2016 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Pandora Preview, Mariah, Garth, Fisher and More

A Magical Celebration from Coast to Coast

The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration brought festive cheer to nationwide viewers in 2016. Hosted by Julianne Hough and Derek Hough at Walt Disney World, with Jesse Palmer reporting from Disneyland, this year’s special featured musical performances from all four Walt Disney World parks, paired with parade segments straight from Disneyland.

Pandora Comes to Life

Bob Iger introduced the world to Pandora – The World of Avatar, set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2017. According to Joe Rohde, the ambitious project was once considered impossible. Still, Disney’s Imagineers used groundbreaking technology and immersive design to bring it to life.

Avatar’s producer, Jon Landau emphasized realism, stating, “We are taking guests to Pandora.” Director James Cameron added that seeing his 1995 vision become reality was truly surreal.

The land promises incredible experiences—from a tranquil river journey with a never-before-seen surprise to soaring over Pandora on a banshee. The new land will redefine theme park immersion with handcrafted environments and innovative ride systems.

Global Holiday Cheer

The celebration expanded beyond the U.S. parks. Spectacular holiday scenes from Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disneyland, and Walt Disney World gave viewers a taste of worldwide Disney magic.

A Star-Powered Musical Lineup

Throughout the broadcast, music took center stage with top-tier performances:

• Garth Brooks opened the show at Cinderella Castle and later performed “Feliz Navidad” with Trisha Yearwood.

• Kelly Clarkson delivered a heartfelt “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” from the Castle stage.
• Sofia Carson sang “Silent Night” beneath the glowing Tree of Life.

• Jordan Fisher brought warmth to Hollywood Studios with “The Christmas Song.”
• Mariah Carey dazzled from the it’s a small world stage at Disneyland, performing her iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
• Gavin DeGraw rocked the Castle stage with “Merry Christmas Baby.”

• OneRepublic energized the audience from Hollywood Studios.
• Alessia Cara added fun with “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”
• Flo Rida, fresh off the Thanksgiving special, returned to the Castle stage to close the show in style.

Disney Dreams, Then and Now

From classic Christmas traditions to next-generation attractions, the 2016 Disney Christmas Parade captured the timeless magic of Disney while offering a glimpse of what’s next.

🎄 Explore the full holiday archive at samsdisneydiary.com/christmasparade.

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