2025 Disney Parks Holiday Specials: ABC Sets December Broadcast Dates and Times

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Mariah the Scientist Records Performance at Disney's Animal Kingdom for ABC Holiday Special

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Posted: Tuesday November 4, 2025 3:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Deadline has published the official broadcast schedule for ABC's 2025 Disney Parks Holiday Specials, confirming the return of The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular and the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.

Filming for both specials is already underway at Walt Disney World, where crews have recently been seen at Disney's Animal Kingdom recording a performance by Mariah the Scientist in front of the Tree of Life.

Mariah the Scientist Records Performance at Disney's Animal Kingdom for ABC Holiday Special

Monday, December 1 - The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular

8-10 p.m. ET

Now in its 10th year, this two-hour celebration will feature new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai?i. The annual special combines holiday performances with festive park moments captured across Disney destinations.

Mariah the Scientist Records Performance at Disney's Animal Kingdom for ABC Holiday Special

Thursday, December 25 - Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

10 a.m. ET / 9 a.m. CT / 5 a.m. MT / 5 a.m. PT

The 40th anniversary edition of Disney's Emmy Award-winning Christmas morning broadcast returns with performances and parade segments from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Aulani.

The Disney Parks Holiday Specials have become a long-standing tradition on ABC, marking the start and finale of the holiday season for Disney fans. Additional performer announcements and broadcast details are expected closer to the air dates.

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Alice a1 day ago

Fairytale of New York is an interesting choice for a Disney Christmas… I’m going to watch that section, at least, just for the novelty of a Pogues song playing in a Disney park 😆

Touchdown1 day ago

When it comes to music taste you are already old, your music tastes mostly calcified by 25. By the time you’re 25 you know what you like, can pay to only listen to stuff you like, and stop listening to the hits for the most part. While you might like a few new songs here and there you’re still going to gravitate to what was played while you were in high school/college and “classics” that your parents and older siblings introduced you to when you were young, or your friends in college exposed you to.

coffeefan1 day ago

I'm still in my early 30s, so nah. The lineup is just lacking star power. Also, I checked, and most of these performers are over 40. So it's not an age thing.

Touchdown1 day ago

That’s because you’re getting older and aren’t as up on artists popular today. Welcome to the club!

coffeefan1 day ago

This lineup feels kinda lackluster compared to previous years.

Comped1 day ago

Should she have is probably a different topic of discussion, but she did win a Tony this year. I recognized her, Trisha, Gwen, and Derek (though I think his sister is more talented, but that's besides the point). The rest I had literally never heard of. Beyond musical theatre, Meat Loaf/Jim Steinman, and some Disney music, my musical tastes end when the 80's did, so naturally that plays a factor...

Chi841 day ago

What they really need is HUNTR/X.

wdwmagic1 day ago

Mariah the Scientist has two tracks in Apple Music's Today's Hits playlist, so seems to be very current.

mary20131 day ago

Didn't Nicole Scherzinger win a Tony award for best actress in a musical this year?

Comped1 day ago

Probably. Seems weird Disney is promoting her though, considering her fame is largely to an international audience who wouldn't watch either show normally.