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This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates not only the joy of the holiday season, but the unforgettable family moments it has helped guests create over the past 60 years. "Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration" airs Friday, Dec. 25 (10 a.m. to noon ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Now in its 32nd year, the Christmas special welcomes back Robin Roberts of ABC's "Good Morning America" as lead host. Reporting from the Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Roberts will be accompanied by Jesse Palmer, who joins the event for the first time as a correspondent. New to the "GMA" team as a special contributor, Palmer will share key parade updates in the midst of the action on Main Street, U.S.A. Janel Parrish, star of the ABC Family hit show "Pretty Little Liars" - which will debut under the new network name, Freeform, for its winter premiere on Jan. 12 - serves as music correspondent, alongside Stitch from the Cinderella Castle.
The holidays have long been cherished for their ability to bring family and friends together from near and far to create heartfelt memories to last a lifetime. In the spirit of "Unforgettable Happens Here," throughout the celebration, Disney Parks will tell the inspiring real-life stories of three families whose personal connection to Disney Parks will make their Christmas dreams come true. It all culminates with a Christmas Day surprise that is sure to warm the hearts of television audiences across the country, providing the perfect toast to the most festive time of the year.
For a dose of nostalgia, viewers will be treated to magical memories from the Disney Christmas shows of yesteryear, along with beloved Disney park moments shared by actors and actresses from both classic and current Disney films.
Bringing together the biggest names in music and entertainment, music industry legend David Foster joins today's top artists to sing their interpretations of Disney classics from the "We Love Disney" album, along with a mix of Christmas favorites. The star-studded lineup includes the following (performance lineup subject to change):
•Jason Derulo shakes up this year's parade with his rendition of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" - available on the "We Love Disney" album.
•International superstar Ariana Grande pays tribute to the Greek demi-god Hercules with the Disney favorite "Zero to Hero," also available on the "We Love Disney" album, along with her latest single, "Focus."
•Grammy-winning artist Seal dazzles parade spectators with his interpretation of "This Christmas" and new hit, "Every Time I'm With You."
•Country music legend Reba McEntire sings her original song "Going Out Like That" and the popular Christmas tune "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
•Breakout musical artist Andy Grammer delights the crowd with medley of "Honey I'm Good" and his new single, "Good to be Alive," along with the iconic Christmas song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
•Rising pop star Charlie Puth adds Christmas cheer with "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and his own single "One Call Away."
• "Should've Been Us" singer Tori Kelly spreads Disney magic with the beloved classic "Colors of the Wind" from "Pocahontas" - available on the "We Love Disney" album - and the holiday favorite "Winter Wonderland."
•Soulful singer Charles Perry jazzes up the festivities with a "World of My Own/Ev'rybody Wants to be a Cat" medley and his own spin on the famous Christmas duet "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
•The cast of the Disney Channel original movie "Descendants" (Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart and Sofia Carson) pay tribute to Disney's most infamous villains with "Rotten to the Core."
Featuring floats and characters from movie favorites, including "Toy Story," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Inside Out," and the wildly popular "Frozen," along with the all-new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and upcoming "Finding Dory" movie, slated for release next summer, this year's Disney Christmas Parade is expected to be the most spectacular of all. Viewers can also look forward to watching other Disney parade stars take the spotlight, such as beloved Disney princesses, characters from Disney Junior and, of course, the iconic Disney Toy Soldiers and Santa Claus.
The 32nd annual Christmas celebration also will air in Canada on CBC Network and across the globe on the American Forces Network. For more information, visit disney.com/disneyparkschristmas. Guests also can join in the fun online by using the hashtag #DisneyParade.