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Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Resort Christmas Events

by Mommy Frog on November 11, 2023 173 Orlando

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It's the most wonderful time of the year, aka the holidays at Walt Disney World! All of the festivities throughout the resort kicked off Nov. 11, 2023. From merry decorations to characters dressed in their holiday best, there's nothing quite like Christmas at Disney World. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event, is a holiday classic event at Magic Kingdom. Plus, the new Disney Jollywood Nights debuted, a separately ticketed event on select nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios! Christmas cheer is spread throughout the entire resort — each theme park, the resorts and Disney Springs all transform for the holidays!

Guide to Disney World Christmas Events - Main Street, U.S.A at night

 

Overview of the Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort

The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort began Nov. 11, 2023, and ends Dec. 31, 2023. Each of the theme parks has special decor, entertainment, food and drink and more. The main highlight is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, as well as EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and the new Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

If you're planning on experiencing Disney World Christmas events in 2023, you'll want to take note of all the special holiday hoppenings inside the parks. Lucky for you, we've rounded them all up in one post! Make sure to share this post with friends and family — the more, the merrier. Here's what to expect for the holidays at Disney World!

Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World Resort During the Holidays

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Minnie and Mickey in Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

 

Before we dive into the merriment, let's start with perhaps the most important topic: The best time to visit during Christmas at Disney World. Many people plan their visits to Disney World at Christmas years in advance. We highly recommend you start thinking about purchasing tickets and reserving Disney Park Pass reservations as soon as you're able when it comes to the holiday season! This will be the last holiday season with Park Pass reservations (you'll no longer need them with date-based tickets, starting Jan. 9, 2024), so you will still need to pick which park you'll visit each day of your trip ahead of time.

In general, we think any time you can visit Disney World is a good time to visit Disney World. We're always excited when we've got our bags packed and are headed to the Most Magical Place on Earth. However, there are better times to visit than others during the holiday season. The busiest days of the year hoppen around Disney World holidays. In terms of crowds, here are the busiest days of the season:

  • The week of Thanksgiving, including Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving
  • The week of Christmas, including Christmas Day
  • The week of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

If you can experience Disney World Christmas events on dates other than these ones, you'll be in better shape. If you can't, fear not! You'll definitely still have fun, as long as you do a little pre-planning to maximize your trip and manage your expectations.

Here is a short list of more required reading if you're headed to the parks during these times:

Read more about the best (and worst times) to visit Disney World for the whole year, and check out daily crowd levels, recommended parks and events on our Crowd Calendar.

Disney World Christmas Decorations

When does Disney World decorate for Christmas?

Decorating is a big-time affair all over the resort. The Disney World Christmas decorations start going up as early as mid-October, with Magic Kingdom undergoing a magical overnight transformation from Halloween to Christmas after the last Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Nov. 1. Each of the parks has its own iconic tree as well as park-specific decor. It may take the elves several weeks to get all of the decorations in place, so keep that in mind if you're visiting very early in November. Some decorations may already be in place ahead of the official start, though not everything is guaranteed until Nov. 11 and beyond.

Resort Decorations — Grand Floridian's gingerbread house

The resorts, especially the deluxe resorts, get really decorated for Christmas. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Boardwalk Inn Hotel, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Beach and Yacht Clubs all have spectacular, oversized gingerbread displays. The resorts also feature magnificent (and often gigantic) Christmas trees, each decorated in theme with the resorts. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge even gets a life-sized gingerbread baby giraffe and zebra! Select resort restaurants will also be offering holiday menus and specialty food and drink. Learn more in our complete guide!

No matter where you're staying, expect some gorgeous holiday decor to fit your resort. But word to the wise: Book a Disney Resort hotel for the holidays as early as possible!

When does Disney take down Christmas decorations?

The decorations in all of the parks and at the resorts typically start coming down during the first week in January (though you may still hear Christmas songs and see some decorations after that). Disney Christmas decorations are typically completely gone after the Disney Marathon Weekend, taking place from Jan. 3 to 7, 2024.

Christmas Festivities and Entertainment at Disney World

There is so much seasonal entertainment to unwrap during the holidays at Disney World!

Magic Kingdom

"Frozen Holiday Surprise" at Magic Kingdom

 

New for 2023, Magic Kingdom features "Frozen Holiday Surprise," a "Frozen"-inspired show that illuminates the castle in a whole new way. Guests can see Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle. This new offeringis available during regular park hours (6:15 p.m.) and during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (8:15 p.m.). We frogs loved this cool new entertainment!

The homesick skippers of the Jungle Cruise have decorated for Disney World holiday events! You'll find plenty of yuletide cheer and punny jokes as you board your boat. As a holiday tradition, you can cruise through the jungle aboard the Jingle Cruise. Closer to Christmas, Santa Claus will greet guests during the day as well.

For more details about treats, merchandise and more, check out our guide to the holiday festivities at Magic Kingdom.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Disney World Holiday Events — Candlelight Processional

Those of you wanting to learn more about the different ways that countries around the world celebrate the holiday season should visit EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Running from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30, 2023, the holiday traditions of the world's many countries come alive through music and story. Holiday Kitchens return with festive food and drinks, as well as the fan-favorite Cookie Stroll and more.

One of the most joyful Disney World holiday events is the EPCOT Candlelight Processional. A celebrity narrator, a full choir and a 50-piece orchestra participate in a stirring retelling of the story of Christmas. This year, celebrity narrators include Simu Liu, Neil Patrick Harris, Brendan Fraser, Jordan Fisher and more. The show takes place three times each evening, and it does fill up. If you want guaranteed seating, purchase a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. This includes lunch and/or dinner and a three-course meal or full buffet, depending on the dining location.

Enjoy our full guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays for your planning pleasure!

Disney's Hollywood Studios 

Hollywood Studios Holidays - Sunset Seasons Greetings

Put the holly in Hollywood with the festive additions for Christmas at Hollywood Studios. During regular park hours, Sunset Seasons Greetings returns with its colorful projections and laser effects! As snow falls, Sunset Boulevard twinkles and favorite faces come to life. Look above as the billboards begin to move into motion and tell a tale — brought to you by iconic characters sharing their love for the season. Look down to see the Hollywood Tower Hotel come to "light" as it tells the stories of these characters. Catch the show intermittently throughout the night.

Various characters throughout the park may be sporting some holiday accessories as well, such as Woody, Jessie and Buzz in Toy Story Land! Meet Santa at It's a Wonderful Shop now through Dec. 24. And be sure to check out For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration for a special festive finale featuring Olaf.

Minnie Mouse once again hosts a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine. Santa Goofy returns, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best. The holiday version runs from Nov. 8, 2023, to Jan. 4, 2024.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Holidays at Animal Kingdom — Merry Menagerie arctic fox

The holiday highlights at Disney's Animal Kingdom are the Merry Menagerie! Discovery Island comes to life with life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals that include reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more. These "Merry Menagerie" puppets are accompanied by serenading musicians, and they interact with guests to create a fun and festive atmosphere. We love how adorable they are, and we can even reach out and pet them!

Catch Mickey and Minnie cruising down the Discovery River on a festive flotilla. Santa Claus himself is making a special appearance by boat before he switches it out with his sleigh for his trip around the world on Christmas Eve. Characters in DinoLand U.S.A. also have festive outfits for the occasion!

At night, the Tree of Life awakens for special holiday-themed stories (Note: The awakenings may not be available if the park closes before it can get dark enough for the projections.) Find out more on what you can expect at Animal Kingdom during the holidays.

"Encanto" tree at Disney Springs

Disney Springs

Don't froget about Disney Springs as you plan your holiday hopping tour! The entertainment, shopping and dining area is filled with festive decor, fun photo-ops and the chance to say hello to Santa, who is available for individualized time.

Make sure to enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. The trail showcases decadently decorated, Disney-themed trees throughout the area. Our favorite would have to be the "Encanto" tree! Participate in the Christmas Tree Stroll scavenger hunt and find all 20 trees to receive a surprise! You may also run into holiday carolers, Toy Soldier stilt walkers and other performers.

Guests visiting areas within Town Center encounter magical snowfall in the evening. Jock Lindsey once again turns his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.

Meeting Santa During the Holidays at Disney World

Guide to Disney World Christmas Events - Santa at Animal Kingdom

Be on the lookout for Santa at Disney World this holiday season! He will make special appearances starting mid-November through the end of December. He is confirmed to make appearances at all four parks, Disney Springs and even a Disney water park!

From afar, Santa cruises voyages across Discovery River in a festive flotilla at Disney's Animal Kingdom. At Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and during EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, guests have a chance to have individual time with Santa and share what they want for Christmas (so be good for goodness sake!). You could even see Santa in his tropical best at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park!

Festive Food and Seasonal Flavors at Disney World

Once you make your list and check it twice (your shopping list, that is!), keep an eye out for delicious seasonal food offerings and adorable merchandise that can be found all around Walt Disney World Resort. Each of the four parks, Disney Springs and the resorts offer delicious, almost-too-pretty-to-eat holiday treats, as well as the holiday merchandise collection.

Special Events During the Holidays

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Beginning of parade down Main Street U.S.A.

 

The beloved holiday event is back for 2023! Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party includes five hours of holiday festivities, including themed characters throughout the park, special treats, ride overlays, castle projections, holiday music and decor (including Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.) and, most importantly, a stage show (Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration), holiday fireworks with Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party runs on select nights from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22, 2023. This is a separately ticketed event after regular park hours. Event guests can enter the park as early as 4 p.m. and the event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass reservation.

Disney Jollywood Nights

Jollywood Nights - Disney Holidays in Hollywood

 

Have a holly jolly time with the holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios! New this year, Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event taking place from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on 10 select nights from Nov. 11 to Dec. 20, 2023. This brand-new event combines the holidays with the glitz and glam of the past.

The event features the return of the fan-favorite "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM" nighttime spectacular, plus even more special entertainment such as a "Nightmare Before Christmas" sing-along at the Hyperion Theater and a holiday special at Theater of the Stars hosted by Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog (you know we frogs loved it!). There are also two new special experiences at the Hollywood Brown Derby and the Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard.

Guests are also able to meet Mickey Mouse and friends, Powerline Max, Phineas and Ferb, Edna Mode and select characters from "The Incredibles." The party includes access to favorite rides such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (with a virtual queue), Slinky Dog Dash, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and more. Enjoy special PhotoPass stops and holiday-themed Magic Shots around the park, as well as specialty food offerings.

Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests (and guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green) can buy tickets starting June 29, 2023. Ticket sales opened to the public July 6, 2023.

Are you excited about spending the holidays at Disney World? There are so many Disney World Christmas events that you may find it hard to pack them all in! Still, it's so wonderful to try. Let us know what you are most looking forward to and any questions you have in the comments below!

Related: Peek Inside the Most Splendidly Decorated Disney Hotels at Christmas

Related: Guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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51–86 of 86 comments
Oct 10, 2018 at 4:09 p.m. Kim Says...

Will the first day of decorations at EPCOT

November 18th be more crowded? Trying to beat the Thanksgiving Week crowds.

Reply
Oct 12, 2018 at 2:38 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kim!

Since it is the first day of Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays, it is likely to be a bit busier.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 3, 2018 at 3:05 p.m. Mona Says...

Planning on a 1/1/19-1/6/19 visit. Will all the decorations be up at all the parks and deluxe resorts? There is conflicting information on when stuff comes down. I am happy to read anything official but can't seem to get concrete answers. I'n not as worried about the special Christmas parades or rides, but the sole purpose of the trip is the decorations at Christmas.

Reply
Oct 4, 2018 at 11:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mona!

Great question. The park decorations definitely stay up through mid-January, and we would predict the resort decorations to stay up at least through the first week.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 23, 2018 at 11 p.m. Jonna Eggl Says...

Will there be any in-depth articles on the holiday doings at Disneyland Resorts?

Reply
Sep 25, 2018 at 10:42 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jonna!

It sounds like you might find interest in our Top Five Disney World Resorts at Christmas :) Enjoy!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 22, 2018 at 12:02 a.m. Kristen Kocher Says...

Will Anna and Elsa still light up the castle on non party nights? And how different are the fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom in Dec from normal one to MVMCP one?

Reply
Sep 25, 2018 at 10:58 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kristen!

Yes, A Frozen Holiday Wish usually takes place nightly on non-party nights as well. The usually nightly fireworks (Happily Ever After) are MUCH different from the Holiday Wishes. Both amazing shows!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 19, 2018 at 3:38 p.m. Wendy Says...

I know the parade will be during the day but what time is the Christmas stage show on the week between Christmas and New Years?

Reply
Sep 20, 2018 at 4:27 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Wendy!

We have heard about the Christmas parade and fireworks sticking around the week between Christmas and New Years, but aren't sure about the stage show. We invite the Frog Pond to chime in if they have answers! :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 19, 2018 at 3:37 p.m. Carrie Says...

In looking at the park hours calendar, it appears that Holiday Wishes is the fireworks show nightly for the week between Christmas and New Year this year (excepting Dec 30-31). Has that been true in other years? We purchased tickets for the last MVMCP of the season to see the parade/show/fireworks (though I knew the parade happened during regular operating hours during Christmas week), and we also had booked the dessert party to see--what I thought would be--Happily Ever After on Dec. 27. Am I correct in assuming that Happily Ever After won't start up again until Jan. 1? Thank you so much!

Reply
Sep 20, 2018 at 4:28 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carrie!

We haven't heard official confirmation, but the Happily Ever After operating calendar implies that you are correct -- it will not be taking place the last week of the year.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 17, 2018 at 10:02 p.m. Debbie Tubbs Says...

My son is participating in the Disney Boys Soccer Showcase in Orlando, so we will be there 12/24-12/31, and his HS band was invited to march in the Rose Bowl Parade, so we'll be in CA from 12/31-1/4. Are there combo tickets that cover both Disney World and Disneyland since we'll be traveling coast to coast?

Reply
Nov 12, 2018 at 1:06 a.m. Cat Says...

With all those dates you will be there at both parks coast to coast, you may want to buy an annual pass. That would cover all the parks

Reply
Sep 17, 2018 at 11:54 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Debbie!

Unfortunately, Disney does not offer any combo ticket options for both Disney World and Disneyland. The good news is, we sell discounted tickets to both!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 17, 2018 at 2:26 p.m. Scott Mills Says...

We are trying to decide between the week before Thanksgiving and one of the first two weeks of December for our 201 9 trip. Other than the risk of hitting the Star Wars land opening, I am curious about Epcot holiday decorations. Will they all be up the week before Thanksgiving or is it safer to wait until the December weeks? Thanks!

Reply
Sep 17, 2018 at 3:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Scott!

We imagine all of Epcot's holiday decor will be on display in time for the first day of Festival of the Holidays on November 18. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 17, 2018 at 11:04 a.m. mike Says...

I arrive in Florida on the 1 of January. Will any of the decorations still be up or any of the events on?

Reply
Sep 17, 2018 at 10:34 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mike!

Yes, many of the decorations will still be up!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 7, 2018 at 12:03 p.m. Steve Says...

We arrive in Florida on 2nd January. Will any of the decorations still be up or any of the events on?

Many thanks

Reply
Sep 7, 2018 at 8:07 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steve!

The seasonal special events will no longer be taking place, but you're likely to see a good amount of holiday decor!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 27, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. STEPHANIE J SUMMERS Says...

im looking for info on rides during the special mickeys very merry xmas event. I see lots of info on shows and parades, are there any rides open?

Reply
Aug 28, 2018 at 7:23 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stephanie!

You can check out our Very Merry Guide for info on what rides were open last year. We'll update once they're confirmed for this year as well!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 24, 2018 at 11:28 p.m. Ted Jennings Says...

No questions, just a comment. We have been to WDW 50 times and have planned trip #51 for 1/5/19 to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. But, this time we will stay a couple of nights in the Polynesian Bungalows (and not do any parks, using all of our VC points - hehe), then cruising to Nassau on RCL.. But, my comment for your readers is this: we have purchased tickets from you (and other vendors) in the past; and, I just want to say that you have done the best job of any company that we have contacted. Thanks.

Reply
Aug 25, 2018 at 2:38 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ted!

Your positive feedback made our day! We're so hoppy we can help you make magical memories and appreciate you taking the time to reach out. Enjoy your next adventure, and happy anniversary :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 14, 2018 at 10:41 p.m. Patricia Says...

Is there regular parade and fireworks on dec. 19, 2018? There is no very merry Christmas party on that day

Reply
Aug 15, 2018 at 4:23 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Patricia!

The entertainment schedule has not been confirmed yet for December, but we don't see any reason why there wouldn't be usual fireworks and entertainment on this date.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 13, 2018 at 2:57 a.m. Manda Says...

Hi, 3 quick questions - what time does Sunset Seasons Greetings usually start? Is MVMCP merchandise only available for purchase during the party? Are the Christmas trees at Disney Springs in one area or spread out all over?

Thanks!! Can't wait for Christmas at Disney!!!

Reply
Aug 14, 2018 at 10:24 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Sunset Seasons Greetings takes place throughout the night after the sun goes down. While general Christmas merchandise is available at all times, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise is available exclusively during the party. The Disney Springs Christmas trees are located all together in a trail!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 10, 2018 at 7:01 p.m. Lauren Brown Says...

Hi! We are planning a trip in November with two Magic Kingdom days. We plan to do MVMCP one of those days. We selected 11/25 as well for our second MK day, but that is also a party day so the hours are only 9-6pm. Is it worth it to go that day for the lower crowd level, or should we select another day with longer hours? Thank you for the help!

Reply
Aug 14, 2018 at 11:01 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lauren!

We recommend going on another day without a party so that you can catch the regular nightly fireworks. Happily Ever After is our favorite!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 28, 2018 at 12:59 a.m. Melissa Says...

What park is the best to go to on Christmas Day? Does Christmas Day have special events etc?

Reply
Jul 30, 2018 at 8:24 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Melissa!

The least-crowded park is usually Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom offers special holiday entertainment (usually including Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!) but can reach capacity early in the day, so be sure to arrive ahead of park open!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 22, 2018 at 11:06 p.m. Maria G. Says...

Will there be a fireworks show during Christmas week?

Reply
Jul 23, 2018 at 1:48 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Maria!

Of course! Unless something out of the ordinary comes up, Disney typically has fireworks shows every night at each of its four parks.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 18, 2018 at 2:35 a.m. Miranda Says...

Hi! How early do the special events start happening at Hollywood studios? Does the mickeys very merry Christmas party always start around the 9th. We are planning a trip in 2020 (eek! Forever away!) from October 29-November 7/8th. Just wonder what the chances will be for attending the party as well as seeing the special stuff at Hollywood studios.

Reply
Jul 18, 2018 at 11:33 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Miranda!

We can't be sure about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The past few years, it has started on or around November 8. To help you remain optimistic, Disney does love adding additional party dates each year, so perhaps it'll start sooner once 2020 rolls around. Don't lose hope! Just keep an eye on our posts for date announcements as soon as they come up. :)

The festivities at Hollywood Studios have started in mid- to late-November the past couple of years, so chances are slim you'll catch those. However, you may be able to spot some decorations!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 28, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. Suzanne Says...

Is the Christmasparade after mickeys christmas party only at day time?

Reply
Jun 28, 2018 at 3:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Suzanne,

The parade is shown exclusively during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party up until about a week before Christmas. During that time, it is usually shown during the daytime!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 15, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Cinthia Says...

Hello, I have a question, to attend the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, is it necessary to buy an admission ticket and admission to the activity?

Reply
Jun 15, 2018 at 2:35 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cinthia!

No - your Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ticket gets you into the park AND the event, so it's all you need!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 4, 2018 at 4:03 p.m. Lisa Says...

We finally made our plans for Christmas at Disney... We are only planning on doing Magic kingdom and Epcot (week between Christmas and New Years). Which are the best days to visit those 2 parks.

and should we do either on New Years Eve?

Reply
Jun 4, 2018 at 11:29 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lisa!

You can read all about how Disney rang in the New Year last year to help with your planning, and check out our Crowd Calendar for a good idea of how busy it will be this year.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 23, 2018 at 10:23 a.m. Robin Says...

When will the 2018 holiday schedule be posted? We will be there the week of Dec 2nd and are eager to start planning around parades, special events, shows, etc. We also want to make restaurants reservations (any must see/eat for the holidays?). Thank you for this helpful post!

Reply
May 23, 2018 at 9:42 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Robin!

Beginning almost immediately after Halloween, all of the Disney World parks and hotels are decorated for Christmas. We recommend visiting the Grand Floridian Hotel to see the life-size gingerbread house and eat gingerbread! If you'll be here the first week of December, you'll be able to experience all of the holiday magic such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Epcot's Festival of the Holidays with Candlelight Processional.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 15, 2018 at 5:58 p.m. Sara Says...

Hi! I'm curious if all dates for the Very Merry Christmas party sold out in the past. We are looking into going a couple weeks before Christmas but haven't firmed our plans yet. I didn't know if there's a warning that tickets on certain days are almost gone...

Reply
May 17, 2018 at 1:25 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sara,

Tickets definitely do tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend buying when you can!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 14, 2018 at 2:13 a.m. Jillian Says...

What date does Elsa usually start lighting the castle at night?

Reply
May 14, 2018 at 6:03 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jillian!

It's usually for the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the year -- this year, it falls on Nov. 8.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 25, 2018 at 4:55 p.m. Lyndsay Says...

We will be at Magic Kingdom on Dec 21. Buying tickets for the day AND tickets to Mickey's Merry Christmas part isn't in the budget. If we just go for the day will there by any fireworks before the park closes? Or will the fireworks only be during the Christmas party?

Reply
Apr 26, 2018 at 12:29 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lyndsay,

In order to see the fireworks on party days, you'll have to purchase a party ticket and stay for the party. Otherwise, you won't see any fireworks before the park closes for the party!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 20, 2018 at 11:57 p.m. alecia Says...

Hi, we are going to Disney the week before Thanksgiving. Would Thursday or Friday be best to go to the Very Merry Christmas Party or does it matter that week?

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 at 10:07 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alecia,

A Thursday will most likely be less crowded than a Friday would be! We would recommend going on Thursday, but according to our Crowd Calendar, there doesn't seem to be too much of a difference, so go when is best for you.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 3:49 p.m. Lesley Says...

When will you have a list of events for Disneyworld Christmas 2018? We just made our reservations and would love to start planning!

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 1:53 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lesley,

Dates and details for the holiday events at Disney World are usually announced in the spring sometime. We'll update our post as soon as details are released!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 25, 2017 at 3:37 p.m. Barb Says...

When is the taping of the 2018 Disney Christmas parade?

Reply
Dec 28, 2017 at 9:19 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Barb,

The taping changes each year, but it is typically held in late November or early December.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Dec 16, 2017 at 1:53 p.m. Michelle Smith Says...

If not staying at Disney resort can you use Disney transportation to go see resorts Christmas decor?

Reply
Dec 19, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Michelle,

Yes, you can still use the Disney transportation to hop around the resorts and see the decor! This post will help you out with some tips.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 4, 2017 at 9:48 p.m. venetia varelli Says...

do you know until which day the disney magic kingdom will have the Christmas decoration and lights?Is it going to be including 6 January

Reply
Dec 6, 2017 at 1:27 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

The Christmas decorations stay up until around mid-January, usually!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 27, 2017 at 3:39 p.m. Jamie Burkett Says...

Hi do you know which date in January the decorations in Disney Springs will come down?

Thanks

Reply
Nov 29, 2017 at 11:09 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jamie,

The last day of Holidays at Disney Springs is on January 7, 2018. The decorations will be coming down after that.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 10, 2017 at 5:24 p.m. Victoria Berry Says...

Hello! Do you know if the gingerbread houses are likely to be up next week? Or do they go up later?

Thanks!

Reply
Nov 14, 2017 at 1:45 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Victoria,

Many of the Disney resorts' holiday displays are up. The gigantic gingerbread house at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be up starting November 15!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 8, 2017 at midnight Laura Says...

Hi, I'm already planning for Christmas & NY 2018-2019. Do the regular shows like Fantasmic run during the holiday season too? And how would you rate the special dining options- dessert parties etc. Are they worth the money for a once in a lifetime trip?

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Nov 15, 2017 at 9:57 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laura,

Yes, you'll be able to see Fantasmic during the holiday season. And as for the special dining options, it all depends on what your priorities and budget are! If you don't mind spending the extra cash to get the dessert premium package and shows are a huge priority, then it would be a good option to consider. If not, then save the money and spend it elsewhere.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 13, 2017 at 8:02 p.m. Emily Says...

Last year when we visited in November, they were taping many Christmas concerts and there was a stage set up in front of the Castle. Do you know if that is happening again this year?

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Oct 14, 2017 at 9:25 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Emily,

We have not heard if that's happening this year.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Sep 25, 2017 at 2:18 a.m. Laura Smiley Says...

Does Santa visit some Disney resorts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? I thought I saw some pictures of this last year. We may be staying on property in a deluxe resort for Christmas. But before I decide on that, I am wondering what special Christmas activities are available at the resorts, specifically Wilderness Lodge. Thank you!

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Sep 25, 2017 at 7:12 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laura,

We're not aware of Santa visiting the resorts. All the resorts will have decorations and displays, but nothing in the way of special activities. This year's holiday information is not out yet so there could be new additions.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 22, 2015 at 4:03 p.m. Heather Smith-Queler Says...

It would really mean a lot if I could get an address to mail a special letter and a couple pictures to regarding the theme park/Christmas/ special family...... Thanks Heather

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Nov 24, 2015 at 8:16 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Heather,

Looks like you are missing a word or two here. Could you clarify?

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

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