It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The holiday season is upon us, and it is no secret that celebrating all things Christmas at Disney is one of the highlights of the year. Walt Disney World during the holidays is, without a doubt, one of the BEST times of the year to visit. With so many things happening across the resort, we’ve lined up the top 10 “must do’s” so you don’t miss a thing.
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is back in all its holly jolly glory. After a 2-year hiatus and an After Hours version offered last year, Disney fans are delighted this popular event we know and love is back!
MVMCP kicks off on November 8th, the first of 24 party dates scheduled this year! Celebrate a Disney Christmas with special entertainment like “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, snow on Main Street U.S.A, and more! You’ll also find lots of characters out in the park wearing their holiday best, unlimited cookies and hot chocolate and elaborate decorations across the park. It’s fun for all ages! There is no better event to get everyone in the Christmas mood.
Event dates are selling out quickly. If you want to attend, you can purchase your tickets here.
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2. Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs
The Christmas Tree Trail is back this year at Disney Springs. Elaborately decorated and themed Christmas Trees are scattered all throughout Disney Springs for all to see and enjoy. Spend a few hours at Springs and find them all! They are absolutely gorgeous and fun to see. And because they are uniquely placed all throughout Disney Springs, it’s a bit of a scavenger hunt to find them. Enjoy this one with the whole family!
3. Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions of all across Walt Disney World. Taking place at the American Adventure Theater, this spectacular show completed with a full choir and orchestra tells the Christmas story narrated by different celebrity hosts throughout the season. This is one you don’t want to miss. It is absolutely beautiful and will remind everyone the reason for the season.
Showing three times daily, this is an extremely popular event, so seats fill up fast. While you can wait standby (the lines get very long!), you can also reserve a Dining Package at select EPCOT restaurants, guaranteeing you a seat. You can find those options here. Book fast, these usually go pretty quickly.
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4. “Snow” on Main Street and Sunset Boulevard
It’s hard to imagine finding “snow” in Florida, but it happens more than you know! Especially at Walt Disney World. There is truly nothing more magical than walking down Main Street U.S.A towards Cinderella Castle while it’s snowing. It’s a sight to see. Grab a snack and some hot cocoa and just take it all in!
During most of November and December, the “snow” happens predominantly during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, so you may not see much of it unless you attend the event. However, during the week between Christmas and New Years, the Magic Kingdom turns into a winter wonderland. All of the MVMCP entertainment is offered during that week for free , so everyone will get to enjoy the holiday festivities. You can also see “snow” on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios as well. Occurring nightly, “snow” will fall as the projection show displays on the Tower of Terror.
5. Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
If you are visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to stop by the Grand Floridian hotel to see the ginormous Gingerbread House that is built in the hotel lobby. Made from real ingredients, this life size house not only smells amazing, but is an actual shop that sells gingerbread goodies to all Guests. It is spectacular and worth the extra trip – it’s super easy if visiting Magic Kingdom. It’s just a quick monorail stop away.
The Gingerbread House is usually on display from mid-November through January 1. Dates have not yet been announced yet for 2022.
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6. Christmas Decorations at all WDW hotels
Have a day off from visiting the parks this holiday season? Be sure to take time to tour the magnificent hotel lobby’s; each one meticulously decorated and themed appropriate for each hotel. They are just as much an event as the parks themselves. And they deserve to be seen. One of my all-time favorite lobby’s is in the Destino Tower. The reflective golds and shimmering jewel tones are absolutely gorgeous – you definitely need to stop by! And let’s not forget the grand and magnificent Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s the epitome of all things Christmas.
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7. Christmas Trees at Each Park
Each theme park has its very own massive appropriately themed Christmas Tree at the entrance to the park, welcoming all who visit during the holiday season. It’s the perfect backdrop for your holiday family Christmas card. Find them in various locations – Animal Kingdom (right outside the entrance to the park), Hollywood Studios (sitting prominently in Echo Lake), Magic Kingdom (right in the center of Town Square as you enter the park) and EPCOT (perfectly centered to the entrance of the World Showcase). Each one is themed to match the theme park’s vibe. You won’t want to miss this photo op and taking some time to admire all of the detailed decorations.
8. Holiday Attraction Overlays (Jingle Cruise)
While Disney can’t change attractions overnight, they can decorate them to get into the holiday spirit. One of the best attraction holiday overlays at Walt Disney World is the Jungle Cruise (also known as the “Jingle Cruise”) for the holidays. The queue, the jokes, the boats and more all have a holiday twist that you can’t miss. It is one of the most popular attractions during the holidays – Disney fans can’t get enough of the corny, jingling jokes! Be sure to make this attraction a priority!
9. Vintage / Retro Christmas at Hollywood Studios
One of the very coolest Christmas vibes in all the parks is that found around Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios. Think old world Hollywood, retro and vintage – the decorations, music, and cocktails take you back to another time and place. It fits perfectly in this theme park. I could (and sometimes do) sit there all day long taking it in. It is a fan favorite and more loved each and every year.
10. Visit Santa Claus
What is Christmas without Santa Claus!? Be sure to stop by and visit him at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. Make sure you are ready to tell him what you want for Christmas – he’s keeping his list close by!
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