The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade is filming at Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is on the schedule at 2 p.m. both days, so Disney can film it in daylight for the ABC holiday special. That means regular Magic Kingdom guests can see the Christmas parade without a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket.
What is filming: Normally, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade only runs at night during the Christmas parties. On filming days, it runs in the afternoon so the cameras can capture it for the Christmas morning special.
What to expect: This is a TV shoot, not a normal parade. It can stop and start while crews redo a float or get the right camera angle, so it may take longer than usual. Last year, camera cranes were set up near Casey’s Corner and Uptown Jewelers on Main Street, U.S.A. The celebrity music performances are filmed separately, so do not expect to see the stars on the parade route. You only need a regular park ticket.
Other parades: Last year, Disney pulled Festival of Fantasy on filming days and ran the Christmas parade in its place. Check the My Disney Experience app before you go.
Past years: The parade filmed at Magic Kingdom on a weekend the last two years, on November 8 and 9 in 2025 and November 9 and 10 in 2024. This year it lands on a Tuesday and Wednesday, which could mean smaller crowds.
When it airs: The special usually airs on ABC Christmas morning at 10 a.m. ET, then streams on Disney+ and Hulu. Christmas Day is a Friday this year. Disney has not announced 2026 hosts or performers yet. Last year, Alfonso Ribeiro and Ginnifer Goodwin hosted, and Bebe Rexha sang at Cinderella Castle.
Good to know: November 11 is also Veterans Day, and Magic Kingdom will hold a special Flag Retreat ceremony that day.
Our take: We went to the filming last year and had an amazing time. The stops and retakes just add to the fun. Grab a spot on Main Street facing Cinderella Castle, and you might just end up on TV Christmas morning.
