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

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.”

While holiday traditions in Costner’s home aren’t “non-negotiable,” they’re something he looks “forward to” each year. “You actually hope that you’re home,” he said. “I have a professional life that sometimes takes me away, but I rarely have been. So, the familiarity with what we do is is comforting.”

The dad of seven showed up to support the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala after hearing “really good things” about the nonprofit, which is dedicated to healing and inspiring through the arts. “I live here, and I was invited and I said, ‘Yeah, I’d like to come,’ ” he said.

During the black-tie event, Andra Day performed a rousing rendition of her hit, “Rise Up,” and presented Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Lee Daniels with the Visionary Award.