Costner Hosts Holiday Special Exploring the Birth of Jesus

In just a few weeks, on December 9, 2025, veteran actor Kevin Costner, 70, will host a new ABC holiday special titled "Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas." The two-hour program will delve into the story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus, which Costner says is a tale "we all think we know" but may not fully comprehend.

Costner recently attended the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala in Montecito, California, where he expressed his excitement about the upcoming special. "It's a story I think we all think we know," he told PEOPLE. "I think maybe some of us know a lot, maybe you know just a little, maybe you're a believer, maybe you're a cynic or maybe -- hopefully -- you're just curious to find out the real story that's behind the tradition."

The actor, who is a father of seven, also discussed his own family's holiday traditions, noting that while they aren't "non-negotiable," they are something he looks "forward to" each year. Costner acknowledged that his "professional life" sometimes takes him away from home during the holidays, but he said he "rarely" misses the familiar rituals.

In addition to Costner's appearance, the Art of Elysium gala also honored several other notable figures, including filmmaker Lee Daniels, who received the Visionary Award, and musicians Aly and AJ Michalka, who were recognized for their years of volunteering in the arts.