ABC still hasn't named its hosts, but BlogMickey caught the DWTS champ and the Descendants star taping host segments at Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, while K-pop group aespa sang "Jingle Bell Rock" in Town Square.
Disney's holiday specials appear to have their hosts, even if ABC hasn't said so yet.
Robert Irwin and Malia Baker were at Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, Nov. 10, during the first day of Disney's annual Christmas parade taping, BlogMickey reported. WDWMagic also reported the pair arrived at the park to host.
BlogMickey said the two first walked down Main Street, U.S.A. with a Cast Member guide and the production crew. Then they sat on a set of giant red glitter gift boxes and gold bows, holding gold microphones for what looked like host segments.
Disney and ABC haven't officially announced a host for either special. When ABC set its 2026 air dates last month, it didn't name one.
BlogMickey also noted the crew's production credentials list both holiday specials. That points to Irwin and Baker hosting the Holiday Spectacular and the Christmas Day Parade, though Disney hasn't confirmed it.
When do the Disney holiday specials air?
Both air on ABC:
The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular: Monday, Nov. 30, 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern and Pacific. It features new performances from Disney World and Disneyland.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade: Friday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central, 5 a.m. Pacific).
Streaming details for 2026 aren't out yet. Last year's Holiday Spectacular streamed the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Last year's parade streamed on Disney+, Hulu and Disney's YouTube channel on Christmas, and stayed up through Jan. 4.
Who is performing in the 2026 Disney Christmas specials?
Disney hasn't released a lineup. So far, fans have spotted two acts during taping week:
aespa: The four-member K-pop group taped "Jingle Bell Rock" on Tuesday on the front steps of Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom, BlogMickey reported. Crews turned the steps into a red-carpet stage with decorated trees. The group did several takes, walking out the theater doors and down the steps as a Steadicam followed.
Warren Zeiders: The country singer filmed a holiday song at EPCOT's World Celebration Gardens on Monday, as we reported.
BlogMickey noted Disney shared last year's full lineup about three weeks before the first special aired. Three weeks before the Nov. 30 special was Monday, so by that math, a list could drop any day.
Last year's parade had Gwen Stefani, Coco Jones, Lady A, Nicole Scherzinger, Bebe Rexha, Mariah the Scientist and Iam Tongi, per the Disney Parks Blog.
Who are Robert Irwin and Malia Baker?
Irwin is the Australian wildlife conservationist who won Dancing with the Stars season 34 with pro Witney Carson. His sister Bindi won the Mirrorball a decade earlier with Derek Hough.
Baker plays Chloe, Cinderella's daughter, in Disney's "Descendants: The Rise of Red" and "Descendants: Wicked Wonderland." The latest movie premiered on Disney Channel and Disney+ in July, BlogMickey noted.
Can you see the Christmas parade taping at Magic Kingdom?
Yes, without a party ticket. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade runs at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and again on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Magic Kingdom. Normally it only runs during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
A few things to know if you're going Wednesday:
Passholders: Magic Kingdom was full for Annual Passholder reservations on Nov. 11, as we reported in October.
Viewing: BlogMickey suggests Frontierland or Liberty Square. Main Street may be packed with Cast Members during taping.
Other parades: The Festival of Fantasy Parade isn't scheduled on either taping day.
Crowds: Wednesday is also Veterans Day, so plan for a busy park.
Keep in mind TV tapings aren't live shows. Expect retakes, holds and a lot of standing around while crews reset.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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:
BlogMickey (Nov. 10, 2026), Robert Irwin and Malia Baker at Magic Kingdom, the host set, production credentials, host backgrounds and the 2025 Holiday Spectacular host
BlogMickey (Nov. 10, 2026), aespa's "Jingle Bell Rock" taping and the timing of last year's lineup announcement
WDWMagic (Nov. 10, 2026), Irwin and Baker arriving as hosts and the two ABC air dates
BlogMickey (Oct. 27, 2026), ABC's 2026 air dates and last year's streaming
BlogMickey (Oct. 21, 2026), daytime parade times and viewing tips
Disney Parks Blog (Dec. 10, 2025), the 2025 Christmas Day Parade hosts, performers and streaming
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