Celebrate Christmas and the Holidays at Walt Disney World, there’s snow much to look forward to with extra magical holiday happenings across the entire resort in including the most magical theme park of them all, Magic Kingdom.
Anytime of the year is a magical time to visit Walt Disney World, but the holidays are truly the most magical time of the year, and this year you can enjoy new jolly experiences, glittering sights, sounds and the most scrumptious sweet treats. Plus, thrill to the return of fan-favorite Disney holiday traditions.
This year the holiday festivities at Walt Disney World begin on November 11 and run through until December 31, 2023, and no matter your traditions, get ready to celebrate the spirit of the season here in Orlando.
We will be regularly updating this page as we closer to the holidays, so keep checking back!
The Holidays At Magic Kingdom
Get wrapped up in all things merry and bright, with sensational sights and holiday delights.
The Magic Kingdom, truly is extra magical during the holidays, with beautiful decor, festive entertainment, and extra jolly eats and treats.
Highlights this holiday season includes:
NEW! Frozen Holiday Surprise – Gather ‘round Cinderella Castle for a dazzling new experience that will illuminate the castle like never before—featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the Snowgies!
Seasonal Décor – Discover oh-so-jolly holiday trimmings and touches along Main Street, U.S.A. and throughout the park.
Jingle Cruise – During the holiday season, the beloved Jungle Cruise undergoes a yuletide transformation. It’s a festive-yet-familiar adventure from stem to stern!
Frozen Holiday Surprise
For the first time in forever, guests will be able to join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom for “Frozen Holiday Surprise.”
This brand new “Frozen”–inspired entertainment experience will illuminate the castle in a whole new way. It can be seen during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Holiday Ride Overlays
Walt Disney World change up several of the rides at Magic Kingdom for the holidays with overlays, this usually includes holiday lighting, decor and more.
One of the best overlays is at Jungle Cruise which transforms into Jingle Cruise, with lots of jungle decor and lots of holiday-themed puns!
Holiday overlays usually also appear at Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain: Holiday Run, and Mad Tea Party.
Meet Santa At Magic Kingdom
During the Holiday Week and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party you can meet Santa at the Liberty Square Gazebo.
Experience Holiday Magic At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
One of Walt Disney World's favorite holiday tradition, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is returning to Magic Kingdom Park this year.
On 25 select nights, Nov. 9-Dec. 22, this separately ticketed event will welcome guests to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Magic Kingdom.
Holiday magic is unwrapped with the return of festive favorites like the Christmas extravaganza stage show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” the sparkling spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the merry must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” Guests can also look forward to enjoying some of their favorite classic and thrill attractions, including TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, which will use a virtual queue* during the event.
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and can be purchased online beginning July 6.
Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can begin purchasing tickets as early as June 29 on the Walt Disney World website.
Ticket prices will range from $159-$199 per person.
The party dates are:
November: 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30
December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
Check out the extra special entertainment during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is also available to everyone who visits Magic Kingdom during Christmas Week.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
The magical Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade featuring Santa replaces Festival of Fantasy Parade through until the New Year, and will be performed twice daily.
The legendary street comes alive with yuletide spirit. Snap memorable photos of dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and beloved Disney Characters as they float by, waving hello.
There’s even a special appearance by Santa Claus–riding in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show
Head over to Cinderella Castle for a yuletide stage show, starring Mickey Mouse! Gather around Cinderella Castle as live performers dance and sing a medley of delightful holiday songs.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Get in the Christmas spirit as your host—Minnie Mouse—invites you to take in a sparkling, yuletide fireworks display. Watch as the sky becomes alight with festive colors to the tune of some of your favorite carols like Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
This merry display can be thoroughly enjoyed from most locations throughout Magic Kingdom park—including Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
New Year At Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is always the most popular park at Walt Disney World on New Year's Eve, and expect it to be crowded!
If you plan on celebrating New Year's Eve at Magic Kingdom, we recommend you arrive early as the park could reach capacity at any time throughout the day.
Magic Kingdom Dance Parties
Walt Disney World have not announced the details for this year's dance parties, but in the past dance parties have usually been held in front of Cinderella's Castle, Frontierland and Tomorrowland, hosted by DJs from 7 p.m. to midnight.
This is a memorable, family-fun way to celebrate the countdown to midnight.
Magic Kingdom Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks
Each New Year's Eve at Magic Kingdom, the new year starts with a massive bang as the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasy in the Sky fireworks light up the sky high above Lake Buena Vista.
Magic Kingdom show their New Year's Eve Fireworks on December 30, as well as December 31.
These fireworks are a must see, and quite literally fill the sky with the most incredible fireworks you will ever see, with the fireworks shot over the castle as well as all around the park perimeter. Even the midnight countdown is done in fireworks that form the actual numbers!
The Best Time To Visit
The crowds around the holidays, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve are the busiest times to visit Walt Disney World during the holidays. Expect the parks to be very busy with long lines at all attractions.
The Christmas and New Years Eve Weeks are the absolute busiest time of the year at the resort. The upside to visiting during this time is the special entertainment around Christmas, especially at Magic Kingdom with lots of additional entertainment usually reserved for the ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party including the sparkling spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the merry must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”
On New Year’s Eve, there’s special entertainment at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios including DJ Dance Parties and special fireworks.
Besides the crowds, there are a few other downsides to visiting during these two weeks. As you would expect, the resort hotels have the highest room rates of the year, and many resort restaurants add a holiday surcharges, plus it can be difficult to get reservations at many dining locations, especially if you are looking to eat at a favourite restaurant.
If you are looking to visit when its less crowded, November is quieter in general, with the resort getting busier as it get closer to Christmas, although you should expect elevated crowd levels throughout November and December with all days during the holidays experiencing higher the average crowd levels.
Expect elevated crowd levels through until mid-January 2024.
The Weather During The Holidays
The upside to visiting in November or December is that the weather is much more theme park friendly than during the red hot days of summer, expect cooler temperatures, low humidity, and less rain!
The downside? It can get very cold, colder than you might expect in Florida! The mornings especially can feel very cold.
Expect average daytime temperatures to be anywhere from the low 70s to the high 80s.
You should expect colder nights and early mornings, as cold fronts pass through, with overnight temperatures dropping to the 60s and even the 50s.
What To Wear During The Holidays
With the large variations in temperatures in November and December it's important to wear layers.
Yes, pack your t-shirts and shorts, but don't forget to pack sweaters for the evenings when temperatures dip, and pack a jacket too, just in case!
The Holidays At Disney Resort Hotels
Stay in the heart of the holiday magic, mere moments from the theme parks.
Highlights include:
Seasonal Décor – Delight in holiday decorations, including magnificent Christmas trees and gingerbread displays adorning the lobbies and Guest areas at select Disney Resort hotels.
Delicious Treats – Nosh on gingerbread goodies and savor specialty menu items at select restaurants in Disney Resort hotels.
Plus, you’ll be conveniently close to other holiday happenings at Walt Disney World Resort
Special Savings On Stays At Disney Resort Hotels
The only thing better than visiting a Disney theme park at the holidays is complementing it with a stay at a Disney Resort hotel.
Guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays this fall and winter season.
To learn more, visit disneyworld.com/HolidaySavings.
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