2016 Disney Holiday Special – Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration

A New Holiday Tradition Begins: Disney’s 2016 Holiday TV Special

To kick off the 2016 holiday season, Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration aired on November 25, 2016, on Disney Channel. This marked the beginning of a new tradition—televised holiday specials premiering the day after Thanksgiving, showcasing the magic of Disney Parks during the most festive time of year.

Hosted by Disney Channel’s Descendants stars Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, and Booboo Stewart, the special blended on-stage musical numbers with magical moments from inside Walt Disney World. China Anne McClain’s special performance of “This Christmas” added even more holiday spirit.

Star-Studded Performances From Disney and Beyond

The celebration featured a wide mix of music, including:

• “Jolly to the Core” by the cast of Descendants

• “Silent Night” performed by Sofia Carson

• “This Christmas” by China Anne McClain

• “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson

• “Celebrate” by Forever in Your Mind

• “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” performed by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks

Each act brought a joyful energy to the screen, set against dazzling holiday backdrops at Disney Parks. The mix of Disney stars, classic holiday songs, and new festive releases made this an unforgettable way to kick off the season.

A Glimpse Into the Future: Pandora – The World of Avatar

In addition to the holiday magic, the 2016 special also gave viewers an exciting preview of Pandora—The World of Avatar, which will come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017.

Imagineer Joe Rohde shared behind-the-scenes insights into the immersive land, inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar. The segment teased floating mountains, glowing bioluminescent forests, and a new level of storytelling that would soon become a reality for guests at Walt Disney World.

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