Even though it's not quite the holiday season yet, it's never too early to start planning your Christmas trip to Walt Disney World. The parks are magical any time of year, but there's something extra special about visiting during the holidays. Main Street, U.S.A. transforms into a winter wonderland with a giant Christmas tree in Town Square, festive garlands, twinkle lights and holiday music playing in the air. The other three theme parks, the Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs join in on the celebration with their own beautiful decorations, seasonal treats, holiday merchandise and Santa meet-and-greets.
Many guests plan their trips around Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom or Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Some even do both! These are separately ticketed events that include exclusive entertainment, delicious themed treats and a fun excuse to dress in your holiday best. In this post, we're sharing our top tips to help you plan your Christmas trip to Disney World so you can make the most of the holiday magic.
Walt Disney World Christmas Dates & Tickets
The official holiday season runs from Nov. 14 through Dec. 30, but we've seen Magic Kingdom start decorating as early as Nov. 1. Early November, especially before Thanksgiving, often has lower crowds and mild weather, which makes it one of our favorite times to go. Hop over to our post on the best times to visit Disney World for even more info.
If you visit early in November, you'll catch the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which runs through Nov. 22 and is included with regular park admission. That means access to festival food booths and the Eat to the Beat concert series.
Then, starting Nov. 28, EPCOT transforms again for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. It's a beautiful celebration of holiday traditions from around the world, complete with holiday food kitchens, holiday storytellers, the Cookie Stroll and the Candlelight Processional hosted by celebrity narrators.
If you're looking to make your holiday trip even more special, consider attending one (or both!) of the holiday parties. The 2025 party dates have already been announced, and tickets are on sale now.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom from Nov. 7 to Dec. 21. The event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, and party guests can enter the park as early as 4 p.m.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will take place on the following nights in 2025:
- Nov. 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
- Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21
Jollywood Nights will take place on the following nights in 2025:
- Nov. 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
- Dec. 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22
Jollywood Nights will run from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. — but this year, you can enter even earlier, starting at 5:30 p.m.!
You'll want to choose which one fits best with your plans, or maybe even squeeze in both! Some travelers attend a party on their arrival day (just be mindful of possible flight delays), others plan it for a slower day in the middle of their trip and some even use it to replace a regular park day.
After you've locked in your dates, it's time to book your tickets. Discount theme park tickets and party tickets are available through your favorite frogs here at Undercover Tourist. Party tickets don't usually sell out right away, but the first parties of the season and those closest to Christmas tend to go the fastest. Come mid-December last year, all event nights effectively sold out, so we recommend booking your tickets as soon as possible.
Flora's Holiday Favorites at Walt Disney World
If you're looking for those can't-miss moments that really make the holidays feel extra magical at Walt Disney World, here are a few of Mommy Frog's favorite experiences across the parks and resorts:
- Say hello to the Merry Menagerie at Animal Kingdom — adorable winter animal puppets come to life on Discovery Island. This sweet experience is one of the most underrated holiday gems.
- Watch the Sunset Seasons Greetings on Tower of Terror — Hollywood Studios transforms the Tower of Terror with festive projections and holiday music that brings the whole boulevard to life, complete with "snow."
- Ride Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses — During the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, Living with the Land gets a sparkling seasonal overlay that turns this fan-favorite attraction into a glowing wonder.
- Experience the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT — The retelling of the Christmas story featuring a celebrity narrator, full orchestra and choir. This is a Frog Family tradition and is worth planning your night around.
- Catch the Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom — Gather in front of Cinderella Castle for a stage show featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff, and watch as Elsa lights up the castle with wintery projections.
- Visit the Deluxe Resorts' Gingerbread Displays — Stop by resorts such as the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club and Contemporary to see incredible gingerbread creations and holiday decor.
Walt Disney World Christmas — Where to Stay
Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is magical any time of year, but the holidays bring an extra layer of joy. Each Disney hotel gets decked out in festive decorations that match its unique theme, from twinkling lights to oversized trees, seasonal treats and holiday merchandise for purchase.
There's something for every budget, and we always recommend staying on-site for perks such as Early Theme Park Entry, convenient transportation and more.
When choosing a resort for the holiday season, you can't go wrong, but a few stand out, especially considering the location.
Closest to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:
Because the party ends late, being close to Magic Kingdom is a major plus. Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are within walking distance, while Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is just a monorail ride away. You can also hop on a boat to Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
Convenient for Jollywood Nights and EPCOT Festivals:
If you're planning to visit Jollywood Nights or EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, you'll want to stay at a resort with easy access to EPCOT. Staying at a resort near the Disney Skyliner is super smart. The Skyliner connects Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Art of Animation and Disney's Riviera Resort directly to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
The EPCOT-area resorts are also a favorite this time of year. Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's BoardWalk Inn, as well as the nearby Swan and Dolphin Resort, are all within walking distance to EPCOT and just a short boat ride from Hollywood Studios.
Bundle & Save with a Walt Disney World Vacation Package
Undercover Tourist offers deals on Walt Disney World hotel stays, tickets and vacation packages. Right now, you can save up to 35% on a hotel stay when you book a hotel + ticket offer. Plus, get a Disney dining and shopping promo card worth up to $100.
The earlier you book, the better the availability, and Undercover Tourist now offers a flexible deposit option. You can lock in your holiday trip for just $200, with the remaining balance due 30 days before check-in.
To show you how easy it is, let's build a vacation package together! For this trip, we've picked the dates Dec. 15-19, with the addition of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets. Let's gooo!
To start, you'll click here, where you'll be prompted to select your Disney World hotel. For this trip, we chose the beloved Moderate Disney's Port Orleans— Riverside.
Next, you'll customize your Disney World theme park tickets. We chose the 4-day Walt Disney World Base ticket.
Then, choose an optional Disney Dining Plan (or skip it!). We love the dining plan, so we added it because it really takes the guesswork out of budgeting for meals.
Lastly, you'll add on any extras. We're adding Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets for the fam (2 adults, plus two kiddos, please).
Now, book! You'll notice that you can secure your Disney World Vacation Package with a refundable $200 deposit now, and pay off the balance 30 days before your check-in date. The deposit does not apply to the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets, so you'll pay the $200 deposit, plus the price of the party tickets, to secure your vacation.
And, DONE! So easy and just look at those savings, plus the shopping promo card! You'll receive an email with your confirmation information shortly after your purchase. Within 24 hours of purchase, you'll receive your reservation and e-tickets, which can be linked in your My Disney Experience app (aka the Disney World app).
*Pricing provided by UndercoverTourist.com 7/31/2025. Pricing is subject to change.
Weather & Packing
The weather in November and December in Florida can be unpredictable. During the day, highs are usually in the upper 70s or low 80s. Evenings can drop into the 60s, and sometimes even into the 50s or 40s during a cold snap. These colder days don’t happen often, but when they do, the chill can feel extra cold thanks to the humidity.
And there's always a chance of rain, especially with hurricane season officially ending in late November. We recommend dressing in layers. Typically, shorts or lightweight pants work well during the day, paired with a T-shirt and a sweater or light jacket for the morning or evening. If colder temperatures are in the forecast, bring a heavier jacket and possibly a hat and gloves, especially if you plan to be out at night for one of the holiday parties.
Pack Smart
When it comes to packing, it's all about being prepared without overpacking. Sunscreen and rain gear are always essentials. Refillable water bottles, sneakers, extra socks and undergarments are also must-haves. Don't froget to bring layers like a sweatshirt or jacket for chilly nights. A swimsuit might seem silly, but it's warm enough in the afternoon for a swim, and Disney’s resort pools are heated year-round. Blizzard Beach may be open, too!
For party nights, you'll want to think about your outfits, especially if you want to dress to the theme. Jollywood Nights has more of a glam vibe. Many guests dress up in holiday chic or retro-Hollywood styles. Mickey's Very Merry is more traditional and casual.
You'll see everything from festive T-shirts, holiday mouse ears and matching family pajamas. If you're planning to take photos with Santa and use them for your holiday cards, you may want to pack a coordinated outfit for that, too. (Que Tad and Lily's eyeroll.)
Have a Plan
Having a game plan for your park day and either party night is a must. The hours really fly by, and there's so much to see and do! Whether you're attending Mickey's Very Merry or Jollywood Nights, take some time ahead of your trip to decide what entertainment you don't want to miss.
Know the Difference Between Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights
Both holiday parties are festive and fun, but they each have their own style. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has a more traditional Christmas feel. There's a holiday parade, festive fireworks, complimentary cookies and drinks and characters in their holiday outfits.
Jollywood Nights has more of a glitzy, glamorous flair. We think it's perfect for teens, young adults or a holiday date night. It includes special entertainment such as Glisten! (a live ice skating show!), a Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! fireworks spectacular and Holidays in Hollywood hosted by Kermit and Miss Piggy.
There's also the Twilight Soiree at the Tower of Terror courtyard and a Pixar-themed dance party. Rare characters, unique photo ops and specialty food and drink offerings round out the night.
We’ve created several guides that you can use as resources, so you can know what to expect and how to plan.
- A Full Guide to Disney World Holiday Events
- Favorite Reasons to Visit Disney World During the Holidays
- Our Top Tips for a Very Merry Walt Disney World Holiday Trip
- Where to Find All of the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Characters
- Foodie Guide to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
- Festive Foodie Guide to Disney's Jollywood Nights
Also, be aware of party nights when building your daily itinerary. On Mickey’s Very Merry dates, Magic Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. to regular guests. That means if you don’t have a party ticket, you won't be able to stay in the park. If you’re using a Park Hopper ticket, this is a great time to hop over to another park! The same goes for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.
Just keep in mind that Magic Kingdom's fireworks and parade will not run on party nights, so plan to catch Happily Ever After and the new nighttime Starlight parade on a non-party evening.
Leap's Top Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Visit
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is magical — but also one of the busiest. A little planning goes a long way! Here are some top tips to help make your trip feel more merry than messy:
- Use Early Theme Park Entry — If you're staying at a Disney Resort, you can get into every park 30 minutes early. It's one of the best ways to get a head start on rides before the crowds roll in.
- Make dining reservations 60 days in advance —Table-service restaurants book up quickly, especially during the holidays. Set a reminder to book right at the 60-day mark.
- Use mobile order for quick-service meals — Skip the lines and order ahead from your phone through the My Disney Experience app. It's a huge time-saver and a lifesaver when everyone's hungry.
- Take a midday break — Crowds and temps can peak in the early afternoon. Head back to your hotel for a nap, swim or just some downtime, then come back refreshed for the evening fun.
- Understand (and consider) Lightning Lane Multi Pass — If it fits in your budget, Lightning Lane Multi Pass can help you bypass long lines for select attractions. Learn how it works ahead of time so you can decide if it's worth it for your family.
If you're visiting the week of Christmas, you’re in for some bonus magic. Magic Kingdom typically shows Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during the day and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks in the evening.
And if you're there for New Year's, don't miss Fantasy in the Sky fireworks at Magic Kingdom on Dec. 30 and 31, or the countdown celebrations and special fireworks at EPCOT.
Walt Disney World Christmas Food & Drink
This goes without saying, but we still gotta say it — don't skip the holiday food and drinks! From limited-time treats at the theme parks and resorts to full holiday menus at places like Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, there's no shortage of delicious eats.
At EPCOT, the Holiday Kitchens and Cookie Stroll are always a favorite. And as the season gets closer, Disney will release an official foodie guide with all the details. We'll hop back to update this post once that's out, so you can plan your must-try list (and check it twice).
Other Walt Disney World Christmas Activities
There's also plenty of holiday cheer to be found outside the theme parks. Over at Disney Springs, the Christmas Tree Stroll is a fun way to see the themed trees while you do some holiday shopping.
Be sure to make time to visit the other Disney Resort hotels, too. Each one has unique decorations, and several feature stunning gingerbread displays, including the Contemporary, Yacht and Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's free to visit by taking Disney Resort transportation. You can also drive, but you'll want to book a dining reservation at one of the resort's table-service restaurants, so you will be permitted to park at the resort.
Tad & Lily's Tadpole Holiday Picks
There's so much for kids of all ages to enjoy during the holidays across Walt Disney World Resort. From meeting Santa to scavenger hunts, here are some of the best kid-friendly experiences:
- Write a letter to Santa at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe — Kids can write and drop off their wish lists at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe at Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square.
- Meet Santa — Santa appears at all four theme parks, Blizzard Beach and Disney Springs.
- Complete Olaf's Holiday Traditions Scavenger Hunt — During EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, kids can help Olaf discover holiday traditions from around the world.
- Say hi to Douglas, the talking tree at Disney Springs — Keep an eye out for the roaming talking tree near Once Upon a Toy.
- Check out the miniature train display at Disney's BoardWalk Inn — This train set runs through a holiday village and is a huge hit with train lovers and curious kiddos.
- Enjoy snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. — During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (and sometimes on select nights closer to Christmas), it "snows" on Main Street.
- Snack on holiday treats — From gingerbread cookies to Christmas cupcakes, Disney rolls out tons of cute and kid-approved seasonal snacks across the resort.
- Boogie Down at Holiday Dance Parties at Magic Kingdom — During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, kids cut loose at dance parties at Cosmic Ray's and Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland — characters even join in!
You'll also find tons of holiday merchandise across the parks and resorts, with the biggest selection at The Emporium in Magic Kingdom and World of Disney at Disney Springs. Be sure to grab an ornament for your tree, and you can even personalize it at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square.
Planning a magical holiday trip can feel like a lot, but you've got this! Christmas at Disney World is full of joy and magical moments. Remember to take time to slow down, savor the treats and really be present. Oh, and be sure to squirrel away a few extra cookies in your bag for the ride home — you can thank us later!
Related: Our Top Favorite Reasons to Visit Disney World During the Holidays
Hoppy planning!
