Tonight, a little girl’s wish leads your favorite Disney friends on a journey to magical lands of fantasy and ice. Starring the world’s greatest Olympic ice skaters—Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan, Katarina Witt, and Brian Boitano—this unforgettable holiday special, “Disney’s Christmas Fantasy on Ice,” originally aired on CBS on December 19, 1992.
An Olympian Celebration of Holiday Magic
Hosted by Bronson Pinchot, the special features Uncle Bronnie (Pinchot) and his niece Alice (Lindsay Ridgeway) exploring Disneyland. Uncle Bronnie narrates a whimsical story where Disney characters seek the help of Jack Frost to make it snow. However, Jack Frost requires a six-pointed snowflake. Therefore, Disney friends embark on a journey to meet six world-class skaters, each contributing their talent to craft the perfect snowflake.
Iconic Skaters Bring Disney Magic to Life
The skating performances dazzled audiences. With routines set to Disney classics like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Under the Sea,” and “A Whole New World,” skaters such as Brian Boitano, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov, Kurt Browning, and Peter and Kitty Carruthers delivered breathtaking routines. These performances blended athletic prowess with Disney’s signature storytelling, making the special a unique holiday experience.
Stunning Locations and Whimsical Storytelling
The filming took place at Disneyland in California, including the newly opened Mickey’s Toontown, and at the Sun Valley Ski Lodge in Ketchum, Idaho. The special combined live skating performances with animated sequences.
A Nostalgic Holiday Favorite
Disney’s Christmas Fantasy on Ice became a holiday favorite throughout the 1990s. The special was rebroadcast annually, bringing joy to new generations of Disney and skating fans. Its 1995 re-airing on ABC was dedicated to Sergei Grinkov, honoring his legacy after his untimely passing.
