Written by: Sara Mahjoub, Senior Travel Planner
It’s almost that most magical time of year! And if you love the Christmas spirit, NOTHING is more magical than the Disney parks during the holidays! If you’re curious what all is offered, here are our top picks for you and your family.
1) Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Taking place select nights in the Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features the iconic Christmas parade (yes, the same one you can see on TV on Christmas Day- now imagine seeing it in person!), a special holiday fireworks show that you can ONLY see during the party, snow on Main Street USA, and lots more!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place 7pm until midnight, so you may want to plan a nap in your afternoon, before you don your finest (ugliest) Christmas sweater and head back to the Magic Kingdom!
2) Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt at Epcot
Olaf is looking for holiday traditions, and he needs your help to find them all! Purchase your map and stickers, and then make your way around World Showcase to see if you can spot them all. When your map is complete (or not), you can turn it in for a festive prize!
3) Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
This yuletide festival begins right after Thanksgiving and runs through December 30th, and is an amazing way to experience holiday traditions around the world! Throughout World Showcase, you can find storytellers, bringing to life tales from their countries. Be sure to check out the Holiday Cookie Stroll and the Holiday Kitchens, too!
4) Candlelight Processional
Taking place nightly, the Candlelight Processional is a favorite holiday tradition at Epcot. A celebrity narrator recounts the story of Christmas, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a full choir. These performances are included with your Epcot admission!
5) Holiday Fun at Hollywood Studios
Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine is a festive character meal that features Minnie and all her friends in their holiday finest!
And be sure to catch For the First Time in Forever- A Frozen Sing-A-Long Celebration, complete with all the songs you know and love, plus a little magic from Elsa!
6) Animal Kingdom Holiday Exclusives
Animal Kingdom gets all dressed up for the holidays, too, with beautiful decor celebrating the natural world. Keep an eye out for the Merry Menagerie, an irresistible troupe of wandering life-sized animal puppets, that you have to just stop and interact with!
And the Tree of Life gets into the holiday spirit, too, with a special version of its evening show, Awakenings.
7) Holiday Magic at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
To make the most of your magical vacation, you always want to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. But that’s even more true during the holiday season, when each resort goes all out with its own unique decor, treats and holiday activities. Two of our favorites during the holidays are Wilderness Lodge, which features a giant Christmas tree and a roaring fireplace to cozy up to, and the Grand Floridian Resort, where you can find a huge, elaborate and delicious-smelling real gingerbread house!
8) Disney Springs Seasonal Fun
Be sure to make time to visit Disney Springs, where you will find a fun holiday tree stroll! Each tree is themed and elaborately decorated with details from some of your favorite Disney movies and rides! See if you can spot them all! And while you wrap up your holiday shopping, see the snow fall to cap off a perfectly festive vacation.
Ready to do one-or ALL- of these? We’re here to help! Whether you want to visit this year, or give the gift THIS year of a surprise trip NEXT year, let our team of experienced travel planners help you find the perfect hotel, tickets and add-ons to make your holiday Disney vacation truly magical.
