Walt Disney World is extra magical at Christmastime and this year will be no exception! We are super excited for all the tried and true Christmas favorites returning to the park. But, lets face it, we’re always excited about something new! This years adds more overlays across the parks, brings back the new holiday lineup for Animal Kingdom and introduces even more festive snacks. Check out the list of what’s new at Walt Disney World for Christmas! We’ll be updating this through the holiday season!
What’s New at Walt Disney World for Christmas
As the holiday fast approaches, there is so much to look forward to! To get you started here are ways to beat the Disney Holiday Crowds, so that your vacation can stay magical. Christmas activities begin the second week of November in most all the parks and resorts. Check out our post on the Best Time to Visit Disney World during the holidays.
New things at Animal Kingdom for Christmas
You can see life sized puppets, rooftop luminaries, bird lanterns and more to give you that wintry feeling at Animal Kingdom for the holidays. Here are all the things that are returning this year and a few new things to add to the mix!
- Diwali, India’s holiday Festival of Lights returns as part of the Up! A Great Bird Adventure show.
- Wintry Tales on the Tree of Life showcase woodland animals, a holiday music score and shimmering magical scenes that honor nature and the spirit of the holidays.
- Holiday Hoopla Dance Party in Dinoland USA brings together our favorite ducks and characters to holiday tunes.
- African Holiday Music and Performances in Harambe.
- Holiday Dining at Tusker House means the restaurant and the characters are gonna get a little more festive!
- And peruse the Kitschy Holiday Decor landing at base camp in Pandora near Pongu Pongu.
New things at Hollywood Studios for Christmas
Hollywood Studios at Christmas is one of our favorite parks to visit. In addition to everything new you also get that feeling of an old time holiday! Read more about why we think you must visit Hollywood Studios for the Holidays.
- Olaf’s special Holiday Finale will be featured in the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along as part of the show overlay for the holidays.
- Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun returns featuring all of our favorite staples for the holidays including Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime spectacular, Sunset Seasons Greetings, snowfall on Sunset Boulevard and amazing holiday themed treats!
- The Toy Story Land Christmas Overlay. The overlay features holiday tunes streaming on Alien Swirling Saucers, jingle bell sounds on Slinky Dog Dash and Woody, Buzz and Jesse in some spruced up holiday wear. Plus a 10 foot tall Hamm sugar cookie. Be on the lookout! Toy Story Land will also get decorated with popcorn strung around the place in classic Christmas fashion.
- Sunset Greetings gets a face lift with new laser effects as part of the snowfall, moving billboard, show on Tower of Terror extravaganza.
- Plus for the littles you can check out the new Meet and Greet with Vampirina in animation courtyard and the new Disney Junior Dance Party.
Christmas at Magic Kingdom
Dream Lights on Cinderellas Castle and decorations galore are included in admission. But, if you want to get even more merry, grab a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and watch the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Almost everything new for Christmas this year happens at the Christmas Party. But be sure to check out all the new Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise as some items will be in the shops, even outside of party times.
- New Tomorrowland Speedway Overlay. Gear up for some new lights, festive music and decor as you speed through the holiday speedway.
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Holiday Show. Only during the Christmas Party, you’ll be able to see new holiday visitors to the Laugh Floor.
- Space Mountain Overlay. Get into the spirit with festive songs and holidays lights popping up throughout this coaster!
- The Mad Tea Party Teacups also get a new feeling with holiday music and lights, perfect for a wacky Christmas Party.
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, featuring Minnie Mouse herself will combine all new fireworks with the songs you know and love! Plan to sing along to Joy to the World, Deck the Halls to Up on the House Top and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
- You can also catch a new a capella group of singers taking over the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas stage during the Christmas Party.
- And check out new treats at the Christmas Party including some Wreck it Ralph specialties.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,
- A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show
- A Frozen Holiday Wish stage show
If you’re looking for a special event to make it extra merry, grab a reservation at Tony’s. Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party comes complete with special viewing of the Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade. New foods and special seating comes to the tune of 99 dollars a ticket and only available during party nights.
New things at Epcot for Christmas
- Holiday Storytellers across the World Showcase featuring stories in each of the 11 pavilions at Epcot.
- Chip and Dales Christmas Tree Spree Scavenger Hunt Game returns to give you a little reason to hang out in each country! New prizes and game board await!
- Be sure to grab a Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree map if you’re bringing the kids. A new game and prizes await!
- Guests can experience a brand new Holiday Cookie Stroll complete with cookie stamps you can collect along the way. Read all the details here. Those who finish the cookie stroll will get a special cookie and milk as a “prize.”
- New presenters at the Candlelight Processional arrive this year. The Candlelight Processional will be Nov 29- Dec 30, 2019. Be sure to check out the Disney site for all the celebrity presenters.
- If you’re heading to the International Festival of Holidays be sure to grab all the new foods that will be popping up in the kitchens. Check out our Beginners Guide to the Festival of Holidays.
Christmas at Disney Springs
Christmas at Disney Springs runs the second week in November through the first week in January. And has loads of holiday happenings you don’t need to step foot in the parks to experience.
- The Christmas Tree Trail has 27 themed trees, including new Christmas tree additions like Toy Story and Star Wars, plus Haunted Mansion and a vintage Mickey and Minnie tree.
- Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers, Living Statues in holiday attire, strolling carolers and more join the live entertainment at Disney Springs to kick the Christmas Spirit up a notch.
- Santa’s Chalet. Join Santa Clause himself to share your Christmas list. Santa Goofy takes Ol’ Saint Nicks place from Dec 25- 31.
- Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt gets you coupons and some scavenger hunt shopping fun.
- Plus be sure to check out the newly renovated World of Disney shop, and all the new holiday merchandise.
Christmas at the Walt Disney World Resorts
Be sure to check out all the happenings at Disney Resorts at Christmas. The Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian is a fan favorite. And we’ll be adding loads of new things as they arrive at the Disney Resorts this season.
What’s New at Walt Disney World for Christmas?
So there you have it! Everything happening at Walt Disney World for Christmas this year. So far! Let us know your favorites for the holidays at Disney!
Super happy to see that Animal Kingdom is having new activities and features, It was kind of sad for AK to be left along during christmas time!
Yes we are super excited to see the additions to Animal Kingdom this year! It’s such a beautiful park, and I’m sure it will be even more stunning at Christmas!