‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ Airs on Monday and We Were at Magic Kingdom for the Filming. Picture it, Sicily 1922… oh wait, sorry wrong show. Imagine if you will… nope not that either. Have you ever tried to start an article, trying to give someone a flashback sequence that only you can remember? Anyway, Christmas Day Parade? 40th one to be aired on television. We were there and watched it live.
Filmed last month here at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the day was beautiful and the weather was perfect. We had just watched Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party a few nights prior, so seeing the parade during the daytime was a thrill.
Related: Historical Disney Photos of Christmas Past from Walt Disney World Archives
The parade itself is a Delight in an entertaining display chock-full of good cheer.
The legendary street comes alive with yuletide spirit on select nights. Snap memorable photos of dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and beloved Disney Characters as they float by, waving hello. There’s even a special appearance by Santa Claus–riding in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
For those fans of Derek and Julianne Hough, this was filmed before Derek’s wife had to be hospitalized. He did not have to leave her side.
The very merry “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” is returning for its 40th anniversary! Siblings Derek and Julianne Hough are back as hosts, with co-hosts Mickey Guyton joining from Walt Disney Resort in Florida and Jesse Palmer at Disneyland Resort in California.
The annual special will feature a magical parade and showstopping performances by Ariana DeBose, Chrissy Metz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iam Tongi, Meg Donnelly, Michael Bolton, and the Broadway and North American Tour cast of Disney’s “Aladdin.”
It will also have a special look back at the most iconic performances from years past, including NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” in 1998 and Gwen Stefani’s “Winter Wonderland” in 2018.
Watch the special Christmas morning at 10 a.m. EST, 9 a.m. CT, 9 a.m. PT on ABC. And you can stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
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!
