There’s no place like Walt Disney World Resort for the holidays! Here’s a look into some of the ways to celebrate the holiday season at Walt Disney World – and the best part is they’re all included with your park ticket. So, take note and start making your wish list, because these festive experiences are ones you’ll want to check off twice!
EPCOT
If you’re a world traveler at heart and crave experiencing holidays from around the globe, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is a must. From November 29 to December 30, 2024, you can enjoy vibrant decorations and offerings that transform EPCOT into a festive wonderland.
Throughout World Showcase, listen to lively storytellers as they share holiday legends from around the world! Let the tales of traditions fill your heart with holiday cheer while learning about cultural celebrations. Experience the warmth of Las Posadas in Mexico, the joyous spirit of Hanukkah nestled between Morocco and France and the meaningful customs of Daruma in Japan, just to name a few. Plus, you can enjoy festive cuisine from countries near and far through the Holiday Kitchens bringing culinary traditions to life!
Witness a beautiful tribute to Christmas with Gospel, R&B and holiday songs at “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.” This high-energy show is one of my favorites every year.
Don’t miss the ultimate Walt Disney World holiday fan favorite, Candlelight Processional! Experience the moving story of Christmas at the America Gardens Theatre, where a celebrity narrator is accompanied by a glorious mass choir, 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and even the Voices of Liberty (if you know you know). It’s sure to get your family and friends in the holiday spirit. This year’s narrators, which include newcomers Nico Santos, Ralph Macchio and Titus Burgess, are sure to bring extra inspiration! You can check out the full lineup here.
Surround yourself with glorious lights at Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, which gets special holiday treatment for the season. Join the relaxing boat ride and soak in the decorated attraction while learning about foods produced in the greenhouses that play a part in the holiday celebrations around the resort.
And that’s not all! There are plenty more offerings you can experience this year at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has everything you need to make your spirits bright this holiday season. Starting November 12, join the Merry Menagerie puppeteers at the Tree of Life. Surround yourself with artisan-sculpted wintry animal puppets like reindeer, penguins, and seals…oh my! These delightful animals create the perfect moment to capture unforgettable photos that can be shared with family and friends.
Speaking of photo-worthy moments, while you’re in DinoLand U.S.A., make sure to take in the vibrant dinosaur-themed carnival infused with festive cheer. New to this year’s offerings in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Santa is heading to DinoLand U.S.A., specifically Restaurantosaurus! As the guest of honor at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio, Santa’s invited everyone to join him in this festive new location. Don’t miss the chance to meet Mr. Claus from November 12 to December 24.
Mix glee with adventure and join the most beloved characters in their holiday attire. You and the whole family can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Adventurers Outpost!
As night falls, gather your loved ones for the enchanting Tree of Life Awakening. You and your family will be captivated by a dazzling display of color and light, where the animal spirits come to life, weaving together an unforgettable experience perfect for little ones before their bedtime.
You can bring the wild winter wonderland magic home with special merchandise that will be joining the fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, featuring collections from the Merry Menagerie and more!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Starting November 12, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms into a place where holiday magic and classic Hollywood energy sync in perfect harmony, while presenting all the nostalgic festive feels! This year, there are some new entertainment offerings that are taking center stage.
Jam out to the Holiday Spirit Band on one of their many performance spots and enjoy a hot pretzel surrounded by loved ones. The fun doesn’t stop there – keep an eye out for new festive acts throughout the park, including spirited holiday musicians and juggling elves!
Get ready to be toy-sized in Toy Story Land, where festive fun is larger than life! Grab the whole family and explore Andy’s backyard decked out in dazzling holiday decorations and say howdy to all your favorite Toy Story pals, all dressed up in their holiday finest.
Looking for a chill place where your family can sing their hearts out together? Make sure to catch a showing of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” with a special festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season. I guarantee the whole family will be belting the lyrics to every song!
As night falls, be sure to experience the return of “Sunset Seasons Greetings,” where each evening, holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from Mickey’s Christmas Carol!
Magic Kingdom Park
If you’re looking to be immersed in the magic of the holidays, Magic Kingdom Park is the place to be, with festive decorations lining Main Street, U.S.A. accompanied by the smell of baked goods filling the air and waving at the Fab 50 Character sculps with your MagicBand+ to experience different holiday reactions. You can count me in!
Families can join Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen at the castle stage for a “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” During this show, friends from Arendelle ring in the season together and help transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystalized palace – a magical look that remains throughout the evening. Don’t forget to rock out your favorite MagicBand+ for additional magical moments throughout the show with dancing lights and haptic vibrations!
And let’s not forget about one of my favorite holiday traditions: Jungle Cruise’s transformation into Jingle Cruise! Starting November 2, experience this wild attraction wrapped with festive jokes and even more fun memories, something guests of all ages look forward to every single year.
Disney Springs
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy day or looking for a cheerful adventure, Disney Springs can complete your stay!
Explore the enchanting Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, where you can enjoy holiday music while surrounded by Walt Disney Studios, Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars and Super Hero themed trees. This year, enjoy stunning displays featuring Mufasa: The Lion King, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coco, Lilo and Stitch, and more! The best part of it all? Your MagicBand+ will add some additional holiday magic to your experience.
Don’t forget to add enjoying a magical nightly snowfall (yes, in Florida!) and soaking up joyful entertainment with your loved ones to your holiday wish list.
Looking to complete your holiday shopping? Look no further! Disney Springs has the perfect gift for everyone on your list – including you! Make sure to stop by World of Disney and Disney’s Days of Christmas, where you can see all the fabulous holiday collections right before your eyes.
You can also treat your senses to seasonal sips and bites, including delicious offerings at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, the family-friendly waterfront outpost that transforms into its holiday best this time of year!
Disney Resort Hotels
Special holiday experiences extend beyond the parks!
When you stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel during this festive season, you and your loved ones can enjoy the uniquely transformed Resort hotels, each featuring grand Christmas trees inspired by the resort’s theme and beloved Disney stories. Wrapped in shimmering ornaments and twinkling lights, these trees create a magical atmosphere and perfect backdrop for family photos. And let’s not forget the beautiful decorations that add even more charm to the scene.
Plus, be on the lookout for holiday treats during your stay — available at select dining locations and shops for a limited time.
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is exploring the gingerbread displays at several Disney Resort hotels! I love embarking on my own gingerbread crawl, which gives me the chance for a sweet viewing of the beloved tradition. I can’t wait to see what delicious displays the talented cast members will whip up this year. More details will be shared soon!
runDisney
Whether you’re taking on the running trails at Walt Disney World or getting your miles in around your neighborhood, you can enjoy some holiday magic with the runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas. From December 1 to 31, this festive fitness virtual event offers three virtual 4K races, perfect for sharing the spirit of the season with friends and family.
Each race medal doubles as a holiday ornament, adding an extra touch of cheer. Runners will also receive customizable digital tools, a long-sleeved hooded shirt, a holiday-themed CORKCICLE mug, and more, making it a fun and festive way to stay active this season. Registration is still open. To learn more, visit www.runDisney.com.
Food and Beverage
Season’s eatings to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! Throughout the resort, treat yourself to holiday bites. Whether you enjoy sweet eats or savory treats, Walt Disney World Resort has something that will fill your fancy. Keep an eye out on Disney Eats for the ultimate holiday foodie guides coming soon.
Santa Claus Sightings This Holiday Season
Tell the kids to start putting together their wish lists because no holiday is complete without meeting the head honcho himself! Although Santa has a busy schedule, there are many opportunities to meet him across the resort this holiday season. You can visit My Disney Experience for specific times and locations to meet the one and only on your next visit.
So, get ready to deck the halls as you march into the magic of Walt Disney World Resort this holiday season, where you’ll find a jolly celebration filled with enchantment, joy, and unforgettable memories around every corner!
*All entertainment and offerings are subject to change.
