LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. / ANAHEIM, Calif. – ‘Tis the season to be merry at Disney parks when the 26th annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade,” featuring award-winning musical talent and iconic stars performing in this year’s television special, airs Dec. 25 on ABC-TV.
•What would the holidays be without old friends?
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy are joined by fairytale favorites Pinocchio, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine and gingerbread men, toy soldiers and reindeer as they spread cheer during a festive parade through the Disney parks.
This year’s show promises to dazzle viewers with must-see performances by Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder. Pop sensations the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato spread joy to all as enchanting sounds from world-renowned musical artist Yanni and his Yanni Voices echo through the park. “American Idol” Season 8 winner Kris Allen will perform and “Wizards of Waverly Place” star Selena Gomez will make a special appearance in the annual telecast.
From the newest Disney princess – Tiana – to Mickey Mouse and all his ‘toon pals, beloved Disney characters will embrace the holiday spirit aboard awe-inspiring floats that “deck the halls” as they glide through the Disney theme parks.
Two of television’s most popular celebrities will appear as the hosts of this year’s program. From Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, popular morning show personality Kelly Ripa returns as host, doubling her duties while partner Regis Philbin recovers from recent surgery. At Disneyland Park in California, worldwide television and radio host Ryan Seacrest takes center stage for the West Coast festivities. Nick Cannon from “America’s Got Talent” makes his “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” television debut as co-host/man-on-the-street for the telecast.
The two-hour televised special will air nationally in high-definition Dec. 25 on ABC-TV at 10 a.m. Eastern and 9 a.m. Central, Mountain and Pacific times.
‘Tis the Season to Give Back: ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ in 2010
The season of giving has a special meaning this year as Disney Parks’ nationwide volunteer initiative, “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day,” is slated to kick off soon after the holidays. To celebrate volunteerism, Disney Parks will give a free, one-day admission to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park to 1 million people in the United States and Canada who perform volunteer service with a participating organization starting Jan. 1, 2010.
While parents and children prepare to offer their day of volunteer service in 2010, two families will share their encouraging stories during the parade telecast of how they’ve made a difference by volunteering in their hometown communities, the inspiring motives that moved them to give back and the lessons their children have taken with them along the way.
Stars Shine Bright From Coast to Coast
Throughout the telecast, chart-topping talent and award-winning artists from around the world come together to share in the Christmas merriment at Disney parks.
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