The NBA is once again adding a magical touch to Christmas Day with the return of Disney Dunk the Halls 2025. This special animated broadcast brings together live NBA action and classic Disney characters, creating a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy basketball during the holidays.
Following the success of last year’s debut, ESPN, Disney, and the NBA have partnered again to deliver the second annual Dunk the Halls presentation. The game features the New York Knicks taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers, but fans will experience it in a way unlike any traditional NBA broadcast.
What Makes Dunk the Halls Special?
Dunk the Halls is not a replay or cartoon remake. It is a real-time animated version of a live NBA game. Using advanced motion-tracking technology, every movement from the actual game at Madison Square Garden is instantly transformed into animation. Players appear as animated versions of themselves while the score, pace, and plays stay true to the live action.
On the sidelines, familiar Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip and Dale cheer on the teams. For 2025, fans will also see Stitch join the celebration, making his first Dunk the Halls appearance from Main Street, USA.
When Does the Game Air?
The animated NBA game will air on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET. The early tip-off makes it an easy watch for families enjoying the holiday at home.
How and Where to Watch Dunk the Halls 2025
One of the biggest strengths of Dunk the Halls is its wide availability. Fans can watch the game across multiple platforms, whether they prefer sports networks or streaming services.
Viewing Options Include:
- ESPN2
- Disney+
- Disney Channel
- Disney XD
- ESPN App
- NBA streaming hub
This approach helps the NBA reach both dedicated basketball fans and younger viewers who may be watching mainly for the Disney experience.
The Holiday Storyline
Along with the game itself, Dunk the Halls includes a light holiday storyline. The 2025 edition begins with Mickey Mouse making a Christmas wish to Santa Claus, asking for the NBA to return to Magic Kingdom. The story takes an unexpected turn when Stitch arrives and adds chaos to the celebration.
While the story unfolds, viewers still see every basket, rebound, and assist from the live Knicks vs Cavaliers matchup.
For readers who enjoy creative sports coverage, our sections on NBA Christmas games and alternate sports broadcasts offer more insights into how leagues are changing the viewing experience.
Dunk the Halls Compared to a Regular NBA Game
| Feature | Dunk the Halls | Traditional NBA Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Style | Animated with Disney theme | Live-action video |
| Audience Focus | Families and kids | Core basketball fans |
| Characters | Disney characters included | No characters |
| Game Accuracy | Real-time live action | Real-time live action |
Why the NBA Keeps Trying New Formats
The NBA continues to experiment with alternate broadcasts to connect with younger audiences and families. Dunk the Halls shows how technology and storytelling can make live sports more engaging without changing the actual competition.
As Christmas Day approaches, NBA Disney Dunk the Halls 2025 offers a festive way to watch basketball. It blends sports, animation, and holiday spirit into a single event that feels fresh while staying true to the game.