Disney World Winter Holiday Events Guide
Latest Disney World Holiday Event News
Disney World Calendar of Events
Cinderella Castle Christmas Lighting ©Disney
Magic Kingdom Holiday Events
Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade ©Disney
The Christmas Holiday season at Magic Kingdom is truly a special time of year for Disney fans. The park is decked out for the season from November through the New Year with garland, wreaths, and lights. Holiday treats and merchandise fill the shops and eateries. Cinderella Castle is covered in over 200,000 twinkling lights and the special Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks adds a touch of magic to end the night. If I could only go to one event at Disney World it would be the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The atmosphere is absolutely amazing!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
(after hours event: special tickets required)
From 7pm until midnight Magic Kingdom becomes even more magical for this holiday event! As now falls on Main Street U.S.A, Cinderella Castle is covered in thousands of glittering white lights. Life-size wooden soldiers march in Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade along with your favorite Disney and Christmas characters dressed in their holiday attire. There’s also a musical show in Tomorrowland and free cookies and hot chocolate. Cap off the night with a special Holiday Wishes fireworks presentation. Make sure to order tickets early since these events do sell out, especially the dates closer to Christmas.
Jingle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise gets a seasonal makeover this year at Magic Kingdom. Captains bring plenty of dry holiday humor to the ride along with lots of holiday redecorating.
Epcot Holiday Events
Epcot Candlelight Processional ©Disney
The Candlelight Processional — A reading of The Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by an orchestra and church choir in America Gardens Theater.
Holidays Around the World — While Magic Kingdom transforms into a Christmas wonderland, Epcot lets us explore the season around the world. Future World has a few decorations, but walk past the towering Christmas tree and into the World Showcase for a treat. Each pavilion has performers sharing a bit of their own culture. A favorite of mine is meeting Father Christmas in the UK pavilion. See the list below for more descriptions. Daily events in the Epcot World Showcase pavilions.
- Mexico
Celebrate with Los Tres Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, as they tell of their journey to the Posada and traditions today. - Norway
Spend time with Sigrid and learn about Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome. New meet & greet for Disney’s Frozen characters at the Puffin’s Roost - China
Watch the agile Monkey King weave his tall tale with twists and turns celebrating Chinese New Year. - Germany
Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker. - Italy
Meet the kind-hearted witch La Befana who arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children. - American Adventure
Meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah and discover the spirit of Kwanzaa. - Japan
Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year. - Morocco
Join Taarji, a Moroccan drummer, as he reflects on family traditions commemorating the holiday of Ramadan. - France
Discover the magic of Père Noël and the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child. - United Kingdom
Share in the vivid stories of Father Christmas, dating back to 15th-century England. - Canada
Follow the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs on a musical tour as you explore seasonal customs of the Great White North
Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season! Performances by R&B Group D’Vine Voices daily in central Future World.
IllumiNations Holiday Finale
Hollywood Studios Holiday Events
Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Hollywood Studios ©Disney
Animal Kingdom Holiday Events
Jingle Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom ©Disney
Downtown Disney Holiday Events
Resort Holiday Events
Resorts are decked out in their Holiday best for the season, especially the Deluxe resorts which create grand displays of gingerbread houses and chocolate carousels!
Holiday Dining and Shopping Events
Guests can book a Candlelight Dining Package, which combines lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional and VIP viewing of the IllumiNations nighttime show. Follow the link to check restaurant availability and book your reservations.
New Year’s Eve Dining
Several lunch, brunch, and dinner meals are available for guests ringing in the New Year at Disney World. Be sure to book early since these reservations go quickly!
At Epcot World Showcase:
- Biergarten Restaurant in Germany is offering both lunch and dinner celebrations;
- La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico is offering a New Year’s Eve dinner;
- Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada has three seatings;
- Monsieur Paul in France starts celebrating at noon with seatings throughout the day and evening.
In the Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Terrace will feature a New Year’s Eve fireworks dinner and dessert party.
In the resorts, special dining for ringing in the New Year is planned at:
- Disney’s BoardWalk – Flying Fish Cafe
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Citricos, Victoria & Albert’s and Narcoossee’s
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort – California Grill and Chef Mickey’s (New Year’s Day brunch)
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Boma – Flavors of Africa (New Year’s Day breakfast)
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Whispering Canyon Cafe (Lunch and dinner)
For information and reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE or go to Disney’s dining reservations page.
