The Quick Read
Fast Facts
- What: Walt Disney World is taping ABC’s holiday specials on November 9 to 11, 2026.
- Hosts: Robert Irwin and Malia Baker, filmed on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Performers: aespa at Magic Kingdom and Warren Zeiders at EPCOT so far.
- Airs: ABC on November 30 at 8 p.m. and December 25 at 10 a.m. Eastern.
- Next: A daytime Christmas parade taping runs at 2 p.m. on November 11.
OPEN Brief: The cameras are rolling, and the 2026 Disney Parks holiday special is coming together right now at Walt Disney World Resort. K-pop group aespa sang on the steps of Magic Kingdom’s Town Square Theater, country star Warren Zeiders took the EPCOT stage, and Robert Irwin and Malia Baker are hosting. This OPEN guide covers who has filmed, what they sang, when it airs, and how to catch the final taping day.
In This Story
When Do the 2026 Disney Parks Holiday Specials Air on ABC?
The 2026 Disney Parks holiday specials air on ABC on November 30 and on Christmas morning, December 25.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular airs Monday, November 30, 2026, at 8 p.m. The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade follows on Friday, December 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eastern. Crew credentials at Walt Disney World list both specials, so this week’s shoot appears to feed both broadcasts.
Here’s the catch for fans: Disney hasn’t said which performance lands in which special. Set a reminder for both nights so you don’t miss your favorite act.
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Filming days at Walt Disney World
Nov. 30
Holiday Spectacular on ABC
Dec. 25
Christmas Day Parade on ABC
Who Is Hosting the 2026 Disney Parks Holiday Special?
Robert Irwin and Malia Baker are hosting the 2026 Disney Parks holiday special from Magic Kingdom.
Robert Irwin is an Australian wildlife conservationist who won Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. Malia Baker plays Chloe, Cinderella’s daughter, in Disney’s Descendants films. On November 10, the pair walked down Main Street, U.S.A. with a Cast Member guide and the production team.
Later, Robert Irwin and Malia Baker settled onto a set of oversized red glitter gift boxes with gold bows and snowflakes. Each held a gold microphone for what looked like host segments, filmed ahead of the afternoon parade taping.
What Did aespa Perform at Magic Kingdom?
K-pop group aespa performed “Jingle Bell Rock” on the steps of Magic Kingdom’s Town Square Theater.
aespa is a four-member group made up of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. The group released its version of “Jingle Bell Rock” as a holiday single in November 2023. Filming took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Picture the scene: a red carpet covering the plaza and steps, decorated Christmas trees lining the stairs, and four microphone stands tied with red bows. Each take started with aespa stepping out of the theater’s front doors and singing their way down to the mics, then waving to the crowd as a Steadicam followed close. It’s the kind of moment that will look great on TV, and the Town Square crowd got it live.
What Did Warren Zeiders Sing at EPCOT?
Warren Zeiders sang a country version of Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” at EPCOT’s World Celebration Gardens.
Warren Zeiders kicked off the Walt Disney World shoot on Monday, November 9, 2026. The Pennsylvania-born singer, best known for “Pretty Little Poison,” performed with a full band. Decorated Christmas trees lined the back of the stage, with white light columns between them.
The atmosphere matched the music. Guests in Santa hats with Mickey ears watched as a camera crane swung over the audience, giving the set a big-concert energy in the middle of EPCOT.
Here’s everyone confirmed on camera so far, in filming order.
| Who | Where | What | Filmed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren Zeiders | EPCOT, World Celebration Gardens | “Mistletoe” (country version) | November 9 |
| aespa | Magic Kingdom, Town Square Theater | “Jingle Bell Rock” | November 10 |
| Robert Irwin and Malia Baker | Magic Kingdom, Main Street, U.S.A. | Host segments | November 10 |
Can You Watch the Magic Kingdom Taping on November 11?
Yes, Magic Kingdom day guests can watch the 2 p.m. Christmas parade taping on November 11 with a regular park ticket.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade normally runs only during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. For the ABC taping, Magic Kingdom scheduled daytime performances at 2 p.m. on November 10 and November 11. No party ticket is needed.
Here’s a simple game plan for the final day:
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Spend the morning near Main Street, U.S.A. Magic Kingdom’s Town Square and Main Street have been the busiest filming spots this week.
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Head to Frontierland or Liberty Square before 2 p.m. Frontierland and Liberty Square are the suggested parade viewing areas for the taping.
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Enjoy the parade and the cameras. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade steps off at 2 p.m., and you might just end up in the background on TV.
No Festival of Fantasy
Magic Kingdom pulled the Festival of Fantasy Parade from the schedule on both taping days. Filming schedules can shift, so check the My Disney Experience app the morning of your visit.
When Will Disney Reveal the Full Holiday Special Lineup?
Disney hasn’t announced the full holiday special lineup yet, and more performers may appear before filming wraps on November 11.
Last year, Disney shared the full performer lineup about three weeks before the Holiday Spectacular aired. With the 2026 special set for November 30, that announcement could arrive any day now.
OPEN is tracking every new name as it’s spotted. Catch up on OPEN’s first look at the Disney holiday special filming, and keep our Magic Kingdom coverage and Orlando holiday events guide handy for the rest of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is hosting the 2026 Disney Parks Christmas special?
Robert Irwin and Malia Baker are hosting the 2026 Disney Parks holiday programming on ABC, with host segments filmed at Magic Kingdom on November 10.
What time does the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade air?
The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade airs on ABC on Friday, December 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eastern.
What song did aespa sing at Magic Kingdom?
aespa sang its holiday version of “Jingle Bell Rock” in front of Magic Kingdom’s Town Square Theater on November 10, 2026.
Do you need a party ticket to see the Christmas parade taping at Magic Kingdom?
No, the Magic Kingdom daytime taping of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at 2 p.m. on November 10 and 11 is open to regular day guests.
Status Brief
Walt Disney World filming for ABC’s holiday specials runs through November 11, 2026, with aespa, Warren Zeiders, and hosts Robert Irwin and Malia Baker confirmed on camera so far. The specials air November 30 and December 25. Details reflect on-site filming reports from November 9 and 10, 2026. Check OPEN’s filming coverage for new names as the official lineup drops.
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