The Ultimate Holiday Guide to Walt Disney World

👉 Jump to: Activities Included with Your Park Ticket | Activities for an Additional Cost | Activities Outside the Parks 

The holiday season is already known as a magical time, but it gets even better at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Walt Disney World goes all out for Christmas and the holidays. 

Growing up in Orlando, I’ve been lucky enough to celebrate the holidays many times at Disney. Now, I’m putting together the ultimate guide to the holidays at Walt Disney World to share all the magic with you!

Make sure you know where to stay at Disney World, and let the celebrations begin!

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Disney Holiday Activities Included with Your Park Ticket

The best part about celebrating the holidays at Disney World is that so many things are already included in your vacation package. The parks and resorts are all completely decorated. Plus, several attractions with holiday overlays and additional offerings are included with your park ticket.

Jingle Cruise

Holiday jokes and decor are plentiful on this classic Magic Kingdom attraction’s holiday overlay.

📍 Google Maps | Park: Magic Kingdom

The Jungle Cruise is already a fan favorite, but everyone looks forward to riding the “Jingle” Cruise during the holidays. You’ll still follow the same path, but the jungle skippers include holiday and winter-themed jokes while pointing out all the beautiful decor.

👉 Local Tip: If you’re planning to purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the Jingle Cruise is a must-book! The line tends to be consistently long during the holidays.

Festival of the Holidays

Take your celebration international at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays.

📍 Google Maps | Park: Epcot

Like the other Epcot festivals, a separate ticket is not needed to enjoy the Festival of the Holidays (though some offerings are for an additional cost). Not only is the park decorated, but the countries of the World Showcase pull out all the stops. You’ll be able to learn and celebrate international customs.

Some activities during the Festival of the Holidays include:

• Candlelight Processional
• Candlelight Processional Dining Packages (additional cost)
• JOYFUL! (a concert celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa)
• Holiday storytellers
• Holiday Kitchens (additional cost)
• Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Scavenger Hunt (additional cost)
• Holiday Cookie Stroll (additional cost)

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Holiday Edition)

Sing along with your favorite Frozen friends (and a special guest)!

📍 Google Maps | Park: Hollywood Studios

I recommend For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration to everyone visiting Hollywood Studios because it is such a fun and well-done show. The only thing that makes it better is the holiday overlay that adds Olaf! Plus, a song from the short film “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” is added. 

See my 1-day Hollywood Studios itinerary for exactly how to make the most of your time in this park, holidays or not.

Merry Menagerie

Meet some of the cutest polar animals right in front of the Tree of Life. 

📍 Google Maps | Park: Animal Kingdom

The Merry Menagerie is a group of adorable animal puppets at Animal Kingdom. You can meet polar bears, penguins, foxes, and more. These cute creatures are perfect for a photo op and little ones can even “pet” them. 

Since they are usually found in front of the Tree of Life, line up the tree behind the menagerie for the perfect photo. 

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Catch a showing of one of Disney’s best parades through the Magic Kingdom.

📍 Google Maps | Park: Magic Kingdom

In my opinion, the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is the best parade at Walt Disney World. The parade can be seen during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (a separate ticketed event). But, there are a couple of ways to see the parade without attending the Christmas party.

After the last Christmas party (December 20, 2024), the Christmastime Parade usually replaces the Festival of Fantasy as the daytime parade until the end of the year. Additionally, Disney World films the parade for a TV special. These filming dates are typically in the second week of November (November 9th & 10th for 2024) and the parade will run during park hours. 

Sunset Seasons Greetings

Head over to Sunset Boulevard to watch an electrifying holiday projection show on the Tower of Terror.

📍 Google Maps | Park: Hollywood Studios

Sunset Boulevard gets in the holiday spirit with a laser projection show on the Tower of Terror. There is also music, beautiful decor, and snow! Well, it is Florida so the snow is “snoap”, but it still makes for a magical experience.

This show runs continuously in the evenings, so no need to rush over. Wait until the end of the night for the best viewing and photographs.

Candlelight Processional

If there is one-holiday event universally loved by Disney fans, it is the Candlelight Processional.

📍 Google Maps | Park: Epcot

Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, orchestra, and choir of Disney cast members. I cannot recommend this show enough!

The hardest part is going to be getting a seat. There are three shows per night: 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 pm. People will start lining up more than an hour before the shows, especially for popular celebrities. 

👉 Local Tip: Disney offers Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. The dining packages include a meal at one of the restaurants in Epcot and a guaranteed seat for one of the shows that day. Packages range from $53-$105 per adult and meals include an entree, dessert, and a beverage.

Glimmering Greenhouses

Relax on this soothing boat tour of the Land’s greenhouses, but add gorgeous holiday lights and decor. 

📍 Google Maps | Park: Epcot

Living with the Land is a cult-favorite ride that takes guests on a slow boat ride through Epcot’s greenhouses. Yes, the food grown there does get served at Disney restaurants! During the holidays, this unique attraction gets a holiday makeover.

In addition to holiday decor, the greenhouses are filled with Christmas lights (best seen at night)! While this attraction rarely has a long wait time, that definitely changes on holiday evenings. Glimmering Greenhouses is so popular that the line is sometimes longer than the most popular rides. 

Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition

The return of the Tree of Life Awakenings is long-awaited and for good reason. 

📍 Google Maps | Park: Animal Kingdom

The Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition is a nighttime projection show at Animal Kingdom. Whimsical winter sequences with adorable animals play on the Tree of Life. These shows run intermittently and are best seen from Discovery Island.

Animal Kingdom usually closes at 6 pm. Since sunset is around 5:30 pm during the holiday season, that only leaves a short window to see the Tree of Life Awakenings.

Disney Characters in Holiday Outfits

Meeting your favorite characters is already fun, but during the holidays you can add cute outfits too!

📍 Google Maps | Park: All

Throughout Disney World, beloved characters will be getting their own holiday overlay. Many characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, will wear their winter attire for meet and greets. 

Most of these characters can be seen during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, but many are also seen during regular park hours. My favorite winter outfits are the ones the princesses at Epcot wear on cold days.

Holiday PhotoPass 

There are dozens of places to get the perfect holiday photo, including some with your favorite characters. 

📍 Google Maps | Park: All

Throughout the parks, you can find tons of Disney PhotoPass photographers. During the holidays, you’ll be able to capture photos in front of the holiday decor, with Christmas or winter props, and get characters added to your photos. 

In addition to locations throughout the parks, PhotoPass also has a studio located at Disney Springs. It is free to have your photos taken here and they have a variety of props and backdrops to choose from.

If you plan on purchasing your photos from your Disney Christmas vacation, I recommend purchasing Memory Maker. This will give you digital access to every photo taken during your vacation. 

Voices of Liberty

Sit back and enjoy acapella holiday carols from these talented singers.

📍 Google Maps | Park: Epcot

The Voices of Liberty are a beloved acapella group that typically sings patriotic songs in the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot. During the holiday season, they don festive outfits and sing seasonal carols. 

Since the shows take place inside a rotunda, the acoustics make the songs even more beautiful. This is a must-watch show during a Disney holiday vacation.

Disney Holiday Activities for an Additional Cost

While there are plenty of holiday activities at Disney without an additional cost, these offerings can make your trip a little more magical. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Disney’s premier holiday event, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas brings together all the best seasonal offerings.

📍 Location: Magic Kingdom | Cost: $179-$219

Taking place on select nights from November 8 – December 20, 2024, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is filled with holiday fun. 

Included in the party are:

• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration (stage show by the castle)
• Dance parties and character meet and greets
• Cookies and festive beverages
• “Snow” on Main Street USA
• Holiday overlays at select attractions
• Specialty merchandise and snacks (additional cost)

Jollywood Nights

Dance the night away at this sophisticated (but still family-friendly) soiree at Hollywood Studios.

📍 Location: Hollywood Studios | Cost: $159-$179

Jollywood Nights is a newer holiday party at Disney World. It takes place on select nights from November 9 – December 21, 2024. 

Included in the party are:

• Glisten! (a skate show)
• Dance parties and unique character meet and greets
• Exclusive snacks and merchandise (additional cost)
• Disney Holidays in Hollywood show
• What’s This? The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
• Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime Spectacular

🛎️ Need a Hotel? For adults who plan to enjoy the food and drinks at Jollywood Nights, I recommend staying at one of the closer hotels. The WDW Swan Hotel is one of my favorites and a short walk or boat ride away from Hollywood Studios.

Holiday Sleigh Ride

Nothing says the holidays like a sleigh ride. You may not be pulled through fresh snow, but it is still a wonderful ride.

📍 Location: Fort Wilderness Resort | Cost: $80 per ride

Head over to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness to hop on a (Florida-style) Holiday Sleigh Ride. The 25-minute rides are available in December. Each ride can hold 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.

👉 Local Tip: Tri-Circle-D Ranch is located at the back of Fort Wilderness and you are not allowed to park there. Give yourself an extra 25 minutes to account for the bus ride from the Fort Wilderness parking lot back to the ranch. 

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Taste some scrumptious Christmas cookies from the themed Holidays Kitchens at Epcot.

📍 Location: Epcot | Cost: $3-$4 per cookie

During Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, Holiday Kitchens are set up around the park. These kitchens serve up unique snacks from around the world.

The Holiday Cookie Stroll includes trying (at least) 5 of the cookies offered. You’ll get a stamp in the festival booklet for each cookie purchased. Then, show your completed cookie stroll for a free treat! (In 2023, the treat was a cookie and a chocolate sundae in a souvenir cup.)

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine

Fill up on a delectable buffet while Minnie and her friends welcome everyone with holiday cheer.

📍 Location: Hollywood Studios | Cost: $63 adults, $42 ages 3-9

Hollywood & Vine is a buffet dining option at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The theme changes seasonally, including Minnie’s Holiday Dine in Winter (November 6, 2024 – January 4, 2025). 

In addition to the holiday outfits the characters are sporting, some menu items rotate seasonally. 

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Take your little ones on a chilly scavenger hunt through Epcot.

📍 Location: Epcot | Cost: $10

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is just one of many scavenger hunt activities throughout the year at Epcot. Each one is a little different but the premise is the same: find the items on the list and match the provided stickers to their location.

This is the perfect activity to keep kids engaged while parents are enjoying the food and entertainment of the Festival of the Holidays. Plus, you get a special gift when you complete your scavenger hunt!

Festival Booths at Festival of the Holidays

Delight in holiday flavors and international cuisine while strolling through Epcot.

📍 Location: Epcot | Cost: Varies

Food stands used to only be a staple of Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, but now they are included in every festival at the park. During Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, the Holiday Kitchens serve up seasonal flavors celebrating cuisines from around the world.

These are also the locations where you’ll find the cookies for the Holiday Cookie Stroll. 

Disney Holiday Activities Outside the Parks

Gingerbread Houses

A Christmas visit to Disney World wouldn’t be complete without seeing the gingerbread masterpieces made by the talented chefs.

📍 Location: Several Resorts | Cost: Free

Disney World’s most famous gingerbread house is located at the Grand Floridian Resort. This massive structure doubles as a snack stand where guests can purchase gingerbread and other holiday treats.

But Grand Floridian isn’t alone in having a gingerbread display. Other edible holiday displays are found at:

• Contemporary Resort
• Beach Club Resort
• Yacht Club Resort
• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Boardwalk Inn

Even if your Disney World hotel doesn’t have a gingerbread display, don’t fret! Every resort is decked to the nines with holiday cheer. 

Christmas Tree Stroll

Marvel at themed Christmas trees scattered throughout Disney Springs.

📍 Google Maps | Location: Disney Springs | Cost: Free

The Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs is one of my favorite holiday activities at Disney World. It is completely free and an activity the whole family can enjoy. 

Trees are placed throughout Disney Springs. You can pick up a free scavenger hunt where you match the different themed trees to their locations. There’s even a free prize and discounts at Disney Springs businesses for participating.

Personally, I love to grab a drink after dinner and wander through Disney Springs looking at all the beautiful trees. 

Blizzard Beach

Not exactly a holiday exclusive, Blizzard Beach is a great place to feel a winter chill in the Florida sun.

📍 Google Maps | Cost: $74 adults, $68 ages 3-9

Blizzard Beach is one of Disney World’s two water parks and it is winter-themed. Since even the holidays have warm (okay, hot) days in Orlando, cooling off at the water park is perfect. 

My favorite attractions include Summit Plummet, Melt Away Bay, and the Chairlift. Don’t miss out on the delicious mini donuts as well! 

👉 Local Tip: Starting in 2025, Disney World hotel guests will get free admission to a Disney water park on check-in day. Also, adding a Blizzard Beach ticket to a vacation package is usually cheaper than buying a 1-day water park ticket. 

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course

Head over to Santa’s summer getaway for a competitive game of mini-golf. 

📍 Google Maps | Cost: $19 adults, $12 ages 3-9

If you’d rather skip the water park, head next door from Blizzard Beach to the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course. Whether you choose the Summer course or the Winter course, you’re sure to be in the Christmas spirit with Santa and his elves all around. 

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Holiday Bar

This adventurous waterfront lounge goes all out on the Christmas decorations.

📍 Google Maps | Location: Disney Springs | Cost: Varies

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (yes, as in Indiana Jones’ pilot) is already a fun little joint to grab drinks and small plates. But it only gets better during the holidays. In addition to over-the-top decorations, delicious seasonal items are added to the menu.

In the past, seasonal offerings have included a boozy hot chocolate flight, ham and cheese “trees,” and “naughty or nice” deviled eggs.

Meet Santa Claus

A holiday vacation wouldn’t be complete without a meeting with jolly ol’ St Nicholaus himself!

📍 Google Maps | Location: Disney Springs | Cost: Free

At Disney Springs, Santa Claus sets up his own meet-and-greet location. Understandably, lines can get pretty long, so a virtual queue is frequently used on the My Disney Experience app. There is no cost to meet Santa and a park ticket is not required (and parking is free at Disney Springs). 

👉 Local Tip: Disney Springs isn’t the only place to meet Santa this holiday season. You can also see him at Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom, the Liberty Square gazebo in Magic Kingdom, the Odyssey Pavilion in Epcot, and It’s a Wonderful Shop in Hollywood Studios. Times and dates vary, so check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.

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As you can see, there is plenty of holiday cheer at Walt Disney World! I hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan the perfect Disney Christmas vacation. Check out my guide to my favorite things to do at Disney World for even more fun ideas.