2013 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Neil Patrick Harris, Jingle Cruise, Josh Glad, 30th Anniversary & More.

A Spectacular 30th Anniversary Kickoff

The 2013 Disney Christmas Parade begins with one of the most unforgettable openings in its 30-year history. From Walt Disney World, Neil Patrick Harris kicks off the celebration with a full-scale musical number, “Are You Ready for Christmas?” The performance stretches from the Partner Statue to Town Square, setting a festive tone for the rest of the broadcast.

Nick Cannon joins in from Disneyland, while Lara Spencer co-hosts alongside Harris from the Magic Kingdom. Samantha Brown also returns, serving as the show’s travel correspondent and offering updates from across Disney destinations.

Holiday Magic from Coast to Coast

Throughout the broadcast, we’re treated to behind-the-scenes stories and park exclusives. For example, Neil Patrick Harris visits Adventureland, where the Jungle Cruise has been transformed into the pun-filled Jingle Cruise, delighting fans with its holiday overlay.

Over at Epcot, Josh Glad highlights Adventures by Disney, using Epcot’s Norway Pavilion as the backdrop to showcase the real Norwegian locations that inspired Frozen. This unique blend of fiction and real-world culture reflects the evolving depth of Disney storytelling.

Meanwhile, Samantha Brown shares sneak peeks at what’s next. Not only does she take us aboard Disney Cruise Line, but she also reveals new attractions, resorts, and entertainment offerings coming to Disney Parks in 2014.

Musical Performances and Celebrity Appearances

The 2013 parade offers a dynamic mix of musical performances. To begin, Mary J. Blige and David Foster deliver a soulful duet. Shortly after, Candice Glover, the American Idol winner, adds a powerful voice to the lineup. Il Volo follows with a moving classical holiday ballad.

Demi Lovato energizes the crowd with a pop anthem, while Ne-Yo brings smooth R&B flair. As the celebration continues, Jason Derulo and Jordin Sparks perform a romantic Christmas duet. The Wanted closes with a fan-favorite seasonal track.

In addition to these stars, Disney Channel icons join the fun. Dove Cameron, along with Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Grace Phipps, and Garrett Clayton from Teen Beach Movie, perform a high-energy number to delight younger audiences.

Parade Favorites and New Traditions

The celebration also pays tribute to Disney’s Broadway-style talent. The cast of Newsies lights up Town Square with precision choreography and holiday flair. Furthermore, appearances by Sarah Hyland, Cameron Mathison, and Samantha Brown help tie the broadcast together with heartfelt moments and family-friendly fun.

Ultimately, the 2013 Disney Christmas Parade succeeds in honoring three decades of holiday tradition while looking ahead to new dreams. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, music, and magic that defines a Disney Christmas.

➡️ Want more Disney holiday memories? Visit the Disney Christmas Parade Archive on Sam’s Disney Diary.

Looking for more nostalgia? Try the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parades, Happy Easter Parades. 4th of July Spectaculars and the Disney Family Albums.