Beat the winter break blues with these festive digital events to celebrate the holiday season this weekend.
Whether you’re away from friends and family and want to keep your holiday spirit alive or you have time to fill between your usual holiday traditions, these televised and streamed specials have you covered. Turn on your TV and catch an intimate Christmas musical show hosted by Dolly Parton, watch the cast and crew of Disney’s Magic Kingdom perform in a theatrical parade or tune into the Apollo Theater’s annual Kwanzaa celebration.
Friday
A Holly Dolly Christmas
Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music and pop culture icon Dolly Parton, or you’re looking for some light-hearted entertainment, consider flipping your TV to CBS Friday night to watch her solo hour-long holiday performance. Last year, she opened the special with a rendition of “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” on a stage decorated with candles and a digital backdrop of flailing snowflakes. You can expect to hear other classic mainstream Christmas songs, Christian holiday hymns and tracks from her album “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” which she released last year.
Watch on CBS or stream live on Paramount+ Premium from 8 to 9 p.m. EST and PST. Free. Find more information here.
Saturday
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
You don’t have to be a Disney adult to add a little extra magic to Christmas morning by tuning into Disney’s annual Christmas Day Parade. Dancers and actors Julianne and Derek Hough will host the parade, featuring musical guest performances by celebrities like pop star Gwen Stefani, country singer Jimmie Allen and a cappella group Pentatonix. You can also expect to see all of your favorite Disney characters as the floats make their way down Main Street U.S.A. of The Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla.
Watch on ABC or stream the next day on Hulu. Starts at 10 a.m. EST, 9 a.m. CST and noon PST. Free. Find more information here.
Sunday
Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration
The historic Apollo Theater and music hall, located in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, will host its annual Kwanzaa celebration of music and dance on Sunday, the first day of the African heritage celebration. The virtual event will be hosted by NYC radio personality Imhotep Gary Byrd and feature performances by the contemporary and West African dance company, Forces of Nature Dance Theater, along with musical and percussion performances. The event is meant to “celebrate the holiday season with moments of unity, self-determination and collective responsibility,” according to the Apollo’s website. You can sign up for a “tune-in” ticket which will allow you to watch the show when it is aired. To watch, just find the Digital Stage tab located on the top menu of the website and you’ll be able to access the show by entering the email associated with your ticket.
Watch through the Apollo Digital Stage. Available to watch starting 7 p.m. EST. $10 donation encouraged. Find more information and buy tickets here.
