The Christmas season is all about family, fun, and traditions. For many families, a huge part of their holiday tradition involves sitting down together and watching festive shows and movies. Disney+ is here to make your Christmas Day even more magical. With a stellar lineup of live events, new premieres, and holiday classics, Disney+ has everything you need to celebrate in style.
This year, Disney+ is stepping it up with brand-new specials, exclusive live NBA games, a parade, and a whole lot of holiday cheer. From Star Wars and Marvel to animated basketball action, there’s no shortage of entertainment for subscribers to enjoy.
What’s New on Disney+ for Christmas Day 2024
If you’re wondering what makes this Christmas special, it’s all about the exclusive programming and live events available on Disney+. In addition to its staple holiday movies, Disney+ is debuting some major programming this year.
From Star Wars to Doctor Who, there’s a little something for everyone. Disney is also offering some exciting new offers for subscribers, including discounts on Disney Cruises.
Full Christmas Day Streaming Schedule (Times in EST)
Disney+ isn’t just offering a few holiday specials—it’s packed with back-to-back entertainment all day long. Here’s the full breakdown of what you can expect:
All Day Streaming: Star Wars, Marvel, and More
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew – Episode 5
Star Wars fans can look forward to the continuation of the adventures of four kids lost in the galaxy. The crew is stuck in a strange corner of the universe, encountering bizarre aliens and dangerous places. Episode 5 promises more action-packed moments that will keep you hooked. - Marvel Animation’s What If…? – Season 3, Episode 4
In this season of “What If…?”, the multiverse takes things to new levels with spectacular alternate realities. Expect bigger spectacles, familiar characters making unexpected decisions, and jaw-dropping moments. The Watcher will guide you through the latest adventures.
Season’s Streamings Playlist
- For those who want a non-stop stream of holiday magic, Disney+ has curated a special “Season’s Streamings” playlist. This playlist features both classic holiday movies and new favorites. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to leave their TV running all day with a mix of Christmas cheer.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
A highlight of Disney’s Christmas Day celebrations is the annual Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. EST, this iconic event showcases the magic of both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The parade features dazzling floats, beloved characters, and star-studded performances that will make you feel like you’re right there in the Disney parks.
This year’s parade will feature all of the fan-favorite moments that viewers have come to expect, including a few surprises to keep things fresh. Don’t miss out on the live musical performances, celebrity appearances, and enchanting Disney magic that will have the whole family mesmerized.
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Exclusive NBA Coverage: Dunk The Halls
For the first time ever, Disney+ is streaming NBA games with a unique twist—Dunk the Halls. This animated, real-time NBA game is sure to be a hit, combining the excitement of basketball with the magic of animation.
- Dunk The Halls NBA Special: This will be the first-ever animated NBA game streaming on Disney+. The New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, will face off against the San Antonio Spurs, featuring French sensation Victor Wembanyama. The game airs at 12:00 p.m. EST and will be available not only on Disney+ but also ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Doctor Who Christmas Special: “Joy to the World”
Fans of Doctor Who can enjoy a special holiday episode titled “Joy to the World” at 12:10 p.m. EST. In this year’s Christmas special, the Doctor finds herself in London at the mysterious Time Hotel. With dinosaurs, secrets, and a world-threatening plan unfolding just in time for Christmas, this episode promises plenty of thrilling twists and turns.
Complete NBA Christmas Day Schedule
After the animated NBA game at 12:00 p.m., Disney+ continues its coverage with more live basketball games throughout the day. Here’s the full lineup:
- 12:00 p.m. – New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs
- 2:30 p.m. – Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
- 5:00 p.m. – Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
- 8:00 p.m. – Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
- 10:30 p.m. – Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
These matchups feature some of the best teams in the NBA and a few of the biggest stars, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and Joel Embiid.
Holiday Movie Classics on Disney+
Disney+ is the home for holiday classics, and this Christmas, they’ve curated an incredible selection for subscribers. Here are some fan-favorites that you’ll want to catch:
- Home Alone – The ultimate Christmas comedy.
- The Santa Clause – Tim Allen’s magical holiday journey.
- Elf – Will Ferrell’s quirky holiday cheer.
- The Polar Express – A beautifully animated Christmas adventure.
For bundle subscribers, classics like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and others are available for viewing too. These timeless films will keep your home filled with Christmas spirit all day long.
Exclusive Disney+ Perk: Save on Disney Cruises
As if the Christmas Day programming wasn’t enough, Disney+ subscribers are being treated to a special holiday perk: a 50% discount on kid fares for third and fourth guests on select Disney Cruise sailings from January to June 2025.
To take advantage of this offer, you simply need to be logged into your Disney+ account. Don’t miss out on a magical family vacation at sea!
How to Access Disney+ Christmas Day Streaming
Getting access to all this incredible Christmas content is easy. If you already have a Disney+ subscription, simply log in with your credentials, and you’ll be ready to stream. New users can sign up for a Disney+ subscription and enjoy a free trial to dive into the holiday festivities.
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Conclusion
Disney+ is your one-stop destination for Christmas Day entertainment. With a mix of live events, brand-new shows, holiday classics, and a few exciting surprises, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Whether you’re a sports fan, a lover of animated adventures, or someone who just wants to kick back and watch the best Christmas movies, Disney+ has you covered this holiday season.
So, set your reminders, mark your calendars, and get ready to enjoy a magical Christmas
FAQs
What time does the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade start on Disney+?
The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. EST on Christmas Day, bringing festive cheer with its parade floats, live performances, and celebrity appearances.
How can I watch NBA games on Christmas Day on Disney+?
You can watch the NBA Christmas Day games on Disney+, ESPN2, and ESPN+. Simply log into your Disney+ account, and the games will be available to stream live, including the first-ever animated NBA game, Dunk The Halls.
What are the new shows debuting on Disney+ for Christmas Day 2024?
On Christmas Day 2024, Disney+ is premiering the Doctor Who Christmas Special: “Joy to the World” and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew – Episode 5, along with the latest episode of Marvel Animation’s What If…? Season 3.
Can I access classic holiday movies on Disney+?
Yes! Disney+ offers a wide selection of holiday classics like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Elf, The Polar Express, and more. These can be streamed throughout the day, perfect for family holiday viewing.
Are there any special Disney+ perks for subscribers during the holiday season?
Absolutely! Disney+ subscribers can take advantage of an exclusive offer to save 50% on kid fares (under 18 years of age) for third and fourth guests on select Disney Cruise sailings from January to June 2025.