- How to Watch “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration”: ABC on Sunday, Nov. 26 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST) and stream next day on Hulu and Disney+
- How to Watch “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”: ABC on Monday, Dec. 25 (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST/9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST) and stream next day on Hulu and Disney+
The joy of the season shines even brighter when mixed with a little (or a LOT of) Disney magic! And this year, ABC and Disney Parks are bringing you two holiday specials featuring stunning musical performances by some of your favorite stars.
These shows, filmed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i and aboard Disney Cruise Line, have been part of my family’s holiday traditions for years, bringing us together to enjoy our favorite holiday classics, plus original music and heartwarming stories. Every year we watch to see what new attractions are coming to Disney Parks, and this year you can catch an enchanting special glimpse of Disney’s newest major motion picture, “Wish,” only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. Plus, tune in to see a spectacular performance of the song “This Wish” from the film by Ariana DeBose from Disneyland Paris!
Derek and Julianne Hough return to host “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” airing on ABC on Sunday, Nov. 26 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST). They’re joined by country music star Mickey Guyton and “The Golden Bachelor” host Jesse Palmer as co-hosts for the 40th anniversary of “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” airing on ABC on Monday, Dec. 25 (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST/9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST). Both specials will also stream on Hulu and Disney+ the day after their premieres.
This year’s “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” features a special appearance by DJ Khaled along with the following musical performances:
- Derek Hough and Julianne Hough – “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “What Christmas Means to Me,” “Dance to the Music” medley
- Michael Bolton & Mickey Guyton – “Christmas Isn’t Christmas”
- Andra Day and Adam Blackstone – “Someday at Christmas” and an Adam Blackstone original song “Legacy Christmastime”
- Ariana DeBose– “This Wish” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wish
- Mickey Guyton – “Jingle Bell Rock”
- Chris Janson – “Holiday Road”
- Tori Kelly “This Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland”
- Chrissy Metz – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
- The Smashing Pumpkins – “Silver Bells”
- Robin Thicke – “Let it Snow” and “Perfect Holiday”
- Iam Tongi – “White Christmas”
Plus, a special look back at one of the most iconic performances from years past
- Mariah Carey (2016) – “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
The Christmas Day parade was filmed at Walt Disney World Resort this year with all of your favorite Disney characters making their traditional appearances. “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” will also feature musical performances for the special including the following:
- Derek Hough and Julianne Hough – “Good Morning” and “Deck the Halls” Medley
- Ariana DeBose– “This Wish” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish”
- Chrissy Metz – “Silver Bells”
- The Smashing Pumpkins – “Evergreen” (A new, original holiday song!)
- Iam Tongi – “Mele Kalikimaka”
- The Broadway and North American Tour Cast of Disney’s “Aladdin” – “Friend Like Me”
- Meg Donnelly – “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)”
- Michael Bolton – “Joy to the World”
Plus, a few looks back at unforgettable performances from years past:
- NSYNC (1998) – “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”
- Gwen Stefani (2018) – “Winter Wonderland”
- Mary J. Blige and David Foster (2013) – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Personally, I can’t wait for the performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and I know my kids are excited to watch the parade as they open their gifts on Christmas morning. And – I don’t want to spoil anything – but I hear the appearances by DJ Khaled are going to be AMAZING!
You can join the conversation and share your favorite Disney holiday memories by following @ABCNetwork and @DisneyParks, and by using #DisneyHolidayCelebration and #DisneyChristmasCelebration.