The 2021 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade marks the exciting return of the holiday tradition. Hosted by Derek and Julianne Hough from Walt Disney World Resort and joined by Trevor Jackson and Sherry Cola from Disneyland. The special brings back festive joy with performances, park updates, and magical storytelling.
Kicking Off Christmas Magic
The Hough siblings open the celebration with a lively performance of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” filmed in Fantasyland. This year’s broadcast centers around Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, showcasing the latest attractions, entertainment, and expansions at both coasts.
Celebrating Walt Disney World’s 50th
Kartika Rodriguez, Vice President of EPCOT, gives us a guided tour of the park’s reimagining. Guests get a first look at:
- The new entrance fountain and the Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic
- Harmonious, EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular
- The opening of Space 220, a dining experience with views from outer space
- A sneak peek at concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, coming soon
Meanwhile, Darth Vader didn’t show up this time, but the real force came from the holiday spirit echoing throughout every park.
Disneyland News & Disney Wish Preview
Over at Disneyland, Avengers Campus is now open, including Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, the first Disney attraction to feature Spider-Man. And fans get an update on the Disney Wish, the fifth Disney Cruise Line ship. Still under construction in Germany, the ship is a floating castle filled with enchantment, set to sail in summer 2022.
Meet the Christmas Day Guy
Comedian Kevin Nealon reprises his role as Kevin Winterbean, the quirky “Christmas Day Guy,” delivering laughs, trivia, and festive insights throughout the special.
Musical Performances from Around the World
The 2021 Disney Christmas Parade featured an incredible range of performers across all parks:
- Jimmie Allen – “White Christmas” from Frontierland, Magic Kingdom
- Kristin Chenoweth – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Cinderella Castle
- Chance the Rapper – “Who’s to Say” from EPCOT
- Darren Criss – “Christmas Dance” from Cinderella Castle
- Meg Donnelly – “Jingle Bell Rock” from Magic Kingdom
- Brett Eldredge – “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” from EPCOT
- Norah Jones – “Run Rudolph Run” from Disneyland’s it’s a small world stage
- Pentatonix – “I Saw Three Ships” from Disneyland
- Gwen Stefani – “Cheer for the Elves” also from Disneyland
- Derek & Julianne Hough – Opening number from Fantasyland
Disney Magic Across Every Mile
From exciting updates at EPCOT and Disneyland to the beautiful reveal of the Disney Wish, the Christmas Parade honors the past, celebrates the present, and dreams big for the future. After a tough year for many, this celebration reminded us that joy, hope, and magic are always possible—with a little help from Disney.
➡️ Visit the full Disney Christmas Parade archive for more holiday memories!
Looking for more nostalgia? Try the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parades, Happy Easter Parades. 4th of July Spectaculars and the Disney Family Albums.
