When Does the Disney Parks Christmas Parade Air?

Overview of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade

The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade is a beloved television special that has become a staple for many families during the holiday season. Airing on ABC each year, this event brings together the magic of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as international Disney parks, offering a unique glimpse into the festive celebrations that take place across these iconic destinations.

While the parade is shown on Christmas Day, it is usually filmed months in advance. For the 2025 edition, filming took place at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California, with specific dates set for November 12 and 13 at Walt Disney World. In 2024, the filming occurred from November 9 to November 10, indicating a consistent schedule for the event.

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

At Disneyland, the filming typically occurs in mid-November or early December, with some segments involving celebrities being recorded overnight or after the park has closed. This allows for a more controlled environment and ensures that the performances are captured in their best form.

Air Dates and Viewing Options for the 2025 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade

The 2025 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will air on December 25, 2025, with the following times:

• ABC: 10 AM EST
• Disney+, Hulu, Disney YouTube: 11 AM EST

If you miss the live broadcast, the special will be available to stream through January 4, 2026, giving fans ample time to catch up on the festivities.

Alfonso Ribeiro will return as the host for his second year, alongside Ginnifer Goodwin, known for her role as Judy Hopps in Zootopia 2. Additional guests include Maia Kealoha, who stars as Lilo in the Disney live-action film Lilo and Stitch.

Performances You Can Expect

The parade features a variety of musical performances, each taking place in different locations across the parks:

• Gwen Stefani – “White Christmas” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort
• Coco Jones – “This Christmas” from Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Iam Tongi – “The Christmas Song” from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii
• Lady A – “Winter Wonderland” from World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT
• Nicole Scherzinger – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort
• Mariah the Scientist – “Please Come Home for Christmas” from Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Bebe Rexha – “Last Christmas” from Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park

In addition to these performances, viewers can also enjoy a viewing of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade taking place on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom.

What to Expect During Filming

Attending a filming of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade is an unforgettable experience. As someone who had the chance to attend a filming in 2016, I can attest to the magical atmosphere that surrounds the event.

To ensure a spot, it's essential to arrive early, as space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. While there is no guarantee that you will appear on television, arriving as early as possible increases your chances of being placed near the front of the stage, where you are more likely to be caught on camera.

Whether you're watching from home or attending a filming in person, the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade continues to bring joy and wonder to fans around the world.