Hi, I’m Katie! Are you new here? Welcome!
I’m a travel advisor with The Magic’s Yours Travel and I send clients on vacations of all kinds all over the world. My specialty is Disney travel!
Want to work together? Please check out my website katievtravel.com to request a vacation quote or email me at katiev@themagicsyours.com with any questions. I’d love to make your vacation dreams a reality!
There’s something special about every season at Walt Disney World, but the holiday season just might be the most magical of all. From mid-November through New Year’s, the parks transform into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights, joyful music, and holiday cheer around every corner. I absolutely love visiting during this time of year, it feels like pure Disney magic on a whole new level.
All the regular attractions and entertainment are still in full swing, but with so many extra seasonal offerings layered in. To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my guide to what you can expect at Disney World during the Christmas season!
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom truly shines during the holiday season with festive touches around every corner. The park is decked out in stunning decorations, from garlands on Main Street, U.S.A. to a massive, sparkling Christmas tree at the entrance. Each evening, Elsa and friends from Frozen bring extra magic with the Frozen Holiday Surprise, a special show where they light up Cinderella Castle in dazzling fashion. The castle also features rotating seasonal projections after dark, adding a festive glow to the night. The Jungle Cruise transforms with festive décor, a playful seasonal storyline, and pun-filled holiday jokes when it becomes the Jingle Cruise. During the week of Christmas itself, guests can also catch the full holiday parade that typically only appears during after-hours events. Be sure to try some of the seasonal food offerings too, from peppermint treats to festive desserts and limited-time snacks you’ll only find this time of year. You can even meet Santa!
EPCOT – Festival of the Holidays
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is a celebration of global holiday traditions, and it’s one of the most festive ways to experience the season at Disney World. Throughout World Showcase, you’ll find Holiday Storytellers sharing seasonal tales from their countries, and live performances like the JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season gospel and R&B show adding to the cheerful atmosphere. A highlight of the season is the Candlelight Processional, a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, backed by a full choir and orchestra. Foodies will love the holiday kitchens, booths serving seasonal bites and beverages from around the world, as well as the popular Cookie Stroll, where you can collect stamps and earn a sweet treat at the end. Families can take part in a festive scavenger hunt around World Showcase, snap a photo with Santa himself, and enjoy the sparkling Spaceship Earth light show that changes with the season. Don’t miss the Glittering Greenhouses version of Living with the Land where the gardens are full of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays makes EPCOT a truly magical stop during the holidays.
Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios captures the nostalgic magic of the holidays with retro-inspired décor throughout the park, transporting guests to a classic Hollywood Christmas. Each evening, Sunset Seasons Greetings lights up the Hollywood Tower Hotel with festive projections featuring Mickey, Olaf, and other favorite characters. Over in Toy Story Land, guests will find Woody, Buzz, and friends dressed in their holiday best complete with scarves, antlers, and seasonal accessories. For a festive character meal, Hollywood & Vine offers Minnie’s Holiday Dine, where characters appear in special holiday outfits and the restaurant is filled with seasonal cheer. Guests can also meet Santa for a photo op, adding a classic touch to the day. Be sure to sample the seasonal foods and sweet treats available throughout the park, perfect for fueling a day full of holiday fun and Hollywood glamour.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom offers a unique and heartwarming take on the holiday season, blending nature and celebration in beautiful ways. The park is adorned with handcrafted, nature-inspired decorations, including a stunning Christmas tree at the entrance decorated with animal-themed ornaments. One of the most charming seasonal touches is the Merry Menagerie at Discovery Island, where talented puppeteers bring life-sized, winter-themed animal puppets to life, creating magical interactions for guests of all ages. Mickey and Minnie greet guests in festive holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost, and you can also meet Santa himself for a cheerful photo opportunity. As night falls, the Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition lights up the park with a stunning projection show featuring wintry scenes and heartfelt music, making Animal Kingdom a peaceful and beautiful place to celebrate the season.
Disney’s Hotels
The magic of the holidays doesn’t stop at the parks! Disney Resort hotels go all out with festive experiences and décor that make your stay even more special. Each resort is beautifully decorated to match its unique theme, from rustic charm at Wilderness Lodge to tropical cheer at the Polynesian. Some of the most stunning holiday highlights are the elaborate gingerbread displays at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and BoardWalk resorts, complete with sweet treats you can purchase on the spot. Throughout the day, many resorts offer special holiday-themed activities like crafts, games, and cookie decorating, plus limited-time holiday snacks and desserts at quick service locations. In the evenings, you can cozy up for Movies Under the Stars with holiday classics playing outside. For an extra dose of seasonal cheer, guests can book a festive sleigh ride at Port Orleans Riverside or Fort Wilderness, perfect for making holiday memories outside the parks.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a must-visit during the holiday season, offering festive fun without a park ticket. One of the highlights is the Christmas Tree Stroll, where elaborately themed trees inspired by Disney movies and characters are spread throughout the area making it a fun (and free!) holiday scavenger hunt. Guests can also meet Santa Claus at his seasonal location, perfect for capturing a memorable holiday photo. For a grown-up twist on the festivities, head to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, where the popular hangout gets a merry makeover with whimsical decorations, a special seasonal menu, and festive cocktails. With live entertainment, shopping, and delicious holiday treats around every corner, Disney Springs is a great place to soak up the Christmas spirit. You may even see some “snow” in Florida!
Water Parks
Even Disney’s water parks get in on the holiday fun! Blizzard Beach features extra seasonal touches during the holidays, bringing festive cheer to its snowy, ski-resort theme. Guests can meet Santa in his tropical best, trading in his sleigh for a sun-soaked setting, and enjoy occasional snowfall that adds a touch of winter magic to the warm Florida air. It’s a fun and unexpected way to celebrate the season while still soaking up the sun and splashing through your day.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed after-hours event at Magic Kingdom, held on select nights in November and December. This festive celebration offers exclusive entertainment you won’t find during regular park hours, including Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, featuring marching toy soldiers, dancing reindeer, and magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can also enjoy Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, lively stage performances, and special character meet-and-greets with rarely seen Disney friends dressed in their holiday best, for example Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, and the Seven Dwarfs. The event also includes complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at treat stations throughout the park, plus limited-time holiday snacks available for purchase. With lower crowds, festive overlays, and a cheerful atmosphere, it’s one of the most magical ways to celebrate the season at Walt Disney World.
Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
Disney Jollywood Nights is a stylish, separately ticketed holiday event at Hollywood Studios that brings glitz, glamour, and festive fun. Perfect for adult groups looking for a more sophisticated holiday celebration. Held on select nights in November and December, this limited-capacity after-hours party offers an atmosphere of vintage Hollywood charm and holiday joy. Guests can enjoy themed entertainment like the Holiday Fiesta en la Calle starring Miguel from Coco and jazzy musical acts at The Hollywood Brown Derby, along with special stage shows such as Disney Holidays in Hollywood at the Theater of the Stars lead my Kermit and Miss Piggy. Unique photo ops, dazzling decor, and rare character sightings, like Duffy and Santa Stitch, make this event extra special. Specialty cocktails and elevated holiday bites are available throughout the park, making it a great evening for foodies. Guests can also experience shorter wait times on select attractions and enjoy a festive nighttime atmosphere filled with lights, music, and sparkle. With its swanky vibe and entertainment geared toward an older crowd, Jollywood Nights is an excellent choice for couples, friend groups, and adult Disney fans looking to celebrate the season in style.
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is truly a magical time filled with unforgettable experiences, festive celebrations, and special moments for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re dreaming of sparkling decorations, unique holiday entertainment, or seasonal treats, there’s something to make your trip extra special. As a travel agent who knows all the ins and outs of Disney’s holiday offerings, I’d love to help you plan your perfect festive getaway, tailored to your needs and wishes. Contact me to start planning your magical holiday vacation today!
I’m a travel advisor and would love to work with you!
Check out my website katievtravel.com to request a vacation quote or email me at katiev@themagicsyours.com with any questions.
I’d love to make your vacation dreams a reality!
Katie Vassalotti - Travel Advisor - Travel Blog 