We think the holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park are definitely underrated! Naturally, an Animal Kingdom Christmas includes being immediately greeted by decor and music when you arrive, 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 new holiday traditions with the after-hours event Disney Jollywood Nights. (Yes, it has returned for 2024!) Comparatively speaking, Disney's Animal Kingdom has more limited holiday celebrations, but its extra decor and offerings still add some holiday magic.
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. New to the park this year, Santa Claus will greet guests in DinoLand in a brand-new setup on the patio at Restaurantosaurus. With it being the last year that we will have DinoLand U.S.A., we here at the pond are very pleased with this addition!
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 and DinoLand U.S.A.
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 didn't see any frogs, but we love the colorful patterns!
DinoLand U.S.A.
DinoLand is rocking out for the holidays! There are decorations and a festive holiday playlist to enjoy in the land. All of the characters have adorable festive outfits and backdrops. You definitely feel the holiday spirit here! And do not forget — this is where you can see Kris Kringle himself!
Asia
In Anandapur, the theater district is decorated for Diwali, which is the holiday festival of lights in India. Glowing flowers and lanterns light up the pathway between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage, where you can see "Beats and Strings," the new Hindustani Raga band, play the sitar and tabla.
Just because you're on an alien moon doesn't mean you won't find Earth's holidays being celebrated. In fact, the expats that inhabit Pandora love decorating during the most wonderful time of the year! During the holiday season over at Pongu Pongu, you'll find that the giant AMP suit has been draped with colorful Christmas string lights and adorned with a jolly Santa hat and beard. If you look closely, you'll also find ornaments made out of Pandora's natural materials featuring classic Christmas iconography, as well as 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, and they 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!
Character Meet-and-Greets
New this year, you'll be able to meet Jolly 'Ol Saint Nick at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio at Restaurantosaurus. As the guest of honor himself, Santa has checked his list twice and invited everyone to join him in this festive new location as the students and faculty of the Dino Institute celebrate the season in (pre-)historic fashion from Nov. 12 to Dec. 24, 2024. The details in this area are absolutely incredible as they pay homage to the Dino Institute with all sorts of fun Easter eggs. Santa meets intermittently throughout the day. As of right now, he starts at 10am and his final set is at 3pm. We recommend checking the My Disney Experience App for all of the times!
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
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.). If the park closes earlier than sunset, you will not be able to see these shows.
Animal Kingdom Christmas — Festive Food and Seasonal Flavors
With Santa's new meeting location in Animal Kingdom, the elves have a new cupcake ready for us for the holiday season:
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (available Dec. 1 through Jan. 6; mobile order available)
- Snack for Santa: Chocolate chip cake, edible cookie dough, milk mousse, chocolate chip cookie, buttercream and Christmas sprinkles
Are you excited about the Merry Menagerie and festive characters at Animal Kingdom? Santa at DinoLand?? We are so excited!
Related: The Complete Guide to Disney World Holiday Events
Hoppy planning!
