Your COMPLETE Holiday Guide to Walt Disney World
As every Disney fan knows, there is no place like Walt Disney World for the holidays. Spending the most magical time of year in the most Magical Place on Earth is a truly unique experience full of festivities, food, and fun!
With Halloween less than two weeks away, the holiday season will be here before you know it.
Photo: Disney
To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the holly jolly activities, here is a complete rundown of everything Walt Disney World offers during the holidays.
EPCOT
We will start our tour in EPCOT, which is again set to host the International Festival of the Holidays from November 29 through December 30, 2024.
During the festival, EPCOT comes alive with festive decorations, unique experiences, and, of course, food!
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Throughout World Showcase, for example, guests can hear storytellers share holiday legends from around the world. From Las Posadas festivities in Mexico to the spirit of Hanukkah between Morocco and France and the meaningful customs of Daruma in Japan, there is a ton to do!
Each pavilion also brings festive cuisine from countries worldwide to their Holiday Kitchens!
Also returning this year is JOY! A Celebration of the Season, a fan-favorite show that brings together Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs.
Photo: Disney
The time-honored tradition of the Candlelight Processional also returns to EPCOT this year with a glorious mass choir, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and a collection of celebrity narrators. This year, such Hollywood luminaries as Neil Patrick Harris, Ralph Macchio, and Whoopie Goldberg will attend.
Finally, we have my favorite part of Christmas at EPCOT. Living with the Land—Glimmering Greenhouses is returning this year! The iconic attraction will once again come to life with Christmas lights and decorations!
Photo: Disney
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Christmas will come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on November 12, when the Merry Menagerie returns to the park. The artisan-sculped wintry animals will get guests in the holiday spirit and make for a great photo opportunity.
Merry Menagerie
New this year to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party. DinoLand U.S.A. is throwing one more big bash before going extinct.
Photo: Disney
At the party, guests will not only be able to soak in the ambiance of Restaurantosaurus but also meet Santa Claus himself! The 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party will run from November 12 through December 24.
Santa is not the only one waiting to meet Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests this holiday season. Mickey and Minnie also wear the finest Christmas outfits and are ready to celebrate. The dynamic duo can be found at Adventurers Outpost!
Photo: Disney
Finally, as night falls on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be sure to check out Tree of Life Awakening. The dazzling display of color and light is the perfect way to cap off your night at the park.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beginning November 12, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will bring together the magic of Christmas and the glamour of Tinsel Town.
Photo: Disney
Guests can jam out to the Holiday Spirit Band as they take in the festive sights of the park. Additionally, other new holiday acts, including juggling elves, are set to pop up around the park!
At Toy Story Land, Andy’s backyard will be decked out in holiday decorations as Buzz, Jesse, and Woody meet guests in their Yuletide costumes.
If you want to see some snow on your Walt Disney World holiday vacation, head over to For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-along Celebration, which will feature a festive finale featuring Olaf and holiday songs!
Finally, you can cap off your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by taking in the return of Sunset Seasons Greetings. During the special presentation, the Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, Arendelle, and a Dickensian village from Mickey’s Christmas Carol.
Magic Kingdom
In addition to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Magic Kingdom offers plenty of festivities for guests.
Main Street, U.S.A. will once again be decked out for the holidays, with the smell of baked goods wafting through the air. Additionally, guests can wave their MagicBand+ at the Fab 50 Character statues to experience a new holiday reaction.
Photo: Disney
Families will not want to miss Frozen Holiday Surprise on the castle stage. During the show, friends from Arendelle, including Olaf, gather to transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering palace.
Photo: Disney
Finally, on November 2, Jingle Cruise will return to Magic Kingdom, letting guests set sail for a festive adventure on the rivers of the world.
Disney Springs
Even outside of the theme parks, there is a ton to do during the holidays at Walt Disney World.
Photo: Disney
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is set to return this year, bringing guests incredible displays featuring Mufasa: The Lion King, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coco, Lilo, and Stitch, and more!
The Princess and the Frog Tree
Disney Springs is also the ultimate place to do some Christmas shopping. The World of Disney and Disney’s Days of Christmas will even have the latest holiday collection on display.
Photo: Disney
Finally, don’t miss out on the seasonal sips and bites coming to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar. The waterfront outpost is transforming just in time for the holidays.
The Disney Resorts
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the Disney Resorts. Once again this year, each hotel in the Disney Resorts Collection will bring its own spin on the holidays, featuring beautiful displays, themed decorations, and more!
Grand Floridian Gingerbread House in 2023
Disney is promising that we will learn more soon!
I, for one, can’t wait for the holiday season to get here.
