The festive season of 2025 has swept across continents, delivering a dazzling array of celebrations, concerts, parades, and sporting spectacles that have brought together communities and showcased the vibrancy of global culture. From the star-studded streets of Los Angeles and Atlanta to the bustling neighborhoods of Johannesburg and the magical realms of Disney parks, this holiday period has been marked by an extraordinary display of talent and unity.
In the United States, Black excellence shone brightly as a series of high-profile events unfolded throughout the week leading up to December 22. According to reporting from Essence, Los Angeles was the scene of TDE’s 12th annual Christmas Concert and Toy Drive, where SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Monica, and Mario took the stage, joined by a host of West Coast luminaries. The event wasn’t merely about music—it doubled as a heartfelt community gathering, blending entertainment with charity and reinforcing the spirit of giving that defines the season.
Meanwhile, Atlanta buzzed with its own signature celebration: the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball. This glamorous affair drew civic leaders and celebrities alike, including T.I., Anthony Anderson, and En Vogue, all rallying to support educational initiatives and raise funds for scholarships. The city’s musical pulse continued with Jingle Ball performances, where artists like Kehlani, Nelly, Lil Jon, and Mariah the Scientist kept crowds energized and dancing well into the night.
Sports fans had their own reason to cheer as heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua delivered a knockout win in Miami, an event that drew a constellation of stars and underscored the week’s electric atmosphere. Across the board, holiday galas, benefit concerts, and even surprise engagements kept social calendars packed, creating a tapestry of memorable moments that resonated far and wide.
As Christmas Day approached, the excitement ramped up with the much-anticipated Annual Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, set to air at 10 a.m. ET on ABC, as detailed by ABC News. This beloved tradition, now a fixture in households across America, returns with hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Ginnifer Goodwin, joined by parade correspondent Maia Kealoha. The parade’s festivities span Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Disney Cruise Line, and even the Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii, ensuring that the Disney magic touches every corner of the brand’s global footprint.
The musical lineup for the parade is as impressive as ever. Viewers can look forward to Coco Jones performing “This Christmas,” Lady A bringing their rendition of “Winter Wonderland,” Mariah the Scientist singing “Please Come Home For Christmas,” and additional performances by Bebe Rexha, Nicole Scherzinger, Gwen Stefani, and Iam Tongi. For those who miss the live broadcast, the special will be available on Disney+ and Hulu from 11 a.m. ET, making it easy for families to catch the magic on their own schedules.
For those planning to stay local in South Africa, Johannesburg’s event calendar is bursting with options that promise to keep the holiday spirit alive well into the new year. According to Yomzansi, the festivities kick off on December 25 with Shimza’s One Man Show at Motsu Park in Tembisa—a must-see for fans of house music and community gatherings. The very next day, Deep Town Jozi’s Boxing Day blowout at Truth Night Club in Midrand ensures that revelers can keep dancing as Christmas gives way to the final days of 2025.
New Year’s Eve in Johannesburg is set to be nothing short of spectacular. Revelers can choose from a smorgasbord of parties: NAROWBI at The Playground, Made in Jozi Festival at Maracanã in Sandton, the Nicci Beach NYE Festival at Wild Waters Complex, an all-night house extravaganza featuring Ralf Gum and Jullian Gomes at Renaissance Sandton, and the Prime New Year’s Eve bash at Carfax in Newtown. Each event promises its own unique flavor, drawing crowds from across the city and beyond.
The celebrations don’t stop once the calendar flips to 2026. Kabza De Small’s Paptaland event on January 1 at Bhekilanga Sportsground in Alexandra offers a high-energy start to the year, while Mariah the Scientist is set to perform live on January 3 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria—a treat for fans who may have caught her earlier Jingle Ball appearance in Atlanta. The Milk and Cookies Festival, slated for January 10 at Nasrec Expo Centre, brings together music lovers and foodies alike for a day of indulgence and fun.
Sports enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as well. The Proteas men’s cricket team will take on the West Indies in a T20I series, with the first match scheduled for January 27 at Boland Park in Paarl and the second on January 29 at World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. These showdowns are sure to draw passionate fans eager to see South Africa’s best go head-to-head with formidable Caribbean opponents.
For those who prefer their holiday entertainment from the comfort of home, the options have never been more abundant—or more accessible. The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade is just one of many specials available across streaming platforms, with viewers able to access ABC live through providers like Fubo, DIRECTV, and Hulu + Live TV. Special bundle offers, including discounted Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN packages, make it easier than ever for families to enjoy the season’s best programming without breaking the bank.
Reflecting on the breadth of this year’s festivities, it’s clear that the holiday season of 2025 has been defined by a spirit of togetherness and a celebration of culture in all its forms. Whether through music, sport, charity, or spectacle, communities around the world have found creative ways to connect, uplift, and inspire. As the year draws to a close, these moments of joy and unity serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of celebration—and the many ways we find to make the season bright.
