The ABSOLUTE Holiday Guide to Holidays at Disney World!

Experience the magic of the holidays at Disney World like never before! Each park, resort, and even Disney Springs comes alive with festive cheer, offering something unique for every guest. From parades and parties to delicious seasonal treats, this guide will help you navigate everything Disney has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.

When does Disney World start celebrating the holidays?

The holidays at Disney World typically kick off in early November and last through the first week of January. Specific events and parties, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, begin on November 8th and continue until December 30th. Each park and resort has its own schedule, so planning ahead is essential to maximize your experience.

What special events happen at Magic Kingdom during the holidays?

Magic Kingdom transforms into a holiday wonderland, offering a mix of festive decorations, seasonal shows, and exclusive events.

Enjoying the festive holiday magic under the giant Christmas tree at the entrance of Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

The highlight of the season is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event that runs on select nights from November 8th to December 20th.

Mickey Mouse spreading holiday cheer during Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, with the glittering Magic Kingdom Christmas tree as the perfect backdrop.

This event features “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” where beloved Disney characters, including Santa Claus, march down Main Street USA in their festive attire. The night culminates in “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show,” lighting up the skies with dazzling displays and classic holiday music.

Sparkling fireworks light up the night sky during Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, with Cinderella Castle glowing in festive projections.

Seasonal overlays add an extra touch of magic to several attractions. Jungle Cruise becomes the “Jingle Cruise,” filled with holiday-themed puns, while Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, and Tomorrowland Speedway get festive makeovers with lights and music. Guests can also enjoy free holiday cookies, cocoa and cider at treat stations throughout the park.

A festive treat to sweeten the night! Enjoy complimentary treats like this cider and a buttercream-frosted green sprinkle cookie during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Main Street USA is a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and magical snowfall. PhotoPass photographers offer holiday-themed photo opportunities, including Magic Shots and step-in frames. Rare characters like Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas join Mickey and Minnie in their holiday outfits for meet and greets, adding to the festive fun.

Chrissa and Noah meeting Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Jack’s festive Santa outfit adds a spooky touch to the holiday fun!

Throughout the night, you can enjoy live entertainment, such as the “Frozen Holiday Surprise” featuring Olaf and the cast of Frozen. Dance parties like “Jingle Junior Jam” at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe keep the energy high, while the “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show brings together Disney characters and performers for a medley of holiday songs.

Olaf and the cast of Frozen bring the holiday spirit to life during the enchanting Frozen Holiday Surprise at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

What holiday experiences are at Hollywood Studios?

A festive Gertie the Dinosaur cookie paired with creamy green ice cream—a holiday treat you can’t miss at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Jollywood Nights

Hollywood Studios offers a glamorous take on the holiday season with dazzling decor and festive entertainment. This year introduces Jollywood Nights, a separately ticketed event running from November 9th through December 21st. This party features unique entertainment, including the new “Glisten!” ice skating show, where performers dazzle audiences with routines set to a holiday soundtrack. The Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club offers a swing-inspired celebration near the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

Step back in time at the Twilight Soirée in the Tip Top Club, featuring a dazzling singer in a sparkly gown and a lively jazz band.

Around the park, Sunset Boulevard sparkles with lights, and magical snowfall creates a dreamy atmosphere. In Echo Lake, guests can find characters like Phineas and Ferb, Santa Duffy, and Panchito and Jose from The Three Caballeros. Over 20 character meet-and-greet opportunities are available, including Mickey and Minnie in their festive outfits.

Mickey and Minnie showing off their stunning new festive outfits, bringing glamour and cheer to Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Special holiday overlays and shows add extra cheer. Pixar Plaza hosts a dance party with Edna Mode, Joy, and Frozone, while the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along at the Hyperion Theater lets fans sing along with Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie.

Oogie Boogie steals the spotlight during the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along at Disney's Hollywood Studios—a spooky holiday treat!

The evening wraps up with the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” nighttime spectacular at the Chinese Theater, combining fireworks, projections, and music.

The grand finale of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! lights up the sky during Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, spreading holiday cheer.

What is EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays?

Spaceship Earth shines like a winter wonderland, illuminated with snowflake projections during EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays.

At EPCOT, the International Festival of the Holidays is the centerpiece of the season and is included with your park admission from November 29th to December 30th. This festival celebrates holiday traditions from around the world, bringing together cultural storytelling, seasonal treats, and festive entertainment.

Père Noël, the French version of Santa Claus, sharing holiday tales and traditions during EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays.

Throughout the World Showcase, holiday storytellers share legends and lore from their respective countries, providing a fascinating glimpse into global traditions.

A traditional lion dancer captivating the crowd with an energetic performance in the China Pavilion during EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays.

Guests can indulge in festive dishes and beverages at Holiday Kitchens located throughout the park. The Cookie Stroll is a family-friendly favorite, where guests can collect stamps by purchasing five cookies from participating locations to earn a special prize.

Festive treats from EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays, including a red velvet cake with buttercream, a classic gingerbread man, and the iconic Spaceship Earth cookie sandwich.

Rides like Living with the Land and Journey into Imagination with Figment receive festive updates, such as the dazzling light displays in the Glimmering Greenhouses and Figment’s adorable holiday sweater. Guests can also spot characters like Pooh Bear in a Santa hat or catch Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt across the park.

The Glimmering Greenhouses come alive with dazzling holiday lights, transforming Living with the Land into a magical Christmas display at EPCOT.

Even the attractions shine with holiday cheer. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind features a holiday-themed soundtrack, and Spaceship Earth is transformed into a Beacon of Magic, displaying stunning visuals like the Northern Lights and glowing candles. The Candlelight Processional at the American Gardens Theater is a must-see event, where celebrity narrators tell the story of Christmas alongside a choir and orchestra.

A breathtaking moment from the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT’s American Gardens Theater, featuring a celebrity narrator and a choir telling the story of Christmas.

What special holiday offerings are at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

A magical moment as the Merry Menagerie puppeteers bring a life-sized polar bear puppet to life, delighting a family in front of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom brings a nature-inspired approach to the holidays, offering unique seasonal experiences. Starting on November 12th, the Merry Menagerie puppeteers delight guests near the Tree of Life with whimsical animal puppets, including penguins, polar bears, and reindeer.

This year introduces a Santa Claus meet-and-greet at Restaurantosaurus in Dinoland USA, available until December 24th. Guests can also meet Mickey and Minnie in their holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost or watch festive flotillas glide through the park’s waterways, featuring Disney characters in holiday attire.

Celebrate the season with Mickey and Minnie in their festive adventure-themed holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost in Animal Kingdom.

As night falls, the Tree of Life Awakening show captivates guests with vibrant projections and music, bringing the holiday spirit to life in a dazzling display.

The Tree of Life Awakens with stunning holiday projections, featuring vibrant flowers and a cascading waterfall in a magical forest scene.

What can you experience at Disney Springs during the holidays?

The Disney+ Tree adds a festive touch to Disney Springs, standing tall in front of the World of Disney store.

Disney Springs is a shopper’s paradise during the holidays, offering festive decorations, entertainment, and unique activities. The Christmas Tree Stroll is a highlight, with beautifully themed trees inspired by Disney movies and franchises like Star Wars and Pixar. Guests can enjoy magical snowfall as they explore, accompanied by live music and entertainment.

For a fun treat, Jack Lindey’s Holiday Bar transforms into a festive spot with seasonal decor and themed menu items. Disney Springs also features exclusive shopping opportunities, perfect for finding holiday gifts for Disney fans.

Are there holiday activities at Disney’s Resort Hotels?

The holiday magic extends to Disney’s Resort Hotels, where each hotel is decorated with its own themed Christmas tree. Resort-hopping to see the decorations is free and a fun activity for families.

Gingerbread displays are a must-see, with notable creations at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary Resort, and Beach Club. The Grand Floridian’s life-sized gingerbread house even doubles as a bakery, offering delicious holiday treats for purchase.

Is there a holiday-themed runDisney event?

A Run Disney medal that doubles as a festive Christmas tree ornament, perfect for celebrating the season and your achievements.

For running enthusiasts, the runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas offers a festive way to stay active. Participants complete three 4K races between December 1st and December 31st, earning a medal for each race, as well as a challenge medal for completing all three. The medals also double as holiday ornaments, adding an extra touch of magic.

Disney World offers an unforgettable holiday experience with something for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying festive parties, indulging in seasonal treats, or marveling at spectacular decorations, the holidays at Disney World are truly magical.

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