Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will run at 2 p.m. at Magic Kingdom on Nov. 10 and 11, as Disney films its holiday specials for ABC. Here’s what guests should know.
Christmas is coming to Magic Kingdom a little early, and the cameras will be rolling.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will run during the day at Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m., according to WDW News Today.
The daytime parades are being added to film Disney’s annual holiday special for ABC.
Why is the Christmas parade running during the day?
For TV. Disney films its holiday parade each November so it can air on ABC in December.
Normally, the parade only runs at night during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party until closer to the holidays. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade has been taken off the 2 p.m. slot on both days, which suggests filming will happen on both dates, WDWNT reported.
When did Disney film the holiday parade last year?
On Nov. 8 and 9, 2025. Last year’s footage aired in two ABC specials, according to WDWNT.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular aired Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, and the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade aired on Christmas Day.
When will the 2026 Disney Christmas special air on ABC?
ABC hasn’t announced this year’s air dates yet. If Disney follows tradition, the Christmas Day parade special will air the morning of Friday, Dec. 25.
What is the parade route?
The parade usually starts in Frontierland, next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It then heads through Liberty Square, circles the hub in front of Cinderella Castle and goes down Main Street, U.S.A.
The parade features festive floats, holiday music, lots of Disney characters and an appearance by Santa Claus.
What should you expect if you visit during filming?
Bigger crowds along the parade route. Filming days can also bring camera crews, roped-off areas and the chance that parts of the parade get filmed more than once.
If you want a good spot, grab it early. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, those afternoons could be a good time to ride attractions in Tomorrowland or Fantasyland.
When is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026?
On 25 select nights from Nov. 8 through Dec. 22, according to WDWNT. The party starts at 7 p.m., but ticket holders can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $189 to $229 plus tax, depending on the date. Kids ages 3 to 9 save $10. The party on the day after Thanksgiving has already sold out.
What’s at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
The nightly Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, plus Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.
There’s also the stage show Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration at Cinderella Castle, holiday dance parties and a chance to meet Santa Claus.
Can you see the Christmas parade without a party ticket?
Yes, sometimes. Besides the filming days, Disney World runs the parade during the day for regular park guests every year during the busy week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, according to WDWNT.
That gives guests without party tickets a chance to catch it on Main Street. Disney hasn’t released those daytime parade dates for this year yet.
Is there holiday entertainment for regular Magic Kingdom guests?
Yes. Frozen Holiday Surprise, featuring Anna, Elsa and friends at Cinderella Castle, is open to both day guests and party guests, according to WDWNT.
Magic Kingdom also decks out Main Street, U.S.A., with its giant Christmas tree and garland during the season, so day guests can still get plenty of holiday photos.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
WDW News Today, Ashley Gale (Oct. 21, 2026), the filming dates, parade route and past air dates
WDW News Today (June 2026), Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates, prices and entertainment
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