Bieber, Aguilera, Hudson and more celebs star in 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade TV special at Disney World, Disneyland

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

Disney has decked its castles with boughs of holly as Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida present the 28th annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” TV special that will air December 25 on ABC. With Regis Philbin’s recent retirement, this year’s hosts of the telecast are Nick Cannon and Mario Lopez, with co-host Maria Menounos.

In addition to the annual parade down Main Street USA, a number of popular recording artists perform holiday tunes, including four-time GRAMMY Award winning singer Christina Aguilera, teen sensation Justin Bieber, Academy Award-winning actress and multi-platinum singer Jennifer Hudson, singer/songwriter and producer Cee Lo Green, platinum-record rockers OneRepublic, “American Idol” Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery, and the McClain Sisters, featuring “A.N.T. Farm” star China Ann McClain, among others.

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade

2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airs December 25 on ABC

In addition to being on TV, this year’s parade brings the online world into the mix with interactions via Twitter, Facebook, and even a mobile app.

For the first time, viewers can utilize Shazam, the world’s leading mobile discovery provider, throughout the telecast. When the Shazam logo to appear on-screen, the mobile app will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interactive Disney fun and holiday surprises. Viewers also can enter for a chance to win a Disney Parks dream vacation from Shazam. The Shazam smartphone app is available for free download from the iTunes App Store and Android Market.

Fans can also follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #disneyholidays, on the official Walt Disney World and Disneyland Facebook pages, and by reading the official Disney Parks Blog.

The 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade will air on Christmas Day on ABC at the following scheduled times.

  • New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, and Raleigh: 10 a.m. – Noon
  • Eastern Time Zone: Noon – 2 p.m.
  • Central Time Zone: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Mountain Time Zone: 10 a.m. – Noon
  • Pacific Time Zone: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • Hawaii Time: 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
  • (Airtime varies per city/time zone – check local listings)

    In addition, the program will air in Canada on the CBC network, and in 177 countries worldwide on the American Forces Network (AFN).

    But you don’t have to wait until Christmas to catch a glimpse of the stars in action. Check out the Disney-provided photos below to get a preview of the entertainment:

    Nick Cannon Returns to Disneyland for 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airing December 25 on ABC

    Television, radio and film personality Nick Cannon will host from Disneyland Resort in California, while actor, best-selling author and entertainment journalist Mario Lopez will host from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

    Nick Cannon Returns to Disneyland for 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airing December 25 on ABC

    MARIO LOPEZ STARS IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Travel expert and television personality Samantha Brown checks in as the show’s travel correspondent, offering viewers a sleigh-full of Disney fun around the globe.

    MARIO LOPEZ AND SAMANTHA BROWN STAR IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Brown will provide a look at the new Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i, Adventures by Disney vacations, what’s new (and what’s next!) at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and a preview of the newest Disney Cruise Line ship (currently under construction), the Disney Fantasy.

    TV personality, journalist and best-selling author Maria Menounos will co-host from Walt Disney World.

    MARIA MENOUNOS STARS IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    “The Voice” judge and award-winning singer Christina Aguilera performs “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort.

    Christina Aguilera performs for 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airing December 25 on ABC

    Christina Aguilera performs for 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airing December 25 on ABC

    International singing sensation Justin Bieber leaves fans grinning ear to ear with a medley of performances from his new Christmas album. The medley includes “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and the album’s title-track, “Mistletoe,” and is performed on the Cinderella Castle stage at Magic Kingdom Park.

    JUSTIN BIEBER TAPES DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    JUSTIN BIEBER TAPES DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    JUSTIB BIEBER TAPES DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Soulful singer/songwriter Cee Lo Green takes the stage to perform a holiday favorite, “This Christmas.”

    Cee Lo Green tapes Christmas TV Show at Walt Disney World

    Cee Lo Green tapes Christmas day TV special at Walt Disney World

    Pop-rock hitmaking group OneRepublic performs on the Sleeping Beauty Castle stage at Disneyland Park, reminding guests to make the most of each memorable moment with the hit single “Good Life.”

    OneRepublic Performs for the 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airing December 25 on ABC.

    “American Idol” Season 10 Winner Scotty McCreery brings some country flavor to the show with his rendition of the classic tune, “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

    'AMERICAN IDOL' SCOTTY MCCREERY STARS IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Disney Pearl Series recording artists Nathan Pacheco and Katherine Jenkins serenade the crowd with an awe-inspiring version of “O Holy Night,” joined by Academy Award® winner Marlee Matlin and ABC Family’s Katie Leclerc and Sean Berdy.

    Vocalists Nathan Pacheco and Katherine Jenkins perform for 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airing December 25 on ABC

    Everyone’s favorite balcony-sitting curmudgeons, Statler and Waldorf, from The Muppets will make a special appearance at the Magic Kingdom and offer their unique brand of commentary while perched high above Main Street, U.S.A.

    STATLER AND WALDORF FROM 'THE MUPPETS' STAR IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Kermit the Frog and Gonzo also will bring more Muppetational fun with a special appearance from Walt Disney World Resort.

    KERMIT THE FROG STARS IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    The McClain Sisters, featuring “A.N.T. Farm” star China Anne McClain make it a family affair at Disneyland Resort, collaborating on “Jingle Bell Rock.”

    China Anne McClain Performs at Disneyland for 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airing December 25 on ABC

    The Never Land Pirate Band will be joined by characters from the Disney Junior hit show, Jake and the Never Land Pirates. The buccaneer band makes its parade debut with an original, pirate-themed holiday tune.

    THE NEVER LAND PIRATE BAND STARS IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Zendaya and Bella Thorne of the Disney Channel hit show, “Shake it Up,” show fans how to jingle bell rock with a special high-energy dance performance down Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom.

    DISNEY CHANNEL STARS FROM 'SHAKE IT UP' SHINE IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    DISNEY CHANNEL STARS FROM 'SHAKE IT UP' SHINE IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Direct from Broadway, Mary Poppins and Bert will make a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious holiday appearance during the telecast. The smash musical “Mary Poppins” just celebrated five years on Broadway and has enchanted more than 3 million guests at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. The hit musical also is making its way across North America.

    BROADWAY STARS FROM 'MARY POPPINS' SHINE IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Backed by a choir, Academy Award®- and GRAMMY Award®-winning artist Jennifer Hudson brings the show to a celebratory close with a very merry holiday medley of “Joy to the World,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” It is a homecoming of sorts for Hudson, as her own dreams of stardom began when she was a Disney performer aboard Disney Cruise Line in 2003. In January 2011 she was named the Honorary Fairy Godmother of the most recent Disney Cruise Line ship to set sail, the Disney Dream.

    Jennifer Hudson tapes Christmas Day TV special at Walt Disney Wo

    Jennifer Hudson tapes Christmas Day TV special at Walt Disney Wo

    Disney XD stars and theme park favorites Phineas and Ferb get in the groove with a whimsical version of their hit show’s theme song, “Gitchee Gitchee Goo.” Also making an appearance, the show’s famed crime-fighter, Agent P.

    2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Airs December 25 on ABC

    Three of the “pup-ular” canine stars of the upcoming Disney Blu-rayâ„¢ & DVD film “Treasure Buddies” make a special appearance, riding with adventurers and explorers aboard their very own treasure chest parade float.

    Pups tape TV special at Walt Disney World

    Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy are decked out in their holiday best, savoring the season with their Disney Parks family. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring joy to guests as they pass by on an iconic Christmas tree float.

    Quite a few other familiar Disney faces will appear in the parade. Disney Princesses Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Jasmine spread good cheer as they parade down Main Street, U.S.A. accompanied by their handsome beaus. Buzz Lightyear soars to infinity and beyond with his “Toy Story” cohorts Woody and Jessie. Also revving up the holiday fun: Disney-Pixar pals Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater from the blockbuster films “Cars” and “Cars 2.” Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs add a little sparkle to the celebration with a glimmering gemstone float topped with a diamond-encrusted Christmas tree. The famous Disney Parks Toy Soldiers take their traditional jubilant march down the parade route with the jolly Gingerbread Men following close behind.

    And thanks to a dash of pixie dust, Santa and his reindeer also appear on Main Street U.S.A. – and in living rooms across the county – during a special visit from the North Pole. It’s a very merry moment when the one and only Santa Claus glides down Main Street, U.S.A. with his trusted reindeer leading the way.

    SANTA CLAUS MAKES SPECIAL APPEARANCE IN DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE TV SPECIAL

    Catch it all on Disney’s ABC TV on Christmas day.

    More photos from the 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade tapings:

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