Walt Disney’s Holiday Magic Comes to Television
Originally airing on December 4, 1982, as part of Walt Disney Presents on CBS, A Disney Christmas Gift is a festive 47-minute compilation special from Walt Disney Productions. The program weaves together eight beloved winter-themed or Christmas-related segments from Disney’s animated shorts and feature films.
A Blend of Animation and Holiday Cheer
Narrated musical interludes connect each clip, set against imagery of Disneyland dressed in its holiday finest. Viewers are treated to scenes of Disney parks and toy showcases between animated segments, while original music, such as “On Christmas Morning,” adds a magical touch.
Featured Segments
The animated clips included in the special are:
- “Once Upon a Wintertime” from Melody Time (1948)
- “Pluto’s Christmas Tree” (1952) with Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale
- A wintery forest scene from Bambi (1942)
- The Darling children flying over London in Peter Pan (1953)
- Donald Duck in “The Clock Watcher” (1945)
- Magical lessons from The Sword in the Stone (1963)
- A Fairy Godmother moment in Cinderella (1950)
- “The Night Before Christmas” (1933) from Silly Symphonies
Each of these segments either takes place during winter, features a holiday setting, or shares a festive spirit fitting the season.
Production and Legacy
Directed by Peter Sander, A Disney Christmas Gift features a score composed by John Debney and lyrics by Linda Laurie. The program was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1984 for Outstanding Animated Program (for programming less than one hour).
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the special was rebroadcast annually on CBS and The Disney Channel and released across various formats, including VHS, Betamax, and LaserDisc. Although never officially released on DVD, it remains a nostalgic favorite among Disney fans who fondly recall its classic compilation format.
A Touch of Disneyland Magic
What sets this special apart is how it blends animated favorites with scenes from Disneyland during the holidays. This pairing makes it feel more than just a cartoon compilation—it becomes a celebration of Disney’s storytelling legacy, its theme parks, and the spirit of the Christmas season.
Whether it’s the music, the timeless animation, or the holiday nostalgia, A Disney Christmas Gift continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans who grew up watching it during the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas Day Parades, All of them. Happy Easter Parades, All of them. Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectaculars, All of them.
