Let Disney deck the halls and enjoy Christmastime activities during your Disney World vacation! Each year starting early November through early January, guests will find plenty of holiday activities to keep them busy. Today we have a breakdown of the typical Christmas Offerings at each Disney World Park.
Epcot
International Festival of the Holidays is one of the 4 yearly Festivals at Epcot. The best part of these festivals are most of the added entertainment is included with your park ticket. Dates can vary slightly by year, the 2019 holiday celebrations start on November 29 through December 30, 2019. This festival was previously named Holidays around the World.
Things To Do At Festival Of The Holidays:
- Stop to listen to Holiday Storytellers around the World. In each of the countries during the festival, guests will find storytellers. Listen to how each particular country celebrates the holidays for interesting educational experiences!
- Go on a Scavenger Hunt. There is a small cost associated to participate in Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree. Purchase your map & stickers, then guests can travel around the World Showcase on a scavenger hunt mission.
- Be Joyful with JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season. Christmas and Kwanzaa Joy come together in this celebration. Listen to uplifting Gospel, R&B and more holiday songs by the Joyful! vocals.
- See a guests favorite, the Candlelight Processional . This beautiful display takes place at the America Gardens Theatre each evening, by various celebrity guest narrators accompanied by an orchestra and a choir.
- Grab your FREE Festival Passport. Inside is a list of the Holiday Kitchens and their offerings.
Additionally:
- Past years, Biergarten Restaurant and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room have offered special Christmas Day meals for lunch or dinner.
- Ride Living with the Land at Epcot and enjoy holiday touches in the greenhouse.
Magic Kingdom
Out of the 4 main theme parks, Magic Kingdom will be the most decorated. Be sure to take time to admire all the decoration on Main St USA and take a photo in front of the giant Christmas Tree. See more things to do below.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Attend a holiday party at Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is offered select nights in November & December each year. This separate ticketed event gives guests the opportunity to ride select popular attractions with low wait times, meet Characters in Holiday apparel and more. Read the Ultimate Guide of things to do.
- Holiday Tours – Consider the Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy Tour at $99 per person and experience behind the scenes look at how the parks are transformed for the holidays. Disney’s Holiday D-Lights is a long tour at 6-hours long, cost is $279 per person. These tours are only offered select dates in November & December each year.
- All year long you can visit Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom for a Christmas ornament.
- Visit Gaston’s Tavern In Magic Kingdom for fun holiday decorations and sit in Gaston’s chair.
- The Jungle Cruise gets a holiday overlay.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios brings extra evening entertainment during the Christmas season.
- Watch Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a fireworks spectacular with projections and snowfall.
- Also see, Sunset Seasons Greetings, a projection show.
- See the holiday decorations at Echo Lake.
- Visit Toy Story Land for its own unique holiday décor
- Visit Santa Claus or Santa Goofy at Once Upon a Time shop
- Even though this is offered all year, meeting everyone’s favorite snowman is a must during the Holiday season – Meet & Greet with Olaf
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom has stepped up its Holiday game for 2019, get read for new festive entertainment and décor throughout each land! We hope this continues year after year.
- Discovery Island – Find a celebration of winter, with animal-inspired luminaries along the rooftops, wireframe lanterns bring a glow in the evening. During daytime, enjoy holiday gathering of animals and puppets.
- Tree of Life – Will awaken will wintry tales and familiar holiday music. The Tree of Life will continue to shimmer in between awakenings.
- Dinoland USA – Get into the holiday spirit with décor inspired by Donald Duck. Plus, enjoy fun and games during the Holiday Hoopla Dance Part with Chip n’ Dale.
- Asia – The Theatre district will be decorated to celebrate Diwali (holiday festival of lights, India). See lanterns, glowing flowers and more (from Anandpur Theater & the waterfront stage).
- Village of Harambe in Africa – See a unique holiday presentation plus new costumes, music and holiday-inspired enhancements.
- Tusker House – This character meal will add holiday cheer for guests throughout their meal.
- Pandora – World of Avatar – See a holiday display at Pongu Pongu.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.