L-R: Julianne Hough and Tituss Burgess. | Photos: ABC

Wake up to magic on Christmas Day, and I’m not just talking about what’s under the tree…but about what will be on TV!  Tituss Burgess and Julianne Hough are hosting the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration” on Friday, December 25th – aka Christmas morning – on ABC straight from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!

Unlike the many previous years, there will not be a parade due to the pandemic, but that won’t put a damper on the Disney magic we expect to see. This year’s iteration will feature merry musical performances from Becky G, Tori Kelly, Trevor Jackson, Jon Batiste and more from locations all over the parks (see the full lineup below), a special appearance from Emmy® Award-winning actor Keegan-Michael Key, and social moments with TikTok creator Alex Ojeda.

The special will also spotlight heartwarming family stories, Disney Cast Member highlights, a look into the Disney Dreamers Academy and more festive surprises… including beloved Disney characters, of course.  What’s Christmas at Walt Disney World without Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, and all of their friends?

Photos and Key Art: NBCUniversal

The time-honored tradition of lighting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will take place tonight during the NBC special, “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,“ with a live telecast hosted by “TODAY” show co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin and Al Roker.

The iconic special will feature performances from top names in the business like Kelly Clarkson, Goo Goo Dolls, Earth, Wind & Fire, Brett Eldredge, Jimmy Fallon, Tori Kelly, Dolly Parton, Pentatonix, Dan + Shay, Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, as well as the cast of Broadway’s “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations” and the legendary Radio City Rockettes.

Top L-R: Tori Kelly (Capitol), Dan + Shay (WMG); Bottom L-R: Leslie Odom, Jr. (S-Curve), Carly Rae Jepsen (Interscope)

We’re barely into the middle of November and already the season has been filled with a plethora of new Christmas musical arrivals! So many performers are either releasing their first-ever holiday albums, returning with a follow-up, or sharing a Christmas song or two that they recently recorded to help fill an otherwise anxious season with some extra cheer.

I’ve compiled a list of some new festive songs, which I anticipate to be updating throughout the season. All songs listed are available to stream or buy on Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify.

Enjoy!

Photo: NBC

For many, we’re already well into the holiday season, but for some Americans… it’s Thanksgiving that really sets their festive plans in motion, so today I bring you news on the 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®… and it’s going to look a lot different this year.

Given the state of the world right now, it should come at no surprise that many precautions are being taken to ensure safety during the iconic Thanksgiving Day celebration this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look forward to a tradition that so many hold dear.

So, how is this all moving forward? According to an official website statement:  On Thanksgiving Day, we will showcase our annual celebration’s signature balloons, floats, performances and herald the arrival of Santa Claus, in front of Macy’s famed flagship store on 34th Street for our national television special on NBC. To ensure a safe experience for all involved, we are not marching down the streets of Manhattan this year and instead will bring all the magic of this American tradition to you on television and online. In preparation for this one-of-a-kind celebration, the Macy’s team meticulously reviewed every area of the Parade playbook to put in place enhanced health and safety practices that align with CDC guidelines, as well as local and state government protocols.

The New York Times reports that in addition to traveling just one city block down 34th Street, as opposed to their two-and-a-half-mile route starting at West 77th Street, the streets surrounding the route will be closed off and the floats will be driven by utility vehicles, rather than the usual uniformed handlers, to limit the number of people involved.

There will be many pretaped performances, including Broadway entertainment, and an appearance from a ballerina from the New York City Ballet who will dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy from George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,“ which was canceled this season.

Photos: Schoolboy Records/Capitol Records

Tori Kelly is ready to take us to church this Christmas with her upcoming soulful holiday album, A Tori Kelly Christmas, which is also the award-winning singers first Christmas album ever.

“This is something I’ve been wanting to do for so long and now I get to finally share these songs with you (some classic, and maybe a few originals,” she wrote on her official Instagram.

Kelly collaborated with 11-time Grammy winner Babyface, who serves as executive producer, with a duet of the classic “Let It Snow,” which was the first song released prior to the October 30th release date of the album. “I’m so grateful to Babyface for helping me create an album that I am so proud of. I still can’t believe that I got to work with such a legend on my first-ever Christmas album,” Kelly said in a press release. “He really brought my vision to life and made every song so special.”

Pre-save A Tori Kelly Christmas at Spotify and Amazon Music today!

Stay merry!

ABC

ABC has officially announced the lineup for the annual music event, “CMA Country Christmas”!

This year, Country superstar Trisha Yearwood will host the 10th annual holiday event, which is set to air on the ABC network with performances from Kristin Chenoweth, for KING & COUNTRY, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Runaway June, CeCe Winans, Brett Young and Chris Young.

In addition to her hosting duties, Yearwood will also perform on the Christmas special, taking the stage for a night filled with Christmas classics and festive one-of-a-kind collaborations.

“Music, memories and enjoying the season with loved ones are what make Christmastime so special,” says Yearwood. “Hosting ‘CMA Country Christmas’ is an opportunity to share joy and celebrate the holidays with friends and family everywhere.”

“CMA Country Christmas” will be taped on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets went on sale last Friday, September 6th, and they’re still available at CMAChristmas.com/tickets.

Stay merry!