WDWMousing - Chapter 35 - Magic Kingdom - Christmas Parades

Chapter 35 - Magic Kingdom - Christmas Parade's posted 12/15/20

Since the Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, Christmas Parades have been an important event of the Walt Disney World Holiday Celebration. The Magic Kingdom’s Christmas Parades have always been a must see experience, with marching Toy Soldiers, dancing reindeers, marching Bands, a cascade of Disney Characters, including Mickey and Minnie, and of course Santa Claus.

Over the years, the Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade has had many different names and the histories can be confusing. We’ll try to sort them out. Below is the list of the Christmas Parades presented at the Magic Kingdom over the years:

Magic Kingdom Christmas Parades (1971- present)

First Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade (1971)
Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade (1972 -1993) Cavalcades are kind of like a mini parade. They typically have 1 float and some characters or Cast Members on foot or horseback. Mickey’s Christmas Cavalcades were an early incarnation of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade which ended in 1993. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade reused some of the music and made new float theme.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade (1994 – 2006) was replaced by Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade in 2007.
Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade (2007 – present)

Special Christmas Day Parades:

Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade (1983-2008)
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade (2009 - present)
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade 2009-2013
Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration 2014
Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration 2015
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration 2016-2017
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade 2018-2019

Resource:

https://illbecenterstage.weebly.com/park-showsparades.html

Disney World’s First Christmas Parade (1971)

Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 there has always been a Christmas Celebration and, of course a Christmas Parade. So, let’s take a look at Disney World’s first Magic Kingdom’s Christmas!

Just two months after Walt Disney World opened in October 1971, the Magic Kingdom presented its very first Christmas-themed celebration. The first Christmas was a festive two-week event full of joy, tradition, colorful Disney character parades, and celebratory pageantry of the Christmas season.

Magic Kingdom was decorated from top to bottom. As soon as you entered Town Square, there was a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree, covered in 1200 lights and 1000 ornaments.

Each window on Main Street USA was decked out, and there were hundreds of wreaths, holly and thousands of flowers – poinsettias, snapdragons, and pansies.

Magic Kingdom began their special holiday parades on December 20th and it ran every day until January 2nd.

The Parade included marching toy soldiers, dancing reindeer, girls playing glockenspiels, school marching bands, and 50 of Disney’s famous characters.

The toy soldiers have been part of Disney World’s Christmas parade since the beginning and
Santa Claus always brought up the rear of the parade.

Reference:

Let’s take a quick look of
The First Christmas Celebration… At Walt Disney World

Old-Fashioned Holiday Wreath decorated the lampposts, pretty much like the current Holiday seasons

Window shopping on Main Street, USA. Gifts for Family and Friends fill the Magic Kingdom’s Shops and Boutiques.

In 1971 the Wonderland of Wax Shop on Main Street was full of Holiday Scents and Bright Colors.

The Wonderland of Wax Shop with the giant medieval chandelier of hanging candles was tucked away at the end of east Center Street.
The white wooden door you see in the picture would have connected the Wonderland of Wax with the Cup’n Saucer China Shop next door. The Cup’n Saucer is now Uptown Jewelers. (See Chapter 7 – Magic Kingdom – East Side of Main St)

The Wonderland of Wax became the Main Street Candle Shop in 1981, and by 1984 it was again renamed Holiday Corner. The Holiday Corner featured the smell of warm wax that the candle makers used to produce snow men, decorative candles, and other creations-with-wicks. By 1986 the location became the Main Street Christmas Shop, and it then disappeared completely by 1988.

Sources:

Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional started many years ago in Disneyland and has been a staple of Disney Christmas tradition.

Walt Disney thought that Disneyland should have some Christmas Carolers and a tradition was started. In December 1958, the first evening Candlelight Processional was held at Disneyland, with singers from USC and local choirs joined by school bands performed in Town Square. They then moving down Main Street to the Plaza where they performed a full concert with the Dickens carolers singing from the Sleeping Beauty Castle balcony.
This holiday tradition has continued to grow and is now a part of Disney tradition.

Note: Walt was reported to have enjoyed the festivities often from his office/apartment in Disneyland. This tradition would also become a part of the legacy of Walt himself in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

In 1961, Celebrity narrators were added who performed a dramatic reading of the Christmas story. Actor Dennis Morgan was the first one, he performed that role 1961-1964 and again in 1966. Dick Van Dyke, to help promote Mary Poppins, was the narrator in 1965.

When Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the Candlelight Processional was added to the holiday celebrations. Like in Disneyland, the show was performed in front of the Walt Disney World Railroad Main Street USA Station. The show took place on two nights, December 18th and 19th, at 6pm with 1200 carolers and Rock Hudson performing the narration both nights. Frederick Fennell conducted the orchestra and boys’ choirs made up the Christmas tree.

Note: Frederick Fennell was an internationally recognized conductor and one of the primary figures in promoting the Eastman Wind Ensemble as a performing group. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastman_Wind_Ensemble)

The Candlelight Processional has remained largely unchanged throughout the years!

The Candlelight Processional still entertains guests today, on both coasts, with its music and timeless message.

Walt Disney World Narrators the First 20 Years at the Magic Kingdom:

Rock Hudson (1971) — Hudson had narrated Disneyland’s Candlelight in 1968 and would again in 1972. Cary Grant (1972)
Rock Hudson (1973-1974)
Dean Jones (1975) — Jones made a name for himself in many Disney films like The Shaggy D.A., The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and The Love Bug.
Joseph Campanella (1976)- character actor. He appeared in more than 200 television and film roles from the early 1950s to 2009.

Rock Hudson (1977)
Ross Martin (1978) - radio, voice, stage, film and television actor. Martin was best known for portraying Artemus Gordon on the Western series The Wild Wild West,
Perry Como (1979)
Rock Hudson (1980)
James Hampton and Darren McGavin (1981) – Hampton is an actor, television director, and screenwriter. McGavin an actor known for his roles in the series Kolchak: The Night Stalker and Murphy Brown.
Pat and Shirley Boone (1982)
Joseph Campanella (1983)
Rock Hudson (1984)
Howard Keel (1985-1986) - starred in a number of musicals in the 1950s and in the television series Dallas from 1981–1991.
Dean Jones (1987)
Walter Cronkite (1988) — The newsman with the iconic voice went on to narrate Epcot’s Spaceship Earth.
McLean Stevenson (1989) — Star of the long-running television series MASH.
Joseph Campanella (1990)
George Kennedy (1991) - actor who appeared in more than 100 film and television productions.
Paula Zahn (1992) - journalist and newscaster who has been an anchor at ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, and CNN.

In 1993, the Candlelight Processional was moved to Epcot after guests expressed that they wanted more shows. The America Gardens Theater in The American Adventure Pavilion, was capable of holding larger audiences and being a dedicated location for future performances.

In 1993, there were 30 performances that year spanning 15 nights, and the show was expanded even more in 1994 with 60 performances across 30 nights. in 2019, 108 performances were scheduled across 36 nights.

Resources:

Now we’ll look at the Magic Kingdom Christmas Parades through the years.
First we’ll start with

A Look at the Christmas Parades of 1970’s – 90’s
Magic Kingdom Park has celebrated the holidays with a Christmas Parade since opening in 1971.

From 1972 – 1993 the Magic Kingdom Parades were sometimes referred to as Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade these parades were an early presentation of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade, which ended in 1993. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade reused some of the music and made new float theme.

Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade (1972 – 1993)

Mickey’s Christmas Cavalcade, however, did continue until present, not as a regular parade, but an occasional fill in, like, rainy days, special events, etc.
A cavalcade is basically a miniature parade. Instead of a full-fledged 20-minute spectacle of floats, it's a few characters on a few vehicles passing by and waving.

To date the Christmas parade’s name have varied through the years, one thing has always remained the same, the cheer it brings to guests every holiday season.

Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade (1993)
The 1993 Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, take note of the knights on horseback. They appear similar to the lead off from Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade at the Pirate & Princess Party. (see Chapter 32 - Magic Kingdom Parades that started in the 2000’s)

It’s interesting to see the evolution of these parades. A few floats have come and gone over the years (but most are reused). An example, is the Winnie the Pooh tree that is featured in many of the special event parades (from left), Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade 1993, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and 2007’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade.

Mickey's Christmas Cavalcade 1993

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

2007’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Somewhere along the way Owl (left) was replaced with Rabbit. Then the tree's leaves stayed in a permanent state of orange for use in the various parades.

Resource:

http://www.jefflangedvd.com/news/archives/2007/12/entry_118.html

Cavalcades Holiday Update

One of the big changes that’s come to Walt Disney World during 2020 pandemic reopening was the addition of cavalcades.
As we mentioned, Cavalcades aren’t entirely new to Walt Disney World. The 2020 Calvalades:

Are shorter and simpler. These aren’t 20-minute productions with a dozen-plus floats. In most cases, you can catch the entire thing in about 30 seconds.
There are more of them. Each park has multiple cavalcades.
Each Disney park had a variety of cavalcades.
But mostly, they’re not on a published schedule. Unlike the parades, which historically have happened at a fixed time and been a fixture, the cavalcades are not planned.
Magic Kingdom has 5 new cavalcades.

Christmas Parade (1972)

From 1972 until 1983, the Magic Kingdom Christmas Parades were very similar with marching Toy Soldiers, dancing reindeer marching Bands, a cascade of Disney Characters, including Mickey and Minnie, and of course Santa Claus.

Mickey Mouse during the 1972 Christmas Parade in the Magic Kingdom.

Source:

http://www.disneypix.com/Character/Mickey/1972/CH1272-006.htm

Walt Disney World Holiday Fantasy Brochure (1973)

During the 1973 Holiday season, Walt Disney World issued a multi paged brochure to the guests.

The flyer provided a schedule of all special and limited offerings during the 1973 holiday celebration.

1973 Magic Kingdom Map

click to enlarge

Reference:

Christmas Parade (1975)

1975 Holiday Parade Video: (sorry no audio)

Christmas Parade (1976)

Guests know that the Christmas holidays have officially come to Walt Disney World, when the marching toy soldiers come down Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom.
The Toy Soldier have been a regular part of the parade since 1971. Here are some scenes from Disney World’s 1976 Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom.

click to enlarge

Reference:

Christmas Parade (1977)

During the 1977 Christmas parade,

Chip ‘n’ Dale baked holiday treats on a traveling kitchen float, while surrounded by dancing gingerbread men.
Some Disney characters, including Mary Poppins and Bert from “Mary Poppins” and “Dumbo“, traveled atop large drums decorated for the holidays.

A larger-than-life gingerbread house also traveled down the parade path.

References:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/11/step-in-time-christmas-parade-at-magic-kingdom-park-in-1977/

Goofy played elf by working in a Santa’s workshop float, building toys.

Christmas at Walt Disney World (1978)

In December 1978, the first Disney Christmas TV special called “Christmas at Walt Disney World” was aired on NBC’s “The Wonderful World of Disney.” It feature scenes from Walt Disney World, the Chritmas Parade and acts by Shields and Yarnell, Avery Schreiber, Phyllis Diller, Andrea McArdle, Danielle Spencer and Pablo Cruise.

Christmas at Walt Disney World Video 1978:

References:

Christmas Parade (1978 - 1979)

Disney News Magazine- 1979

Disney Holiday Celebrations in the 1980’s

Putting up the Wreath Trimming the Tree Powering up the Lights

Reference:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/12/vintage-walt-disney-world-a-look-back-at-past-holiday-seasons/

Jiminy Cricket’s Christmas Party (1982)

Jiminy Cricket hosted and performed in this all-star celebration of yuletide fun. Featuring the holiday antics of Donald Duck, Chip N Dale, and Goofy. This cavalcade also offers special Christmas surprises: Mickey's Good Deed, a vintage gem from 1932 starring Mickey Mouse and Pluto, that has never been released on video!

There were scenes from Disney Classics as "Fantasia", "Peter Pan", "Pinocchio", "Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And Disney song favorites: "You Can Fly" - Peter Pan; "Work Song (Cinderelly, Cinderelly)" - Cinderella; and "I've Got No Strings" and "When You Wish Upon A Star" from Pinocchio.

Source:

Christmas (1983)

For the Holidays in December 1983, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Scrooge McDuck made appearances at Magic Kingdom Park dressed as Bob Cratchit, Mrs. Cratchit, Nephew Fred and Ebenezer Scrooge.

Source:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/12/vintage-walt-disney-world-a-christmas-carol-comes-to-disney-parks/

Christmas (1984) - Country Bears Catch the Holiday Spirit
Most bears hibernate for the winter, but the Country Bears of Frontierland fame in Magic Kingdom Park used to like to celebrate the holidays before heading for their long winter naps.

County Bear Christmas Special premiered in December 1984 with the bears singing such holiday classics as “Deck the Halls,” “Let It Snow,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” as well as new original songs like “Hungry as a Bear.”
The entire theatre was fully decorated to get into the Christmas spirit including Max, Buff, and Melvin who joined in the holiday fun.

If you ask me, the holiday season was a little more bear-able when I could catch the County Bears performing their Christmas Special.
Featuring all your favorites, including Wendell, Liver Lips and Big Al, this was one of the first examples of Disney adding an overlay to popular existing attractions.

Liver Lips McGrowl in his Christmas finest.

The whole gang celebrate the Holidays.

Instead of the usual songs the Bears perform, at the Christmas Special you would hear the likes of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Deck the Halls and Blue Christmas.

Source:

Fantasy On Parade (1986-1993)
Fantasy on Parade was one of the names for the Christmas Parade at the Magic Kingdom from 1986-1993. It featured new parade music with a regal flair - "and enjoy the beauty, all the joy and beauty."

Note: The Kids of the Kingdom also performed in the Galaxy Theater, (see Chapter 26 – Magic Kingdom - Tomorrowland Part 2)

The KIDS OF THE KINGDOM ride in Fantasy on Parade!

Research:

https://www.disneyhistory101.com/new-index-2#/fantasy-on-parade-1/

Christmas Parade (1987)

click to enlarge

Source:

http://disneyonparole.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-parade-1987.html

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parades (1983 - present)

Over the years, the Magic Kingdom’s Christmas Day Parade has gone through a number of name changes. During the 1980s and 1990s, the program was known as The Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade. The parade's name was then changed to Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. From 2009 through 2013, the parade was referred to as the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. For a few years after that, the parade's name would change on a yearly basis, being known as Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration in 2014, Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration in 2015, Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration in 2016 and 2017, and finally Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade in 2018 and 2019.

The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade (now officially known as Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration since 2016) is a Disney television special that airs on Christmas Day on ABC, taped primarily inside Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, taped about three weeks prior to Christmas Day.

In 1983 the Walt Disney World's Very Merry Christmas Parade was first telecast; Joan Lunden and Mike Douglas were the hosts. Alan Thicke later replaced Douglas, and Regis Philbin was later added as an on-street interviewer. Eventually Philbin took over as co-host, and Kelly Ripa (his cohost on Live with Regis and Kelly) later joined him.
The parade has been aired every year since 1983, except for in the year of 2000. In 2000 Disney aired a Christmas Eve "Tracking Santa" special.

Until the early 1990s, the parade was broadcast live on Christmas Day on CBS, with whom Disney had partnered for Thanksgiving and New Year celebrations as well. In 1996, the program moved to ABC after Disney bought the Network.

What started as a completely live telecast has transformed into an annual Walt Disney World Holiday celebration.

Hosts, Interviewers, and Performers - Christmas Day Broadcasts(1983-2020)

1983 - Hosts: Mike Douglas and Joan Lunden
1984 - Hosts: Bruce Jenner and Joan Lunden
1985 - Hosts: Ben Vereen and Joan Lunden
1986 - Hosts: Ben Vereen and Joan Lunden
1987 - Hosts: Alan Thicke and Joan Lunden
1988 - Hosts: Alan Thicke and Joan Lunden
1989 - Hosts: Alan Thicke and Joan Lunden

1980’s Christmas Day Parade Videos: the below website has some excellent collection of videos for the 1980's Christmas Day Parades.

http://samsdisneydiary.com/christmasparade/1980schristmasparade/

1990 - Hosts: Alan Thicke and Joan Lunden
1991 - Hosts: Regis Philbin and Joan Lunden
1992 - Hosts: Regis Philbin and Joan Lunden
1993 - Hosts: Regis Philbin and Joan Lunden; On-street interviewer: Robby Benson; Reader of The Night Before Christmas: President Bill Clinton; Announcer: Dick Tufeld
1994 - Hosts: Regis Philbin and Joan Lunden
1995 - Hosts: Regis Philbin and Joan Lunden
1996 - Hosts: Jerry Van Dyke and Suzanne Somers; Performers: Gary Beach, Brianne Leary, Sandi Patti, J.D. Roth, Ernie Sabella, and Samuel E. Wright
1997 - Hosts: Melissa Joan Hart and Ben Savage
1998 - Hosts: Caroline Rhea and Richard Kind
2001 - Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa
2002 - Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa; On-street interviewer: Wayne Brady; Performers: The Wiggles, Hilary Duff, Raven-Symoné, and Alexis Kalehoff
2003 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa; Disneyland Host: George Lopez; On-street interviewer: Robin Roberts; Performers: Christy Carlson Romano, Raven-Symoné, Anneliese van der Pol, Orlando Brown, Clay Aiken, Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House, and Jump5
2004 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa; Disneyland Hosts: Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy; Disneyland On-street interviewer: Gonzo the Great; Performers: Mariah Carey, Wynonna Judd, Ashanti, Kelly Clarkson, Jump5, Diana DeGarmo, Zach Braff, Jesse McCartney, Erik von Detten, Meredith Viera, Raven-Symoné, Christy Carlson Romano, and Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House; Special guest appearance: Julie Andrews
2005 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa; Disneyland Host: Ryan Seacrest; Performers: The Wiggles, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Lonestar, Vanessa Williams, Star Jones, Julie Andrews, John O'Hurley, Fantasia Barrino, Aly & AJ, and The Cheetah Girls
2006 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa; Disneyland Host: Ryan Seacrest; Performers: Ace Young, Kevin Covais, Paris Bennett, Mandisa, Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana, The Doodlebops, Daniel Powter, Brenda Song, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel, Beyoncé Knowles, Andrea Bocelli, Bianca Ryan, Aly & AJ, Emmitt Smith, Tiffany's Dance Academy
2007 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa; Performers: Sabrina Bryan, Hélio Castroneves, Drew Lachey, Joey Fatone, Cheryl Burke, Julianne Hough, Derek Hough, Joe Secada, Jessica Simpson, Katherine McPhee, the Jonas Brothers, Cast of Disney's Animal Kingdom's Festival of the Lion King, Miley Cyrus, and the High School Musical cast
2008 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa; Disneyland Host: Ryan Seacrest; Performers: Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, David Archuleta, Sarah Brightman, Jose Feliciano, David Cook, Vanessa Williams, the Imagination Movers, and Corbin Bleu
2009 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Kelly Ripa and Nick Cannon; Disneyland Host: Ryan Seacrest; Performers: Céline Dion, Stevie Wonder, Demi Lovato, the Jonas Brothers, Yanni, Kris Allen, Steve Rushton, and Selena Gomez
2010 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Ryan Seacrest and Maria Menounos; Disneyland Host: Nick Cannon; Performers: Mariah Carey, Selena Gomez, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Debby Ryan, Amber Riley, Jackie Evancho, Sean Kingston, Darius Rucker, and Lee DeWyze
2011 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos; Disneyland Hosts: Nick Cannon and Marlee Matlin; Performers: Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Scotty McCreery, Cee Lo Green, The Muppet Show, Christina Aguilera, OneRepublic, Phineas and Ferb, China Anne McClain, Bella Thorne, Zendaya, Katie Leclerc, Sean Berdy, Nathan Pacheco, and Katherine Jenkins
2012 - Magic Kingdom Hosts: Nick Cannon and Maria Menounos; Disneyland Host: Mario Lopez; Performers: Backstreet Boys, TobyMac, Ross Lynch, Phillip Phillips, The Wanted, Carly Rae Jepsen, America's Got Talent winner Olate Dogs, and Pitbull
2013 - Disneyland Host Nick Cannon; Magic Kingdom Host Neil Patrick Harris; Entertainment: Demi Lovato, Jason Derulo, Jordin Sparks, the cast of "Teen Beach Movie" (Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Grace Phipps and Garrett Clayton), Mary J. Blige, Il Volo, The Wanted, Ne-Yo, Candice Glover, Dove Cameron, and Samantha Brown. Darth Vader and some Stormtroopers also tried to take over the parade.
2014 - Disneyland Host Rob Mariano; Aulani Host Sarah Hyland; Walt Disney World Host Robin Roberts. Performers: Train, Trisha Yearwood, Lucy Hale, Trey Songz; Laura Marano, Gavin DeGraw; Ariana Grande, Prince Royale, Lexi Walker
2015 - Magic Kingdom hosts Robin Roberts, Jesse Palmer and Janel Parrish; Performers: Jason DeRulo, Ariana Grande, Seal, Jhene Aiko, Charles Perry, Tori Kelly, Reba McEntire, Andy Grammer, Charlie Puth, Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart, and Cameron Boyce. A number of the performances for this year are based around the album We Love Disney, which was released the previous October.
2016 - Magic Kingdom hosts: Derek Hough and Julianne Hough; Disneyland Host: Jesse Palmer; Performers: Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Mariah Carey, Gavin DeGraw, OneRepublic, Alessia Cara, Flo Rida.
2017 - Magic Kingdom hosts: Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey; Disneyland Host: Jesse Palmer; Performers: Ciara, Darius Rucker, Fifth Harmony, Fitz and the Tantrums, Jason Derulo, Lea Michele, 98 Degrees, Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs, Sofia Carson, Idina Menzel.
2018 - Magic Kingdom hosts: Jordan Fisher and Sarah Hyland; Disneyland Host: Jesse Palmer; Performers: Gwen Stefani, Brett Eldredge, Andrea Bocelli, Mateo Bocelli, Jordan Fisher, Aloe Blacc, Olivia Holt, Maddie Poppe, DCappella, Why Don't We.
2019 - Hosts Matthew Morrison and Emma Bunton at Walt Disney World and Jesse Palmer at Disneyland. Airs on ABC. Entertainment: Sting, Shaggy, Meg Donnelly, Pentatonix, Ingrid Michaelson, Grace VanderWaal, Portugal. The Man, Ally Brooke, the cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
2020 - Hosts Idina Menzel

Reference:

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade (2009-2013)

Generally, 2 or 3 days before Christmas day, the final Very Merry Christmas Party for the season the next day the daytime parade in the Magic Kingdom becomes the Christmas Day Parade.

The Christmas Day Parade went down Main Street, U.S.A. The parade itself is an extraordinary mixture of music, floats, dancers, and excitement. It featured appearances of Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Scrooge McDuck, and Chip 'n Dale, as well as floats featuring celebrities, musical performances, marching bands from various schools and community groups across the USA, and highlights of events at the Disney theme parks and other Disney productions.
In between the Seven Dwarves will dance, as will Reindeer. Giant Toy Soldiers march down the street in sync, and do various formations as they march. Each individual float is done up with Wreaths, Toys and beautiful colors, and each is decorated as a tribute to the characters on the float.
There are an extraordinary number of characters in the Christmas Day Parade, some who you see only on special occasions, many in special costumes for the occasion. (The parade has not changed markedly,
but new characters have been added through the years)

Beginning 2011, Star Wars was featured in the Parade. As always, the parade concludes with the arrival of Santa Claus.

click to enlarge

Currently, the Disney Christmas Day Parades are taped in November for broadcast on Christmas Day.
Starting in 2016, the Disney/ABC family of networks had aired companion specials in the weeks leading up to the parade. That year, The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration and Disney Parks Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration aired in the end of November on ABC and on Disney Channel, featuring many of the same personalities as the Christmas parade.

Beginning 2017, the prerecorded holiday greetings that air during the broadcast have been made not just by talents from both Walt Disney Pictures and the Disney Channel, but also from:

ABC Network,
Freeform
ESPN (with additional promotion of the National Basketball Association Christmas Day games that follow the parade broadcast)
Optionally, representatives of Marvel and Lucasfilm on behalf of the Star Wars franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which are both part of the Walt Disney group.

Stevie Wonder

Resource:

Special Christmas Day Parades:

Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration (2014)
Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration (2015)
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration (2016 – 2017)
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (2018 – 2019)

Frozen Christmas Day Celebration Parade (2014)

There were also performances from some of today’s top musical talents.

Prince Royce performed “I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad”

Laura Marano, of Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally,” sang her version of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from “Frozen”

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with Disney friends and holiday characters as they spread Christmas joy and cheer along the parade route at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom:

The “Frozen” stars of the parade, Elsa and Anna, returned from Arendelle to join the royal court and rang in the holidays on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World

Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from “Frozen,” joined hundreds of Dance the Magic youth performers in front of Cinderella Castle for a musical number to “In Summer”

The logo for the 2014 parade, retitled as "Disney Parks' Frozen Christmas Celebration".

In 2014, Disney added some “Frozen” magic to its annual Christmas Day parade, telecast and renamed it the “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration”. Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” hosted the special.
The joyous occasion included a special rendition of the “Frozen” hit single, “Let It Go,” as performed by 12-year-old YouTube sensation, Lexi Walker.

Ariana Grande sang her new Christmas single “Santa Tell Me” and the Christmas tradition “Last Christmas”

A special performance from the X Factor USA third and final season winners Alex and Sierra, singing “Love is an Open Door” from “Frozen”.

Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty made her holiday debut as the steampunk-inspired fire-breathing dragon, as featured in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
A new Club Penguin float joined the procession highlighting the holiday special, “We Wish You a Merry Walrus”
The superheroes of Big Hero 6 took a break from saving the world to wish onlookers happy holidays

The National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance Performance Cheer Team, featuring 800 members from 41 states, entertained park guests lining Main Street, U.S.A.
Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year winner Maryah Sullivan appeared in the regal coach from the upcoming live action film, Cinderella
After a long night of delivering presents, the jolly man in the red suit, Santa Claus, finished his route on Main Street, U.S.A.

The “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Day Celebration” aired Dec. 25, 2014 on ABC.

Source:

Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration (2015)

Featuring floats and characters from movie favorites including "Toy Story," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Inside Out," and the wildly-popular "Frozen," along with the all-new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and upcoming "Finding Dory" movie, slated for release in 2016. The 2015 Disney Christmas Parade was expected to be the most spectacular of all. Viewers could also look forward to watching other Disney parade stars take the spotlight, such as beloved Disney princesses, characters from Disney Junior, a special performance from the stars of the Disney Channel Original Movie, "Descendants," and of course, the iconic Disney Toy Soldiers and Santa Claus!

References:

Magical Christmas Day Celebration (2016 – 2017)

Sports star and commentator Jesse Palmer joined as co-host from Disneyland park in California where beloved Disney characters took the helm of the most joyous parade of the season.

The Christmas day lineup included: Sean Giambrone from ABC’s “The Goldbergs” and Olivia Rodrigo from Disney Channel’s “Bizaardvark” as parade commentators.

Viewers Blast Off ‘To Infinity and Beyond!” Feel ‘the Force’ and More
During the show, viewers got a sneak peek of the new Toy Story Land that opened during the 2018 summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Viewers also got a preview of the Star Wars-themed land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland in 2019.

It was a star-studded showcase of seasonal sights, performances and traditions, including the beloved Christmas day parade.
Emmy-Award winner Julianne Hough and multiplatinum recording artist and television personality Nick Lachey took viewers on a magical ride down Main Street, U.S.A. and beyond.

‘Christmas Celebration’ Holiday Tunes Spread Spirit of the Season!
Musical performances inspired harmonious family gatherings and singalongs!

Idina Menzel performed the captivating Disney classic, “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Disneyland park.
Ciara sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” from Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Darius Rucker sang “Candy Cane Christmas” from Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fifth Harmony took viewers on a magical “Sleigh Ride” from Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fitz and the Tantrums performed the popular Christmas hit “Last Christmas” from Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Jason Derulo sang “This Christmas” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park.
Lea Michele sang the holiday favorite “Let It Snow” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort.
“Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson performed on the Cinderella Castle stage at Walt Disney World Resort.
98° heated things up from Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort with their new song, “Season of Love,” from “Let It Snow,” their first full-length Christmas album in 18 years.
Broadway’s Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs, of the stage hit “Aladdin,” took over Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a romantic performance of the Oscar-winning classic, “A Whole New World.”
Rounding out the Christmas festivities, the cast of the new digital variety program, “Club Mickey Mouse,” shined a spotlight on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park.

Source:

Check out the Christmas Day Parade Video:

2017 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade - Sams Disney Diary

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (2018)

The 2018 Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Day Parade happened with a lot of stars hitting the stage!
The festive special was hosted by Sarah Hyland and Jordan Fisher, which was filmed at Disney Parks around the world.
The event was kick off at 10:00am on ABC and featured the Christmas Day parade, special musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heartwarming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
The Fosters‘ Cierra Ramirez and grown-ish‘s Trevor Jackson served as parade correspondents.
Check out the list of performers and songs below!

Gwen Stefani performed “Winter Wonderland” from her Christmas album, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.”
Brett Eldredge sang the holiday classic “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Andrea Bocelli sang the incredibly moving “Ave Maria”; then Andrea was joined by his son, Matteo Bocelli, and performed “White Christmas.”
Jordan Fisher performed “This Christmas.”
Aloe Blacc performed “Tell Your Mama” from his first holiday album, “Christmas Funk,” out Nov. 9.
Olivia Holt sang a holiday tune.
American Idol winner Maddie Poppe celebrated the season with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Disney’s dynamic a cappella group DCappella performed the popular Christmas hit “Last Christmas.”

Parade Photos:

click to enlarge

Reference:

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (2019)

Disney’s 2019 holiday celebration, “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”

The televised celebration was hosted by artist Matthew Morrison and Emma Bunton, in Disneyland by Jesse Palmer. Joining as co-hosts were ABC’s star Marsai Martin with JD McCrary, who voiced young Simba in the live-action Lion King film.

Musical performances during the special include:

Seventeen-time Grammy Award-winner Sting performed “Soul Cake” off his platinum-selling album “If On a Winter’s Night…” from Walt Disney World Resort
Two-time Grammy Award-winning reggae star Shaggy sang his new Caribbean-flavored original song “Christmas with Friends” from Walt Disney World Resort
Three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix performed “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” from Walt Disney World Resort
Singers Ingrid Michaelson and Grace VanderWaal sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” from Disneyland Resort
Grammy Award-winning rock band Portugal. The Man performed “White Christmas” and “Feel it Still” from Disneyland Resort

International pop star Ally Brooke performed “Christmas Through Your Eyes” from Walt Disney World Resort
The cast of the new Disney+ original “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” performed a high-energy medley from Disneyland Resort

The Christmas special was presented from Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Viewers also saw the Christmas Day Parade travel down Main Street, U.S.A., hear heartwarming stories, and see celebrity performances.
There were a few Disney Parks sneak peeks during the special. Viewers got a look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway that opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020. Viewers also got a look at the newly-opened Disney Skyliner gondola system.

Source:

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade (1994 – 2006)

Mickey’s Christmas Cavalcades, which ended in 1993, were the early presentation of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade reused some of the music and made new float theme.

The videos below show the development of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parades over the years.

1998

2003

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
(2007 – Present)

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (previously known as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade) is the annual holiday parade that performs at the Magic Kingdom during the Christmas season.
This parade is really special, it brings together Disney magic, classic Christmas music, and symbols of the season - like reindeer, gingerbread, and snow. It's been a mainstay of the Christmas season since 2007.
It replacing the very similar Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade; the prior parade had been running since 1994.
The current Christmas parade consists of elves, toy soldiers, reindeer, gingerbread men, and Disney characters in their holiday attire.
The music in this parade is very memorable. It is not the same as the Disney Christmas Day parades that was shown on ABC.

This is the holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom which is presented up until about a week before Christmas. This parade was performed exclusively during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and shown at night.
Then, a week before Christmas, the parade is shown once or twice in the daytime during regular park hours.
Before the Parade kicks off, a group of performers called The Kringle Crew provided a "pre-parade" experience with singing and crowd interaction. The parade, itself, consisted of many Disney characters dressed up in holiday costumes, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and plenty of holiday music.

Parade
The music comes alive and a whole host of merry characters decked out in their winter finest come dancing by, followed by Mickey and Minnie on a giant float complete with a totally trimmed tree!

Next are 3 floats dedicated to Frozen with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf all making appearances

Then Chip 'n Dale arrive with a crew of dancing gingerbread men, while Clarabelle whips up delicious treats in her kitchen. Vanellope and Wreck-It-Ralph also appear in some Sugar Rush inspired gingerbread creations.

The Seven Dwarfs come hand in hand to introduce the Princesses - Snow White gets her own sleigh and Cinderella is in pumpkin carriage, while all the others gather on the biggest float in the whole parade. It's a great chance to see them all with their Princes, who rarely appear otherwise.

In the finale, a toy solider marching band plays loud and clear as they make way for dancing reindeer and Santa in his sleigh floating high in the sky.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade in 2010 Photos:

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Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade in 2019 photos:

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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (2019)

Click to enlarge

Resources:

Christmas 2020 Update

In 2020, Christmas cavalcades at the parks began on November 6. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park took on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest.
Gingerbread Men! Elves and Reindeer! And, the Toy Soldiers, joined the Main Street Philharmonic as they marched through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer to all.

Sources:
All About Disney World's New Cavalcades [Holiday Updates!] - Mouse Hacking
https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/complete-guide-disney-world-holiday-events/
https://blogmickey.com/2020/11/magic-kingdom-christmas-cavalcade-schedules/

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy, Health New Years to all!

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Chapter 35 - Magic Kingdom - Christmas Parade's posted 12/15/20

We would definitely like to hear from you.Let us know what your thoughts, suggestions, ideas, and absolutely, if we've missed anything.

We would definitely like to hear from you.
Let us know what your thoughts, suggestions, ideas, and absolutely, if we've missed anything.