The 2016 Disney Parks Magical Holiday Celebration

The 2016 Disney Parks Magical Holiday Celebration brought the magic of the season to life in a way only Disney can! Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning siblings Julianne and Derek Hough, this two-hour ABC special kicked off the holidays in style. Joining the celebration was Descendants 2 star Sofia Carson and Jesse Palmer, who reported live from Disneyland Resort.

Airing Thanksgiving weekend, this holiday special combined dazzling musical performances and unforgettable Disney moments.  The Special also featured behind-the-scenes looks at Disney parks decked out in their holiday best. From Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to Disneyland Resort in California, it was a coast-to-coast celebration packed with holiday spirit.

Star-Studded Performances

The 2016 celebration was filled with musical performances from an incredible lineup of artists:

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  Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood – This country power couple brought their charm and harmony to the celebration with a festive holiday medley.

• Kelly Clarkson – The vocal powerhouse performed a heartfelt rendition of “Underneath the Tree.”
• Mariah Carey – The queen of Christmas delighted audiences with her iconic holiday anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
• Sofia Carson – Star of Descendants 2, Carson charmed the audience with a stunning performance of a holiday classic.
• OneRepublic – The band performed their hit “Let’s Hurt Tonight” as part of the magical night.
• Flo Rida – Adding an energetic touch, Flo Rida performed a lively medley that had everyone dancing.
• Jordan Fisher & Alessia Cara – Both artists showcased their talents with festive songs that captured the holiday spirit.

A Magical Holiday Tradition

The Disney Parks Magical Holiday Celebration isn’t just a TV special; it’s a holiday tradition for Disney fans. This 2016 edition set a high bar with its mix of music, magic, and holiday cheer. Whether you caught it live or are watching it again on Disney+, it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.