Disney World at Christmas

Delight your senses with the magic of Disney World at Christmas! From the sweet scent of gingerbread to the lovely musical offerings and dazzling light displays, Disney holidays are a delight. Beautiful decorations, festive shows and special entertainment offerings transform the theme parks and resort hotels into a a truly special place for Christmas at Disney World.

Special holiday decorations for Christmas at Disney World

Theme Park Holidays

Magic Kingdom

As you approach the Main Street train station you will notice something special. The happiest place on earth has been transformed into a Christmas Disney wonderland. Beginning in late November, a towering Christmas tree and holiday garland adorns Main Street. Enjoy special greetings with characters dressed in holiday attire. In mid to late December guests enjoy special holiday shows and the traditional Disney Christmas parade.

Enjoy Christmas at Disney World with the Magical Cinderella Castle

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Would you like to see snow on Main Street? You will if you visit Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a special hard ticket event in the Magic Kingdom during Christmas at Disney World. The party includes a twice nightly showing of the Magic Kingdom Christmas parade, holiday snacks, Christmas shows and a special edition of the Wishes fireworks display. Special character meet and greets are available throughout the night as well. Cinderella's Castle is transformed into a magnificent shimmering icicle.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is memorable, but it is expensive. The party is hosted on select nights in late November to mid December and can be quite crowded if the party is sold out.

Epcot

Epcot hosts one of the most special holiday offerings for Christmas at Disney World. The Candlelight Processional is a nightly show in which a celebrity narrator tells the story of the birth of Jesus with a large massed choir with a live orchestra. It is a moving show and worth seeing. A special dinner package is available that will help limit your waiting in line and can be reserved through Disney Dining.

As you travel around World Showcase  you will see the cultural celebrations representing the various countries. Christmas Disney style is a cultural celebration that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Spectacle of Lights is completely spectacular! See millions of twinkling lights dance to jazzy Christmas music on the Streets of America in Hollywood Studios. This is a must see for Christmas Disney style. Be forewarned it can get very crowded, so come right before park closing if possible.

Animal Kingdom

Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade is the celebration at the Animal Kingdom theme park. The Jammin' Jungle Parade is transformed to a for Christmas at Disney World, including Goofy Santa and all the other Disney characters.

The Resorts

Wilderness Lodge Christmas Disney Tree

Christmas at Disney World is not complete without a visit to the resort hotels. The Disney resorts are transformed to something special for the holidays. Decorated with Christmas trees, garland, lights, wreaths and huge gingerbread displays, the resorts are magical.

Christmas Disney Wreath

We love taking a tour of the Disney resorts in December to experience the decorations at each hotel. Christmas at Disney World is celebrated with beautiful decorations at every Disney resort, with some are more dramatic than others. The deluxe hotels tend to get decked out the most and are definitely worth seeing.

The best Disney resorts to see are listed below, but you can feel free to add or delete from the list according to your taste. We think the best Christmas Disney decorations can be found at the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

For your Christmas Disney resort tour, be sure to visit our favorites:

• Beach Club featuring a huge carousel made of gingerbread
• The Yacht Club has a train village
  
• Boardwalk Inn and Villas have a gingerbread gazebo with a hidden Mickey
  
• Animal Kingdom Lodge is simply lovely with a huge tree in the magificent atrium lobby. This beautiful resort is a must see
• Contemporary Resort has a gingerbread tree in the lobby
  
• Wilderness Lodge is gorgeous with a tall Christmas tree in the warm atrium lobby
• Fort Wilderness Campground offers horse drawn carriages. Some visitors decorate their campsites for the holidays
  
• Grand Floridian is exquisite with the sophisticated tree and large gingerbread house. There is a shop inside the gingerbread house the sells gingerbread

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney hosts live entertainment, holiday decorations and Santa Claus for Christmas at Disney World.

Holiday Food

Treats abound for your Disney Christmas holiday! You will find many special foods for the holidays, including unique cupcakes, cookies, gingerbread and candy. You will find special foods on the some of the menus as well.

The following special foods are found for Christmas at Disney World:

• Gingerbread. Check out the gingerbread for sale in the lobby of the Grand Floridian. Decorated Disney gingerbread cookies are also for sale
  
• Enjoy a holiday turkey sandwich at the Earl of Sandwich Restaurant in Downtown Disney
• Try some yummy pumpkin fudge from the Main Street Confectionary candy shop in the Magic Kingdom
• Get a Christmas twist on Disney's traditional cupcakes, cookies, candy and rice krispie treats. You will also see unique ice ream flavors such as peppermint and pumpkin
• Hot cocoa when you are visiting the Osborne Lights at Disney Hollywood Studios

Several restaurants offer a special holiday menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Be sure you make advance dining reservations to ensure you do not miss out on your special meal for Christmas at Disney World!

Discover the spirit of the holiday season at Walt Disney World at Christmas. Visit in December for a truly memorable vacation for the entire family.