Visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season is even more magical than usual. There are decorations throughout all the parks and resorts, seasonal treats, and Christmas trees galore. However, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what holiday offerings are available, when they occur, and where they are located throughout the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Here is your guide to the holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.
Magic Kindom
Starting off at Magic Kingdom, you will find dazzling holiday decorations and fun Christmas cavalcades (including an appearance from Santa). The main holiday entertainment at Magic Kingdom comes in the form of the after-hours ticketed event: Disney Very Merriest After Hours. During this 4-hour event, guests will be treated to special castle-front performances, a Christmastime parade, and special fireworks. Ice cream treats, popcorn, and select beverages will also be available throughout the park and included with admission. Guests can even enjoy snow flurries on Main Street! The price of the event ranges from $189-$250 and runs select dates throughout November and December. As of this publishing date, there are still many dates still open for purchase.
EPCOT
In addition to its holiday décor, EPCOT will be putting on the International Festival of the Holidays from November 26th through December 30. This will be your main stop if you are looking to celebrate holidays other than Christmas. Travel through World Showcase and try different seasonal recipes from around the world. They even have a Holiday Cookie Stroll where if you try 5 different holiday cookies from various booths, you can receive a 6th specialty cookie. You can also listen to storytellers from other cultures tell stories of the holidays they celebrate such as Hannukah or Las Posadas.
During your travels throughout the World Showcase, you may also want to be on the lookout for Olaf and the different holiday traditions he has found. For about ten dollars, you can purchase the Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition map, and place stickers on the map for each tradition you find. You can turn in your map for a prize after you find all the traditions!
Finally, the beloved Candlelight Processional is returning to Epcot this year. Each night, a celebrity narrator will tell the story of Christmas accompanied by an orchestra and choir. This event does not cost extra, and you can check Disney’s website for the lineup of celebrity narrators.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios may have the least amount of holiday offerings, but you can still enjoy festive treats, jolly holiday décor, and even catch the Santa Claus Motorcade. If character dining is something you like to do, check out Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Minnie and her friends will be decked out in their holiday best! At the end of the night, don’t miss the Sunset Seasons Greetings holiday projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
There are several holiday flotillas to be on the lookout for at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can see Santa Claus, Chip & Dale, Donald’s Dino-Bash, and the Discovery Island Drummers. Additionally, the Merry Menagerie is returning to Animal Kingdom this year. The Merry Menagerie is a winter celebration on Discovery Island that features life-size, artisan-sculpted animal puppets, luminaries, and lanterns. At night, don’t miss the Tree of Life Awakening- Holiday Edition where The Tree of Life comes alive with stunning projections and music.
Disney Springs
If you are heading to Disney Springs during the holiday season, you do not want to miss the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stoll. Grab your hot cocoa and a stroll map, then wander through Disney Springs and visit 20 different themed trees. Once you fill out your map you can redeem it for special buttons. You also may want to linger around the West Side, as snow flurries are likely to be in the forecast.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
The parks and Disney Springs aren’t the only places you can find special holiday offerings. All resorts are dressed in their holiday best. It may be especially worth your time to head to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort though. At the Grand Floridian resort, you will find a life-size gingerbread house. The house is made from 700 pounds of chocolate, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, and more. If you want to see something a little more, moving, head over to the Beach Club resort where you will find a gingerbread carousel themed to Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
