The NBA is bringing holiday magic back to the court with the second annual Disney “Dunk the Halls” game, a special animated broadcast airing on Christmas Day 2025. ESPN, Disney, and the NBA have teamed up once again to turn a live NBA matchup into a festive, family-friendly experience set inside Walt Disney World.
This year’s game features the New York Knicks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers, but with a unique twist. Instead of a traditional broadcast, fans will see the action reimagined in real time with Disney characters cheering from the sidelines.
What Is NBA Disney Dunk the Halls?
“Dunk the Halls” is an alternate animated presentation of a real NBA game. Every pass, dunk, and three-pointer from the live game at Madison Square Garden is recreated instantly using motion-tracking technology. Each NBA player appears as an animated version of himself, making the experience feel playful while staying true to the live action.
Disney favorites like Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip and Dale return for the 2025 edition. This year also marks the debut of Stitch, who appears on Main Street, USA, adding a fun surprise to the storyline.
When Does Dunk the Halls Air?
The animated NBA game will air on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET. The timing makes it a perfect option for families looking to enjoy basketball together before holiday gatherings begin.
How to Watch Dunk the Halls Live
Fans have several viewing options, making it easy to watch across different devices and platforms. The broadcast will be available on both sports and Disney-focused channels.
Available Viewing Platforms
- ESPN2
- Disney+
- Disney Channel
- Disney XD
- ESPN App
- NBA streaming hub
This wide availability helps the NBA reach both longtime basketball fans and younger viewers who may be watching for the Disney characters.
The Story Behind the Animated Game
The 2025 storyline begins with Mickey Mouse making a Christmas wish to Santa Claus, asking for the NBA to return to Magic Kingdom. Things take an unexpected turn when Stitch arrives and shakes up the holiday celebration. While the story unfolds, the real Knicks vs Cavaliers game plays out simultaneously in animated form.
For more festive sports experiences, readers can explore our coverage on NBA holiday games and special sports broadcasts to see how leagues are experimenting with new formats.
Dunk the Halls vs Traditional NBA Broadcast
| Feature | Dunk the Halls | Standard NBA Game |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Style | Animated, Disney-themed | Live-action |
| Target Audience | Families and kids | General sports fans |
| Characters | Disney characters featured | Players only |
| Game Action | Real-time motion tracking | Live broadcast |
Why the NBA Keeps Expanding Animated Games
The success of the first Dunk the Halls showed that animated broadcasts can attract new audiences without taking away from the real game. By blending entertainment and sports, the NBA continues to find creative ways to grow its fan base, especially among younger viewers.
As Christmas Day approaches, Dunk the Halls stands out as a fresh way to enjoy NBA basketball. Whether you are a longtime fan or watching with family, this animated holiday matchup offers something different while keeping the game front and center.
