Disney’s most festive TV tradition is back! The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular returns on December 1, 2025, bringing music, magic, and Disney Parks holiday spirit to screens nationwide. This year’s special features star‑studded performances, dazzling park backdrops, and a festive narrative that celebrates the joy of the season.
To help you get ready for this year’s celebration, here is your full guide — plus a look back at the 2024 special and where to find Sam’s Disney Diary’s full archive of previous Disney holiday broadcasts.
What’s New for 2025
This year’s spectacular is hosted once again by Derek Hough, with narration by Ginnifer Goodwin — known to Disney fans as Snow White in Once Upon a Time and Judy Hopps in Zootopia 2 and Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Her narration adds a warm, storybook touch throughout the night.
The 2025 lineup includes performances filmed across multiple Disney destinations:
- Gwen Stefani performs “Shake the Snowglobe” at Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Aloe Blacc brings “This Christmas” to Toy Story Land.
- Good Charlotte performs “Fairytale of New York” at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Coco Jones sings “Silent Night” at the Tree of Life.
- Mariah the Scientist performs “Santa Baby” in Pandora – The World of Avatar.
- Nicole Scherzinger performs “O Holy Night” at it’s a small world.
- Trisha Yearwood performs “My Favorite Things” at EPCOT’s World Celebration Gardens.
- Bebe Rexha performs “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” on the Cinderella Castle stage.
- Iam Tongi performs “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
How to Watch
- Premiere: Monday, December 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
- Streaming (Dec. 2): Disney+, Hulu, and Disney YouTube
Gather your favorite snacks, settle in with the family, and enjoy a coast‑to‑coast celebration of holiday cheer.
A Look Back: 2024’s Holiday Special
The 2024 edition brought holiday magic to fans with:
- Musical performances from Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Aulani
- Exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming Disney projects
- Character appearances and festive overlays from parks around the world
It quickly became one of the most-watched holiday specials of the year.
If you’d like to revisit that special — along with previous years — Sam’s Disney Diary has a full archive available for Disney fans wanting a nostalgic holiday evening.
