Disney World during the Christmas season is one of my favorite family memories. There’s something about the combination of Christmas magic and Disney magic that is so special. I think I may love it even more than my daughters do!
Between the four parks, Disney Springs, and many of the Disney Resorts, there are lots of fun and festive things to do. From giant gingerbread displays to a special Christmas fireworks show, and characters dressed in their Christmas best, holiday excitement is everywhere!
There are Christmas decorations and special holiday food and treats all around Disney World. There are even things you can enjoy without paying for park admission. Many of the resorts have special holiday displays that anyone can go see. One of the best is the life size gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian. There are unique Christmas trees all around and the resorts are decorated specifically to match their themes.
Photo: Meg McClain
Another place you can go without a ticket is Disney Springs. You could spend a whole day there shopping, eating, and exploring. The Christmas Tree Stroll will lead you to 20 Christmas trees, each celebrating a Disney movie, ride, or character. There is live entertainment, “snow” falling, and you can even find Santa there.
All four parks are decorated all out for Christmas, but Magic Kingdom and Epcot have the most special events for the season. Main Street at Magic Kingdom is my favorite place to get in the Christmas spirit. There are holiday projections on Cinderella’s castle at one end and the Magic Kingdom Christmas tree at the other.
At Epcot, the International Festival of the Holidays starts right after Thanksgiving. The World Showcase has holiday kitchens from around the world and storytellers sharing traditions from their countries. You can join Olaf on his Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, or collect stamps in your passport for the Holiday Cookie Stroll. This year I am most excited to go to the Candlelight Processional for the first time. It is a retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator, choir, and orchestra.
Photo: Meg McClain
Mickey has his own Very Merry Christmas party, which takes place on certain nights at Magic Kingdom. It has special holiday parades and shows, dance parties, free cookies and hot chocolate, and other treats that are exclusive to the party. Some of the rides get special effects for the party, and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks are the highlight of the night. The party is from 7 pm to midnight, but you can get into Magic Kingdom at 4. We like to take it easy in the morning to save our energy, and along with the free sugar and excitement, we have been able to make it long past our normal bedtimes. The exhaustion the next day is totally worth it.
It can be hard to make plans because there is so much to do there at Christmas time. I have had to accept that we can’t do it all in one trip…so we will just have to keep going back!
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