Disney World Christmas

Christmas at Disney World. Jollywood nights. Disney character line up outside the theater at Hoolywood Studios.

Experience a Disney World Christmas

Each year, the enchantment of the holiday season comes alive as the much anticipated Disney World Christmas celebrations are unwrapped. Officially kicking off this year in November and dancing its way through December, 2024, you can expect endless merriment and yuletide joy. 

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World for Christmas, take a look at our villas near Disney World.

Read on to discover what festive treats lay in store for 2024!

 

Join in on the Disney World Christmas Party celebrations

The excitement really builds from November, when Magic Kingdom’s holiday special known as “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” comes to town, until December. Packed full of Christmas-themed entertainment, shows, a sparkling parade complete with snowfall and more, you’ll feel the Disney spirit alive and well! This not only promises a spectacular start to the merrymaking but ensures that the Magic Kingdom will be adorned with twinkling lights and holiday cheer even before the party begins. It’s a truly magical time of year, where the Disney spirit shines brighter than ever.

 

The Disney World Christmas decorations don't get any more classic then this festive Christmas tree and traditional toy soilder at Magic Kingdom

When does Disney World decorate for Christmas?

As a cherished tradition, the Parks kick off their Disney World Christmas transformation, beginning with the enchanting Magic Kingdom park in November, 2024. This beloved Disney Park is adorned with holiday splendor, ensuring a fully decorated experience by November – ready for hosting “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” from November, 2024. The festive spirit then radiates through the resort, as the remaining Walt Disney World Christmas decorations grace the other three theme parks throughout November. With anticipation running high, the finishing touches at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are set to be completed by November, 2024. 

As the holiday season comes to life, Disney World promises to be a breathtaking winter wonderland that’s not to be missed! Whether you’re looking to dip into a Disney World Christmas experience or treat your family to an unforgettable vacation at the parks, we bring you a sleigh ride-full selection of magical Disney World Christmas events not to miss this festive season.

Disney World Christmas Parade

  • Where: Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom
  • When: Select evenings from November through December, 2024

A classic Disney World Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the enchanting “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”. This festive procession is a cherished part of the “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” festivities at Magic Kingdom, meaning you’ll need event admission to join in on the parade magic.

Once you’re in, get ready to immerse yourself in the joyful holiday spirit, as beloved Disney pals, including the ever-jolly Santa Claus, grace the streets in a heartwarming procession. On select nights, the iconic Main Street, U.S.A. undergoes a magical yuletide transformation, offering you the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable moments of dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and your favorite Disney Characters, who are dressed-to-impress and are there to send warm, festive greetings to the crowd. This delightful 25-minute parade, complete with snowfall, is a spectacle that promises to bring Christmas cheer and enchantment to visitors of all ages. It’s a quintessential Disney holiday experience you won’t want to miss!

Disney World Christmas event showing Mickey on a festive float during the Christmastime parade. Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Disney Jollywood Nights 2024

  • Where: Hollywood Studios
  • When: Select evenings from November through December, 2024

Get ready for a swanky new addition to the Disney World Christmas line-up, as Disney’s Hollywood Studios decks the halls with its sparkling, “Disney Jollywood Nights”! 

This exciting, separately ticketed party welcomes guests to revel in a glamorous evening to remember. Expect a heady mix of merry mashups, festive bites and alcoholic sips, alongside the “Disney Holidays in Hollywood” star-studded variety show, with iconic throwback characters including Miss Piggy and Kermit, and a holiday vibe that’s overflowing with glitz and sparkle. Other treats in store include the vibrant Latin street party, “Holiday Fiesta en la Calle” and the unmissable, all-new stage show, “What’s This? Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along”. With the evening culminating in the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” finale, “Jollywood Nights” promises to power up your winter nights like never before.

Disney World Christmas at Jollywood, Hollywood Studios. A stylized poster depicting the glamorous festivities at the party.

Nightmare before Christmas Disney World Party – Jollywood

  • Where: The Hyperion Theater, Hollywood Studios
  • When: Select evenings from November through December, 2024

Part of the “Jollywood” celebrations at Hollywood Studios, surreal melodies await Tim Burton fans – as they embark on a dreamlike journey with the enigmatic Jack Skellington, through the mesmerizing world of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” As you venture through this ethereal realm, you’ll join in a captivating sing-along experience, featuring beloved tunes from this iconic film. Expect to unearth peculiar magic hidden in the most unexpected of places, and brace yourself for a face-off with the mischievous Oogie Boogie! On this whimsical quest, Jack Skellington will inspire you to embrace your curiosity, leaving you with an unforgettable and enchanting experience this Christmas.

Disney World Very Merry Christmas Party 2024

  • Where: Magic Kingdom
  • When: Select evenings from November through December, 2024

The #1 Disney World Christmas event has to be “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party”! This ticketed family-friendly event showcases all the festive cheer and tinsel magic that Disney is famous for. Enjoy a stocking-filled party schedule of shows, parades and performances, including “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration”, “Minnies Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks”, “Reindeer Wranglers” at Country Bear Jamboree, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”, complete with snowfall on Main Street U.S.A, a “Totally Tomorrowland Christmas”, a “Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam” and “Club Tinsel” in Tomorrowland.

This year with Frozen and the festive fireworks lighting up Cinderella’s Castle, make it an extra sweet occasion, with a ticket to “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace (there is also an upgraded ticket with Plaza Garden viewing). 

Although these festive events take place from 7pm to midnight, it’s worth knowing that ticket holders can enter Magic Kingdom from 4pm on the day of their selected ticket date. So get ready to soak up some Park atmosphere and world-famous attractions!

Fesitve toy soldiers perform in the parade for Disney World's Very Merry Christmas Party

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

  • Where: EPCOT
  • When: November through December, 2024

Step into a world of holiday wonder at EPCOT, where the magic of the season comes alive in a tapestry of festive sights, sounds, and flavors. This joyful journey will transport you around the globe, allowing you to experience the rich holiday traditions of diverse cultures. Meet the Storytellers as you travel through World Showcase and gain insights into the unique ways people celebrate this magical time of year.

Don’t miss the heartwarming “Candlelight Processional” at America Gardens Theatre, running from November through December, 2024. This stirring Christmas story is narrated by a celebrity and brought to life by a magnificent massed choir, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the Voices of Liberty. It’s a captivating holiday tradition that will fill your heart with joy.

And what’s a celebration without a feast? Taste your way around EPCOT with the help of the Holiday Cookie Stroll and tempting holiday kitchens, where you can savor the flavors of countries near and far. As you delight in heartwarming culinary traditions, you’ll experience the true spirit of the season. 

With Santa greetings, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Exhibition and the uplifting gospel and R&B music of “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” also waiting to be savored, EPCOT’s “Festival of the Holidays” promises a magical and heartwarming experience for all!

EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays. Global festival musicians and dancers perform.

Enjoy the Main Street Disney World Christmas glow 

A Disney World Christmas trip absolutely should include a stroll to take in the festive decorations and displays along Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. Here, the holiday spirit takes center stage from early November, turning the park into a dazzling winter wonderland. Every corner of the park is meticulously adorned with elaborate and detailed festive decor that’s sure to enchant visitors. Read on for a glimpse into how Disney World dresses up for Christmas.

Explore Main Street, U.S.A. 

The magic of Main Street, U.S.A. during Christmas is a spectacle that’s bound to warm your heart and create cherished memories. Festooned with charming wreaths, garlands, and other holiday adornments, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in this iconic shop-lined thoroughfare, which leads to Cinderella’s castle. Stroll along and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season. As part of  “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party”, don’t miss out on catching “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” along Main Street, U.S.A. Featuring beloved Disney characters donning their festive attire, a flurry of snowfall and even Santa Claus himself, this family-friendly parade promises to banish any Scrooges and put you all in the Christmas spirit! 

Disney World Castle Christmas magic

Taking center stage this festive season, the jewel in Disney’s crown; Cinderella’s Castle, will be adorned by a Frozen-themed projector overlay that changes every few minutes. While many fondly remember the former Cinderella Castle Dream Lights display, this new festive projector display promises to add a touch of pure magic and wonder when exploring Magic Kingdom this holiday season. The “Frozen Holiday Surprise” will debut in November, 2024 and include special appearances from Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the Snowgies!

A lit up Frozen display on Cinderella's castle, part of Disney World Christmas Party 2023

Stock up on your Disney World Christmas merchandise

When you’re experiencing the Disney Parks don’t miss out on the chance to treat yourself and loved ones to a plethora of special edition Disney World Christmas merchandise.

This cheerful ensemble of Disney World Christmas merchandise, featuring none other than Mickey & Friends, is now available at select Walt Disney World merchandise locations, with Disney Clothiers in Magic Kingdom being one of the first to showcase these festive delights.

In this charming Christmas-themed collection, you’ll discover an array of holiday treasures, including stockings, ornaments, and a playful selection of themed short and long-sleeved t-shirts, for $39.99. Kids can step into the season with magical crocs and themed character Christmas stockings, both priced at $49.99. Stay cozy with Christmas-themed pullover hoodies for $59.99 or embrace the spirit of the season with Spirit Jerseys for $79.99. Accessorize your holiday attire with glow-in-the-dark Loungefly mini backpacks, available for $88.00, and a pair of whimsical glow-in-the-dark Christmas Disney Ear headbands for $39.99. For those with plenty of chimney space, there’s even a themed Christmas Lilly Belle train set, priced at $149.99. With these delightful offerings and more to discover, the joy of the holiday season is never too early to embrace!

Deck the Halls with Disney World Christmas Ornaments

As the season for trimming the tree approaches, Disney World unveils its captivating collection of Christmas ornaments for 2024. These themed Christmas tree ornaments are perfect for adding a touch of Disney magic to your holiday decor. Offering an array of colors, characters, and styles, there’s something for every Disney fan, from the enchanting large baubles priced at $24.99 to the gleaming tree topper for $39.99. Elevate your holiday decorating game with reversible Disney tree skirts, priced from $79.99. With these delightful Park treasures to treat yourself to, turning your Christmas tree into a festive masterpiece promises to become an everlasting souvenir from the Parks.

Where to stay for Disney World Christmas 2024

Aside from the usual Disney hotel resorts, our luxury vacation rentals in Orlando promise to each be utterly unique – with more space, exclusivity and private in-house amenities for your Disney World Christmas vacation. Located within easy reach of the Disney World Parks, many of our multigenerational vacation homes benefit from park shuttle service, as well as access to first-class resort amenities. And that’s just the outside – inside, you’ll find Christmas has come early – with epic games rooms, themed kids’ bedrooms, private pools and more just waiting to be unwrapped. Many are pet-friendly too!

For vacation guests looking to celebrate their Disney World Christmas experience in style, our luxury Concierge Services promise the gift of convenience, as well as holiday experiences to excite and delight.

Enjoy everything from airport transfers, grocery packs and private chef to fully-decorated Christmas trees, festive goodie bags, special character meets and more. Make it a Disney World Christmas stay to remember, and explore our enchanting collection of Orlando vacation rentals today.