What to Do at Walt Disney World During the Holidays

It's hard to imagine Walt Disney World becoming any more magical, but during the holidays you'll find even more magic around every corner.

By: Erin Gifford

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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Held between early November and the week of Christmas at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an extra special treat for families. Little ones will love the children’s dance party with DJ Kringle at Club Tinsel and live shows, like “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” on the steps of Cinderella’s castle. The Holiday Wishes fireworks spectacular lights up the sky each night at 10 p.m.

Christmas Tree Trail

At Disney Springs, walk along the Christmas Tree Trail to see 15 Christmas trees decorated in the spirit of classic Disney characters and movies. There’s a "Mickey and Minnie" tree, a "Beauty and the Beast" tree, even a "Frozen" tree. Don't miss the festive tree lighting ceremony each night at 6 p.m.

Starbright Holidays - an Intel Collaboration

While at Disney Springs, see the brand new show, “Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration.” Starting in late November and running through early January, 300 drones will light up the sky in twice-nightly performances. Set to classic holiday tunes, the synchronized drones dance and sparkle to the delight of guests throughout the holiday season.

Candlelight Processional

A holiday favorite at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional returns from late November through late December. Each night, a celebrity narrator reads the Christmas story accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and robed choir. Past celebrity readers have included Whoopi Goldberg, Meredith Vieira and Neil Patrick Harris. No special tickets are required, but seats do fill up quickly.

Holidays Around the World

While at Epcot, enjoy festive holiday decorations, foods and activities at each of the 11 nations in the World Showcase. Watch a traditional Feliz Navidad celebration in Mexico or celebrate Three Kings Day near World Showcase Plaza with shredded beef tamales, coconut milk and avocado crema. Every country is dolled up for the holidays. Look for Santa and Mrs. Claus at The American Adventure.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new holiday nighttime spectacular complete with special effects, festive music and fireworks enchants audiences nightly. The new "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" takes guests on a journey to return Santa to the North Pole by Christmas Eve. Scenes from Bambi, Cinderella and The Nightmare Before Christmas come alive on the buildings inside the park.

Holiday Dessert Parties

Look for special dessert parties throughout Walt Disney World during the holidays, like the Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. For an extra fee, enjoy chocolate-dipped strawberries, character-themed desserts, even create-your-own cookies, as well as hot drinks, like cocoa and apple cider. As a bonus, you’ll have access to a special viewing area for the nightly fireworks show.

Behind-the-Scenes Holiday Magic Tours

During the holidays, look for two behind-the-scenes tours, including Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy, a three-hour behind-the-scenes look into how Walt Disney World gets ready for the holidays. The second tour, Disney’s Holiday D-Lights, takes guests on a five-hour tour to learn how the decorating team lights up the entire Walt Disney World resort, including all four parks and multiple on-property hotels.

Frozen Holiday Wish Show

Frozen’s Queen Elsa appears twice nightly as part of “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” using her powers to transform Cinderella’s castle into an ice palace, illuminating the castle with more than 200,000 sparkling twinkle lights. Little ones will love seeing Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf sing and dance before the castle begins to shimmer, shine and sparkle. A quick burst of fireworks completes this magical show.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Twice nightly, line Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade featuring Mickey, Minnie, Anna and Elsa, as well as marching toy soldiers and gingerbread men. Even Santa makes an appearance and you may see snow fall (yes, even in Orlando). Before or after the parade, take time to explore the storefronts that are all dressed up for the holidays.

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What to Do at Walt Disney World During the Holidays

Related To:

Shop This Look

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Christmas Tree Trail

Starbright Holidays - an Intel Collaboration

Candlelight Processional

Holidays Around the World

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Holiday Dessert Parties

Behind-the-Scenes Holiday Magic Tours

Frozen Holiday Wish Show

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

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