Disney Parks and ABC Announce Full Star Lineups for 2023 Holiday TV Specials
Disney Parks and ABC have revealed the complete performer lineups and airing details for two 2023 holiday television specials — 'The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration' on November 26 and the 40th anniversary 'Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade' on December 25. The specials were filmed at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, and aboard Disney Cruise Line, and feature performances from Derek and Julianne Hough, Ariana DeBose, The Smashing Pumpkins, Mariah Carey, and more than a dozen other artists. Both will stream on Hulu and Disney+ the day after broadcast.

ABC and Disney Parks have revealed the full talent rosters for the network's two 2023 holiday television specials, including the 40th anniversary edition of the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade." Filmed across Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and aboard Disney Cruise Line, both specials feature star-studded lineups and a first look at Disney's animated feature Wish. Viewers can tune in on ABC or stream on Hulu and Disney+ the following day.
Key Details
- Magical Holiday Celebration: ABC, Sunday Nov. 26, 8:00–10:00 p.m. EST; streams next day on Hulu + Disney+
- Christmas Day Parade: ABC, Monday Dec. 25, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST / 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST; streams next day on Hulu + Disney+
- Milestone: 40th anniversary of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
- Hosts: Derek Hough and Julianne Hough; co-hosts Mickey Guyton and Jesse Palmer (Christmas parade)
- Featured Film Preview: Disney's Wish, in theaters Nov. 22, 2023
- Follow Along: #DisneyHolidayCelebration and #DisneyChristmasCelebration
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
Derek Hough and Julianne Hough return to host the "Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration," airing on ABC Sunday, November 26 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. EST. The special also features a guest appearance by DJ Khaled. Country music star Mickey Guyton and "The Golden Bachelor" host Jesse Palmer join as co-hosts for the Christmas Day parade broadcast.

The Magical Holiday Celebration features the following musical performances:
- Derek Hough and Julianne Hough — "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "What Christmas Means to Me," "Dance to the Music" medley
- Michael Bolton & Mickey Guyton — "Christmas Isn't Christmas"
- Andra Day and Adam Blackstone — "Someday at Christmas" and "Legacy Christmastime" (original)
- Ariana DeBose — "This Wish" from Walt Disney Animation Studios' Wish
- Mickey Guyton — "Jingle Bell Rock"
- Chris Janson — "Holiday Road"
- Tori Kelly — "This Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland"
- Chrissy Metz — "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
- The Smashing Pumpkins — "Silver Bells"
- Robin Thicke — "Let it Snow" and "Perfect Holiday"
- Iam Tongi — "White Christmas"
The special also includes a classic performance throwback: Mariah Carey (2016) — "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade — 40th Anniversary
The 40th anniversary edition of the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" airs on ABC Monday, December 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST. Filmed at Walt Disney World Resort this year, the special includes Disney character appearances throughout and a roster of musical performances:
- Derek Hough and Julianne Hough — "Good Morning" and "Deck the Halls" Medley
- Ariana DeBose — "This Wish" from Walt Disney Animation Studios' Wish
- Chrissy Metz — "Silver Bells"
- The Smashing Pumpkins — "Evergreen" (original holiday song)
- Iam Tongi — "Mele Kalikimaka"
- The Broadway and North American Tour Cast of Disney's "Aladdin" — "Friend Like Me"
- Meg Donnelly — "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)"
- Michael Bolton — "Joy to the World"
The parade broadcast also features classic archival performances, including NSYNC (1998) — "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," Gwen Stefani (2018) — "Winter Wonderland," and Mary J. Blige and David Foster (2013) — "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
What This Means for Holiday Viewers
Both the Magical Holiday Celebration and the Christmas Day Parade offer viewers a dual occasion: a full concert of holiday music set against iconic Disney backdrops, plus an early look at Wish, Disney Animation's newest theatrical release. Viewers who miss the live broadcast can stream both specials on Hulu and Disney+ the following day. Fans can join the conversation online using #DisneyHolidayCelebration and #DisneyChristmasCelebration, and by following @ABCNetwork and @DisneyParks on social media.