Celebrating the Holidays at Walt Disney World: The Complete 2019 Guide!
Updated November 2019
Are you ready to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World?
As I’m writing this post, I’m sipping a peppermint mocha and listening to Pentatonix’s Christmas album, so I’m ready!
I know, November might seem too early for some people to start celebrating Christmas. But if you are heading to the Walt Disney World, it’s time to get yourself in Christmas mode. After the last Halloween party on November 1, the Magic Kingdom transforms overnight into a Christmas wonderland. And trust me, it is truly magical.
In this post, I want to share all the details on the festive and fun holiday events happening at Walt Disney World. The holidays are my favorite time at the parks. And yes, I’ve actually spent Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in Walt Disney World.
There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays Walt Disney World. If you are planning a trip from November-early January, check out my guide below. Grab those red and green Mickey ears and let’s get going!
Christmas Decorations (November 1-early January)
For more than two months, you can see Christmas trees, lights, garlands, etc. all over the resort.
- Magic Kingdom– During the holiday season, Main Street is transformed into a winter wonderland. The shops are lined with garland and the street lamps are adorned with Mickey-shaped wreaths. And as soon as you pass under the train station, you will be greeted by a massive Christmas tree. After admiring all of the decorations on Main Street, make your way to the Jungle Cruise. This attraction is overlaid with Christmas decorations to create the Jingle Cruise- a festive take on the classic ride.
- Hollywood Studios– This park also gets into the Christmas spirit with decorations filling the shop windows and lining Sunset Blvd. Gertie the dinosaur even dons a Santa hat for the occasion. And this year, the new Toy Story Land is also getting a Christmas overlay.
- Epcot– A large Christmas tree sits in World Showcase Plaza. Additionally, each country in World Showcase is decorated according to their local traditions.
- Animal Kingdom– You can find my favorite Christmas tree just outside the entrance to Animal Kingdom. This tree is decorated with animal print ornaments and other items that fit the park’s theme.
- Disney Springs– As you complete some last-minute Christmas shopping you can enjoy a variety of lights and Christmas trees adorning Disney Springs.
- Resort Hotels– The Disney World Resort hotels fully embrace the holiday season. Expect to see Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths, and more. And the best part, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy these decorations. Anyone is welcome to visit the hotel lobbies or restaurants to check out the decorations. We will discuss the hotel holiday offerings in more detail later in this post.
Thanksgiving Dinner (November 28, 2019)
Even though Christmas is in full swing, the Disney Parks still celebrate Thanksgiving. Some Walt Disney World restaurants even offer a special menu for Thanksgiving day. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving Day reservations fill up months in advance. But it doesn’t hurt to look online or call the Disney reservation line (407-WDW-DINE (3463))to find out about any potential openings.
Some of the restaurants offering Thanksgiving menus include:
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Candlelight Processional (November 29-December 30, 2019)
From November 29-December 30, the Candlelight Processional occurs nightly at Epcot. This extremely popular holiday event actually dates back to Disneyland’s first holiday season in 1955. The event has grown and changed over the years, and now it includes a large cast member choir, student choirs from around the country, a 50-piece orchestra, and celebrity narrators.
Essentially, the Candlelight Processional is a presentation of the biblical nativity story. The choirs process into the American Gardens Theater and sing a selection of religious Christmas songs. Intermittently, the celebrity narrator reads the nativity story. This year, the celebrity narrators include Neil Patrick Harris, Warwick Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, and more.
This event is free to park guests, but each performance quickly reaches capacity. Some guests line up for hours before the theater opens. If you want to secure your spot, consider booking a dining package. A variety of Disney restaurants offer a dining package that includes a guaranteed spot at the Candlelight Processional. But this is not a reserved seat. So just be aware that you will still need to line up in advance if you want a seat near the front. But, with this package, you at least will know that you have a spot. Check out the participating restaurants here.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November 29-December 30, 2019)
This is my favorite Christmas event at Walt Disney World. Epcot’s World Showcase hosts an annual holiday festival filled with traditional foods and activities. You can easily spend a few days experiencing all of this festival’s offerings.
Each country in World Showcase offers traditional holiday events. Most include a performer who shares the country’s traditional holiday story. Visit the France pavilion to learn about Père Noël or the Italy pavilion to hear the story of La Befana.
And don’t skip the food booths. There are a variety of special holiday food offerings served throughout World Showcase. This year I am especially excited about the Holiday Cookie Stroll! You can get a passport and follow the trail to sample 5 different holiday cookies throughout World Showcase.
Additionally, R&B, Gospel, and A Cappella groups can be heard throughout the festival performing holiday songs.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (November 8-December 22, 2019)
On select nights from November 8-December 22, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place at the Magic Kingdom. This is a ticketed event that costs $99-$134, depending on the night you visit. This is a very popular event, so if you are planning to attend, purchase your tickets well in advance.
This party includes a special parade, firework show, food offerings, and character meet-and-greet opportunities. Personally, I’m not sure this event is really worth the price (but to be fair, I’ve never attended the event). If you are visiting Walt Disney World from December 23-25, you can experience most of the party’s “special events” during regular park hours. The Magic Kingdom will be running the Christmas party’s parade and fireworks show during this week. I have been to the park during this week so I was able to see the special parade and firework show. They were extremely festive and magical. SO if you are visiting earlier in the season and really want to have this experience, the party might be worth the price.
Special Food Offerings
Walt Disney World offers a variety of holiday-themed treats from November-January. You can find these festive goodies all over the resort. Some of my favorites include:
- International Festival of the Holidays Booths: Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival is one of my favorite events at Walt Disney World. And the International Festival of the Holidays is almost like a mini Food and Wine Festival. Decorated food booths fill EPCOT’s World Showcase and offer treats from around the world. Check out the menus here.
- Hollywood Studios– Enjoy a Christmas Tree Red Velvet Whoopie Pie, Flight of Adult Hot Chocolates, a Gingerbread Cupcake, a Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Lunch Box Tart (in Toy Story Land) or a Gingerbread Cake Pop.
- Magic Kingdom– At the Confectionary on Main Street you can find a variety of classic treats dressed up for the season. Enjoy caramel apples, cookies, and Rice Krispie treats decked out in festive icing and sprinkles.
- Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa– Inside the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort sits a life-sized gingerbread house. Besides marveling at this impressive structure, you can actually purchase gingerbread treats from the house. Yes, this house actually operates as a small gingerbread cafe serving cookies and other festive confections.
Holiday Shows at the Parks (November 8-December 25)
There are so many fun holiday happenings at the parks.
Magic Kingdom
These shows take place during the Christmas Party and for all guests during the week of Christmas
- Frozen Holiday Wish– Anna and Elsa (those incredible popular sisters from Frozen) help illuminate Cinderella’s Castle with hundreds of glistening lights. This show takes place nightly during the Christmas Party (and for all guests during the week of Christmas).
- Once Upon a Christmastime Parade– This parade features toy soldiers, reindeer, and Santa in addition to a cast of classic Disney characters.
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration– During this lively Castle stage show Mickey and the gang perform a variety of new and classic Christmas songs.
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show– A new Christmas spectacular for 2019 complete with dazzling fireworks and classic Christmas tunes.
- Snope– Disney’s version of snow. This soapy mixture falls from the sky and transforms Main Street into Disney’s version of a Winter Wonderland
- A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas– A stage show that takes place in Tomorrowland and features Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and Mike Wazowski singing a futuristic take on classic Christmas carols
Hollywood Studios
This park features a few nighttime shows open to all park guests (the Christmas Party only occurs at Magic Kingdom)
- Sunset Seasons Greetings– The Hollywood Tower Hotel (Tower of Terror) becomes the backdrop for a beautiful light projection show. There are a few different short Holiday shows projected on the tower. At the end of each show, guests are treated to a magical shower of snope.
- Jingle Bell Jingle Bam– This holiday show takes place on the Chinese Theater. Light projections, lasers, fireworks, and music help create a fun and festive performance. The characters from Prep & Landing host the show which features many of Disney’s beloved characters
Epcot
As part of the International Festival of the Holidays, this park offers a few holiday-themed shows for all guests to enjoy
- An International Yuletide Extravaganza– Live music, specialty food items, and holiday stories bring the traditions of different cultures to life around World Showcase.
- Candlelight Processional– Scroll up to learn more about this popular presentation of the Nativity story.
- JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season– Gospel, R&B, and a cappella groups perform a collection of Christmas carols.
Holidays at Disney Springs
Disney’s shopping district also offers a few different holiday events. Here you can meet Santa, listen to performers sing Christmas classics, or shop for special holiday merchandise at one of the many stores in this outdoor mall.
Additionally, you can find the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs. This free walk-through trail takes guests past more than 25 themed Christmas trees. Each tree is inspired by a Disney movie or attraction, including The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog, Mary Poppins, and Cinderella. As you walk through the trail, be prepared to experience Disney’s version of snow- a soapy mixture fondly referred to as snope.
Disney Springs also offers Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt. Purchase a scavenger hunt booklet and make your way around Disney Springs looking for the gifts that Stitch hid. Once you find all the gifts, turn in your completed booklet for a small prize.
Special Decorations & Events at the Resorts
The Walt Disney Resort Hotels are also decorated for the holidays. Resort hopping is always fun, but it is especially magical during the Christmas season. Take some time to visit different hotels (anyone is welcome-you don’t have to be a hotel guest) to see the impressive Christmas displays. In addition to themed trees and beautiful decorations, a few resorts offer additional Christmas events and decorations:
- Gingerbread Houses– Disney’s pastry chefs work tirelessly to create magical gingerbread houses for the resort hotels. Some of the best gingerbread houses can be found at the Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian, Disney’s Yacht Club, and Disney’s Beach Club
- Unofficial Golf Cart Parade– Each Christmas, guests of Fort Wilderness decorate their campsites with dazzling Christmas lights. The guests pride themselves in decorating their golf carts (which they use to get around this massive resort and campground). The week before (or of) Christmas, the guests create an unofficial Golf Cart Parade to show off their decorations. Although an official date is not set, check with Fort Wilderness for more information. Anyone (even if you are not staying at this resort) is welcome to attend the event.
- Sleigh Rides– Port Orleans and Fort Wilderness both offer horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the year. But during December, guests can also take a sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness. Each sleigh ride costs $84 and takes you through the woodlands of Fort Wilderness
Special Tours
Throughout the year, guided tours are offered at Walt Disney World. During the holiday season, a few additional tours are offered to help guests get into the Christmas spirit:
- Holiday D-Lights– This 6-hour tour offers a deep look at the logistics that help transform EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom into a Winter Wonderland. This tour includes a family-style meal, seats at Candlelight Processional and Illuminations, and a chance to learn more from the team that creates the impressive holiday castle lighting show
- Yuletide Fantasy- This 3.5-hour tour takes guests behind the scenes at Epcot to learn how the entire Walt Disney World park is transformed for the holiday season. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to create a special holiday treat during the tour.
Christmas Eve
Yes, Christmas Eve is one of the most crowded days at Walt Disney World. If you are visiting on this day, prepare for crowds.
I had a great time spending Christmas Eve at Walt Disney World. As long as you are prepared, you can have fun. Just know, the parks often reach capacity on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Plan to enter a park early in the day (and don’t leave unless you are willing to be done for the day).
Personally, I loved spending Christmas Eve at Epcot. With the International Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional, this felt like a very festive and fun place to spend Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day
People are always surprised to hear that Christmas is one of Disney’s busiest days. But yes, some people (including myself) love to spend Christmas Day at a Disney Park.
Again, prepare for crowds. It will be packed and the parks will likely reach capacity. So if you want to spend the whole day at a park, enter early. I loved spending Christmas Day at the Magic Kingdom. It doesn’t get more classic or festive than the Magic Kingdom. And the park will be offering the Christmas parade and fireworks show that the typically offered during the Christmas Party.
If you don’t want to visit a park on Christmas Day, consider making a dining reservation at one of the resort hotels. Spend your time resort hopping to check out all of the festive decorations. But honestly, I didn’t think the Magic Kingdom was too hectic on Christmas. As long as you know what you are getting into, it is worth it.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is an entirely different story than Christmas. Yes, the parks get crowded on Christmas. But on New Year’s Eve- they get packed. The Magic Kingdom often reaches capacity by 10:00 am. So if you want to visit on New Year’s Eve, plan ahead and prepare for crowds.
I’ve spent two New Year’s Eves at the Magic Kingdom. And truly, I had a fantastic time. I embraced the crowds and soaked up the atmosphere. During the day, the park operates like any other day (just with a lot more people). By late afternoon, cast members begin handing out free New Year’s Eve hats and noisemakers.
Some guests will wait for the firework show all day. But really, this seems unnecessary to me. I usually start lining up 1.5-2 hours early. If you are ok to just watch the fireworks without an up-close view of the stage, this is plenty early. (And head’s up- Disney usually runs the New Year’s Eve fireworks show on December 30 and December 31).
The other parks also offer New Year’s Eve festivities. Epcot is also a popular place to ring in the New Year. Each country in the World Showcase features a small celebration (and it feels like a more “adult” place to celebrate since you can drink in this park). Hollywood Studios also offers a midnight fireworks display. Animal Kingdom features specialty food items and DJ-led dance parties.
If you don’t want to celebrate inside a park, consider making a dining reservation at the Contemporary Resort. This resort offers a VIP New Year’s Eve celebration called the Countdown to Midnight.
Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World during the Holiday Season? Do you have any other questions about these events? Let me know below!
If you are looking for more, check out this post:
The Complete Guide to New Years Eve in the Magic Kingdom
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