Neil Patrick Harris to host Disney Christmas Day special

Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse in a publicity photo,  during the filming of the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade.”

Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, Nick Cannon  and television anchor Lara Spencer, the special will be broadcast at 10 a.m. on ABC-TV. The show also will air in Canada on CBC Network and across the globe on the American Forces Network.

Harris hosts the telecast from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida while Cannon hosts across the country at the Disneyland Resort.

At Disneyland, Mary J. Blige will sing yuletide carols from her new album, “A Mary Christmas,” a duet by “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo, as well as special performances by Demi Lovato. At Disney World, Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo sings “Let Me Love You,” also singing will be the English-Irish boy band The Wanted, Italian vocal trio Il Volo and “American Idol” Season 12 champion Candice Glover.

Disney and Pixar characters will be on floats during the parade including:

• Mickey and Minnie welcoming the season aboard a Christmas tree float with Duffy the Disney Bear.
• Elsa and Anna, from “Frozen,” make their holiday debut.
• Belle and Beast join in the procession with Princesses Cinderella, Tiana, Aurora, Ariel, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Merida, Snow White and Mulan accompanied by Prince Naveen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charming, Prince Eric, Flynn Rider and Aladdin.
• Huey, Dewey and Louie, arrive on a Ski Shoppe Float followed by Scrooge McDuck.
• Donald and Daisy celebrate.
• Goofy, Pluto, and Chip and Dale have their own float.
• Tinker Bell, Peter Pan and Wendy are their own float.
• “Toy Story” stars Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye and Mr. Potato Head.
• Monster University students Sully, Mike, Terry, Squishy, Art and Roz cruise down the lane with “Cars” stars Lightning McQueen and Mater.
• Last but not least is Santa Claus.