Christmas at Disney World Beginners Guide

If you’re planning Christmas at Disney World, there are a few things you should know about the most wonderful time of year at the most magical place on Earth. Never mind about the Disney crowds, the high expectations, and the Florida cold. What about all the other stuff that you can only do at Disney World during Christmas time?

From special parties, snow on Main Street, Christmas snacks, the Festival of Holidays, Santa Claus, and more, there is SO MUCH to do for Christmas at Walt Disney World. In this guide we’ll break down what you can do throughout the season, and in each park. Plus cover decorations, Christmas dinner, and what you can find at Disney Springs and the Resorts too. So what can you expect if you’re visiting Walt Disney World this Christmas? Let’s go. 

Christmas at Disney World Dates

Christmas at Disney World officially starts the first Friday in November, with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and across the rest of the parks and resorts the third week in November. However, you can see the Christmas decorations begin to arrive as early as the day after Halloween! So on top of their game, if you’re visiting Walt Disney World on October 31st for Halloween, you’ll be amazed to see the parks dressed up for Christmas the following morning. Christmas Decorations start arriving by November 3rd, with the rest of the holiday details in the parks and resorts by the week of Thanksgiving. 

Is Walt Disney World Open on Christmas Day?

Yes. Walt Disney World is open 365 days a year. And on Christmas Day, you can see the holiday entertainment typically reserved for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade happens at Magic Kingdom along with special shows and fireworks.

Christmas at Disney World Crowds

Disney World during Christmas is one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World. It can also sometimes be the busiest and most expensive. Luckily, you have options if you are looking for the best time to visit Disney for the Holidays. 

What are the Best Times to Visit Disney World at Christmas?

• November 1- 21: Weekdays. Minus Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Week
• December 1- 17: Weekdays. Minus Christmas Week and New Year’s Eve

The best dates to visit Walt Disney World for Christmas fall in the early part of November and the early part of December. If you are choosing the Early November dates, know that Christmas Decorations at Walt Disney World typically go up the third week in November. You can expect Christmas Decorations at Walt Disney World to be up across the parks and resorts the week of  November 11th.

What are the Busiest days during Christmas at Disney World?

Christmas at Disney World is busiest during the Week of Christmas as most locals, and vacationing families pour into the parks. This is most true for Magic Kingdom, which features extra Christmas entertainment, you can’t typically get outside of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Weekends are second busiest.

Christmas at Disney World Decorations

Christmas Decorations at Walt Disney World usually go up the 2nd or 3rd week of November and typically stay up all the way through the first week in January. They include decorations across the parks, like Mickey Wreaths, the Christmas projection show on Cinderella’s Castle, kitschy Holiday Decorations at Hollywood Studios, and earthy Animal-themed ornaments at Animal Kingdom. And even Disney Springs gets all decked out for the holidays. You can also find Christmas Decorations at Disney Resorts that typically show up around the second or third week of November. 

Christmas at Disney World Parties

If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World this Christmas you have the option to add even more holiday cheer to your itinerary. While these events are not included in your park tickets, perks like fewer crowds in the parks and exclusive entertainment may make them excellent choices for your Christmas at Disney World vacation. Both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios on select nights give you ample things to do during this time of year.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

The Christmas party at Magic Kingdom is known as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, or MVMCP, and offers exclusive snacks, merchandise, and complimentary cookies and cocoa throughout the evening. This nighttime event also includes the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, which can only be seen at the party, unless you’re visiting Disney World for Christmas Week. Check out our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Guide for details, dates, activities, and ticket prices. 

Disney Jollywood Nights Christmas Party at Hollywood Studios 

The holiday party for Christmas at Hollywood Studios, is Disney’s Jollywood Nights, adding a bit of glitz and glamour to the evening. This limited-capacity event promises fewer crowds at this evening party. There is exclusive entertainment, such as the Latin Festival on Commissary Lane, and Kermit and Miss Piggy’s Variety Show featuring loads of Disney characters on stage. Check out the Disney Jollywood Nights Christmas Party page and the complete Jollywood Nights Foodie Guide for details, dates, ticket prices and menus.

Christmas at Disney World Meet Santa Claus 

You can find Santa Claus across Walt Disney World and in Disney Springs for the holidays. And this is in addition to the international Santas you can see at the World Showcase in EPCOT. Check out all the places to Meet Santa Claus at Disney World this year. 

Christmas at Disney World Events

From the Festival of Holidays at EPCOT to Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios and Santa Claus Meet and Greets, there is plenty to do for the holidays at Disney World. Wondering what seasonal events at WDW you an look forward to? We’re sharing our Christmas at Disney World events Checklist so you can get an overview of what to see in each park during your holiday visit. Here we’re going to break down the events by each park. 

Christmas at Disney World Magic Kingdom

If you’re looking forward to a Magic Kingdom Christmas, look no further! considered to be one of the best Disney Parks for Christmas, you can find decorations around every corner, cheerful and festive Disney Christmas snacks, special entertainment, and holiday merchandise. Here is a snapshot of what’s happening at Magic Kingdom for the Holidays. 

Magic Kingdom Christmas Decorations

One of the best parts of Christmas at Walt Disney World is the decorations. And at Magic Kingdom, you can find Mickey wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees. Main Street USA in particular is known for its Toy Soldier display and the Town Square Christmas Tree. 

Frozen Holiday Surprise

A Brand New Christmas Show at Magic Kingdom has arrived! Frozen Holiday Surprise is a “Frozen”-inspired show that will illuminate the castle in a whole new way. Guests will be able to see Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle. Available during regular park hours and during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Cinderella Castle Holiday Projection Show

Beautiful digital projections cover Cinderella’s Castle with holiday designs throughout the evenings at Magic Kingdom. You can see gorgeous blues and golds, reds and greens, and even a fair isle sweater print pattern that shows up on the castle during this evening’s projection show. It loops every 15 minutes, so you’re sure to see gorgeous colors all evening long. Since it is dependent on nighttime lighting, this show is not offered on nights that Mickey’s Christmas Party is offered. Be sure to double-check park times before planning your Magic Kingdom Day so that you can choose a day without the party. 

Main Street Philharmonic and the Toy Soldier March

Adding a little holiday cheer throughout Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Philharmonic marching band and Toy Soldiers take to the streets throughout the day playing holiday music. The best view of this show is centered on Main Street, with Cinderella’s Castle in the background. 

Holiday Trolley featuring the Dapper Dans

A staple in Magic Kingdom, the Dapper Dans, take to Main Street in their Christmas best. Courtesy of the Main Street Trolley singing songs with tidings of comfort and joy. Be sure to stop and listen for your favorite Christmas songs by this talented group!

Jingle Cruise on the Jungle Cruise

A fan favorite, Jingle Cruise returns every holiday season to Walt Disney World to add a little holiday cheer to the Jungle Cruise. With Holiday decorations, stories, and jokes, this 10 minute boat ride should be on your holiday must-do list. 

The Christmas Shoppe

Available all year round The Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom debuts all the new Christmas ornaments and decor items as soon as the holiday season arrives. Be sure to stop by the shop to see the new seasonal merchandise. Throughout the season, you can also see Santa Claus at the gazebo just behind the The Christmas Shoppe. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party happens only in Magic Kingdom and features the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Mot Merriest Celebration, and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. This is an annual event. This party requires a special ticket and allows you access to the parks at 4 pm, ahead of the 7 pm party start time. A traditional event for families, this party features music, snacks, special entertainment, merchandise, and more.

Christmas Week at Magic Kingdom

Beginning after the last day of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can see previously exclusive entertainment at Magic Kingdom for Christmas.  And includes some amazing holiday fun if you’re up for battling the Christmas crowds at Disney World. 

• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: This holiday stage show featuring Mickey and Friends on the Cinderella Castle Stage is offered  through Christmas Week. Before that, it’s only available at the Christmas Party. 
• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show: The Christmas Fireworks at Magic Kingdom are typically only available at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. But, for Christmas Week, you can see these fireworks in the evening. Truly magical at Christmastime. 
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: While this parade is only available at MVMCP through the season, on Christmas Week you can see this parade daily at Magic Kingdom. Complete with Santa Claus and “Snow” on Main Street. 

Christmas at Disney World Animal Kingdom

Christmas at Animal Kingdom is wonderful. It’s lower key than the other parks, offering cute marionette animals, and the Holiday edition of Tree of Life. Check out everything you can do at Animal Kingdom for the holidays. 

Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition

On select evenings throughout the season, Animal Kingdom stays open later, for nighttime entertainment. As a result, The Tree of Life at Walt Disney World gets dressed up for the holidays with a new lighting show in the evenings. This holiday edition features adorable winter animals crawling all over the tree in a winter-themed digital projection show that shares stories of the seasons. This show loops every 10 minutes. Be sure to stop and watch!

Merry Menagerie Polar Puppets and Animal Marionettes

As part of the fun, Animal Kingdom puppeteers take to the streets throughout Animal Kingdom to share beautiful larger animal marionettes to help ring in the holiday season. Reindeer, Penguins, Bears, and more show up throughout the season.

Meet Mickey and Minnie for Christmas

Head to Adventurer’s Outpost for a photo op with Mickey and Minnie in their holiday best. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App for times.  

Holidays in Pandora

Pandora World of Avatar gets dressed up just like the rest of the park through the holidays! With draped greens, ornaments, and random things that look like ornaments, this is a fun part of the park to explore during the festive season. 

Christmas at Disney World EPCOT Park

Traveling to EPCOT for Christmas is always a good idea. Filled with cultural cuisine, decorations, new Christmas Snacks, and holiday entertainment. You truly won’t find these Disney World Christmas Events anywhere else. And since the EPCOT Festival of Holidays is included with your park ticket, no additional ticket is required.  

Epcot’s International Festival of Holidays

Epcot’s International Festival of Holidays offers more than just amazing cultural holiday cuisine across the World Showcase. With games, performances, merchandise, and festive foods, here is everything you can do for your EPCOT day at Walt Disney World.

• Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition: You can also play the Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition game, finding Olaf in each country via stickers on a map, and then collecting a special prize.
• Holiday Cookie Stroll: Take on the Holiday Cookie Stroll Challenge finding the 5 select dishes to try on your way to grabbing a foodie treat prize.
• Festival Kitchens One of our favorite reasons to visit EPCOT for Christmas is the food. With sweet and savory treats, mini meals, and festival drinks, not only can you enjoy, but also be inspired to make holiday food creations at home. Check out the Epcot Festival of Holidays Menus for a sneak peek of what to eat this season. 

Holiday Storytellers

Visiting with the Holiday Storytellers in each country is a wonderful way to learn the history of Santa, Christmas, and all the holiday stories from across the globe. Check out our complete Festival of Holidays Guide for all the details, and times.

• Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
• Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
• China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
• Italy Pavilion – La Befana
• Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
• Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
• France Pavilion – Père Noël
• United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
• Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

Holiday Music Performances

As part of the daily celebration for the holidays at EPCOT, music groups perform throughout the season. Featuring the Voices of Liberty, Mariachi Cobre, and Joyful! A Celebration of the Season and The Epcot Pianist, there is plenty to hear throughout the day to help get you in the holiday spirit.  

Candlelight Processional at EPCOT

The Candlelight Processional is a reading of the Nativity Story, accompanied by an orchestra, and choir, and is considered a must-do event for the holidays. Absolutely one of our favorite Christmas events at Disney World, be sure to add it to your holiday lineup.  Showtimes for the reading are 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m, and it lasts about 50 minutes. You can also grab a Candlelight Processional Dining Package for dinner and a guaranteed seat for the reading if you don’t want to wait in line.

Merry and Bright Nights on Living with the Land

Having a Walt Disney World Christmas means finding magical festive surprises around every corner. Luckily, you can add a little Christmas to your next boat ride through the Living with the Land ride at EPCOT. This holiday overlay adds Christmas lights and decorations throughout the ride, showcasing foods for the Festival of Holidays. Called Merry and Bright Nights, this ride is a Disney Christmas Must Do for the season. 

Christmas at Disney World Hollywood Studios

By far one of our favorite places to find Disney Christmas Decorations, Hollywood Studios brings in the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood, and the kitschy fun of the 50’s all at once. In addition to the extra ticketed event, Jollywood Nights, you can see Christmas across the park. With lights in Toy Story Land, and the most amazing holiday projection shows, here is everything you can do for your Christmas at Hollywood Studios at Disney World. 

Sunset Season’s Greetings on the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel 

This magical digital projection show lights up The Hollywood Tower Hotel with holiday scenes from our favorite stories that loop throughout the evening. Usually looped in 15-minute segments, this show starts at dusk, around 6:30 pm or so. Be sure to catch all the storylines through the night. You can see a  Snowy Arendelle, building blocks from Toy Story, and classic Victorian Christmas scenes from Mickey’s Christmas Carol. 

Flurry of Fun

Christmas at Hollywood Studios just wouldn’t be complete without snowflakes on Sunset Boulevard and Christmas Shorts on the Billboards. As part of this flurry of a fun experience, which is free and included in your park ticket, you can stroll the streets with your favorite Christmas snack and take in the season. 

Merry Motorcade with Santa Claus

Hollywood Studios is known for its cute cars cruising the streets. And during the holidays, you can see Santa Claus himself going for a drive throughout the day. 

For the First time in Forever Olaf’s Holiday Finale

This Sing-Along performance gets a holiday overlay in the form of Olaf’s Holiday Finale! A great way to take a break from the Florida weather, settle in to listen to the story of Frozen, and Let it Go!

Seasonal Performances

Filling the streets of Hollywood Studios, this season you can see Juggling Elves, sharing antics and shenanigans in the parks. As well as the brass group, the Holiday Spirit Band, and more holiday music for the season by Seasons Jukebox.

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine

If you’re looking to see Minnie and Friends dressed in their holiday best, you can snag a reservation at Hollywood and Vine for a buffet dinner and photo ops of Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Daisy. Buffet options include holiday fare like oven-roasted herbed chicken, carved beef tenderloin, seared salmon, spice-rubbed pork loin and a plant-based roasted mushroom-farro risotto, along with seasonal bread pudding, Mississippi mud pie and more. Reserve your table.

Toy Story Land Christmas Decorations

If you’re looking for evidence of the holidays in Andy’s Backyard you won’t be disappointed! Large Christmas Cookies, ornaments, gifts, and more can be found throughout Toy Story Land, and is worth a stroll. 

Christmas at Disney World Resorts

The Resorts at Walt Disney World all get dressed up for the festive season every year and offer some of the best Christmas decorations across the property. If you’re hoping to be in the middle of the action, check out our post on the Best Disney Resorts for Christmas.  Decorations begin showing up at Disney Resorts during the third week of November.

Where are the Gingerbread Displays at Disney World?

While every Disney Resort gets decorated to the resort theme, the Disney Deluxe Resorts get gingerbread displays! From lighthouses, to life size animals, and movable carousels, check out the Lifesize Gingerbread Displays across the resorts throughout the season.

Do All Disney Resorts Have Christmas Trees?

Yes. All Disney Resorts have a Christmas Tree in their resort lobby, with decorations to match the theme of the resort. Christmastime at Disney World covers all the parks, Disney Springs, and resorts. As such, you can expect to see Christmas Trees everywhere. While the Disney Deluxe Resorts have the most elaborate Signature Trees, that rise multiple stories, all other Disney Resorts have trees too. If visiting the Art of Animation Resort you can count on your favorite Disney character ornaments covering a Christmas Tree in the lobby. The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Christmas Tree is covered in fun island decor and bright Caribbean ornaments. 

Christmas at Disney World Disney Springs

One of the nice things about Disney during the holidays is the shopping at Disney Springs. Not only for exclusive Disney Parks merchandise but also for all the specialty shops throughout the complex.  It’s definitely worth the time! The whole place is decorated to the nines. They have festive treats and trees that showcase some of our favorite Disney films! So what happens at Disney Springs for Christmas?

Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs brings back the Christmas Tree eye candy this year with trees covering all four corners of the shopping center. Trees will be scattered throughout Disney Springs as part of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll Scavenger Hunt Game. Grab this game and coupon book at the Welcome Center and make a day of it!

Let it Snow Flurries

On select evenings at Disney Springs, you can experience snowfall for the season while you shop. Typically Fridays- Sundays throughout the season. 

Jock Lindsays Hangar Bar Holiday Takeover

Jock Lindsays Hangar Bar transforms into a festive playground of fun during the holiday season. Holiday menu items typically include a holiday capers wreath, egg nog drinks, and Christmas cake pops. This is a perfect holiday stop for Disney Adults. check out the Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Menu.

Disney’s Days of Christmas Shop

Open all year long, this Christmas store features the largest selection of Christmas items on Disney property! Including ornaments, decor, and more. Be sure to stop in and get your fill of all the new seasonal merchandise. 

Waterside Stage Holiday Music

As part of the Christmas festivities all season long you can hear Christmas music both recorded and live throughout the day at Disney Springs. Evenings and Weekends typically have local bands on the Waterside Stage, if you’re looking for live entertainment. 

Breakfast with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s Disney Springs 

Maria and Enzo’s in Disney Springs offers up a wonderful seasonal menu for the holidays, and Breakfast with Santa! One of the best Restaurants for Christmas at Disney World. After enjoying breakfast, guests will get to meet Santa. Children can share their holiday wishes with him and will receive a keepsake photo from their special meet and greet. Book Breakfast with Santa at Disney Springs. 

Meet Santa Claus 

No shopping center experience during Christmas would be complete without a visit to see Santa Claus. And at Disney Springs, you can find him throughout the season at Once Upon a Toy. 

Christmas at Disney World Snacks

Okay, we’ll admit that sometimes the Disney Christmas Snacks is the reason we visit Walt Disney World. Crazy, right? Not really, because there are so many snacks, no matter what you’re craving!  From gingerbread flavors, to cinnamon and peppermint, ringing in the holidays never tasted so good. So, whether you’re heading to the park or the resorts, or Disney Springs, take some time to try the treats! 

Christmas at Disney World Dinner

Celebrating Christmas in Disney World includes not only great Disney Christmas events, but also seasonal meals to try at the restaurants too! If you’re looking for somewhere to eat at Disney World for Christmas, then you have a few wonderful restaurants to choose from. While Christmas Dinner at Disney World is only offered at a few select restaurants, festive meals can be found across the parks and resorts.

Christmas at Disney World Outfits

If you have dreams of holiday matching shirts for Christmas at Walt Disney World. You’re in the right place! As our favorite time of year, you can bet we have loads of Disney Christmas Shirts in the shop! And some even honoring the parties and festivals too! Take a look at the all our best Disney Christmas Shirts and Outfits so you can have an extra jolly time on your holiday trip.  

Christmas at Disney World Review

There you have it! Everything you can do, expect, and plan for Disney at Christmas. From Christmas Crowds at Disney World to Christmas Decorations and Events for the Holidays at Disney Parks, hopefully, we’ve covered it all.  We hope you find Disney World at Christmas time to be as magical and festive as ours have been.