Kevin Costner Promises ‘the Real Story Behind the Tradition’ in Upcoming Christmas Special (Exclusive)

Kevin Costner caught up with PEOPLE at the Art of Elysium’s 2025 Heaven Gala on Nov. 11

The actor will host the ABC holiday special, Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas, on Dec. 9

At the event, Lee Daniels was honored with the Visionary Award

Kevin Costner’s latest project explores the reason for the holiday season.

On Dec. 9, the actor, 70, will host the new ABC holiday special Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas. The two-hour show will tell the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus.

“It’s a story I think we all think we know,” Costner told PEOPLE on the red carpet of Art of Elysium’s 2025 Heaven Gala at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, Calif. on Nov. 11. “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.”