We think the holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park are definitely underrated! Naturally, an Animal Kingdom Christmas includes being immediately greeted by decorations and music upon arrival, followed by the Merry Menagerie animal puppeteers. In addition, you'll see holiday decorations sprinkled throughout the park, and even Asia is decorated for Diwali. And of course, you can meet Santa Claus and other characters in their festive best. Don't miss experiencing the holidays at Animal Kingdom!
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Overview of the Holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom
The holidays are always an extra magical time at Walt Disney World Resort! Magic Kingdom hosts its Mickey's Very Merry Christmas parties, EPCOT celebrates the season with its International Festival of the Holidays and Disney's Hollywood Studios is continuing newer holiday traditions with the after-hours event Disney Jollywood Nights. Though it doesn't have as extensive holiday celebrations as the other theme parks, Disney's Animal Kingdom still adds some holiday magic with its extra decor and offerings.
You're first greeted by a larger-than-life tree at the entrance to the park. In Discovery Island, we always love interacting with the winter animal puppets. Penguins, foxes, polar bears and more come to life as part of the Merry Menagerie. Characters in DinoLand also get some festive outfits for the occasion, plus Mickey and Minnie at Adventurer's Outpost. Santa Claus will also swing by the park to meet guests on his nice list this holiday season at Restaurantosaurus. Make sure you stop by — this is the last time to celebrate the holiday season in this section of the park!
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Here's what to expect with the holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom!
Christmas Decorations at Disney's Animal Kingdom
The holiday decorations start right away with the giant Christmas tree in front of the park entrance. PhotoPass photographers are stationed at the tree for a festive backdrop. You'll find small holiday touches by the entrance and in Africa, with the most holiday decor and entertainment in Discovery Island.
Discovery Island
As the first land you see once you enter the park, the holiday decorations begin as you walk over the bridge into Discovery Island. The village is in the middle of celebrating the winter season, so you'll see lots of sparkling white holiday decorations. Animal-inspired luminaries line the rooftops ... we don't usually spot any frogs, but we love the colorful patterns!
Asia
In Anandapur, the theater district is decorated for Diwali, the holiday of lights in India. Glowing flowers and lanterns light up the pathway between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage.
Just because you're on an alien moon doesn't mean you won't find Earth's holidays being celebrated. In fact, the expats who inhabit Pandora love decorating during the most wonderful time of the year! During the holiday season at Pongu Pongu, you'll find the giant AMP suit draped in colorful Christmas string lights and adorned with a jolly Santa hat and beard.
If you look closely, you'll also find ornaments made from Pandora's natural materials, featuring classic Christmas iconography and animals native to Pandora.
My favorite decor in all of Animal Kingdom, though, is right in front of the Pongu Pongu sign. To the left, you'll find both a normal human nutcracker and a larger Na'vi nutcracker and to the right, a beautiful menorah with a Star of David to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Christmas Entertainment and Characters at Disney's Animal Kingdom
There are so many sights to see and critters to meet during the wild holiday season!
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 who interact with guests to create a fun and festive atmosphere. We love how adorable they are. You're even able to reach out to pet them. You don't want to miss this magnificent crew!
If you're coming to the park from Nov. 1 to 20, be sure to stop by Island Mercantile in Discovery Island, where you can meet artist Rob Kaz and see his beautiful Disney-themed artwork. His pieces will be available for purchase at Island Mercantile throughout the holiday season!
Character Meet-and-Greets
Last year, Jolly 'Ol Saint Nick attended the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio at Restaurantosaurus. As the guest of honor himself, Santa checked his list twice and invited everyone to join him in this festive new location as the students and faculty of the Dino Institute celebrated the season in (pre-)historic fashion. The details in this area were absolutely incredible, paying homage to the Dino Institute with all sorts of fun Easter eggs. Santa met intermittently throughout the day. Good news: Santa Claus is back at Animal Kingdom this year!
Over at Adventurer's Outpost, Mickey and Minnie are all decked out in their holiday attire and so frogcited to meet you at their exploration headquarters!
Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition
At the heart of Discovery Island, the Tree of Life awakens to tell a special series of holiday tales. Each story is told in a unique artistic style, complete with heartwarming holiday-inspired musical scores.
Keep in mind that the projections only hoppen once it gets dark enough (nowadays, it's usually completely dark after 6 p.m.) and occur approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes. If the park closes earlier than sunset, you will not be able to see these shows.
Animal Kingdom Christmas — Festive Food and Seasonal Flavors
There are a ton of Yuletide sweets and treats coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park this holiday season!
Creature Comforts (Available Dec. 1-31, 2025)
- (New) Peppermint Ganache Brownie: Fudge brownie topped with peppermint-white chocolate ganache and peppermint pieces
Flame Tree Barbecue (Available Dec. 1-31, 2025; Mobile order available)
- (New) Cranberry-Cherry Cheesecake Pop: White chocolate cheesecake with cranberry-cherry swirl dipped in dark chocolate with cookie crust
Restaurantosaurus (Available Nov. 14 - Jan. 1, 2026)
- (New) Frozen Hot Cocoa: Frozen Hot Cocoa by Joffrey's with toasted marshmallow, whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, chocolate dinosaur and a chocolate rim.
- (New) Gingerbread Cookie
- (New) Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie dipped in green sugar with dinosaur-themed chocolate disc
You'll also find chocolate chip cookies and new Mickey cinnamon rolls with Christmas-colored icing at various outdoor vending carts throughout the park. These limited items are available from Dec. 1-31, 2025.
Are you frogcited about the Merry Menagerie and festive characters at Animal Kingdom? We are so stoked!
Related: The Complete Guide to Disney World Holiday Events
Hoppy planning!
