC holiday season staple returns for its eighth year with a sparkling spectacle of all-new musical
7-9p
performances by Derek and Julianne Hough, Michael Bolton, Robin Thicke, The Smashing Pumpkins,
and more!
The Great Christmas Light Fight (Season Premiere)
The most wonderful time of the year is here as this hit decorating competition series returns! “The
9-10p Great Christmas Light Fight” features families and neighborhoods from across America decorating
their homes to the extreme for Christmas in hopes of winning a cash prize and the coveted Light Fight
trophy.

The Santa Clause

Sunday, Dec. 3 7-9p Scott Calvin is a divorced father whose strained relationship with his son, Charlie, begins to mend only
after a bizarre twist of fate transforms him into the new Santa.
The Great Christmas Light Fight
9-10p See 11/26 for series description

Mickey Saves Christmas

Mickey, Minnie, and their pals attempt to celebrate the perfect Christmas at their snowy cabin.
Sunday, Dec. 10 6-6:30p
However, when Pluto causes Santa to lose all the presents on his sleigh, the friends travel to the North
Pole on a quest to save Christmas and find the true meaning of the holiday.
Olaf's Frozen Adventure
Olaf and Sven team up on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened, and
Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early
6:30-7p
to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their
own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save Anna and
Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.”
Frozen
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff
7-9p
and his loyal reindeer, Sven—to find her sister Elsa whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of
Arendelle in eternal winter.

Schedule Updated 11/21/23

 The Great Christmas Light Fight
9-10p
See 11/26 for series description

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Tuesday, Dec. 12 7-8p Fred Astaire narrates this timeless animated tale of Kris Kringle, a young boy with an immense desire
to go good things for others.
The Great Christmas Light Fight
8-10p
See 11/26 for series description
CMA Country Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 14 8-9p Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 14th annual “CMA Country Christmas” will feature
one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from country music’s biggest stars.

The Good Side Holiday Special

Sunday, Dec. 17 4:30-5p
Be uplifted with inspiring stories in this half-hour holiday news special. Hosted by Debra Alfarone, The
Good Side Holiday Special will highlight people who are making a difference in their communities.

The Sound of Music

The Oscar-winning classic based on the real-life Von Trapp family, who fled their home to escape the
6-10p Nazis in 1938. Maria is a young woman who has left her Austrian convent to work as a governess to
seven unruly children. Songs include popular favorites like “Edelweiss,” ”My Favorite Things,” “Climb
Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” and “The Sound
of Music.”

Disney Prep & Landing

The special tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing. After working tirelessly on Prep &
Landing for 227 years, an elf named Wayne is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion
to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Magee, the North Pole Christmas Eve
Tuesday, Dec. 19 7-7:30p Command Center Coordinator (NPCECCC for short), partners Wayne with Lanny, an idealistic rookie
who has an undying enthusiasm for Christmas. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny
encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits. Will the elves be able to guide
Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh through a raging snowstorm to
ensure a Merry Christmas for all?
Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice
The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue. With the Big 2-5 fast
approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen
7:30-8p
into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid! Desperate to prevent Christmas from descending
into chaos, Wayne seeks out the foremost Naughty Kid expert to aid in the mission, a bombastic
member of the Coal Elf Brigade who also happens to be his estranged brother, Noel.
The Great Christmas Light Fight (Season Finale)
8-10p
See 11/26 for series description

Wednesday, Dec. 20 7-7:30p Olaf's Frozen Adventure

Encore presentation of the 12/10 program
Mickey Saves Christmas
7:30-8p
Encore presentation of the 12/10 program
The Great Christmas Light Fight (encore presentation)
8-9p
See 11/26 for series description
CMA Country Christmas
9-10p
Encore presentation of the 12/14 program
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2023
Thursday, Dec. 21 7-9p Ring in the holiday season with performances by this year’s biggest artists, including Olivia Rodrigo,
Usher, Nicki Minaj, SZA, Niall Horan, OneRepublic, AJR, Jelly Roll, Flo Rida and more.

Schedule Updated 11/21/23

 The Spirit of the Season
Join the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America for the 2023 edition of their NATAS EMMY© Award-
Sunday, Dec. 24 12-12:30p winning holiday series, The Spirit of the Season! Celebrate the joy and excitement of the holiday
season with musical selections ranging from jazz to classical, pop, and country... all performed by
American Airmen!
The Good Side Holiday Special
12:30-1p
Encore presentation of the 12/17 program

A Baylor Christmas
1-1:30p This award-winning production features various choirs, ensembles, and the combined 450-voice choir
and orchestras from Baylor’s School of Music.
Mark Milovats' Christmas Wonderland Special
1:30-2:30p
Encore presentation of the 11/26 program
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Enjoy a lineup of holiday performers and performances, along with a televised view of the spectacular
2:30-3:30p illumination of more than one million lights on 200 trees that line Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The
show will end with a celebratory fireworks display against the city’s iconic skyline! We will also hear
from our favorite Disney friends, including Mickey and Minnie!

6-7p Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Encore presentation of the 12/12 program

Home Alone
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister has become the man of the house, overnight! Accidentally left behind
7-9p when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, Kevin gets busy decorating the house for the
holidays. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly. Two bumbling burglars are trying to
break in, and Kevin’s rigging a bewildering battery of booby traps to welcome them!
WBAY Holiday Greetings
10-10:05p Enjoy special holiday messages from the Action 2 News team.

10:05-10:35p A Baylor Christmas

Encore presentation of this afternoon's program
Christmas: A Welcoming Story
10:35-11:35p A Christmas service with stirring music provided by a university chorale, soloists, and orchestral
accompaniment, and featuring a sermon from Dr. Michael Brown.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Monday, Dec. 25 4:30-5:30a
Encore presentation of the 12/24 program

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

9-11a Disney’s annual Christmas celebration returns Christmas morning with heartwarming stories, dazzling
celebrity performances, and of course, the Christmas Day Parade!
The Spirit of the Season
Saturday, Dec. 30 4:30-5p
Encore presentation of the 12/24 program
30 Brilliant Minutes - 2023
5-5:30p
Encore presentation of the 11/23 program
Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024
The preeminent destination for viewers to ring in the new year! Hosted by Ryan Seacrest live from
Sunday, Dec. 31 7-9p Times Square, the show celebrates the year’s very best in music, featuring a night of superstar
performances. Wrapping up the holiday season, far and away, the nation’s most-watched New Year’s
Eve celebration will give viewers a look at New Year’s celebrations from around the globe.
Small Towns
9-9:30p This special looks back at some of Action 2 News Anchor Jeff Alexander's favorite Small Towns stories
from the past year.
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024
9:30p-1:13a The New Year's Eve celebration continues!

Schedule Updated 11/21/23