Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is ALWAYS full of magical but there is something EXTRA special about the holiday season at Walt Disney World. From special entertainment, to special ticketed events and more, there is something for everyone, no matter which holiday you celebrate.
Here are 5 of my favorite things to do at Walt Disney World during the holiday season:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party- I am a BIG Christmas fan and this special ticketed event is well worth the cost in my opinion. With special fireworks, a magical parade, character meet and greets, fun entertainment and even cookie and holiday beverage spots. This event occurs on select nights at Magic Kingdom (the park will close at 6pm for guests without a party ticket!) and runs from 7pm until midnight. While this event is already sold out for 2025, Disney historically allows WDW resort guests to be the first to buy tickets so if you are thinking about a visit for 2026, we should book your WDW package today!
Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT- this festival is magical with storytellers sharing holiday traditions from around the world, special holiday kitchens, a cookie stroll and even the Candlelight Processional. Many experiences are included with your EPCOT park ticket but select experiences may have an additional cost. This festival runs from the weekend after Thanksgiving until the end of December each year.
Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs- explore Disney Springs and hunt for all the magical trees. This activity is FREE (and you don’t need a ticket or even to stay at a Disney resort to do this!) and so fun. I love to start the experience during the day time, but be sure to go back after dark to see the trees (or at least your favorites) all lit up.
Check out the decor at the Disney resorts. While the most famous decor is the gingerbread displays such as the gingerbread house at Grand Floridian (not here in 2025 due to construction) or the carousel at Disney’s Beach Club resort, EVERY Walt Disney World resort decorates for the holidays in a way that is unique to that resort. You can visit resorts without staying at them but parking may be restricted or may have a cost if you are not a guest at that official resort (never fear because you can still use Disney transportation to get around).
Meet Santa! Did you know that you can meet Santa in all 4 of the parks and a Disney Springs during the holiday season? Locations and meeting times will vary but you can get some amazing pictures with this holiday icon. Bonus- if you have Memory Maker, all these locations will include Disney PhotoPass pictures which means you get professional level holiday pictures!
I would love to help you plan your holiday visit to Walt Disney World.
