Something extraordinary is about to happen at the Disney Parks on Christmas Day! If you guessed the 2024 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, you're right! This year, new presents, stories, and surprises will entail pulling us in for the fun and spirit of the annual event.
The parade will be packed with beloved Disney Legends, and hosted by no other than Alfonso Ribeiro. He too, will be part of the Christmas event, adding a dose of his contagious effervescent personality as he takes us through the parade.
Earlier this month, Ribeiro hosted the Annual Disney Holiday Spectacular, which took place across the US parks. We were treated to festive performances by Elton John, Seth MacFarlane, and Pentatoni. In addition to the musical numbers, we were shown how the parks unveil holiday magic and heard stories of people who were gifted park getaways thanks to their kindness to others, such as Giulianna Demma, whose cousin fought cancer. She has created more than 1,800 pieces and donated several across the globe.
I haven't been to any of the Disney Parks, let alone its parades or any celebratory events. It's a dream of mine to visit Disneyland for its history and Southern California but never say never. Until then, I'll be watching the parade on TV, which is the next best thing.
Here's how you can watch the Christmas Day Parade too!
Everything to know about the 2024 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade and how to watch
Come Christmas morning, when you're unwrapping your presents under the tree, you can tune in to the parade on no other than ABC! The parade will begin at 10 AM EST/9 AM CST with 5 AM MST and 5 AM PST. Then, the parade will stream on Disney+ an hour after its EST and CST slots. In case you can't watch it on broadcast.
What is the 2024 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Parade about?
Ribeiro's Dancing With The Stars co-host, Julianne Hough, will be joining him for the parade's festivities. The duo disclosed during the Spectacular that they wanted to do more with Disney holidays, and they got their wish.
ABC released the synopsis, which FanSided attained, detailing the parade's planning. It can be read below:
"Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade returns Christmas morning with its annual parade, endearing stories, and magical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Disneyland Resort in California; Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko’Olina, Hawaiʻi; and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. Hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro."
Who'll be performing at the Christmas Day Parade?
Aside from Hough and Ribeiro doing a duet of "Winter Wonderland," John Legend and The Princess and the Frog's Anika Noni Rose will be singing holiday ballads. We all know that music can make or break a Christmas, so I'm looking forward to the entertainment.
Here are all the performers who'll be part of the parade's atmosphere:
- Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro – “Winter Wonderland”
- Elton John – “Tiny Dancer”
- Andy Grammer and Junkanoo Celebration Performers – “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town“
- John Legend – “This Christmas”
- Carly Pearce – “(Everybody’s Waitin’ For) The Man With The Bag”
- Pentatonix – “12 Days of Christmas”
- Disney on Broadway Stars Kalilah Black, Lauren Nicole Chapman, Daniel Gardner, Bradley Gibson, Marq Moss, Amber Owens, Melaina Rairamo, John Riddle, Michael James Scott and Jessica White – Medley
- Cast of Descendants: The Rise of Red – “Red Christmas” / “Jolly to the Core”
- Anika Noni Rose – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
- SEVENTEEN – “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”
Watch a sneak peek of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Last, but not least, is a special sneak peek of the parade. In the 30-second clip, we see Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse, Olaf, and a few of the musical guests.
It's going to be a great holiday, everyone!