It’s almost time to bring a little Disney Christmas magic into your living room! ABC has officially announced its 2026 holiday television schedule, confirming the return of two beloved Disney Parks traditions: The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular and the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.
Both specials will feature festive performances filmed at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California, bringing the sights and sounds of Disney’s holiday celebrations to viewers across the country. And the best part? We finally have the dates and times to mark on our calendars!
Disney Parks Holiday Specials 2026: Dates and Times
ABC has officially confirmed the broadcast dates for both Disney Parks holiday specials in 2026, so get those calendars ready!
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
- Air Date: Monday, November 30, 2026
- Time: 8 –10 PM ET/PT
- Network: ABC
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
- Air Date: Friday, December 25, 2026
- Time: 10 AM ET / 9 AM CT
- Network: ABC
Both specials will feature festive entertainment and musical performances filmed at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, bringing Disney’s holiday magic directly into homes across the country.
Disney Parks Holiday Specials 2026: Dates and Times
ABC has officially confirmed the broadcast dates for both Disney Parks holiday specials in 2026, so get those calendars ready!
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
- Air Date: Monday, November 30, 2026
- Time: 8 –10 PM ET/PT
- Network: ABC
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
- Air Date: Friday, December 25, 2026
- Time: 10 AM ET / 9 AM CT
- Network: ABC
Both specials will feature festive entertainment and musical performances filmed at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, bringing Disney’s holiday magic directly into homes across the country.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular Returns November 30
Disney’s annual holiday spectacular returns on Monday, November 30, from 8 to 10 PM, bringing two hours of Christmas music, celebrity performances, and beautiful holiday scenery from Disney’s theme parks. ABC confirms that this year’s special will feature new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
While the network hasn’t revealed the 2026 celebrity performers or hosts just yet, previous specials have featured major recording artists performing in iconic Disney locations, including Cinderella Castle, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
It’s one of my favorite ways to get into the Christmas spirit, especially when the performances showcase Disney’s incredible holiday decorations after dark. Disney is expected to share additional details about this year’s entertainment lineup closer to the broadcast.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade Airs December 25
Another Disney Christmas tradition is officially returning!
The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will air on ABC on Friday, December 25, beginning at 10 AM ET.
The annual Christmas morning special features Disney characters, festive parade floats, celebrity musical performances, and holiday entertainment filmed at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. And if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in November, you might even have an opportunity to see some of the magic being recorded!
Disney has scheduled special daytime performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade for:
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 2 PM.
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 2 PM.
These performances coincide with the annual holiday television filming period.
Normally, guests need a separate ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to enjoy this parade before its daytime performances begin later in December. However, these November performances are scheduled during regular Magic Kingdom operating hours, giving day guests an opportunity to see the parade without purchasing a Christmas party ticket.
Keep in mind that filming may affect viewing areas, crowd flow, and entertainment schedules.
More Disney Holiday Movies Are Coming to ABC
In addition to the two Disney Parks specials, ABC has announced several holiday favorites and Disney films for its 2026 programming lineup.
| Date | Program | Time |
|---|---|---|
| November 25 | Mickey’s Christmas Carol | 8 PM |
| November 26 | Mary Poppins | 8 PM |
| November 29 | The Sound of Music | 7 PM |
| December 23 | The Santa Clause | 9 PM |
| December 24 | Home Alone | 8 PM |
| December 27 | Mufasa: The Lion King (broadcast premiere) | 8:30 PM |
It’s a festive lineup that gives Disney fans plenty to enjoy throughout November and December, even when they’re not visiting the parks.
Mark Your Calendars!
Both Disney Parks holiday specials are officially scheduled to return to ABC this year, with The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular airing November 30 and the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade arriving Christmas morning. Celebrity performers and hosts have not yet been announced, and Disney has not confirmed streaming release dates for the 2026 broadcasts.
My Take
There’s something so nostalgic about watching Disney’s Christmas specials every year, especially the Christmas Day Parade. I love seeing the parks decorated for the holidays, the celebrity performances, and all those familiar Disney characters celebrating together. And even though I know much of the parade is filmed weeks in advance, there’s still something special about having it on television Christmas morning while everyone is opening presents or enjoying breakfast.
I’m especially excited to see who Disney announces for this year’s Holiday Spectacular. The performers and filming locations can really make these specials memorable, and I’m hoping we get some beautiful nighttime performances from the parks. If you love Disney at Christmastime but can’t make it to Walt Disney World or Disneyland this year, these broadcasts are a wonderful way to enjoy a little of that holiday magic from home.
Do your holiday traditions include watching the Disney holiday specials on t.v.?
Keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for more Disney Christmas news, holiday entertainment announcements, and updates on this year’s Disney Parks television specials!
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