ABC recorded the 2025 Christmas Day Parade at Walt Disney Global ultimate month, ahead of the vacation season formally began. For every of the ultimate 3 years, I’ve spent the filming day in Magic Kingdom–right here’s pictures from my revel in seeing it shot stay. Plus, when the display airs on ABC, Disney+ and YouTube, the performer lineup, most probably 2026 filming dates, and extra.
Let’s get started with the fundamentals about ABC’s Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. As indicated above, the display is pre-recorded over a month upfront over a pair days at kind of the similar time because the Thanksgiving weekend particular. That is going to come back as a unhappiness to a couple who’re observing the parade and dreaming of seeing it shot continue to exist December 25, 2026 or some long run Christmas Day. It didn’t at all times was once pre-recorded. Again within the day when the parade used to be hosted via Regis Philbin and Joan Lunden, that will’ve been stay (no less than, partly).
When you display as much as Walt Disney Global or Disneyland on Christmas Day you’re going to no longer see any superstar performances stay. Thankfully, you’re going to nonetheless be capable to see Mickey’s As soon as Upon a Christmastime Parade in user…however the similar could be true any day between December twenty second and New Yr’s Eve. You’ll be able to additionally see that very same parade right through Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Birthday party, and an afternoon or two in early November when the ABC particular is in truth filmed.
Nearly all of the 2025 ABC’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade used to be recorded in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney Global over the process the weekend ahead of Veterans Day. On Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9. This used to be virtually a complete week ahead of the vacation season formally began, albeit after the primary Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Birthday party on that Friday.
Right here’s the entirety else you wish to have to find out about ABC’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, beginning with when to peer the 2026 model stay in Magic Kingdom…
When to See the 2026 Disney Christmas Day Parade Filmed Reside
For the ones making plans forward for 2026 Walt Disney Global holidays, ABC’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will most likely be filmed on Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and eight, 2026.
This has been the case for three consecutive years, so it stands to reason why they’ll repeat the method once more in 2026. (Earlier than penciling to your dates, see our checklist of the 10 Best possible and 10 Worst Weeks to Seek advice from Walt Disney Global in 2026 & 2027, because the weeks round this date make each lists.)
The one actual wildcard is the brand new Disney Starlight Evening Parade. Because of that being carried out two times nightly on non-Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Birthday party nights, there used to be a three+ hour block right through which no filming might be completed at Magic Kingdom.
The end result used to be much less be shot at Walt Disney Global and extra at Disneyland, which most commonly impacted the Thanksgiving particular–no longer the Christmas Day Parade. The one reason why we’re even citing it this is the risk that manufacturing crews deem that an excessive amount of of a bother, and decide to movie subsequent 12 months at Disneyland as a substitute. That moves us as not going.
There will likely be different non-parade performances filmed in other places, however the ones range extra year-to-year in keeping with superstar schedules–however typically occur between past due October and mid-November. Those that aren’t shot in entrance of Cinderella Citadel at Walt Disney Global or Dozing Good looks Citadel at Disneyland also are harder to peer in user, as they’re no longer supposed for normal visitor viewing.
Hosts of the 2025 Disney Christmas Day Parade
Alfonso Ribeiro returns for his 2nd 12 months as host of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. Identified for his infectious power and heat character, Alfonso brings the easiest mixture of a laugh and vacation cheer to the party (pictures of the hosts and musical performances all through the put up are by way of Disney–parade pictures are mine).
Becoming a member of him for the primary time is Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of everybody’s favourite bunny cop in Disney’s Zootopia 2, whose Disney roots and love for storytelling make her an excellent co-host for this magical custom. And holding the joy rolling from the parade path is Maia Kealoha, who stars as Lilo within the Disney live-action movie Lilo and Sew, sharing the entire festive moments as our parade correspondent.
As for what to anticipate from the ABC Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, the particular options vacation classics, plus authentic track, and heartwarming tales about how the Disney Parks deliver households in combination. It additionally showcases what’s coming in 2026 from the Walt Disney Corporate–to the parks, streaming products and services, and theaters. Mainly, those specials are one phase leisure and one phase infomercial for all issues Disney.
The place, When & The way to Watch the 2025 Disney Christmas Day Parade
Right here’s how and the place to observe the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade on December 25, 2025:
- ABC Tv Community: 10:00 a.m. EST/9:00 a.m. CST/5:00 a.m. MST/5:00 a.m. PST*
- Hulu and Disney+ Streaming Products and services: 1:00 a.m. EST/8:00 a.m. PST
- YouTube: 1:00 a.m. EST/8:00 a.m. PST
When you pass over the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade on December 25, 2025, you’ll flow the particular via January 4, 2026. So you’ll have fun anyplace you and your family members collect! (*Disney signifies the parade airs “stay” at 5:00 a.m. MST/PST, however we think the proper time is 7 a.m., until it in some way airs previous at the West Coast?)
Songs, Performers & Places for the 2025 Disney Christmas Day Parade
The 2025 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade may even characteristic the next musical performances:
- Gwen Stefani – “White Christmas” from Dozing Good looks Citadel at Disneyland
- Coco Jones – “This Christmas” from Millennium Falcon at Big name Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Iam Tongi – “The Christmas Music” from Aulani, A Disney Lodge & Spa in Ko Olina Hawai‘i
- Woman A – “Wintry weather Wonderland” from Global Party Gardens at EPCOT
- Nicole Scherzinger – “Christmas (Child Please Come House)” from Dozing Good looks Citadel at Disneyland
- Mariah the Scientist – “Please Come House for Christmas” from Tree of Existence at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Bebe Rexha – “Final Christmas” from Cinderella Citadel at Magic Kingdom
You gained’t wish to pass over the improbable floats and dazzling decorations of the parade at Walt Disney Global and the entire vacation magic that involves existence. Plus, catch a sneak height at what’s to come back in 2026 from the Walt Disney Corporate. Disney lovers will likely be glad to catch sneak peeks of Disney and Pixar’s all-new film Hoppers and the live-action Moana, each liberating in 2026.
We at all times watch the ABC Disney Christmas Day Parade to peer what’s teased or printed for the 12 months to come back. Truthfully, I’m no longer anticipating a lot in that regard this 12 months. Neither Walt Disney Global nor Disneyland have main new rides within the pipeline for the following couple of years, so there isn’t in reality a lot that may be printed.
It’s much more likely that there will likely be a sizzle reel about issues that experience simply debuted, corresponding to Starlight Evening Parade, Take a look at Observe 3.0 and Zootopia: Higher Zoogether at Walt Disney Global, together with the continued Disneyland seventieth Anniversary in California.
We additionally would possibly be expecting to peer transient teases of the impending Tropical Americas, Monstropolis, Piston Top Vehicles Land, Villains Land, Avengers Campus Growth, Coco Boat Trip, and Pandora – Global of Avatar (which might make sense as synergy for the brand new movie). Or they may decide to center of attention across the world, the place the curtain used to be simply pulled again on Disney Journey Global and the impending Arendelle house.
As for my revel in observing the filming of the ABC Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade stay in user, it’s a laugh. That is the 3rd 12 months I’ve sought out parade filming weekend in Magic Kingdom, after years of fending off it.
Mickey’s As soon as Upon a Christmastime Parade is a laugh to observe, because it’s offered in large part as commonplace and in uninterrupted type. It’s cool to peer the manufacturing in motion. Cameras swoop up and down in the midst of Major Boulevard to seize pictures of the parade because it runs most commonly as commonplace.
The runtime is perhaps 1-2 mins longer than it’d be in case you watched it stay, in-person on Christmas Day. It could also be shorter, since there aren’t any business breaks while you’re in truth in Magic Kingdom.
There are some minor additions and spots the place the performers and floats transfer moderately slower for the sake of the movie crews, nevertheless it’s another way about 95% the similar. The most important visual distinction to all however the keenest of eyes is generally the (spoiler alert) addition of Mrs. Claus along with Santa at the finale glide.
It’s in reality the musical numbers that vary. Those would possibly glance fast, however are in truth the results of meticulous paintings in capturing, re-shooting, and cautious modifying. There’s a large number of preventing, pausing, and restarting. It isn’t like a standard live performance with the performer making a song numerous other vacation hits.
It’s the similar music a number of occasions, after which the following performer shifting directly to their music…additionally carried out a number of occasions. What you spot within the span of a pair hours on tv can take more than one days to document.
The large problem of observing the recording of ABC’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade is the crowds and congestion in Magic Kingdom
With 2025 being the 3rd 12 months in a row that Disney has recorded the ABC Christmas Day Parade on the very same weekend, phrase has gotten out amongst locals and diehard lovers. As quickly because the agenda up to date in October, we shared that you’ll see Mickey’s As soon as Upon a Christmastime Parade filmed right through the day at no cost! This website online isn’t the one one who announces this knowledge.
Because of this, crowds had been heavy alongside the parade path to observe Mickey’s As soon as Upon a Christmastime Parade with roughly part of the Sunshine State descending upon Major Boulevard. It will get worse yearly, and there’s additionally the wildcard of whether or not/the place Disney will permit common visitor viewing.
Final 12 months, there used to be no parade viewing alongside Major Boulevard for normal visitors. The curbs had been coated with selected (off-duty) Forged Contributors and a ‘curated’ target audience in the most recent Disney vacation apparel, and many others. Day visitors coming into or exiting the park had been routed during the bypass corridors at the back of Major Boulevard.
This used to be unlucky as it restricted viewing choices to Liberty Sq. or Frontierland, and this used to be in spite of upper crowds there for the precise function of seeing Mickey’s As soon as Upon a Christmastime Parade (it used to be in truth added to the agenda ultimate 12 months, while it wasn’t the former 12 months).
The crowds keep growing for those unfastened performances of Mickey’s As soon as Upon a Christmastime Parade as extra locals are priced out of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Birthday party, which now prices over $200 on some nights. Many Annual Passholders also are blocked out from visiting the weeks of Christmas and New Yr’s Eve, when day tickets to Magic Kingdom are round $200.
Suffice to mention, it’s an excellent chance to revel in a very good parade that’s generally paywalled–and it’s simple to peer why crowds are expanding. And although there’s extra congestion alongside the parade path (and it’s Jersey Week/Veterans Day), the wait occasions for rides don’t seem to be that unhealthy. A significant portion of the group is there just for the parade filming.
Past this, there are execs and cons to the ABC Vacation Specials being filmed in Magic Kingdom.
One upside is that Magic Kingdom most often has longer hours to house the filming and accompanying visitor disruptions. The park typically opens at 8 am each days, final at 11 pm or middle of the night (this 12 months used to be 11 pm). Those extensions make strategizing more straightforward.
One problem of filming is that all of the house in entrance of Cinderella Citadel is typically blocked off for the on-stage performances. Now and again different pathways also are blocked off; the ones are incessantly short-lived, however it might probably make for longer walks and backtracking across the park in case you get unfortunate.
The musical performances in entrance of Cinderella Citadel are extra variable. As famous above, there’s just one right through the 2025 ABC Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade–extra used to be shot at Disneyland and the opposite parks. Some years, there’s a ton filmed in entrance of Cinderella Citadel.
In most cases talking, the daylight hours performances are a lot more crowded and it’s tricky to peer the rest occurring. This crowd is curated, with Forged Contributors and invited visitors getting the entrance and middle spots.
Common visitors fill-in at the back of then, and a large number of other folks randomly forestall to observe the motion. So until you’re dedicated to status round for some time–together with a ton of lifeless time–you aren’t getting a just right view.
Moreover, there are fireworks–quite a bit and loads of fireworks–right through the midnight performances (those are for the Thanksgiving particular, which is ‘set’ in the dark). Given the ones two issues, we at all times skip the daylight hours musical performances and do rides then, returning within the night for musical numbers and the accompanying pyro.
Listed below are extra of my pictures from the ABC Christmas Day Parade filming in Magic Kingdom:
In the end, spending all day in Magic Kingdom for the ABC Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade filming is a a laugh revel in that we suggest, particularly to copy guests and lovers. Assuming subsequent 12 months’s recording occurs on November 7-8, 2026, it will have to be simple to devise a talk over with round it.
My recommendation to different lovers studying this who’re at the fence about visiting Magic Kingdom on nowadays is to do it. Moderately than tenting out for a parade spot 3-4 hours upfront, simply get a subpar view in Frontierland on the ultimate minute. After that, skip the remainder of the daylight hours performances and go back to the Cinderella Citadel hub house round sundown. Revel in a pair hours of performances with fireworks, decrease crowds, and higher visibility.
However, Walt Disney Global first-timers will have to most likely imagine other dates. Regardless of the way you slice it, observing the ABC Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade takes time, and this is among the busier stretches right through the vacation season. In case your agenda is versatile, you’ll unquestionably pop out forward via visiting right through our favourite week to talk over with Walt Disney Global, which is a couple of weeks later. That provides decrease crowds and costs, plus the complete Christmas season (take into accout, this particular is shot ahead of the vacation season formally kicks off).
Making plans a Walt Disney Global travel? Find out about accommodations on our Walt Disney Global Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to consume, learn our Walt Disney Global Eating place Opinions. To economize on tickets or resolve which sort to shop for, learn our Pointers for Saving Cash on Walt Disney Global Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular have a look at suave pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney Global Trip Guides will lend a hand. For complete recommendation, the most efficient position to start out is our Walt Disney Global Commute Making plans Information for the entirety you wish to have to understand!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Had been you in Magic Kingdom right through the day or at night time when the 2025 Vacation Specials had been filmed? Did you watch the parade, musical performances on degree, or each? What used to be your revel in? Have you ever been in Walt Disney Global or Disneyland right through previous filmings? Do you want to wait? Any questions we will permit you to solution? Listening to your comments is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas underneath within the feedback!
