ABC, Disney Parks announce annual holiday music specials

Holiday celebrations feature two all-star musical specials

ABC and Disney Parks are lighting up the holiday season with two musical specials filmed across the country and directed by Sam Wrench (Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour). Julianne Hough and Derek Hough return as hosts from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for ABC’s rockin’ annual special The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, on Sunday, November 26th from 8-10 pm ET/PT, and Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, on Monday, December 25th from 10 am until noon pm ET/9-11 am PT, where they’ll be joined by co-hosts Mickey Guyton from Walt Disney Resort in Florida and Jesse Palmer from Disneyland Resort in California. Stream next day on Hulu and Disney+.

Filmed from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California with special performances from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i and aboard Disney Cruise Line, these beloved annual specials showcase spectacular performances of holiday classics and festive new favorites, highlight heartwarming family stories from around the globe, and offer special looks at what’s new around The Walt Disney Company. Plus, an enchanting special glimpse of Disney’s newest major motion picture, Wish, only in theaters on November 22, 2023.

Musical performances for The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration include Derek and Julianne Hough, Michael Bolton, Mickey Guyton, Adam Blackstone and Andra Day, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Chrissy Metz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Robin Thicke and others.

In addition to the parade itself, musical performances for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade include Derek & Julianne Hough, Meg Donnelly, Chrissy Metz, The Smashing Pumpkins and The Broadway and North American Tour Cast of Disney’s Aladdin, plus, a special look back at some of the most iconic performances from years past.

Both specials are produced by Disney executive and senior executive producer Sally Conner for Disney Parks, who brought on production company Film 45 Live and executive producers Michael Antinoro and Richard Godfrey.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn