The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade is an American television special that airs on Christmas Day on the ABC network. It is taped primarily inside the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, approximately one month prior to Christmas day. Past shows have included segments featuring other Disney theme parks in Orlando Florida, Anaheim California and around the world. The program has aired annually since 1983, with the exception of 2000 when Disney aired a Christmas Eve "Tracking Santa" special instead. In 1999, a nighttime version of the parade was shown on Christmas Day. In the 1980s and '90s, the program was known as The Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade.
The parade down Main Street, U.S.A. features appearances of Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Chip 'n Dale, as well as floats featuring celebrities, musical performances, and highlights of events and properties at Disney theme parks and other Disney productions. Despite its now-traditional viewing status, the program could be considered to just be a giant advertising vehicle for The Walt Disney Company. Most of the program is taped in November and early December for broadcast on Christmas Day. However, until the early 1990s, the parade was broadcast live on Christmas Day.
The 2005 edition of the parade won Harborlight Entertainment and ABC the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Special.
Come celebrate the holidays with the Walt Disney World® Christmas Day Parade and hosts Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest plus an unprecedented parade of talent. Plus, see all your favorite Disney characters including Mickey Mouse. Written by American Broadcasting Company
