Christmas is magical! It welcomes you with illuminating lights, delicious food, a cold atmosphere, gifts by Santa clause, and holidays. But the magic doubles when you celebrate Christmas in Disney World. The fairy-tale-like wonderland provides a beautiful experience, fantastic pictures, and unforgettable memories.
This cycle of endless Christmas fun in Orlando, Florida, started on 8th November 2022 with the inauguration of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Following that, other events, including Holiday Studios and Animal Kingdom, started on 11th November 2022. However, one of the most renowned and thrilling EPCOT festival started on 25th November 2022.
These celebrations will continue throughout Christmas until New Year and even after. So, you get a lot of time to enjoy, but the best time to visit is when the festival is at its peak. Like near to 25th December. Indeed, you will experience crowds, but it has its fun.
Celebrate Christmas in Disney World
Disney World in Florida is huge. It’s divided into five sections: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs. Each of these sections hosts equally exciting celebrations.
You cannot attend all of them, but you can explore the best ones to make your Christmas special. Here are the important events to celebrate Christmas in Disney world Florida.
Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is home to many classic Disney attractions, including the Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck.
It is a popular destination for families, known for its festive holiday decorations and special events. It’s also home to major Christmas celebrations. The most famous ones include:
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
It’s the topmost and one of the most attended events of the Christmas celebration. It typically features festive holiday decorations, live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, unique holiday-themed attractions, and food.
In addition to these special events, guests who attend the celebration also have access to all of the regular attractions and experiences at the Magic Kingdom Park. The party usually takes place on select nights and requires a separate admission ticket.
Make sure you check the schedule to book advance tickets because being the best festival. It’s always crowded. You can easily book tickets on their official website.
2. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
The show allows you to experience holiday-themed music, special effects, and fireworks and is typically presented on select nights during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event. It takes place in front of Cinderella Castle and is included with admission to the party.
The short thrilling show typically lasts about 15 minutes and is a popular attraction if you visit the park during the holiday season. You have to arrange a few quick minutes to enjoy fantastic fireworks.
3. Cinderella Castle Holiday Projections
If you love light shows, then you cannot miss this event. You will be welcomed with projections of holiday-themed images, such as snowflakes and gingerbread houses, onto the castle and holiday music.
It starts in the evening, and Cinderella Castle is decorated with holiday lights and other festive decorations. The castle is a popular spot for holiday photo opportunities and is a centerpiece of Christmas celebrations.
Hollywood Studios
This theme park is designed around the entertainment industry, particularly movies and television. It includes special holiday-themed decorations, events, and shows like the Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! holiday fireworks show. The park is a popular destination for families and visitors of all ages.
1. Santa Claus Motorcade
A great event to attend during daylight! It is a parade showing Santa Claus as the main character and other holiday-themed characters and floats. It takes place on select days during the holiday season and is included with admission to the park.
The parade starts in Frontierland and goes through the park, ending at the Main Street, U.S.A. area. It only takes place on select days. Please make sure to check the schedule in advance.
2. Minnie’s Holiday Dine
A simple yet special event that you can enjoy while dining. It features a buffet meal with Christmas-themed food and drinks, as well as meet-and-greets with Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters dressed in their holiday best. An excellent opportunity to meet and interact with Disney characters while enjoying a festive meal.
Animal kingdom
Usually, the park hosts live shows, character meet-and-greets, and other entertainment offerings. However, during the Christmas season, it shows special holiday-themed decorations and events, such as the “Jingle Jungle Parade,” which takes place on select days.
1. Discovery Island Luminaries
This event is lit with lanterns and LED lights placed along Discovery Island’s pathways, the park’s central hub. The lanterns are shaped like animals and other nature-themed designs, creating a festive atmosphere during Christmas. It takes place in the evening and is included with park admission.
It provides an excellent opportunity to see the park in a different light during the holiday season. Indeed, you are going to remember it for a long.
2. Tree of Life Holiday Awakenings
The short show features projections of holiday-themed images onto the Tree of Life. It is the iconic animal-carved tree located at the center of the park. The show also includes holiday-themed music and other special effects. Make sure you are available in the evening to enjoy this show. It will be included with park admission.
EPCOT
The park is known for its focus on science, technology, and international culture. A great place to enjoy unique holiday-themed decorations and events during Christmas, such as the Festival of the Holidays. You will also enjoy live shows, character meet-and-greets, and other entertainment offerings. Some popular celebrations include:
1. Candlelight Processional
The event allows you to enjoy a live choir and orchestra performing holiday music and a celebrity narrator who reads the Christmas story. The event takes place at night in the America Gardens Theatre, located in the World Showcase area of the park.
It helps you with a unique opportunity to experience the holiday spirit through music and storytelling.
2. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
If you wish to enjoy Christmas-themed festive decorations, food and drinks, live entertainment, and character meet-and-greets with candlelight processional, then don’t forget to check out this International Festival of the Holidays in Epcot. It’s a popular event that includes an energetic crowd which helps boost your partying mood.
It is also one of the most attended festivals in Epcot and surely worth investing time in. Make sure to check the dates in advance to make prior bookings. It’s popular, and that’s why often fully booked.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Christmas Rewind
The perfect Christmas event for marvel fans. The show helps you to relive the Guardians of the Galaxy characters by watching their holiday-themed music and dance numbers.
It takes place in the America Gardens Theatre, located in the World Showcase area of the park, and is included with park admission.
Earlier, there were miscommunications about the show has been discontinued, but as per current reports, it is happening, and you can surely visit Disney world to enjoy it.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located near the resort’s hotels and theme parks and is accessible to guests and the general public. It features special Christmas events and holiday-themed events during the season.
The park is a popular destination for visitors to the resort and locals and is known for its diverse dining and entertainment offerings. It is free to enter and browse the complex, though some experiences and activities may require a separate fee.
1. Christmas Tree Stroll
The simple event features a display of Christmas trees decorated with holiday-themed ornaments and lights. The trees throughout the complex are typically accompanied by Christmas-themed music and other festive decorations.
The park provides an excellent opportunity to experience the Christmas spirit through the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Please check the current offerings and schedules of events at the complex before planning a visit.
2. Food
Disney Springs is more of a collective dining area for everyone and doesn’t require a fee to enter. That’s why the number of events is minimal. Although, it’s a great place to enjoy if you pass by Disney World in Orlando.
Gingerbread Houses Disney 2022
Gingerbread Houses have become a Christmas custom at Disney World, and you must witness them when coming over. It showcases baked goods made from gingerbread, a sweet, spiced bread traditionally associated with the holiday season.
The creations can take many forms, including gingerbread houses, men, and other shapes and designs. They are often decorated with icing, candy, and other sweet embellishments. However, they are only available to watch and admire, not to eat. Some popular Christmas events of the park include
1. Beach Club Resort
The Beach Club resort includes the entire carousel showcasing the fantastic new-year theme with the essential Christmas touch.
You will notice some of the best hand-painted holiday characters with fondant snowflakes and shingles handcrafted using Gingerbread.
Make sure you don’t forget to check out the Yacht club lobby to experience the gingerbread village that includes miniatures homes, trees, grounds, and even the train. It will surely be a wonderful experience.
2. Grand Floridian
Grand Floridian is a resort offering a range of accommodations, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. However, it’s decorated with cute Gingerbread houses with cinnamon clouds during Christmas celebrations.
You will also notice fantastic decorations with candy canes made of white chocolate, edible snowflakes, and delicacies. If you are lucky, then you will be able to find special gingerbread ornaments too.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Christmas party at Disney World in Florida worth it?
It’s undoubtedly worth it, but please watch your budget, research the event package and consider what it includes, like the availability of food and drinks. Also, do read the reviews before confirming an event.
2. Does Disney World become expensive during Christmas?
Disney World becomes more expensive during Christmas due to increased demand for vacation packages and tickets. During this time, hotel prices may be higher, and it may be more difficult to find discounts or special offers on accommodations.
3. How to book Disney World tickets in advance?
There are three ways to book tickets in advance:
- Visit the official Disney World website
- Purchase tickets through a travel agent
- Buy tickets from a third-party website or reseller
Look for tickets on their official website for the cheapest deals.
4. Can I bring food inside Disney world?
With some limitations, you can bring outside food and drinks into the theme parks. The park allows food items that do not require heating and non-alcoholic beverages in disposable containers. Make sure to check the detailed guidelines on their website.
5. What are the dates for the Disney world Christmas celebration?
The celebration started in November and continues until the start of January. Every event comes with its unique date and time of celebration. Please check the entire schedule chart for detailed information. Please make bookings in advance. The venue is always overcrowded because of the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Disney World is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. It is filled with magical adventures, festive decorations, and fantastic entertainment. The atmosphere is not just romantic but also magical and fascinating.
Don’t be confused; the events are not just for kids! Even adults will be mesmerized by these celebrations. Whether you are a Disney enthusiast or a fanatic of the holidays, Disney land will cater to your every need. Don’t forget to pack your ‘treats’ and make the most of this magical season.
We hope that you are now familiar with the essential Christmas events and their significance in Disney world Florida. Please comment below if you have any questions, doubts, or suggestions.
