‘Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade’ Airs December 25 on ABC

Neil Patrick Harris & Nick Cannon Host 30th Annual Celebration with Performances by Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Demi Lovato, Jordin Sparks, Jason Derulo and more

Anaheim, Calif. and Lake Buena Vista, Fla.,– Award-winning actors Neil Patrick Harris and Nick Cannon will join television anchor Lara Spencer in the holly jolly spotlight Dec. 25, 2013, to host the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” television special. Harris, star of stage and screen, will host the telecast from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida while Cannon, who hosted last year’s “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade”, will head to “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland Resort. Spencer, a lifestyle journalist and co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” will be the show’s special correspondent.

The 30th annual holiday special will air nationwide Christmas morning at 10 a.m. EST and 9 a.m. CST, MST and PST on ABC-TV. The show also will air in Canada on CBC Network and across the globe on the American Forces Network.

(November 9, 2013) Demi Lovato performs 'Let it Go' from the upcoming animated feature, 'Frozen,' during a taping for the 'Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade' television special at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., on Saturday. 'Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade' airs December 25 on ABC. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

The festivities at Disneyland Resort in California feature Mary J. Blige singing yuletide carols from her new album, “A Mary Christmas,” a duet by “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo, as well as special performances by Demi Lovato, the cast of “Teen Beach Movie” and Dove Cameron. Season’s greetings will be had by all at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with a gleeful rendition of “Let Me Love You” by Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo, along with star-studded sounds by English-Irish boy band The Wanted, Italian vocal trio Il Volo, “American Idol” Season 12 champion Candice Glover and more.

(November 10, 2013) Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell and the cast of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie, 'Teen Beach Movie' perform a medley of songs during a taping for the 'Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade' television special at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday. 'Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade' airs December 25 on ABC. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

Guests are encouraged to visit disney.com/christmasparade for details on the telecast, local broadcast times and talent updates.  Guests also can join the conversation online with the hashtag #DisneyParade.

A Morning of Merriment and Magic

(Dec. 7, 2013): Emmy Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse tape a segment Dec. 7, 2013 for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV special at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Mark Ashman, photographer)

Christmas spirit comes to life as Mickey and the gang help celebrate this pixie-dusted season with holiday friends. Classic Disney and Pixar characters spread joy and cheer from festive floats and merry marches at Disneyland Park in California and the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.

(November 10, 2013) Holiday floats and performers fill Main Street, U.S.A at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., during the taping of the 'Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade' television special. 'Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade' airs December 25 on ABC. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

*characters/floats subject to change

· Mickey and Minnie welcome the season aboard the Christmas tree float with their pal, Duffy the Disney Bear;

(Dec. 7, 2013): With a giant wreath-shaped balloon behind them, Mickey and Minnie Mouse take center stage Dec. 7, 2013 while taping a segment for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV special at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  (Mark Ashman, photographer)

· Elsa and Anna, from Disney’s hit animated film “Frozen,” make their holiday debut as they join a royal court down Main Street, U.S.A.;

(Dec. 7, 2013): Disney characters Elsa (left) and Anna (right), from the new Disney animated hit film "Frozen," take center stage Dec. 7, 2013 while taping a segment for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV special at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  (Mark Ashman, photographer)

· Belle and Beast join in the regal procession in a holiday tale as old as time along with Princesses Cinderella, Tiana, Aurora, Ariel, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Merida, Snow White and Mulan accompanied by Prince Naveen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charming, Prince Eric, Flynn Rider and Aladdin;

(Dec. 7, 2013): Joined by hundreds of Disney characters and performers, Emmy Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris tapes a musical number Dec. 7, 2013 for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV special at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. In addition to performing, Harris is one of the hosts of the annual holiday special.   (Mark Ashman, photographer)

· It’s a winter wonderland with the Disney ducks! Everyone’s favorite nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, arrive on a Ski Shoppe Float followed by Mr. Bah Humbug himself, Scrooge McDuck;

· Donald and Daisy celebrate in style aboard a chalet trailed by a sprinkling of holiday magic from dazzling ice skaters;

· A classic Disney holiday parade wouldn’t be complete without Goofy, Pluto, and their furry woodland friends, Chip and Dale;

· Pixie dust and Christmas magic will join Tinker Bell, Peter Pan and Wendy as they “think of the happiest things” this season;

· “Toy Story” stars Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye and Mr. Potato Head take the season to infinity and beyond;

· Celebrate time off from school with Monster University students Sully, Mike, Terry, Squishy, Art and Roz, then cruise down the lane with “Cars” stars Lightning McQueen, Mater and more;

· Santa Claus is coming to town! Hearts of young and old will be overjoyed when they see the jolly man in the famous red suit coming down the happiest street in America – Main Street, U.S.A.

Tune In to the Season’s Greetings!

The 30th Annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” airs Christmas Day on ABC-TV. The show also will air in Canada on CBC Network, and across the globe on the American Forces Network.  For viewing times, please reference your local listings or visit disney.com/christmasparade.

*Airtime varies per city/time zone – please check local listings 

· Eastern Time Zone: 10 a.m.

· Central Time Zone: 9 a.m.

· Mountain Time Zone: 9 a.m.

· Pacific Time Zone: 9 a.m.