Disney Parks across America are getting ready for Christmas, as they'll be transformed into magical winter wonderlands despite their locations in warm climates. ABC will broadcast The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular, unveiling how the holiday magic is applied. The parks have been attracting Disney fans and families for several years, and it all began with Walt Disney's dream of creating and opening the "happiest place on earth," Disneyland, in 1955. Nearly 70 years later, the parks continue to be famous, drawing millions of visitors annually.
In fact, Kourtney Kardashian had a vintage Disneyland-themed baby shower when she was pregnant with Rocky Barker. The now-one-year-old celebrated his first trip around the sun with a day at Disneyland and even had a themed birthday party with pretzels and churros. In other words, his mom is giving him a head start on becoming a Disney fan.
As the holiday season is in full swing, we're wrapping our gifts, preparing the menus, and sending out cards. Between the lively chaos, we watch our favorite holiday movies and specials and listen to holiday music to get more into the spirit. You can safely bet that The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular will be one of the specials.
Everything to know about The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular (and how to watch)
On December 1st, ABC will air The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular. While the special isn't live, it can be watched at the same time in nearly all US time zones.
ABC released the official synopsis, which FanSided obtained. It describes what the show will be about, what to expect, and more fun holiday surprises!
It can be read below!
Hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular returns for its ninth year with a sparkling spectacle of new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko’Olina, Hawaiʻi. Narrated by Kristen Bell, who will share the tale of how the Disney Parks kicks off the most magical holiday ever,
Who'll be hosting The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular?
Dancing With The Stars and AFHV host Alfonso Ribeiro will be hosting all of the Disney fun, and he'll even be performing on stage. Seriously, is there anything that man cannot do? But we love to see it. Joining Alfonso will be his Dancing With The Stars co-host, Julianne Hough, who'll likely be performing.
Lastly, Kristen Bell, known for her role as Anna in the Frozen franchise, will be the storyteller and elaborate on how the parks brew their magic for the holidays.
Who will be performing at The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular?
Not only will our hosts be performing, but Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane will channel his inner Sinatra to sing "White Christmas" with Liz Gillies, and Moana star Auliʻi Cravalho will sing one of the tracks from Moana 2, now in theaters.
The rest of the performer lineup is as follows:
- Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro – “Deck the Halls” / “Holly Jolly Christmas”
- Auliʻi Cravalho – “Beyond” (from Moana 2 in theaters November 27th)
- Elton John – “Your Song”
- John Legend – “Always Come Back” / “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
- Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies – “White Christmas”
- Ava Max – “O Holy Night” / “1 Wish”
- Leslie Odom, Jr. and the Imani Milele Choir – “Little Drummer Boy”
- Carly Pearce – “Let It Snow”
- Pentatonix – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
- Anika Noni Rose – “Milele” (from Mufasa: The Lion King in theaters December 20th)
- SEVENTEEN – “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
What time will The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular be on?
You can watch the holiday event from 8 PM EST/PST until 10 PM, or, for those who live in the Central Time Zone, such as myself, from 7-9 PM on ABC. If you can't view it live, you can always watch it on Disney+ or Hulu the next day.
Get a behind the scenes look at The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
Before its airing tonight, ABC uploaded a behind-the-scenes mini-doc of The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular. It's filled with performance snippets and park footage. As a bonus, some of our favorite Disney Icons are featured.
From Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and more, it's going to only amplify our holida