Welcome December in the most magical way possible this weekend.
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” returns for its ninth year, seeking to kick off the holiday season with musical performances, classic stories, and appearances from fan-favorite characters.
Where can I watch the Wonderful World of Disney Holiday Spectacular?
The holiday special will air on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Don’t have cable? Here’s where to stream Wonderful World of Disney Holiday Spectacular.
The special will be available the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
Watch Disney Holiday Spectacular on Hulu and Disney+
Who are the hosts of the Wonderful World of Disney Holiday Spectacular?
“Dancing With The Stars” hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro are set to lead viewers on a magical journey through Disney’s theme parks and resorts.
“Frozen” star Kristen Bell is also set to narrate the show this year, where she’ll be telling the story of how Disney “makes ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ even happier” and “’The Most Magical Place on Earth’ even more magical.”
Who is performing on Wonderful World of Disney?
Here’s the official lineup for Disney’s 2024 holiday special:
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Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro – “Deck the Halls” / “Holly Jolly Christmas”
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Auliʻi Cravalho – “Beyond” (from “Moana 2” in theaters Nov. 27)
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Elton John – “Your Song”
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John Legend – “Always Come Back” / “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
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Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies – “White Christmas”
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Ava Max – “O Holy Night” / “1 Wish”
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Leslie Odom, Jr. and the Imani Milele Choir – “Little Drummer Boy”
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Carly Pearce – “Let It Snow”
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Pentatonix – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
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Anika Noni Rose – “Milele” (from “Mufasa: The Lion King” in theaters Dec. 20)
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SEVENTEEN – “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
Where is the Wonderful World of Disney Holiday Spectacular filmed?
According to ABC, the performances are filmed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko’Olina, Hawaiʻi.
The special was filmed ahead of time and is not live.
What are the holiday events at Disney World theme parks?
Want to celebrate the holiday season in the Florida theme parks? Each of the Disney World parks hosts many holiday events.
Two of the events require separate tickets to attend. To purchase a ticket, visit the Walt Disney World website and search for your desired event.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, complete with faux snow, is just one of the highlights that guests can experience during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has already begun at Orlando’s Magic Kingdom park, running select nights from Friday, Nov. 8, to Friday, Dec. 20. With special treats, character meet-and-greets, and holiday shows, this is an event that Disney lovers and holiday enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
You will need a separate ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which runs from 7 p.m. to midnight. The prices vary by event date, with the total usually increasing in December.
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Adult (ages 10 and up): $209 and up per ticket, plus tax
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Child (ages 3 to 9): $199 and up per ticket, plus tax
Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
Goofy and Pluto are just two of the many Disney characters doing meet-and-greets with guests at Hollywood Studios’ Jollywood Nights events in 2024.
Experience the holidays with your favorite movies and characters! Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios kicked off on Saturday, Nov. 9, and will run on select nights through Dec. 21.
The event starts after official park hours, going from 7:30 p.m. through 12:30 a.m. Similarly to Magic Kingdom’s event, it will have specialty meet-and-greets, entertainment, and food items for guests to enjoy.
Admission to Disney Jollywood Nights requires a separately priced ticket. Event tickets are $159 to $179 per ticket, plus tax.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Want a taste of how other countries celebrate their December holidays? You can take a trip around EPCOT’s World Showcase.
The park’s International Festival of the Holidays will take place from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30. The event website invites guests to explore a world of heartwarming holiday traditions at a seasonal event “brimming with merry music, global cuisine, and fun for everyone.”
Unlike the other Disney holiday events, you do not need a separate ticket to attend. However, some activities, such as the Candlelight Processional, will be an additional cost and might require a reservation.
Animal Kingdom’s holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakening, other specials
Combine your holiday spirit with your wild side. While Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t have a main holiday event, it still has several activities and seasonal treats to get you in the jolly mood.
Guests can check out the “Merry Menagerie,” which are artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals located at Discovery Cove region. There will also be holiday-themed versions of Mickey and Minnie to meet and a holiday version of the “Tree of Life Awakening.”
Like EPCOT’s holiday event, you do not need a separate ticket to attend.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Elton John, John Legend headline Disney holiday special. How to watch
