It’s finally the best time of the year…the Holidays! Whether it’s the festive decorations, delicious treats, or time spent with loved ones, the holiday season is simply magical. Celebrating the holidays at Disney World makes them even more special. Throughout all of Disney World, from November until December, there are decorations, merchandise, seasonal dining, and special events to spread cheer during the festive season.
Everything to See and Do when Celebrating the Holidays at Disney World!
Holidays Inside the Disney World Theme Parks
Nothing quite compares to the Holiday magic inside of of the Disney World theme parks. All of them boast festive decorations, seasonal merchandise, and tasty treats to enjoy. Look out for unique seasonal offerings inside of each park.
Magic Kingdom:
- Frozen Holiday Surprise: Watch your favorite Frozen characters in front of Cinderella’s Castle in this new show for the 2023 holiday season.
- Jingle Cruise: Take a ride of the famous Jungle Cruise attraction, but with some extra holiday spirit!
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: On select nights in November and December, enjoy lower crowds, a special parade and fireworks show, festive characters, and even snow on Main Street during this separate ticketed event.
EPCOT:
- Christmas Storytelling: Listen to traditional Christmas stories all throughout World Showcase.
- Meet Santa: Meet and greet with Santa in the Odyssey Pavilion.
- Living with the Land Holiday Overlay: The Greenhouses in this classic attraction transform with lights and other decorations for the holiday season.
- International Festival of the Holidays: Learn about holiday traditions around World Showcase while enjoying traditional food and drinks.
- Candlelight Processional: Marvel at celebrity narrators, an orchestra, and choir tell the story of Christmas on select nights at the American Gardens Theatre in the America Pavilion. Dining packages are available for a guaranteed seat for this popular event.
Animal Kingdom:
- Merry Menagerie: Stumble upon specialty puppets of arctic animals as they enhance Discovery Island for the Holiday season.
- Tree of Life Awakenings- Holiday Edition: Enjoy the holiday edition of the classic light and music show of the parks icon.
- Seasonally Dressed Character Meet and Greet: Meet Mickey and Minnie is their holiday outfits at Adventurer’s Outpost.
Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s:
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Sing-along to a holiday themed finale that has been added to this popular show.
- Sunset Season Greetings: Watch festive projections on the Hollywood Tour Hotel.
- Minnie’s Holiday Dine: Book advanced reservations to dine with Minnie and her friends in their seasonal attire at Hollywood & Vine.
- Toy Story Land Holiday Attire: Interact with festive Toy Story characters under extra large Christmas lights.
- Jollywood Nights: Admire decorations, eat delicious snacks, say hello to characters, and enjoy entertainment areas all with lower crowds and wait times.
Holidays Outside of the Disney World Theme Parks
The holidays at Disney World are magical even outside of the theme park. There are spectacular decorations all over the entire resort and special festivities to evoke your holiday spirit.
Disney Springs:
- Festive Entertainment: Encounter street performers, live music, and even meet Santa.
- Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll: Enjoy finding all of the elaborately themed trees throughout all of Disney Springs.
- Snow: Spot snow falling in Town Center in the evenings!
- Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar: Eat-up delicious new foods all while admiring beautiful holiday decor.
Disney World Resort Hotels:
- Decorations: Stare in awe of elaborate gingerbread creations and towering Christmas trees.
- Holiday Treats: Look out for special snacks specific to the holiday season!
- Whispering Canyon Cafe: Reserve a lunch or dinner reservation at this quirky family-style restaurant located in the Wilderness Lodge for a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach:
- Daily Snowfall: Keep an eye out for some extra snow falling from the sky at this already winter-themed water park.
- See Santa: Spot Santa dressed in his vacation attire.
