The holidays are always so magical throughout Walt Disney World Resort, but it doesn't quite feel like the holidays until we visit Magic Kingdom. The entrance and Main Street, U.S.A. are decked out in decor along with the larger-than-life Christmas tree in Town Square. Jingle Cruise makes its festive holiday return, as well as a "Frozen" themed show at Cinderella Castle. Plus, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dazzles on select nights. There's no place like home for the holidays — here's everything to know about Christmas at Magic Kingdom!
Overview of Christmas at Magic Kingdom
While the holiday season rolls out over the first few weeks of November, Magic Kingdom gets decked out well in advance. Most decor was up within the first few days of November in preparation for the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, running Nov. 8 to Dec 20, 2024, on select nights. The separately ticketed event features rare characters, special entertainment, jolly-good treats, ride overlays, “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A. and more!
Outside of the party, you can enjoy the Jingle Cruise ride overlay, as well as specialty merchandise and food and drink. Returning this year, guests will see Cinderella Castle illuminated in a whole new way with Frozen Holiday Surprise — a stage show with appearances from Elsa, Anna, Olaf Kristoff and the Snowgies!
Magic Kingdom will continue to be a winter wonderland generally through Dec. 31. Psst — if you haven’t already gotten your tickets and hotel, hop to it soon before Disney Park Passes are completely booked this holiday season!
If you plan on visiting Magic Kingdom during the most wonderful time of the year, you'll want to be prepared for a busy (and exciting!) time in the park. Keep reading for our top tips for celebrating Christmas at Magic Kingdom in 2024!
Christmas Decorations at Magic Kingdom
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Most decor appeared on Nov. 2 as the transition from Halloween into the holidays practically hoppens overnight, as garland with giant red bows quickly replaces all of the pumpkin wreaths. The rest of the decor appears a few days later as the iconic Christmas tree rises above the rooftops of Main Street, while toy soldier statues keep watch nearby.
You’ll find most of the Christmas decor as soon as you walk into Main Street, U.S.A — the iconic Christmas tree, along with toy soldier statues, wreaths and garland galore. Snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A. is a staple and returns during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. While the castle hub and Main Street are quite festive, you won't find many other decorations in the rest of the park.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Celebrate the holiday season with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, back at Magic Kingdom Park on select nights Nov. 8 to Dec. 20, 2024. This special event occurs after regular park hours and requires a separate party ticket to enjoy all its exclusive offerings. Running from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights, the party features rare characters, special entertainment, jolly-good treats, ride overlays and more! There is even “snowfall” on Main Street intermittently throughout the night. Curious about which characters you have a chance to see? Check out our guide on Where to Find All of the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Characters.
Returning are big highlights such as Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas Parade, Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters, some of whom are decked out in their holiday finest. On the nights of the party, guests can meet and have photos taken with Santa Claus at Storybook Circus in Fantasyland. Check out our festive party guide for all the exciting details!
If you'll be at Magic Kingdom the day of a party, remember that the park closes at 6 p.m. to regular day guests. Don't worry if you lose track of time — an announcement will be made when it's ready to leave. At that time, we recommend hopping over to another park or enjoying the decorations at the resorts. (We recommend checking out the HUGE Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian!)
Even with a shorter park day, you can often get a lot done in the morning and afternoon, as some people go to another park instead. Party guests are allowed in at 4 p.m. however, so the crowds will be noticeably higher from 4 to 6 p.m.
Christmas Entertainment at Magic Kingdom Park
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade is limited to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. But don't worry, if you are visiting Magic Kingdom in the last week of December, you'll have a chance to see this incredible parade during the day! The parade typically runs twice daily at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. from Dec. 21 through Dec. 31. It's always so great to see this limited parade! On the castle stage, Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration also typically runs from Dec. 23 - Dec. 31 to regular daytime guests (showtimes vary).
Confirmed for 2024, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will run on the same nights as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. As such, there will be no showing of Happily Ever After on those nights. While not confirmed, it is expected that the fireworks will be viewable by regular daytime guests beginning on Dec. 21, 2024. The fireworks on Dec. 30 and 31 will be special showings of "Fantasy in the Sky" for New Year's Eve.
Returning for the second year this holiday season, Magic Kingdom presents “Frozen Holiday Surprise,” a "Frozen”-inspired show that illuminates the castle in a whole new way. Guests are able to see Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle. Running through Dec. 29, this festive offering is available during regular park hours (6:15 p.m.) and during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We frogs loved this cool new entertainment!
Jingle Cruise is back! The homesick skippers have decorated once again to show off their festive spirits, turning the tour into a yuletide adventure. Hop aboard and sit back and relax as you listen to the punny yuletide jokes.
Festive Food and Seasonal Flavors at Magic Kingdom Park
One of our favorite things about the holidays at Disney World is the seasonal treats! Almost every quick-service restaurant at Magic Kingdom offers specialty food and drink for the occasion.
We can't wait to try all the festive goodies this year at Magic Kingdom. Some are exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party while others will be available during regular park hours. Favorites such as the Red Velvet Wreath Doughnut and the Minnie-shaped Cinnamon Roll return from last year, along with lots of exciting new treats such as the Gingerbread Milk Shake, Holiday Turkey Burger and Szechaun Cauliflower. Check out our foodie guide for more delicious details!
Merry Merchandise
As for holiday merch, let's just say that all I want for Christmas is the Loungefly backpacks ... and the Minnie ears ... AND the holiday sweaters. It's easy to get yourself decked out for the holidays from head to toe! The widest variety of holiday merchandise at Magic Kingdom is at the Emporium or Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. (If you'll be hopping to Disney Springs during your trip, you'll find most of the Christmas merchandise at World of Disney.) Unwrap our holiday merchandise wishlist for our favorite items and top tips!
Tips for Visiting Magic Kingdom Park During the Holidays
- If you arrive at Magic Kingdom and Main Street feels too busy, you can sometimes take a shortcut by Tony’s Town Square Restaurant for an easy hopping path toward Tomorrowland.
- For the best parade viewing area, we suggest finding a spot at the hub near Cinderella Castle and avoiding Main Street, particularly if it's a busier day. For the least amount of waiting, catch it in Frontierland or Liberty Square so you can get back to hopping on more rides!
- If you want to do any holiday shopping, we recommend doing it earlier in the day. The line to get into the Emporium tends to be the longest at the end of the day.
- We mentioned this early on, but it bears repeating: If you plan on heading to Christmas at Magic Kingdom, book your tickets and stay ASAP. Things fill up quickly!
Have you been to Christmas at Magic Kingdom Park? What was your favorite part? Be sure to share with us in the comments below!
Related: Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Christmas Events
Related: A Complete Guide to Walt Disney World New Year's Eve Events
Hoppy planning!
