A Star’s Mission to Rediscover the First Christmas

This December, Kevin Costner is trading the ranch for the manger. The Oscar-winning actor and director is bringing audiences a deeply personal and reflective holiday event: Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas, premiering December 9 on ABC. The two-hour special aims to retell the Nativity story—with reverence, curiosity, and a fresh perspective.

“It’s a story I think we all think we know,” Costner said in an exclusive red carpet interview with PEOPLE. “Maybe you’re a believer, maybe you’re a cynic — or maybe you’re just curious. Hopefully, you’ll come away with a better understanding of what’s behind the tradition.”

Not Just a Holiday Special — A Legacy of Storytelling

Costner, 70, has made a career out of portraying stories rooted in American identity and values—from frontier epics to political thrillers. But this time, he’s turning his lens toward one of the most enduring stories of all time: the birth of Jesus Christ.

The special will explore the journey of Mary and Joseph, weaving historical insight with emotional storytelling. Costner is expected to both host and narrate the event, inviting viewers to consider the real human experiences behind the Christmas tradition.

This isn’t just a biblical re-enactment—it’s a Kevin Costner-produced tribute to faith, resilience, and origin, told with the cinematic weight he brings to all his projects.

A Personal Connection to the Season

Though Costner’s own holiday traditions aren’t rigid, he admits he finds comfort in their consistency. “I actually hope that I’m home,” he shared. “I have a professional life that sometimes takes me away, but I rarely have been. So, the familiarity with what we do is comforting.”

With seven children and a career that spans decades, Costner’s reflections carry the quiet weight of someone who values presence over spectacle. His Christmas special is likely to reflect that tone: meaningful, grounded, and rich in the kind of detail that invites contemplation.

A Night of Purpose and Community

Costner spoke with PEOPLE while attending the 2025 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala in Montecito, California—an event close to his heart. The black-tie evening celebrated art as a healing force, with Andra Day performing her anthem “Rise Up” and Lee Daniels receiving the Visionary Award.

“I live here, and I was invited… I said, ‘Yeah, I’d like to come,’” Costner said, underscoring his connection to both community and creativity.