Disney World at Christmas: How the Most Magical Place on Earth Celebrates

Walt Disney World is a truly magical place with a unique mix of storytelling, environment, luxury, and downright pampering. A Disney World vacation is amazing any time of year, but none more so than Christmas time. Disney really goes all-out to celebrate the holidays at their largest resort.

Christmas at Walt Disney World Resort begins in most places on November 8th, 2024. Below is a complete rundown of what you can expect. As always, Disney World Christmas events and plans are fluid and I will be adding updates to this post if anything is added or changed.

Disney World Christmas Events and Attractions (2024):

The Most Magical Time of the Year at the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Magic Kingdom at Christmas

Much of Disney’s holiday efforts are focused on the Magic Kingdom. The decorations alone are worth the visit and the park needs to be experienced in both night and day to get the full impact.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to the Magic Kingdom again this year. The party requires an extra ticket but is well worth the spend. 

The party is a beloved holiday event that offers an array of festive experiences for guests of all ages. The event kicks off as early as 4:00 PM, allowing ticket holders to enjoy the holiday magic without the need for an additional day theme park ticket or reservation.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

One of the highlights is “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” a spectacular show at the Cinderella Castle stage featuring a blend of classic and modern holiday music, paired with vibrant dance performances. This special holiday-themed show on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration features Mickey and friends acting and singing Christmas carols in front of the amazing Ice Palace Castle.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

Minnie Mouse also adds to the enchantment with “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” a dazzling display that lights up the night sky with fireworks, castle projections, and seasonal tunes.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Guests can enjoy the “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” where Santa Claus makes a special appearance, leading a procession of beloved Disney characters through the park.

Throughout the evening, attendees can indulge in complimentary cookies and hot cocoa while dancing the night away at themed dance parties across Magic Kingdom.

Special Attraction Overlays and Transformations

In addition to the live entertainment, several attractions receive a festive makeover exclusively for the event.

Space Mountain transforms into a thrilling holiday journey through the cosmos with lively tunes and festive lighting, while the Tomorrowland Speedway becomes a colorful, futuristic holiday drive.

The Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland spins guests into the holiday spirit with vibrant lights and music, and the Jingle Cruise offers a pun-filled, holiday-themed adventure through Adventureland.

Another fun Christmas attraction at the Magic Kingdom is the “Jingle Cruise.” Disney overlays a Christmas theme to their Jungle Cruise ride to add a touch of holiday magic to the popular Adventureland attraction. This year’s Jingle Cruise sets sail on November 2.

Classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and TRON Lightcycle / Run remain open, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether it’s experiencing the seasonal attractions, joining in the dance parties, or savoring holiday treats, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party delivers an unforgettable holiday celebration at the Magic Kingdom.

Dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024 are as follows:

• November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
• December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20

More information about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, including info on purchasing tickets for the party, can be found here.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Christmas

Disney Jollywood Nights

Disney Jollywood Nights returns for a second year as a special holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, taking place on select nights from November 9 to December 21, 2024.

This after-hours celebration runs from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM and features an expanded lineup of beloved characters, festive entertainment, and exclusive experiences. Guests can look forward to meeting unique characters like Phineas and Ferb, Santa Stitch, Santa Duffy, and newcomers such as Baloo and King Louie from TaleSpin and José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros.

The event also includes exciting shows like “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along,” “Disney Holidays in Hollywood,” and the returning favorite, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” A new highlight for this year is a dazzling ice skating show on Hollywood Boulevard called Glisten!, where international champion skaters will perform to holiday tunes.

In addition to character encounters and entertainment, Disney Jollywood Nights offers exclusive merchandise featuring Ollie, the gingerbread man mascot, and a variety of holiday-themed treats.

The event promises a festive atmosphere with holiday décor and special meet-and-greet locations, such as the Holiday Fiesta en Calle in Animation Courtyard. Guests staying at select Disney Resorts and partner hotels have early access to tickets, which are priced between $159 and $179, with discounts available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

With its mix of unique character experiences, enchanting shows, and seasonal surprises, Disney Jollywood Nights continues to be a must-see event for holiday visitors to Walt Disney World.

Dates for Jollywood Nights 2024 are as follows:

• Nov. 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
• Dec. 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21

Sunset Seasons Greetings

Also returning this year to Hollywood Studios is Sunset Seasons Greetings. This holiday experience features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season – a giant pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house, and a frozen winter wonderland!

Epcot at Christmas

International Festival of the Holidays

Epcot’s World Showcase is the scene of a number of internationally-themed holiday celebrations. Visitors to Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays (formerly known as the “Holidays Around the World”) at the World Showcase will enjoy special holiday food and drink offerings, shows, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each country is themed to showcase how they celebrate the holidays in their native lands. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 29 through December 30, 2024.

Candlelight Processional

Additionally, Epcot plays host to the popular Candlelight Processional, which features a full orchestra, singers and celebrities telling the story of the Christmas Carol. The show is presented three times a night in the America Gardens Theater in the World Showcase. More information about this year’s Candlelight Processional, including a full list of celebrity narrators, can be found here.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Olaf will be hosting a special Christmas-themed scavenger hunt throughout Epcot this year. A special map and sticker purchase is required and participants will fan out around the park looking for the furry duo and their Christmas tree ornaments. Those who complete the challenge will receive a special ‘holiday keepsake’.

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Finally, guests to Epcot can pay a visit to Old St Nick and Mrs. Claus at the Odyssey pavilion (between Test Track and the Mexico pavilion). There isn’t usually much of a line, making this a great opportunity for your kids to take a picture with the duo and let them know about any last-minute toy requests.

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Visitors to Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays can choose any five of the seasonal cookies listed in their Festival Passport and collect the matching stamp for each as they stroll World Showcase. Once five stamps are collected, the can collect their prize- a complimentary ‘specialty treat.’

Disney Springs at Christmas

Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs has always been a great place to visit (and shop) during the holidays and this year will be the third year Christmas is celebrated there. During the holidays, Disney Springs shops introduce new holiday products and décor. Additionally, Disney’s unofficial fourth theme park is bringing back their popular Christmas Tree Stroll which consists of an amazing 19 Christmas trees!

Open from November -December 30, the Christmas Tree Stroll includes an abundance of Christmas decorations and elements and a number of Disney-themed Christmas Trees. Some of the tree themes in the past include:

• Black Panther
• Coco
• Disney+
• Encanto
• Frozen
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Haunted Mansion
• The Lion King
• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
• Moana
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• The Princess and the Frog
• Raya and the Last Dragon
• Star Wars
• Toy Story

The Christmas Tree Stroll and other Disney Springs Christmas activities offer a wonderful opportunity to grab a hot chocolate and stroll through a Winter Wonderland with loved ones and find that ultimate vacation keepsake or holiday gift.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Christmas

Merry Menagerie

Merry Menagerie is a charming seasonal event held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the holiday season, bringing a touch of festive magic to the park.

This delightful experience features a collection of life-sized, artisan-crafted animal puppets that roam around Discovery Island, engaging with guests in a playful and interactive manner. These puppets, which include polar bears, penguins, reindeer, and foxes, are beautifully designed with intricate details and are operated by talented puppeteers, creating a whimsical and heartwarming atmosphere. The interaction between the puppets and guests allows for unique and memorable encounters, making Merry Menagerie a beloved part of the holiday festivities at Animal Kingdom.

In addition to the enchanting puppets, Merry Menagerie is enhanced by the vibrant holiday décor that adorns Discovery Island. The area is transformed with sparkling lights, festive wreaths, and colorful garlands, all inspired by nature and wildlife, reflecting the park’s theme of conservation and the natural world. The celebration is further enriched by live musical performances featuring acoustic renditions of holiday classics, adding to the joyful and festive ambiance. Merry Menagerie offers a uniquely immersive holiday experience, blending Disney’s storytelling with the spirit of the season, and providing guests with a magical and memorable visit to Animal Kingdom.

There will also be the iconic giant Christmas tree greeting visitors at the park entrance. This tends to be one of the better Christmas Trees at Walt Disney World for family photos as the wait is generally shorter and it is a very impressive display.

Holiday Magic Throughout the parks:

A new addition to the holiday festivities at Disney World this year is the integration of the new MagicBand+ wearables and the Fab 50 statues. The statues have received a holiday overlay with new sounds and designs for an extra touch of Disney interactive magic.

Disney World Resorts at Christmas

Each Disney resort hotel does their own thing for Christmas, but one display you MUST see is the gigantic gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The display is located in the main lobby of the resort and is one of the most impressive holiday decorations you will ever see. Your family will love it!

Other Disney World resorts that are worth a special trip to at Christmas include Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Yacht Club, and The Contemporary Resort. These deluxe resorts all do an amazing job at decorating for the holidays and their lobbies are definitely worth a stroll through.

Finally, I cannot write a post about Christmas at Walt Disney World without mentioning Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground where the campers go all-out decorating their RV’s with holiday decorations. The campground is essentially just across Bay Lake from the Magic Kingdom, but it seems like a completely different world when you enter it.

There you have it folks- Everything we know that is going on at Disney World this Christmas. Like I mentioned earlier, if you have the opportunity to make it down to Bay Lake this Christmas, it is well worth the effort. It is amazing. I will be taking my family down in November and will be sure to post new pics, videos, reviews and more, so be sure to stay tuned and subscribe to my updates!

Interested in visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season? If you are considering a trip, I’d strongly recommend chatting with a certified Disney Travel Agent, who can help you plan your customized dream vacation. Planning a Disney vacation can be complicated, confusing and overwhelming. Even more so during the holidays. A certified DTA can help you maximize your vacation enjoyment.

To get your free no-obligation vacation quote, please fill out the brief form below to contact Kristy at Love the Mouse Travel. Kristy specializes in planning and selling Disney vacations and can help you build that perfect Disney trip (Disclaimer: in addition to being an excellent DTA, Kristy is also my wife, so yes, I am a bit biased, but really, she is great!). Kristy has planned countless vacations, including all of our family’s and her vacationers love working with her. Her services are free to her clients, so fill out the brief form below today to see what options are available to you.

Please note: In case it is not abundantly obvious, because I am recommending my wife, I stand to benefit financially from you using her services. Her fees, as well as her employer’s are paid by Disney and do not cost you anything extra. Seriously, it is an awesome opportunity to get the most out of your trip and I highly recommend it!