The NBA is heading back to Main Street, U.S.A. for Christmas! Disney, ESPN and the NBA are teaming up for the third Dunk the Halls, a real time animated version of a live NBA game, on Christmas Day at noon ET. This year, the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals.
How to Watch Dunk the Halls
- Game: San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
- Date: Friday, December 25, 2026
- Time: Noon ET
- Where to watch the animated version: ESPN2, Disney+, Disney Channel and the ESPN App
- Traditional broadcast: ABC and ESPN, with Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler, plus Lisa Salters courtside
A Christmas Game on Main Street, U.S.A.
The whole animated game takes place on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, complete with a festive Cinderella Castle, falling snow and plenty of surprises. The story begins with Mickey’s Christmas wish to Santa Claus to bring the NBA to Magic Kingdom, and of course, Santa delivers.
Disney fans will see plenty of familiar faces, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale and Stitch. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Stitch and Angel even take part in the game.
Angel Makes Her Dunk the Halls Debut
New this year, Angel from Lilo & Stitch: The Series, also known as Experiment 624, makes her first Dunk the Halls appearance. She headlines Angel’s Halftime Video Dance Party on a giant screen on Main Street, alongside Disney characters and dancing gingerbread people.
What Else to Watch For
- Main Street Memories: A look back at the dunk contest from the original Dunk the Halls and last year’s Christmas parade
- New Hidden Mickeys and visual gags throughout the game
- NBA players sharing their favorite Christmas memories
- Santa’s elves working the cameras and Santa himself running ESPN’s SkyCam
- Disney characters giving locker room speeches and decorating a giant Christmas tree
- A special appearance by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
- Disney and NBA trivia, sideline antics and a test of how many churros Goofy can eat
Daisy Duck Is Back on the Sideline
Play by play announcer Drew Carter and ESPN basketball analyst Monica McNutt return to call the game, with Daisy Duck back as the sideline reporter. Carter and McNutt will appear as animated versions of themselves, using Meta Quest Pro headsets and Sony’s Beyond Sports Virtual Commentator Technology to call the action from Main Street.
How Does Dunk the Halls Work?
The game itself is real. While the Knicks and Spurs play at Madison Square Garden, Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations tracks every player and the ball, and Sony’s Beyond Sports technology turns that data into animated versions of the players in real time. So every shot, pass and dunk you see on Main Street is happening live in New York.
It’s a big game, too. The Knicks are the defending NBA champions, with Jalen Brunson the reigning Finals MVP, and the Spurs bring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
More Animated Games From Disney and ESPN
Dunk the Halls is part of a growing tradition of Disney and ESPN alternate broadcasts. Back in 2021, ESPN and the NBA teamed up with Marvel for Marvel’s Arena of Heroes, and next up is Star Wars Funday Football, a real time animated version of Super Bowl LXI airing Sunday, February 14, 2027, on Disney+, the ESPN App, Disney Channel and Disney XD.
More Holiday Magic
Dunk the Halls is part of Disney’s Make the Holidays Magic season. Want to see Main Street decked out for the holidays in person? See Christmas at Walt Disney World 2026: Your Complete Holiday Guide and What’s New at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026, and visit our Magic Kingdom News and Guide.
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.