How to Celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th Birthday: Movie Marathons, Fan Meet-Ups and More
What To Know
- Fans can celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday in December 2025 through special events, including a PBS American Masters documentary airing December 12 and a Fathom Events theater tribute on December 13–14.
- In-person festivities include FischerFest in Van Dyke’s hometown of Danville, Illinois, a fan-organized “Jolly Holiday” meetup at Disneyland, and Vandy Days at Malibu City Hall with screenings and community activities.
- For those celebrating at home, TCM will air a marathon of Van Dyke’s classic films on December 13.
Dick Van Dyke turns 100 on December 13, 2025, and while you might not have snagged an invite to his actual birthday party, there are plenty of chances this December for fans to celebrate the star and his incredible legacy, both on TV and in-person. From a TCM movie marathon to special theatrical screenings of his films, documentary premieres, fan meet-ups, and a costume contest judged by Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene, there’s something for everyone who wants to honor the man who helped shape modern American comedy.
Dick Van Dyke birthday celebrations on TV
American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke
Friday, December 12, 2025, at 9pm ET, PBS
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One of the most significant tributes arrives from PBS. American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke premieres nationwide on Friday, December 12 at 9pm ET, just hours before his milestone birthday. Directed by John Scheinfeld, the documentary traces Van Dyke’s journey from his early days as a radio DJ and nightclub performer to his iconic work on The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The film includes new interviews with Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Ted Danson, Steve Martin, Conan O’Brien and Martin Short, as well as archival clips featuring Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, Rose Marie and Walter Cronkite. It’s a look at how Van Dyke became one of the most enduring stars of the last century. For those who can’t watch live, it will be available to stream on the PBS app on December 13. The film will be free for viewers to stream at pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS App through January 8.
TCM Dick Van Dyke Marathon
December 13, 2025, beginning at 12pm EST, TCM
Everett Collection
For viewers who want to celebrate from home, TCM is honoring Van Dyke on December 13, starting at noon, airing a lineup that includes Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Mary Poppins (1964) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). It’s an easy way to spend his birthday revisiting the performances that helped define generations.
Dick Van Dyke birthday celebrations at the movies
Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration
December 13 and 14, 2025, Fathom Events, various locations
If you’d like to celebrate at the movie theater, Fathom Events is hosting Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration in theaters on December 13 and 14. The feature-length tribute blends rare footage, classic clips, behind-the-scenes stories and memories from people who knew him best, including Mary Tyler Moore, Chita Rivera, Tim Conway, Morey Amsterdam, Betty White and Michele Lee. Van Dyke himself shares stories he’s “waited 100 years to tell,” making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience for longtime fans. Screenings vary by location, so check local listings.
Dick Van Dyke birthday celebrations in person
FischerFest: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dick Van Dyke
December 6–7, 2025, Danville, IL
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Fans near Illinois can experience something especially heartfelt. Van Dyke’s hometown of Danville is hosting a two-day festival, FischerFest: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dick Van Dyke, on December 6–7. On December 7, the Fischer Theatre will host a world-premiere screening of the new centennial documentary along with film showings, community tributes, interactive art and even a giant birthday card for fans to sign.
Jolly Holiday at Disneyland
December 21, 2025, Anaheim, CA
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If you happen to be in Anaheim, California, a fan-organized “Jolly Holiday” meetup will take place at Disneyland on Sunday, December 21, inviting guests to dress in Jolly Holiday-inspired outfits (within Disney’s dress code). The schedule includes catching the Pearly Band at the Castle Courtyard, a group photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, a shared ride on King Arthur Carousel and lunch at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. Fans can sign a birthday card which will be delivered to Van Dyke, snap photos and post them with the hashtag #DVD100, all in the spirit of celebrating Van Dyke’s milestone birthday. On social media, his team encourages fans to post their photos from the event using the hashtag #DVD100 and to tag his official accounts, @official_dick_van_dyke and @vandycampofficial, so that the messages can be seen and shared.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration
December 5 and 7, 2025, Malibu City Hall, Malibu, CA
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Fans in California also have another festive option with Vandy Days at Malibu City Hall, a celebration hosted in partnership with the Malibu Film Society. On Friday, December 5 at 6:30pm, visitors can enjoy a special screening of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the film’s original car on display, followed by a screening of Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration on Sunday, December 7 at 2pm. The weekend also includes a Van Dyke–inspired costume contest on December 7 at 12:30pm, open to fans of all ages, with prizes awarded by his wife Arlene Van Dyke herself. Tickets and reservations are required through mfsreservations.org, and Malibu residents receive free admission with a reservation.
Remind 
100 Years of Dick Van Dyke
April 2025
Dick Van Dyke is a trailblazer like no other and one of the greatest of the golden age of television.
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