With holiday decorations and experiences arriving the day after Halloween, Walt Disney World Resort is fully plunged into the most spectacular festive season of the year. From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays to the resort hotel’s iconic gingerbread display, Florida’s Disney parks have something for his fans of every type of holiday.
Disney World Christmas at the Park
magic kingdom – Possibly Disney World’s biggest and most popular holiday event each year is the separate-ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Evening event highlights include stage shows “Mickey’s Most Cheerful Celebrations”, “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Fireworks”, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade” on Main Street USA, Holidays at select attractions Overlays, an extensive menu of holiday-themed foods, and more. , drinks and snacks.
There is so much to see, do and eat at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Check out our tips for getting the most out of your trip.
Attractions upgraded during the holiday season include Jingle Cruise (Jungle Cruise), Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters, Inc. Rough Floor, and Mad Tea Party. Guests can also celebrate the holidays with Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch at the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas show on Rocket Tower Plaza Stage.
Tickets and details for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can be found here.
animal kingdom – Animal Kingdom features the Merry Menagerie filled with life-size animal figurines that greet guests and dance to music on Discovery Island. Then, as the sun sets, head to the Tree of Life, where the iconic tree projects winter tales to holiday music.
hollywood studio – At Hollywood Studios, Sunset Seasons Greetings transforms the Boulevard into an old Hollywood Christmas party with a projection show at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Santa Claus also cruises down Hollywood Boulevard. During “The Merry Motorcade,” and Olaf will star in the holiday tune-filled finale of the “Forever First Time: Frozen Song Celebration” attraction.
blizzard beach – Just in time for the holiday season, Blizzard Beach Water Park has reopened with a Frozen themed update. The Tike’s Peak area is home to Anna and Elsa’s Igloo Castle, where youngsters can splash in the warm wading pool with friends Olaf and Snowgie. New specialty snacks include orange bird doll whipped corn and peppermint milkshakes. Through December 31st, Blizzard Beach will also feature daily snowfall, holiday music, themed Inner His Tubes, and Santa in tropical holiday attire.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
- Event schedule：November 25th to December 30th
“candlelight processional – One of the most beloved Disney park traditions, featuring celebrity narrators telling biblical Christmas tales, voices of freedom, a cappella ensemble, choirs of Disney cast members and local community groups, and a live orchestra I’m doing it. See here for a list of this year’s celebrity narrators.
“Enjoy! Seasonal Festival” – Epcot celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa through daily live music performances in the park.
Live performances of holiday traditions around World Showcase – Keep an eye out for live storytelling and musical performances to learn more about various holiday celebrations around the world.
holiday kitchen – Eat and drink while celebrating the holidays with over 10 holiday kitchens offering classic dishes, celebratory beverages, and plenty of sweets and treats. New offerings this year include Nochebuena Cocina near Port of Entry, Impossible Chorizo Tamales, Pernil (Mojo Pork with tostones and ketchup mayonnaise), Alfajores (Vanilla Dulce with Dulce de Leche and Coconut) shortbread cookies).
Check out our foodie guide to the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays here.
holiday cookie straw – Another holiday favorite is the Cookie Stroll. You can go on a scavenger hunt and purchase a variety of cookies throughout the park. Completing it gives him one final cookie to complete his sweet collection.
Disney Springs and Resort Hotels
Beyond the park, you’ll find Christmas decorations, lights, and festive music throughout Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Resort is home to over 1,300 Christmas trees, some of which are over 65 feet tall. Disney Springs features snow every night, themed Christmas trees and decorations around shopping centers, and occasional live music.
Christmas tree walk – Disney Springs also hosts an annual Christmas Tree Stroll. This is a scavenger hunt where you find all themed trees and return a map for a special surprise.
Jock Lindsay’s Holiday Bar – The Hanger Bar transforms into a holiday bar with cheerful décor and themed drinks and snacks.
meet santa claus – Once Upon a Toy at Disney Springs hosts Big Man himself for kids and families to take pictures and share holiday wishes.
gingerbread display: One of the best experiences, whether you stay at the hotel or not, is to see the resort hotel’s iconic gingerbread display. Look for displays and gingerbread treats at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Beach Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn, Contemporary Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the American Adventure Rotunda at Epcot World Showcase.
Buy your Walt Disney World Resort park tickets and see holiday details at DisneyWorld.com.
