While season 34 of “Dancing With the Stars” ended last week with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, the show isn’t done yet. ABC announced a special holiday episode of “DWTS” during the DWTS Finale last week, so co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are back with the “Dancing With the Holidays” special tonight. Watch with us during our “Dancing With the Stars” live recap below, and watch the holiday dances with us.
Holiday Special on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Tonight is all about celebrating the holidays. There won’t be any feedback from the judges, no scores to worry about, or any votes by America to tally up. Instead, we are going to see the pros and troupe take the floor for some special performances. From Val Chmerkovskiy & Jenna Johnson performing with their son, Rome, to fan-favorites returning to the ballroom, it’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss. We’ll have all the details and videos of the performances, so follow along with us during our Live Recap below!
Opening Number
The pros are in place and time for the opening number on “Dancing With the Holidays” tonight! Julianne and Alfonso join them for this one, as they perform to “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Kylie Minogue.
It has rained Christmas in the ballroom, so it’s fun to see. It’s a dancefloor of pros, too, which is even better to see. A fun start to the show.
Cuteness Overload on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Up first, we have Val & Jenna take the dancefloor, as their son Rome watches from the coach. This is too cute. They perform to “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by Atwater Men’s Club ft. Ari Hest.
The perfect song choice, and a cute dance. They talk afterwards, and are looking forward to spending the holidays together as a family. They are also going on tour together as a family!
First Emmy Award
We are looking back at past performances, in which this one won the first Emmy for choreographer Mandy Moore. This dance is from 2016 and is performed to “Carol of the Bells” by District 78.
So many familiar faces, and such an elegant and classic routine. I can see why an Emmy was won. We even get to see Maks Chmerkovskiy and Artem Chigvintsev performing in this one!
We then see Emma, Alan, Brandon, and Britt hit the streets in Santa Monica. They are dressed in their elf and Santa costumes, as they surprise the fans with some dancing.
Oh, Santa!
Time for another performance on “Dancing With the Holidays.” This time, we have Alfonso taking the stage with Brandon, Ezra, Jan, Pasha, Britt, Daniella, Rylee, Witney, and Stitch. Such a fun and upbeat performance, so it’s just joyful to see.
We then have a little chat with Alfonso’s wife and kids. Too funny, as the boys rated his dancing with a 6, and then the other said 6-7, which totally went over Julianne’s head.
Rylee’s First Appearance on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Do you remember there was a Junior edition of “Dancing With the Stars” at one time? Well, Rylee Arnold was one of the pros on that show, so we look back at that performance.
The performance is from 2018, and she is partnered with Miles Brown. They perform to “Sleigh Ride” by District 78. Such a fun experience, and will we ever see the return of the Junior edition?
Emma’s Previous Partners
Time for Emma Slater to take the stage. They perform to “All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Who comes out as the two front teeth? None other than the season 33 and season 34 partners for Emma: Reginald VelJohnson and Andy Richter! It’s a trio that is very happy to be dancing together!
We then get to see another special video, as the pro dancers visit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. They do this every year to spread some love and happiness during the holidays.
‘A Very Jonas Christmas Movie’
Time for the Jonas Brothers to make an appearance. For their “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” on Disney+, the pros take the stage to “Like It’s Christmas” by Jonas Brothers.
This one is performed by Hailey, Onye, Carter, and Jaxon. The troupe is making their presence known tonight!
A special video of the pros answering some questions about each other, followed by another reprisal performance. This one is from 2023, with the pros taking the stage to perform to “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson.
Alfonso & Julianne Singing?
We are heading back to 2023 for this reprisal performance. The pros and previous champs were dancing to “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” sung by Julianna Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro.
I realize it’s only two years ago, but what a difference two years make, huh? They all look so much different.
A Dance to Celebrate Hanukkah
Alan said that, as a Jewish kid, he didn’t get to see much Jewish representation on TV for the holidays. He wanted to do this dance to show that, and show that the holiday season is for everyone.
For this performance, they dance to “Miracle” by Matisyahu. This one includes Alan, Gleb, Val, Emma, Onye, and Hailey. Such a good performance, and such a good way to show the holidays are for everyone!
Mark Ballas Takes Center Stage
We have Mark Ballas choreographing a dance tonight! They are performing to “We Three Kings” by Alexander Jean ft. Casey Abrams. This one is performed by Julianne, Jenna, and Daniella.
I mean, a Mark Ballas choreographed routine? Danced by these three? Yes, yes, yes! So different, but such a strong routine.
Pentatonix on ‘Dancing With the Holidays’
I mean, can it be Christmas without a performance by Pentatonix? Especially since Scott Hoying was in the season 34 cast, so they have to take the stage to perform.
For this final performance, Pentatonix sings “Holly Jolly Christmas.” They are joined by some of the troupe and pro dancers. A great way to end tonight’s show!
What did you think of tonight’s holiday special?
Who in the world decided it was appropriate to dance in bras and panties to “We Three Kings?”