UPDATED 2024. The Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most magical places in the world - and Holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort are the most magical of all!

With four incredible theme parks, over 20 themed Resort Hotels, and so much more, Walt Disney World is bursting at the seams with holiday magic! It was hard to narrow it down, but here are five reasons why a holiday visit to Walt Disney World is a must.

Bring on the festivities and spirit of the season! Here are a few quick details to help you start planning:

• Holidays begin mid November and run through late December.
• Each theme park celebrates in their own unique way, making 4 days the minimum to enjoy a taste of each location.

One reason to visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season is the decor. You’ll notice Holiday decorations making their way into the theme parks in November. Just when you think you’ve been completely immersed in the holidays, nightfall arrives for even more sparkling magic!

“Beacons of Magic!” During the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, your favorite theme park icons dazzle and delight with an EARidescent glow.

This year your favorite theme park icons dazzle and delight with beautiful displays.

We are looking forward to:

• Disney Jollywood Nights – a new, separately ticketed event on select nights.
• Sunset Seasons Greetings - each evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Head to Sunset Boulevard to see billboards and “Hollywood Toy Hotel” come to life with festive projections and holiday delights.
• Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Overlay - blast off to the newest holiday mix on as you ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT.
• Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition - the centerpiece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom awakens each night with holiday themed decor and a beautiful musical score.
• Frozen Holiday Surprise - Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom for a brand new “Frozen”-inspired entertainment experience that will illuminate the castle in a whole new way. This delightful new offering can be seen during regular park hours and during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Holiday projection shows run nightly.

The second reason to visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The holly jolly celebration is hosted on select nights at Magic Kingdom.

The special after hours party, offers exclusive special holiday entertainment, and a special fireworks presentation. Separate admission is required and tickets to this exclusive event held at the Magic Kingdom sell out quickly.

Our Our favorites include:

• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration - join Mickey and his friends in front of Cinderella Castle for a yuletide stage show filled with live performers and a medley of holiday songs.
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade - celebrate the season with Disney friends as they stroll by in a festive procession featuring jolly St. Nick on his sleigh.
• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show - conclude the night with a show full of festive colors and fireworks to the tune of some of your favorite carols like Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
• Festive Dance Parties throughout Magic Kingdom - bust a move during a mega fun dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland, join Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch for a rockin’ Christmas party at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland or dance along with Disney Junior favorites at Disney Junior Jingle Jam!

Don’t forget holiday cookies and cocoa are available to Guests at designated locations for no additional charge! So grab something sweet and meet some favorite Disney characters in their holiday best.

Attractions are also open during the event including Jingle Cruise, as well an exclusive holiday makeover for Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party only during the party!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Your special event ticket gives you admission to Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 p.m. that day.

Ticket prices range from about $159-$199 per person. The party dates are:

• November: TBA
• December: TBA

Another jolly reason to visit Walt Disney World during the holidays are the many locations you can visit, meet or spot Santa Claus during your vacation.

There are so many opportunities to say hello to Santa, we’d like to share some of our top picks here:

• Cruising Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a red convertible “sleigh” during the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade throughout the day. How Hollywood is that?
• Floating down Discovery River at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on a festive Flotilla.
• Odyssey pavilion hosts Santa at EPCOT during the International Festival of Holidays.
• Disney Water Park meet and greet where you’ll find him dressed in his tropical holiday beachwear.

You can also find Santa Claus at the other theme parks and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

We recommend…

A 7-night visit for the full Walt Disney World Resort Holiday experience. For families looking to enjoy a holiday-filled visit from start to finish, The Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge are two of our favorites.

• The Grand Floridian is home to a massive Christmas tree, the iconic gingerbread house, and elaborate holiday decor.
• Wilderness Lodge brings you to a cozy “lost in the woods” feeling. It’s the places that holiday dreams are made of with a large 60 foot Christmas tree and snuggle-by-the-fireplace vibes.

Unlike Disneyland Resort, the public is invited and encouraged to attend one of several performances of the story of Christmas.

“Hear the stirring story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.”

This time honored tradition is ideal for families looking for a traditional Christmas celebration that includes songs of hope and joy accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and full choir.

Candlelight Processional typically runs from late November to Christmas Eve and is held at EPCOT near the American Adventure in World Showcase up to three times daily.

Various celebrities join the celebration as narrators during the season. The best way to secure a seat for this seasonal event is to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. We recommend setting up alerts with MouseDining to secure your spot.

EPCOT celebrates 'Holidays Around the World' with cultural festivities from the United States, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway and the United Kingdom with flavors of the season and a holiday cookie stroll.

Holiday Kitchens at Festival of Holidays

A festive feast is just around the corner with Holiday Kitchens full of tasty treats from around the world. Check back for menu updates soon!

Holiday Cookie Stroll at Festival of Holidays

Grab your Festival Passport and journey through the World Showcase in the search for tasty treats!

Dine at all 5 official Holiday Cookie Stop locations––each one offering a different decadent dessert. Visit each one for a tasty treat and earn a stamp in your Festival Passport.

Once you’ve collected all 5 stamps, you can present your Festival Passport to receive a 6th specialty cookie during your stroll.

If you'd like to surprise your family this Christmas with a trip to Disney World, call our Disney Experts at 855-GET-AWAY now! We can also help you set up travel plans for next year. Our Walt Disney World Packages can be held for as little as $200 and allow you to make flexible payments. The Holidays at Walt Disney World are something your family will remember forever.