Kelly Clarkson Brings Christmas Cheer to Disney World With Festive Performance of “Run Run Rudolph”

Kelly Clarkson is already spreading Christmas cheer at Walt Disney World, even as Thanksgiving approaches. The singer was recently spotted filming a festive performance of Chuck Berry’s holiday classic “Run Run Rudolph” for Disney’s upcoming The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular.

Guests visiting the Florida theme park got an unexpected treat when they noticed cameras set up near Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. There, Clarkson took the spotlight with a microphone in hand, delivering an energetic rendition of the Christmas favorite for visitors lucky enough to pass by.

Although the special will not air until November 30, production has been underway for several weeks. With thousands of guests visiting Walt Disney World every day, keeping a high-profile performer like Clarkson out of sight was never going to be easy.

A video of the performance quickly began attracting attention online, with fans expressing excitement about the approaching holiday season.

One viewer called Clarkson’s version of “Run Run Rudolph” their favorite Christmas song of all time, while another celebrated the unexpected experience of seeing both Disney and the singer in one day.

“Run Run Rudolph” Has a Special Place in Clarkson’s Christmas Career

Clarkson’s appearance at Disney World was more than just another seasonal performance. The song has been part of her holiday music repertoire for years, dating back to the release of her Christmas album Wrapped in Red in 2013.

Originally recorded by Chuck Berry in the late 1950s, “Run Run Rudolph” has become a familiar holiday classic. Clarkson included her own version on the album alongside several beloved Christmas standards, including “Underneath the Tree” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Wrapped in Red quickly found an audience, reaching No. 1 on the US Top Holiday Albums chart and climbing to No. 3 on the US Billboard 200.

The album helped establish Clarkson as a regular presence in the holiday music season. While Mariah Carey is often celebrated as the Queen of Christmas, Clarkson has repeatedly demonstrated her own affection for festive music — and her latest Disney performance is another reminder of that connection.

When and Where to Watch Disney’s Holiday Spectacular

Fans who want to see Clarkson’s full performance will have to wait a little longer.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular is scheduled to air Monday, November 30, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

The special will feature Clarkson alongside hosts Robert Irwin and Malia Baker, bringing a festive celebration to television audiences as the holiday season gets underway.

For now, the singer’s surprise appearance at Walt Disney World has offered fans an early taste of Christmas — and a reminder that Clarkson’s holiday performances remain a seasonal favorite.