2018 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Star Wars, Mary Poppins, Stefani, Fisher, Bocelli & More

A New Name, a New Era

The newly named Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade brought fresh energy to Christmas morning in 2018. Hosted by Jordan Fisher and Sarah Hyland from Walt Disney World, with Jesse Palmer checking in from Disneyland, the holiday special combined dazzling musical numbers, festive floats, and exciting sneak peeks from across the Disney universe.

Parade segments were filmed at Disneyland, while performances and announcements spanned every corner of Walt Disney World—from Cinderella Castle to the Tree of Life and Epcot’s World Showcase.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Sneak Peek

Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger introduced viewers to one of the most anticipated projects in Disney Parks history: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which will be launched in 2019 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios.

Scott Trowbridge, Creative Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, described it as a land that invites you to “play” Star Wars. Carrie Beck of Lucasfilm added that entering Galaxy’s Edge will feel like walking straight into the galaxy itself.

Guests will pilot the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and face the First Order in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which promises to be the most epic attraction Disney has ever built. According to the creative team, this immersive land will evolve for decades to come.

Disney Magic Around the Globe

Holiday greetings came from Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, where cast member Sara Hyland shared sun-kissed Christmas cheer. Additionally, the show included a behind-the-scenes look at Mary Poppins Returns, featuring clips from the film and nods to Disney’s legacy of musical magic.

Musical Performances Across the Parks

Musical acts from all genres and generations brought joy to viewers across Disney’s properties:

• Gwen Stefani kicked things off from Sleeping Beauty Castle with a festive rendition of “Winter Wonderland.”
• Brett Eldredge performed “Do You Hear What I Hear?” from the Cinderella Castle stage.

• Andrea Bocelli delivered a powerful performance of “Ave Maria” at Magic Kingdom.

• Later, Andrea returned to the stage with his son, Matteo Bocelli, to sing “The Christmas Song.”
• Host Jordan Fisher performed “This Christmas” live from Epcot.

• Aloe Blacc took the stage at Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life with his original song “Tell Your Mama.”
• Olivia Holt sang “Baby, Please Come Home for Christmas” in front of Cinderella Castle.

• Maddie Poppe, then reigning American Idol champion, lit up Epcot with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
• DCappella offered their signature a cappella twist to “Last Christmas” from Magic Kingdom, and also performed in segments filmed at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

• Finally, Why Don’t We performed “Kiss You This Christmas” from Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

A Frozen Finish and Warm Wishes

With magical performances, star-studded appearances, and unforgettable previews of Disney’s future, the 2018 Disney Christmas Parade struck the perfect balance of nostalgia and excitement. It set the stage for an unforgettable 2019, while continuing a tradition of celebrating the magic of the holidays through Disney’s storytelling and spectacle.

➡️ Explore the full archive of past parades here

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