Everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World during the Holidays
Happy, merry, Mele Kaliki, holly, jolly, happy, tappy season’s greetings here.
I am sure you are getting really excited for your most wonderful time of the year visit to the most magical place on earth.
My family and I love to visit Walt Disney World during this time of year. There’s a week between the last Halloween Party and the first Christmas Party that’s a sweet spot for me. Those 10 days are the perfect ones to visit WDW.
Walt Disney World really does pull out all of the stops for the holidays, and with so much going on it can be hard to prioritize what your family wants to experience.
That is why I am sharing special events, weather, and more so you know exactly what to expect for your trip at…
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY at Magic Kingdom
If you’re looking for an extra dose of Christmas spirit on your December Disney World vacay, check out Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom!
This separately ticketed event is available on select nights throughout the month. Guests can enjoy festive entertainment, specialty treats, complimentary snacks, and lighter crowds!
Party entertainment offerings include Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show, character meet-and-greets, decked-out attractions, live dance parties, and the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!
If you’re traveling in early December, you’ll only be able to catch this parade during the party — but in the days leading up to Christmas, it’s also shown during the afternoon for day guests!
If you are interested in if the Christmas Party is Worth It check out this post.
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS
I love all of the EPCOT festivals, and I have to say I think this one is my favorite.
The festival celebrates holiday traditions from various cultures with decorations, stories, music, cuisine, and additional special events.
The festival is included in the cost of admission to Epcot, although some of the special events do require an additional fee.
One of the longstanding guest favorites of the festival is the Candlelight Processional.
During this event, the Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator while accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir.
This event is wildly popular, especially for more notable celebrities, so if you want to see it we highly recommend booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package that will guarantee you seats for the show.
And, of course, no Epcot festival is complete without FOOD!
Guests will find Holiday Kitchen food booths throughout the World Showcase, which serve holiday dishes from cultures around the world.
Every World Showcase Pavilion also has its own Holiday Storytellers who share the traditions that are practiced during the season in the country they represent.
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
You won’t find an official “festival” in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but they still get in on the celebration!
Here, you can take in the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM fireworks show, and the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show each night.
And the holiday spirit is sprinkled throughout the rest of the park as well! Seasonal decorations add an extra touch of theming and charm!
I LOVE seeing how they deck out Toy Story Land for the occasion!
JOLLYWOOD
Looking to take your holiday celebrations to the next level?! Hollywood Studios offers a dazzling array of festivities and yuletide fun called Jollywood Nights. This separately ticketed event is offered on select evenings throughout November and December.
You and your family can step into the glitz and glamor of Christmas past with 2 incredible stage shows, rare character offerings, glittering food and beverage options, and a nighttime fireworks spectacular. Jollywood Nights is the perfect opportunity to showcase Christmas nostalgia center stage for a fabulous holiday night.
ANIMAL KINGDOM HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Animal Kingdom upped their game in recent years, adding its own holiday entertainment, decorations, and snacks!
If you’re looking to get festive, you can enjoy the Merry Menagerie puppets, decorations, and a seasonal projection show on the Tree of Life.
DISNEY SPRINGS HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
The celebrations aren’t just in the theme parks!
Disney Springs also has plenty of holiday offerings for guests to enjoy.
One of our favorite things to do in Disney Springs in December is to check out the FREE Christmas Tree Trail, which shows gorgeously decorated trees themed after your favorite Disney movies and attractions!
And for the kiddos who are still working on their Christmas lists — you can meet Santa Claus on the Christmas Tree Trail!
HOLIDAY DECOR AT THE RESORT HOTELS
All of the Disney World Resort hotels put up holiday decor, but some definitely go bigger than others!
At most locations, the main attraction is a Christmas tree in the hotel lobby — and we have seen some INCREDIBLE versions in years past! In general, the bigger the main lobby, the bigger the tree!
Head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for some of the BIGGEST trees!
WEATHER
The temperatures are pretty mild throughout the month, with an average high of 75 degrees and an average low of 55 degrees, but a cold snap is not uncommon.
You will want to keep an eye on the forecast and pack layers.
The last time we went in December, one day was in the 30s, and a few days later, it was in the high 80s, so be prepared.
It’s helpful to have a light jacket/sweatshirt, scarf, hat, and gloves, especially for little ones. That way, you can dress warmly when you head out to the parks and take off your layers as needed throughout the day!
BEFORE YOU GO
The beginning of the holiday season starts out with moderate crowds, and they continue to build the closer you get to Christmas. (Use code BLOG10 for 10% off this Planning Calendar to help you plan the best times to visit Disney World!)
The week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest of the year, but one of my favorite times to go if you follow these tips.
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Everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in the Summer
Everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in the Fall
Everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in the Spring