Every year, after the stockings have been opened and the presents have been unwrapped, Disney invites fans around the world to celebrate the magic of Christmas with its annual Christmas Day Parade. But it is so much more than just an incredible parade down Main Street, U.S.A. Disney’s Magical Christmas Day Parade features musical performances at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort.
This is the fortieth year that Disney has been putting on its Christmas Day Parade, and there have been so many amazing performances throughout those forty years. However, one of this year’s performances had fans raising their eyebrows.
This year, the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins appeared on stage in front of Cinderella Castle, where they sang an original Christmas song called “Evergreen.”
Fans were shocked by the performance, but only because it was very unexpected. Typically, Disney features performers who are known for their more pop-centric music. Disney typically books people like Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Gwen Stefani.
Confused fans took to social media to share their astonishment at the alt-rock band making their Christmas Day Parade debut.
Smashing Pumpkins on Disney Christmas show
Performing in front of Cinderella’s castle
90s me would be very confused by this future
Smashing Pumpkins on Disney Christmas show
Performing in front of Cinderella's castle90s me would be very confused by this futurepic.twitter.com/2fj9dhOMtC
— Brendan (@BrendanMcInnis) December 25, 2023
Fans of the band were stunned, since they don’t seem like the Disney-type.
I never ever thought that I would see the Smashing Pumpkins performing on Disney Magical Christmas Day Parade special.
I never ever thought that I would see the Smashing Pumpkins performing on Disney Magical Christmas Day Parade special. pic.twitter.com/3gsDo5mAS9
— Ladybuglizzie ( Camp Nano ‘24) (@sagevalentine) December 25, 2023
However, it turns out that, for Smashing Pumpkins, frontman Billy Corgan, Disney holds a special place in his heart. Corgan said that he first went to Disneyland decades ago, and now takes special trips to the parks with his family.
“It’s pretty magical for me, growing up on Disney. I first went to the Disneyland park in L.A. in ’74, somewhere around there, so I’ve been coming many years. And, of course, now I bring my family to the park. So we love coming to Disney and we’re so grateful to be here.”
This year, Disney’s Magical Christmas Day Parade was hosted by former Dancing With the Stars pros, Derek and Julianne Hough. There were also special appearances by Chrissy Metz, Michael Bolton, and Wish (2023) star Ariana DeBose.
The parade is currently available to stream on Disney+.
What was your favorite part of Disney’s Magical Christmas Day Parade? Let us know in the comments!
I have not watched the disney parade christmas special in I cant say how many years because I used to tune in and watch to see the parade, not a float or character then watch stars sing. I wont watch it anymore…….