Walt Disney World celebrates the Holidays with festive experiences for the whole family

There’s no place like Walt Disney World Resort for the holidays! Here’s a look into some of the ways to celebrate the holiday season at Walt Disney World – and the best part is they’re all included with your park ticket.

As crisp autumn air makes way for the magic of winter, Walt Disney World Resort transforms into a whimsical wonderland for the holiday season. This year, guests of all ages will discover a sleigh-full of Yuletide cheer across the Resort including festive entertainment and dazzling decor available with their regular Walt Disney World theme park admission.

As Mickey Mouse and all his pals prepare for the most wonderful time of the year, here’s an overview of the special, daytime experiences guests can enjoy this holiday season.

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Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Magic Kingdom Park

Merrymaking comes alive at Magic Kingdom Park starting Nov. 12, with seasonal decorations lining Main Street, U.S.A., and themed food and drink items at select locations throughout the park! There’s plenty of holiday cheer to be spread.

Join Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen”at the castle stage for a “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” During this show, friends from Arendelle ring in the season together and help transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystalized palace – a magical look that remains throughout the evening. 

Jungle Cruise’s transformation into Jingle Cruise is a holiday overlay no one can resist! Guests can experience this wild attraction wrapped with festive jokes and even more fun memories starting Nov. 2.

Celebrate Global Traditions at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth

This holiday season, EPCOT invites world travelers and foodies alike to come together for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2024, guests can enjoy vibrant decorations and offerings that transform the park into a festive wonderland. 

Listen to lively storytellers as they share holiday legends from around the world. Located throughout World Showcase, these tales of traditions will fill one’s heart with holiday cheer while learning about these amazing cultural celebrations.

Witness a beautiful tribute to Christmas with Gospel, R&B and holiday songs at “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.”

Sing-along with a glorious mass choir, 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the Voices of Liberty during the Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre. This year, the fan-favorite tradition welcomes new narrators Nico Santos, Ralph Macchio and Titus Burgess to the stage, plus a variety of award-winning actors, singers and television personalities.

Savor festive cuisine from countries near and far as the Holiday Kitchens bring culinary traditions to life across the park.

Surround yourself with glorious lights at Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, which gets special holiday treatment. Learn about the foods produced in the greenhouses that play a part in the holiday celebrations throughout the resort.

Discover Wild Holiday Adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has everything needed to make your spirits bright this holiday season! From enchanting festive décor throughout the park to a lively, dinosaur-themed carnival brimming with holiday cheer in DinoLand U.S.A., there’s plenty to ensure a wildly festive day of fun!

New in 2024, Santa is heading to Restaurantosaurus! As the guest of honor at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio, Santa invites everyone to join him in this festive new location from Nov. 12 to Dec. 24.

Capture a moment with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Snap a picture with the beloved duo in their holiday attire at Adventurers Outpost.

Gather by the Tree of Life, where Merry Menagerie puppeteers showcase the artisan-sculpted wintry animal puppets, including reindeer, penguins and seals … oh my!

As night falls, guests are invited to gather for the enchanting Tree of Life Awakening. The whole family will be captivated by a dazzling display of color and light, where animal spirits come to life, weaving together an unforgettable experience perfect for little ones before bedtime.  

Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Starting Nov. 12, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms into a dazzling realm where holiday magic and classic Hollywood energy sync in perfect harmony, delivering all the nostalgic holiday feels! This year, exciting new entertainment offerings take center stage.

Jam out to the Holiday Spirit Band at various performance spots throughout the park. The fun doesn’t stop there; new festive acts, including more holiday musicians and juggling elves, are making their debut.

In Toy Story Land, families enter a world where toy-sized festive fun is larger than life! Explore Andy’s backyard decked out in dazzling holiday decorations and say howdy to beloved “Toy Story” pals, all dressed up in their holiday finest. 

Catch a showing of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration” with a special festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman Olaf and celebratory songs of the season.

As night falls, experience the return of Sunset Seasons Greetings, where holiday magic transforms the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol!”

Enjoy Holiday Bites and Seasonal Shopping at Disney Springs

Disney Springs guests can discover festive fun this holiday season with sweet treats, nightly snowfalls, seasonal merchandise and enchanting entertainment, all wrapped in one magical experience!

Explore the enchanting Disney SpringsChristmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Featuring beautifully themed trees inspired by Walt Disney Studios, Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars and Superheroes, guests can enjoy stunning displays showcasing “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Coco,” “Lilo and Stitch” and more! Enhance the experience with MagicBand+ to add an extra touch of holiday magic.

Explore fabulous holiday collections at World of Disney and Disney’s Days of Christmas, guests are sure to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list.

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar offers delicious seasonal sips and bites as the family-friendly waterfront outpost transforms into its holiday best this time of year.

Embrace the Spirit of the Season at Disney Resort Collection Hotels

This festive season, holiday experiences at Disney Resorts Collection hotels extend beyond the parks. Guests can immerse themselves in the magic of the season with uniquely transformed resort hotels, each adorned with grand Christmas trees inspired by the resort’s themes and beloved Disney stories – perfect for creating unforgettable family memories.

Embark on a delightful journey through Disney Resort hotels to explore the many stunning gingerbread displays and amazing smells, a perfect way to celebrate the cherished tradition.

Indulge in a selection of limited-time holiday treats available at select dining locations and shops throughout the resorts.

Season’s Eatings at Walt Disney World Resort

Throughout the resort, guests can indulge in a variety of sweet and savory holiday bites that will satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Santa Claus Sightings this Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by meeting the one and only Santa Claus! While Santa has a busy schedule, there are many opportunities to meet him across the resort this holiday season.

Families can visit My Disney Experience for specific times and locations to meet the jolly man himself.

Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.  

Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/Holidays for more information about planning their holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Check out all the latest Christmas and Holiday Season Things To Do in Orlando.

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