Yes we are talking Christmas at Walt Disney World! Looking for a guide to the most magical time of year at the most magical place on earth? Wondering when does Disney World decorate for Christmas then look no further.
From decorations to special events and even specialty treats the Christmas season starts as the clock turns midnight on October 31st.
Here we cover the main four parks as well as Disney Springs and some special resort mentions, the best times to plan a visit to Walt Disney World at Christmas time and where you can get your hands on those essential Disney Christmas decorations.
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When Does Disney World Decorate for Christmas?
Typically Christmas starts at Walt Disney World on the second weekend of November however if this falls a bit later into November we may well see an earlier start to the celebrations.
Before Halloween has even been wrapped up you may be able to spot a few ambiguous decorations and see a few hints to the Christmas celebrations to come. It has been known that a few decorations may sneak up in the few weeks before November 1st and even before the fall decorations have been taken down.
Decorations in the Parks begin to be put up at Magic Kingdom when it closes on October 31st and are slowly rolled across the rest of the parks and resorts. The Special celebration events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Epcot Festival of the Holidays are expected to kick off from around November 5th.
What Day Does Walt Disney World Decorate for Christmas
November 1st is the official day that Disney World begins to decorate for Christmas and by the following weekend Magic Kingdom is normally fully decorated and a good start has been made to the resorts and at the other parks including Disney Springs.
Unfortunately the long talked about rumour of waking up on November 1st and all the holiday decorations being up across Disney World are sadly no longer true. This was once doable many years ago when there was just two parks and a handful of Disney World resort hotels, now with more parks and many more resorts this can no longer be achieved.
You can still experience this magical transformation when leaving Magic Kingdom at closing on October 31st celebrating Halloween and Fall and return at rope drop the next morning and Christmas holiday season has started. The tree on Main Street USA will be up as well as other decorations throughout the park.
What Week Does Disney World Change from Halloween to Christmas Decorations?
Goodbye Mickey’s Not So Scary and Hello to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Halloween and Christmas are both major events at Disney World and draw large crowds. If you want to experience both these celebrations the week(s) that encompass October 31st and the first weekend of November are your go to dates.
Literally the minute Magic Kingdom closes on October 31st and the last guest has left the fall decorations are taken down and a good start is made on the Christmas decorations. The very impressive 60ft Christmas tree in Magic Kingdom at the top of Main Street USA is erected and decorated over night and the pumpkins are all replaced with holiday wreaths and candy canes.
How Long Does it take Disney World to Decorate for Christmas?
Decorating Walt Disney World for the holiday season is a major feat with many cast members working round the clock to help bring festive cheer to the four main Walt Disney World parks, Disney Springs and all the Disney resort hotels.
Christmas decorations begin to be put up officially from November 1st starting with Magic Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom resorts such as The Grand Floridian with Animal Kingdom and Hollywood studios then Epcot and the other resorts following the days after.
If you are observant enough you may see some ambiguous decorations up in the last couple of weeks in October. If you visit Hollywood studios for example in late October you may find some tinsel stars have put up around the park.
By the first weekend in November, or by the first date of the Christmas out of hours events expect that Magic Kingdom will be fully decorated. And by the second weekend all the parks including Disney Springs will be fully in holiday cheer mode.
The resorts will also begin to put up their decorations in the first few days of November aiming to be fully decorated by mid November.
How long is Walt Disney World Decorated for Christmas?
For two and bit festive months guests can celebrate Christmas and enjoy the beautiful Disney Christmas decorations. From November 1st to just after New Years day the parks, resorts and Disney Springs will have all the holiday decorations up.
Typically it is the exterior holiday decorations and the Christmas tree in the Walt Disney World hotels that are the first of the decorations to be taken down during the first weekend after New Years day.
Followed shortly by the Christmas tree stroll at Disney Springs, the garlands and wreaths in the parks, the Christmas lights on Cinderella Castle and then the Christmas tree at each of the parks are taken down.
By the first Marathon weekend (usually mid January) all the holiday decorations are down and packed away. Packing up the Disney World holiday décor spans a longer time frame than it takes for the magical holiday decorations to go up.
Is Disney World Open on Christmas Day?
Yes, the parks are absolutely open on Christmas Day! Walt Disney World is open to guests every day of the year and there is no exception for Christmas Day itself. All four parks, Disney Springs and one of the water parks will be open for guests to enjoy and celebrate on Christmas day.
Typically Christmas Day as well as Christmas Eve are the most popular days to visit and the crowds are historically very high. It is one of the most magical times to visit the theme parks but do be prepared for large crowds and higher than average wait times.
Not only are all the parks open on Christmas Day but the resorts are open also. This is a great option if you want to experience Disney on Christmas Day or any day of the holiday season but want to avoid the crowds.
Resort hopping to experience some festive fun including the hotels unique holiday décor, festive holiday treats and even seeing (and smelling) the amazing Grand Floridan Gingerbread House can be a great alternative to visiting the parks.
Best time to visit Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays
As expected the holidays draw big crowds to Walt Disney World Resort and the addition of all the festive extras help to increase ticket sales. There is no real quiet time to visit Disney World during the holidays but there are some times that the crowds may be lessened.
The holiday period at Disney spans from the beginning of November and into the first weeks of January so there is a decent time period for your trip to take place. You will need to take into account, not only the crowds and weather but when events and festive celebrations are in full swing.
Historically the beginning to mid November when things are starting to kick off as well as the last few days of December into January have been less busy. However at these times you may miss some of the festivities, at Epcot their holiday offerings begin mid November and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party finishes a couple of days before Christmas day.
You should make sure you book your Disney Park ticket as soon as possible during the holiday season and make all reservations as soon as possible!
Magic Kingdom Christmas Events
Traditionally Magic Kingdom hosts the infamous Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party however last year this was temporarily replaced with Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours event. Magic Kingdom hosts these events from the beginning of November to the end of December and are both additional ticketed events.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party encompasses its very own festive parade, fireworks show (Minnie’s wonderful Christmastime Fireworks), stage show, rare character meet and greets, exclusive festive themed treats and beverages as well as snow on Main Street USA and special photo ops.
The ticket also includes free hot chocolate and cookies found at different stands around the park. Another perk of the MVMCP is shorter attraction queues.
Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours
As the name suggests Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours event was held last year after the normal Magic Kingdom closing time. Day park guests will get to experience the normal fireworks and the timings of the after hours event helps to alleviate the pressures of crowd numbers for an earlier park closure when MVMCP happens.
This after hours event basically has the same parade, fireworks and stage show with a few changes in the included snacks and beverages – popcorn and ice cream were in addition to the cookies.
More on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Let us take a take a look at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in more depth as the dates for this year have been announced.
Start the party off with walking through a display of Holiday inflatables next to Tony’s Town Square to receive your wristband and first treat of the night. As you make your way through the park there are many other stations where you will find free holiday cookies and festive beverages.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks is the special fireworks show that is designed to invoke festive feels and holiday cheer to the guests. It features classic Christmas songs and stunning fireworks and projections. This replaced the previous Holiday Wishes Fireworks display and is one not to be missed.
This fireworks show is put on for general day guests once all the Christmas party dates have finished for the year.
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade is the exclusive parade for partygoers and is filled with Holiday Season cheer. Expect to see marching toy soldiers, gingerbread men as well as characters in their holiday outfits and the finishing the parade the big man himself Santa Claus and his reindeer.
And as always at Disney this parade is accompanied by festive songs and smells to get you in the Holiday Cheer. Although this parade is especially for party guests general day guests will have the opportunity to see this as Magic Kingdom traditionally puts this on just before Christmas day itself, typically between the 23rd and 31st of December.
Stage Shows and Entertainment
Character stage shows can be found at select locations throughout the park. Find the Fab Five on the Castle stage wearing their holiday outfits for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration show. Over on the Tomorrowland stage there is the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas show with singers, music and featuring characters such as Buzz and Stitch.
Also included in the party is a Dance Party at Club Tinsel with live DJ’s located in Cosmic Rays where you can let your hair down and dance the night away. You may even be able to dance with a few of Santa’s reindeer!
Special Character Experiences for Christmas
Rare character meet and greets. One of the major attractions of attending this party is the opportunity to meet some of the rarer characters that are not normally seen. You will find lots of opportunities to see so many different characters throughout the Magic Kingdom such as Jack Skellington as Sandy Claus and Sally, Santa Goofy, Mary Poppins and Bert, The Seven Dwarves as well as Princesses with their Princes and of course Santa Clause himself.
With so many to meet you may want to prioritise who you want to see in each area. Most characters will have a spot but keep your eyes pealed as you may see some roaming around certain locations.
Magic Kingdom Christmas Ride Overlays
Special ride overlays. 2019 saw the first holiday enhancements of some of the Magic Kingdom rides. Along the track of Tomorrowland Speedway a number of Holiday lights were illuminating the ride. Space Mountain and the Mad Tea Party saw special festive music and lighting. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor put on a special show just for the party.
Not forgetting the infamous Jungle Cruise is transformed in the Jingle Cruise for the Holiday Season (this cruise sails all through the holiday season not just during the parties).
Cinderella Castle Christmas Lights
You do not need any additional events ticket to enjoy these absolutely stunning lights or the Frozen Holiday Wish show that kicks off the lighting of the castle each night.
Around 6.15 each evening (make sure you check the days time guides for the exact timings as these can change) join Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff on the stage in front of the castle as they convince Elsa to use her magical powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a Frozen shimmering Ice Palace. You don’t want to miss this stunning lighting – the Castle is draped in over 200,000 lights and is definitely one to see.
You could say that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is THE Christmas event at Disney World – it is all encompassing and totally magical but of course it is not the only holiday event that Disney hosts.
EPCOT Christmas Events
Starting later into November Epcot hosts the International Festival of the Holidays around World Showcase. Guests can experience the Candlelight processional, Santas, Storytellers from around the world and delicious Holiday Season food and beverages. Let’s take a look in more detail at each of the Holiday events that you can enjoy at Epcot.
The Candlelight Processional
The most well known of Epcot’s festive events is the Candlelight processional that is performed at various times each evening on the America Gardens Theatre stage in the USA pavilion from Thanksgiving to December 30th. The traditional Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator and is accompanied by a large choir and a 50 piece live orchestra.
This is very popular especially when it is one of the more famous narrators and can see very long queues – sometimes even waiting up to 3-4 hours to get a seat.
There are a couple of ways to enjoy the performances without the lengthy waits – if you are happy not to sit in the theatre itself you can experience the show from the American pavilion and the close vicinity, grab a beverage and some delicious holiday food find a spot and enjoy.
Another way is to book one of the Dining packages that are available at many of the Epcot restaurants, these normally include the restaurant in each of the pavilions such as The Rose and Crown Pub, Biergarten, Via Napoli as well as a couple of other Epcot restaurants ie the Garden Grill and Coral Reef.
There are also a couple of restaurants outside of Epcot itself that offer the Dining packages – Trattoria Al Forno on the Boardwalk and Ale and Compass at the Yacht Club. This can be an expensive add on especially with the already high costs of visiting Disney World but will of course guarantee you a seat in the Theatre and save you time to enjoy other attractions.
Holiday Storytellers
Enjoy a traditional winter story from around the world. Guests can expect to hear tales of Christmas traditions, versions of Santa Claus and how different cultures celebrate. There are also stories to enjoy that talk about different religions and their celebrations such as Kwanza and Hanukkah.
Those telling the stories wear traditional costumes from the times and countries they represent. This is a great opportunity to learn of different cultures and beliefs whilst enjoying the food and beverage offerings from the booths.
Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree
Throughout the year there is a scavenger hunt with different characters and at Christmas time it is Chip and Dale’s time to shine. This is an additional paid for event where you search for ornaments for Chip and Dale’s Christmas tree around World Showcase Pavilions. Once you have found them all return for a special festive reward. Although this is a great challenge for kids to keep them occupied adults can also enjoy this.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Festival of the Holidays – food booths. Oh yes we are talking food and beverage booths at Epcot international festival of the Holidays. Epcot is well known for all its festivals and the food booths that accompany them.
Around a week after Food and wine festival is finished the booths reopen with holiday festive offerings. You will find many offerings that are traditional to each country as well as many Holiday classics such as Yule Logs, Turkey dishes and lots of cinnamon!
2021 saw a beautiful, patriotic festival holiday display in the American Adventure Rotunda. Gingerbread was used by Epcot’s pastry to make replicas of famous American landmarks such as the Capitol building. Let’s hope this returns for this years festivities.
As at all the festivals the portions are often fairly small and pricey so make sure you pick your top choices if you don’t want to be spending a tonne of money.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
If you are a lover of cookies and want try a variety of holiday cookies on offer this is a good option as an additional to do at the Epcot international festival of the holidays. Again this is an additional paid event similar to the Christmas tree spree where you go round to the selected booths in World Showcase to claim your cookie. Once you have collected them all you get a free one at the end.
Epcot international festival of the Holidays is a lovely event and includes free and additional paid for events. Unlike the other parks Holiday events Epcot is seen by many as more traditional. The Candlelight processional is a super popular event that will evoke festive holiday feels, stories and tales of Santa’s from around the world and the special holiday food booths will allow guests to experience all the yumminess of holiday cuisines influenced from around the world.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Christmas Events
Oh Hollywood Studios the epitome of Tinsel Town! The Christmas season sees a number of Christmas decorations at Hollywood studios and some great Christmas events. The events begin around the first weekend of November through till the just after the New Year.
Jingle Bam Jingle Bell Night Time Spectacular
Hollywood studios hosts this festive fun fireworks and projection show on the Chinese Theatre.
In this festive show Santa Claus is missing and his elves begin a search and rescue mission in order to save him and Christmas. Sounds familiar – yes it basically is the Prep and Landing movie. Expect lots of projections, lasers and fireworks as well as festive songs.
Sunset Seasons Greetings
This is a spectacular night time projection show using the billboards on Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Tower hotel. Standing on Sunset Boulevard under the lit up tinsel stars and snow fall this is a magical festive show that will really get you in the holiday spirit!
Expect some popular Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie, the toys from Toy Story, Olaf and The Swedish Chef from The Muppets each telling their tales and love of the holiday season. The story begins on the billboards and the Hollywood Tower hotel is transformed with projections to bring life to these stories.
Disney World Christmas Decorations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Although not classed as an event the holiday decorations at Hollywood studios are definitely worth a mention. From the giant Christmas tree at the entrance to the tinsel starts down Hollywood Boulevard to the enhanced décor found at Echo Lake and Toy Story Land Hollywood studios has some real fun and festive decorations.
At Echo Lake – Gertie (the famous dinosaur) is dressed for Christmas in his Santa hat. Giant baubles float in the lake and a tall Christmas tree as well as garlands also join Gertie in and around the lake.
Not to miss is Toy Story land which is decorated especially for the festive season. In keeping with the theme oversized popcorn and cranberry garlands are strung up, oversized Hamm cookie and Alien Christmas ornaments are dotted around. Even two of the attractions have a change to their music – Alien Swirling Saucers have two holiday tracks that play and while riding Slinky Dog Dash listen for those magic sleigh bells.
Meet Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios
Normally situated at the back of the Once Upon a Time shop Santa is available to meet for all guests no matter the age. And as Santa has to be back at the North Pole on Christmas Eve Santa Goofy will step in for the meet and greets.
Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
Dining – Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine is the event to book if you want to celebrate the holiday season with Minnie and her friends in their holiday attire. Minnie hosts a festive meal with Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Santa Goofy. Hollywood & Vine is festively decorated and Christmas music plays for guest to enjoy during this meal. Lots of festive food is on offer as well as holiday activities.
As like at all the other parks and resorts you can find a range of speciality festive treats at Hollywood studios that do not require a dining reservation.
Animal Kingdom Christmas Activities
Although Animal kingdom maybe perceived as having the least festive overhaul during Christmas there are still plenty of Christmas decorations and extra holiday celebrations that make the park feel festive.
The Tree of Life
Lets start with the Tree of Life at the heart of Discovery Island. Once darkness falls the year round nightly show the Tree of Life Awakens has a holiday overhaul – expect special holiday tales that are told in unique ways with holiday inspired music to accompany them.
Winter Animal Puppets
Also to be found in Discovery Island throughout the day are the winter animal puppets. These are life sized artisan sculpted puppets that interact with guests – you can expect foxes, polar bears, penguins and even reindeer. These are super adorable and you can even pet them.
Disney Characters
Since reopening Animal Kingdom have put on a series of flotillas that the characters ride along the Discovery River around the park. During the holiday season you can expect to see these as before but with the added cheer of festive decorations and characters in their festive outfits. Keep your eyes peeled as you may even see Santa himself on his own flotilla.
You will also find special character meet and greets at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the holidays.
Disney World Christmas Decorations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Each section of Animal Kingdom is decorated for the holidays in keeping with the theme of the area. At the entrance to the park (no park ticket is actually needed to see this) is the uniquely decorated giant Christmas tree.
You will be able to see a variety of nature inspired decorations adorning the tree such as animal masks and ornaments featuring animal patterns. Under the tree are, of course presents and there are many Disney Characters represented on and around them. This is a great activity to do even if you don’t have a park ticket and is one to see due to the uniqueness of the theming.
Back at Discovery Island there are beautiful white holiday decorations that are displayed as well as animal inspired luminaries that line the rooftops of the buildings. These bring sparkle and festive feels to the area.
Over in Africa, probably the area with the least festive changes you may see a few African holiday decorations dotted around and the great Tam Tam drummers may incorporate a few festive beats to their show. The main Christmas change here occurs at Tusker House where Donald and friends spread festive cheer during your meal.
In Asia guests can experience Diwali decorations. The theatre area is lit up with lights from glowing flowers, lanterns and other décor. There is also Diwali inspired entertainment and music.
Pandora, although stunningly beautiful in its natural form especially at night with its glowing paths and plants but throw a few festive decorations in the mix and you can’t go wrong.
Lastly is Dinoland USA – previously Donald and his pals would hold a Christmas bash here with the characters all in their festive attire as well as the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party filled with music, fun and games. Whether this returns for 2022 it is not known yet but the land is decorated with snowman and Christmas trees.
Although not as traditionally decorated and festive as the other parks Animal Kingdom is home to some unique and natural festive entertainments and decorations. It is a great chance to experience other cultural festivities.
Disney Springs Holiday Events
Disney Springs is home to many special holiday events, from the Christmas Tree Stroll, Scavenger hunt, meeting Santa, holiday entertainments as well as the food, drinks and holiday shopping!!
Disney Springs begins its holiday season at the beginning of November, the holiday décor is put up, you can expect to see beautiful twinkle lights and many festive decorations as well as a lot of Christmas Tress.
The Christmas Tree Stroll
The Christmas Tree Stroll (or was once the Christmas Tree Trail) is Disney Springs main holiday event bringing many guests to enjoy the amazing experience. Before 2020 the Christmas Tree Trail was in one place where the tress were arranged in their own area with guests following a path through the displays.
Now the newly named Christmas Tree Stroll sees the 20 decorated Christmas Trees placed throughout the four neighbourhoods of Disney Springs. Spacing them out allows for better crowd control and for guests to see all the parts of Disney Springs.
Each of the Christmas Trees are decorated with a Disney theme from classic and new Disney movies, Disney theme parks attractions to characters themselves. You will need to spend a good while to take in all the details as they are so filled with decorations.
While you enjoy the 20 Christmas trees featured in the stroll grab a stroll map from a number of locations around the park (Under Armour, The Boathouse, Basin, Plant Hollywood, Amorettes and City Eatery) and take on the scavenger hunt. Each map comes with a set of stickers that correspond with the featured Christmas Trees.
As you see each tree pop the sticker in the correct space on the map and return your completed map to the above locations for a special festive treat. This is popular not only with kids but adults too and will also help make sure you see each tree – and with 20 it can be easy to miss one.
No festive event is really complete without the chance to meet Santa. At Disney Springs a meet and greet with Santa himself can be found at Once Upon A Toy. Take the opportunity to give him your wish list for Christmas presents or to get a cheeky start on what the kids are asking for.
Music and other Entertainment
Disney Springs is home to live performers and acts throughout the whole year through but there is some extra special magic during the holidays. A live DJ can be found getting the party started at the Waterside stage during the day and at night. Other regular live performers around the Springs may include some festive tunes.
Keep an eye out for some roaming entertainers that you wont want to miss – previously there has been ice skaters and toy soldier stilt walkers.
Food at Disney Springs
Food at Disney Springs is a big draw for guests so it is no surprise that during the holiday celebrations many of the eateries and bars change up their décor and menus to include speciality festive offerings. There are so many special items at numerous locations but the big one to mention is Jock Lindsey’s.
Here they really encompass all things festive even changing their name from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar. Over-the-top holiday décor changes up the inside and exterior of the bar and numerous menu changes to include festive offerings such as fried Brussel sprouts and Christmas cookies and milk. Not forgetting the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks that include festive names and colour combinations.
Another mention is for the shopping. Here (as throughout the year) you will find plenty of inspirations and gifts for the whole family from well known name brands to independent sellers there is a wide variety of options. And not forgetting Disney’s Days of Christmas where you can pick up all those Disney holiday decorations.
Where can I find Walt Disney World Christmas Decorations for my Home?
Who doesn’t want to decorate their homes or at least have some holiday decor in the Disney theme? Whether you are looking for a memento of you family vacation or to kit out the whole tree and home there are some great places in Disney World that you can grab these decorations.
There are three stores in the Walt Disney World Resort that are solely Christmas stores. At Magic Kingdom the Ye Olde Christmas shop located in Liberty Square and Disney’s Days of Christmas at Disney Springs are packed full of Disney holiday decorations from tree ornaments to Disney themed nutcrackers, festive soft furnishings and even Hanukah decorations.
At these two stores you can have pretty much every tree ornament personalised with a name and/or date. The third Christmas decoration store is located in Epcot in the German Pavilion. Here there is traditional German holiday ornaments and you can also find some special edition Disney baubles.
Not going to make it to Disney’s Christmas shops? Not to worry as most of the larger gift stores located around Walt Disney World such as Connections at Epcot, The Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Of Hollywood and Discovery Trading Company at Animal Kingdom will have a smaller, more specialised ornaments to purchase.
Not forgetting the Walt Disney World resorts – the stores at each of the hotels also have a small selection of the most popular ornaments as well as ornaments that are themed to the resort itself.
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