On Christmas morning 2025, millions of families unwrapped a special gift from Disney as the beloved Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade aired nationwide. Among the standout moments was country music trio Lady A delivering a breathtaking rendition of the classic “Winter Wonderland” from the stunning World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT in Walt Disney World. The performance, blending their signature rich harmonies with the park’s glowing holiday ambiance and bursts of fireworks, turned the iconic venue into a shimmering seasonal stage. It wasn’t just another holiday number—it felt meticulously crafted, evoking pure nostalgia and joy for a massive global audience tuning in on ABC and streaming platforms.

Lady A—comprised of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood—brought their acclaimed Christmas spirit straight from their recent “This Winter’s Night Tour” to the heart of Disney World. Fresh off sold-out shows wrapping at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, the Grammy-winning group arrived at EPCOT to film this segment earlier in November, amid the park’s festive decorations. Dressed in elegant winter attire with touches of sparkle, they stood against a backdrop of twinkling lights, ornate Christmas trees, and the park’s futuristic yet cozy World Celebration area. As snow-like effects gently fell and fireworks illuminated the night sky, their voices soared through the timeless lyrics: “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening…”

The harmonies were flawless—Scott’s powerful lead vocals weaving with Kelley’s warm baritone and Haywood’s steady tenor—creating that signature Lady A blend that has defined hits like “Need You Now” and holiday favorites from their albums On This Winter’s Night and beyond. The arrangement stayed true to the song’s joyful swing while infusing Disney magic: subtle orchestral swells, choral backups, and perfectly timed pyrotechnics that painted the sky in reds, greens, and golds. At the close, Scott beamed at the camera, saying, “Merry Christmas and happy holidays from EPCOT!” as the crowd (filmed on location) cheered wildly.

This performance was part of the 42nd annual Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Ginnifer Goodwin, with junior correspondent Maia Kealoha adding youthful energy along the parade route. The special featured an all-star lineup including Gwen Stefani at Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, Coco Jones in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Iam Tongi from Aulani in Hawaii, Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah the Scientist at Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, and Bebe Rexha at Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle. Yet Lady A’s segment stood out for its serene yet spectacular setting—EPCOT’s World Celebration Gardens, with its modern architecture and holiday overlays, provided a glowing, dreamlike stage that perfectly complemented the song’s whimsical lyrics.

What made it feel so carefully crafted? Disney’s production team spared no detail. Filmed in advance to capture peak holiday décor, the segment incorporated EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays vibes—hints of global traditions in the background—while focusing on Lady A’s heartfelt delivery. Fireworks synced to musical crescendos added cinematic flair, reminiscent of the park’s nightly shows but tailored for this broadcast. For viewers at home, it transported them straight to Disney World, evoking memories of strolling through EPCOT’s illuminated pathways during the festive season.

Lady A’s involvement came at a perfect time. Following their intimate Christmas tour, which celebrated seasonal classics and fan favorites, the group expressed excitement about bringing holiday cheer to Disney’s massive platform. In pre-performance interviews aired during the special, they shared how performing amid Disney’s magic felt like a dream, especially with fireworks exploding overhead. Fans praised the choice of “Winter Wonderland,” noting how Lady A’s country twist added warmth and familiarity to the parade’s diverse musical offerings.

The broadcast, airing December 25 on ABC at 10 a.m. EST and streaming on Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube, reached record viewership as families gathered post-gift-opening. Social media lit up with clips of Lady A’s performance going viral—fans calling it “pure holiday magic” and “the highlight of the parade.” Many highlighted the emotional resonance: in a bustling season, their harmonious take offered a moment of peaceful nostalgia, enhanced by Disney’s sparkling visuals.

This wasn’t Lady A’s first brush with holiday spectacles, but performing at EPCOT elevated it to iconic status. The park, known for its cultural celebrations and innovative holiday overlays during the Festival of the Holidays (running through December 30, 2025), provided an ideal canvas. World Celebration Gardens, with its central location and festive lighting, transformed into a glowing stage that felt intimate despite the grand scale.

As the special concluded with parade floats, Disney characters, and even a villainous twist at Magic Kingdom, Lady A’s “Winter Wonderland” lingered as a centerpiece—blending harmony, fireworks, and seasonal nostalgia into one unforgettable package. For audiences worldwide, it wasn’t routine entertainment; it was a crafted masterpiece that captured the essence of Christmas at Disney: wonder, warmth, and togetherness.

In a year filled with holiday music from across genres, Lady A proved why they’re country royalty, turning EPCOT into a holiday beacon that shone brightly on Christmas Day. Their performance reminded everyone why Disney traditions endure—delivering joy that feels both timeless and fresh.