Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade 2024: How to Watch and Full Performer Lineup, Including Elton John

Dec 11, 2024 in "Holidays at the Magic Kingdom"

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Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade 2024

Posted: Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The 2024 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade is back this year, showcasing the festive spirit of Disney parks and destinations around the world. Here's everything you need to know about the event, performers, and how to watch.

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade 2024

When and Where to Watch

The parade will air on Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25, at the following times:

ABC: 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST / 9:00 am–11:00 am CST / 5:00 am–7:00 am MST and PST
Disney+: 11:00 am–1:00 pm EST / 10:00 am–12:00 pm CST as part of "Spend Christmas Day with Disney+"
YouTube: 11:00 am–1:00 pm EST / 10:00 am–12:00 pm CST

Performances

This year's lineup includes performances from global stars and Disney favorites. Highlights include:

Elton John: "Tiny Dancer"
John Legend: "This Christmas"
Pentatonix: "12 Days of Christmas"
Carly Pearce: "Man with the Bag"
Anika Noni Rose: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
SEVENTEEN: "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
Andy Grammer: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," accompanied by Junkanoo Celebration Performers
Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro: "Winter Wonderland"
The cast of "Descendants: The Rise of Red" performing "Red Christmas" and "Jolly to the Core."

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade 2024

Other notable performances will include appearances by Disney on Broadway cast members.

What to Expect

The parade, filmed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and other Disney destinations like Disneyland in California, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and Aulani in Hawaii, combines colorful floats, Disney characters, and holiday-themed performances.

In addition to musical acts, the special will feature:

A spotlight on Disney's 70th-anniversary celebration at Disneyland Resort.
A segment showcasing the recently opened Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
A feature on a family making a difference in their community who receives a surprise visit to Disneyland Resort.

Discuss on the Forums

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wdwmagicJul 09, 2025

I'm going to close this thread now that we have 2025 details https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/walt-disney-world-holidays-2025.986347/

wdwmagicJul 09, 2025

Yes

DisneyDreamer08Jul 09, 2025

Does Fantasmic still happen for day guests on a Jollywood night?

DisneyDreamer08Jul 09, 2025

On sale July 16th for resort guests

DisoneJul 09, 2025

Heard and okay. Fingers crossed 🤞 then

TheMaxReboJul 09, 2025

No idea if they would ever do it but would be nice to see the gingerbread house somewhere at Disney Springs and would make it easier for people (locals) to get there and buy gingerbread and no overrun Grand Flo

DisoneJul 09, 2025

It's the opposite, they went out of there way to avoid this. It was suppose to happen in 23, pushed to 24 and then Pushed back again to 25 and possibly 26. Finally they ripped the bandaid off and just said do it in 2025 and get it over with. If they were trying to get rid of foot traffic they would also get rid of all the other gingerbread displays at the other Resorts. None of which make us much money as the gingerbread house at the Grand. No the Disney accountants are not trying to find ways decrease foot traffic with acceptable declines in revenue. If they're making money they're perfectly okay with the front traffic. The new bar may bring a new year-around revenue stream but they will still get a huge revenue boost by doing the gingerbread house. It's not a one or the other type thing. I'm more interested in how that Christmas tree is going to fit with the bar there. I'm waiting for the announcement, and I don't have inside knowledge on this just speculating on my own, that the Christmas tree in the lobby will also be canceled for 2025. I can't imagine they're going to put the tree so close to an actual construction site. And then once it's done will there be room for the tree?

aladdin2007Jul 09, 2025

Heard this as well, not necessarily for that reason, though probably a part of it. I can't see the bar and gingerbread house operating at the same time that would be a mess. This was their way out of it and the cost of doing it, regardless of what two month profit came in from it, the bar will bring in year round profit to make up for it. Disney has been trying to decrease foot traffic for a while now across property. Bad business in my opinion, but their messed accounting reigns supreme.

SchweinoJul 09, 2025

Ive always wondered why they would add another thing to generate a queue/line (bar) when that place can get super packed when GH is up and running. Sounds like the GF lobby is going to get even worse.

BrianJul 09, 2025

It is absolutely coming back.

mattpetoJul 09, 2025

I hope you’re right. I’m skeptical.

AylaJul 09, 2025

Dreamlights will never return as long as they are using projections.

DisoneJul 09, 2025

Imagine the Goodwill they would generate, if they brought both back? This year. On the heels of closing the Muppet's and the rivers of America, they need this Goodwill. I used to think statements of the attendance decline were overstated. Maybe 10-15% which isn't good by any business model at all but it's also not the end of the world and somewhat expected with epic opening down the street. But having been there recently on Sunday, oh my God it was way more than 10 to 15%. The Magic Kingdom felt like Disneyland on a Wednesday in September. I think Walt Disney World is in dire need of some wins and good will with their guests But I also believe they are woefully unaware of this. :(

DisoneJul 09, 2025

Nope. It will be back. Too much of a money maker. And honestly amount of grand Floridian guests complaining about the crowds are easily outmatched by the amount of Grand Floridian guests complaining that there's no gingerbread house. The gingerbread house has a direct impact in excess of $1 million in revenue for the Grand and an indirect impact in the ability to sell rooms during the holiday season at extremely high rates.