WHAT HOLIDAY EVENTS ARE AT DISNEY WORLD?
During the Christmas season, Walt Disney World Resort transforms into a magical winter wonderland with stunning decorations, special entertainment, and festive activities. The holiday decorations usually start appearing in early November and typically run through early January.
Our Virtual Magic Makers, your virtual private VIP Disney World Tour Guides share some of the key Christmas events at each park:
1. Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: A specially ticketed event on select nights in November and December. Guests can enjoy exclusive holiday parades, fireworks displays, character meet-and-greets, and complimentary treats like cookies and hot cocoa.
- Holiday Wishes: Special holiday-themed fireworks over Cinderella Castle.
- Festive Decorations: The park is adorned with holiday wreaths, garlands, and the iconic giant Christmas tree.
2. EPCOT
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: This event includes the "Candlelight Processional," a moving presentation of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator, orchestra, and massed choir. Holiday kitchens offer seasonal food and beverage specialties from numerous countries.
- Storytellers and Performers: Different pavilions in the World Showcase feature storytellers and performances that showcase how the holidays are celebrated around the world.
- Holiday Cookie Stroll: This fun activity involves purchasing featured holiday cookies at various booths around the park and collecting stamps for each purchase.
3. Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Sunset Seasons Greetings: Holiday projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel along with musical score and falling "snow."
- "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!": A holiday-themed nighttime spectacular featuring state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, and special effects.
- Holiday Decor: The park is decorated with vintage-themed holiday decor that channels the golden age of Hollywood.
4. Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition: Nightly during the holiday season, the iconic Tree of Life features a special holiday-themed show with music and visuals.
- Festive Flotillas: Holiday-themed boats with characters and music parade through the waterways of the park.
- Holiday Decorations: Unique holiday decorations that blend with the naturalistic theming of the park, such as animal-inspired luminaries and bird lanterns.
5. Disney Springs
- Christmas Tree Stroll: Featuring elaborately themed and decorated Christmas trees scattered throughout the shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
- Holiday Entertainment: Live performers and festive atmospheres make Disney Springs a lively place to shop and dine.
- Santa Claus: Meet-and-greet opportunities with Santa.
6. Resorts
Each of the Disney resorts is uniquely decorated for the holidays, making resort hopping a popular activity. Many feature elaborate holiday decorations and special dining options for the season.
Visiting Disney World during the holiday season offers a particularly enchanting experience, with each park offering its unique take on holiday cheer, making it a memorable visit for guests of all ages.