1227469415_1215AR_6706GDA Disney World vacation and the holiday season are magical by themselves, but when you put these two experiences together, anything is possible! Here are some of our favorite reasons to celebrate the holidays with Disney at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a special ticketed event on select dates in November and December. Like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, official hours are 7 PM to midnight, but if you don’t already have a park ticket, you can enter as early as 4 PM to enjoy attractions, meet-and-greets, dining and more.

Meet-and-Greet with Santa: You can count on seeing Santa Mickey and and other holiday-inspired Disney pals, but there’s too much fun and festivity here for the real Santa to miss. Stop by and tell him what’s on your wish list, and take a special family photo you’ll remember forever (especially if you have Memory Maker!)

A Frozen Holiday Wish: Enjoy this nighttime show at the Castle Forecourt, and see Queen Elsa use her wintery powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering, sparkling ice castle! This is one of the most breathtaking sites to see in Disney World, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Note: Depending on park hours, you can catch a showing during regular park hours outside of the Christmas party (but the combination of this with other events is worth the ticket!)

Specialty Treats and Merchandise: Stop at select locations for cookies, treats and hot chocolate (included with your admission.) Other holiday treats are available, too, at select locations for an additional cost. Options in previous years have included Holiday Tree and Holiday Bear cupcakes. Merchandise may include T-shirts, trading pins, MagicBands and more.

Character Sightings and Meet-and-Greets: Enjoying shorter attraction and meet-and-greet lines is a great reason to celebrate, but don’t miss character opportunities you’ll only get here, like Santa Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas at Storybook Circus and the Seven Dwarfs at the Fantasyland wall. Character dance parties throughout Magic Kingdom are not to be missed either! These are great candid photo opportunities. (Appearances and locations may vary.)

Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: There’s Christmas music in the air while you wave to your favorite Disney friends as they “float” by in their holiday best. Look for Kristoff, Olaf, Anna and Elsa (who’s presumably responsible for the snowflakes in Florida) and a special appearance from Santa.

Celebrate the Magic: Watch in amazement as the pixie dust turns Cinderella Castle into a backdrop for magical holiday projections, including scenes from your favorite Disney movies, a gingerbread  house and more!

Holiday Wishes: Set to classic Christmas carols and new holiday tunes, this dazzling fireworks spectacular lights up the sky over Cinderella Castle! The blend of music, colors and Christmas spirit is sure to warm even icy hearts and inspire good cheer.

Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package: Secure a premium view for the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Holiday Wishes, while you enjoy a variety of themed treats including but not limited to cupcakes, chocolate mousse, chocolate-dipped strawberries, ice cream, sparkling cider and more. (Additional admission required for this event.)

Want to discover more holiday magic at other Disney Destinations, including Disneyland and aboard Disney Cruise Line? We’d love to share our Disney experience with you and personalize your itinerary!

It’s not too late to plan a Disney vacation in November or December–and it’s not too early to start planning your holiday visit for 2017! Get in touch with your Middle of the Magic Travel Planner to start coordinating the details, or request a quote now.