There’s truly no place like Walt Disney World during the holidays—it’s like stepping into a winter wonderland where the magic of the season comes to life! From the twinkling lights that adorn Cinderella Castle to the festive parades filled with beloved Disney characters, every corner of the parks is brimming with holiday cheer.
Whether you’re exploring the enchanting decorations at EPCOT or taking a spin on the holiday-themed rides, there’s a sense of joy and wonder that makes the season feel extra special.
Check out some of these Walt Disney World holiday adventures for 2024! And if you’re interested, be sure to check out our take on the best rides at Disney World.
MAGIC KINGDOM® PARK
Extra Merry and Bright
You’ll feel extra merry and bright at Magic Kingdom® Park thanks to spectacular sights, lights, decorations with all the trimmings, plus the magical Frozen Holiday Surprise—a holiday celebration featuring favorite Frozen Characters, including Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff as they decorate Cinderella Castle. And don’t miss Guest holiday favorites like Jingle Cruise, as well as greetings with Santa himself at Storybook Circus starting on November 28, 2024.
On select nights, from November 8–December 20, 2024, you can experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party*, a separately ticketed event where you can enjoy special holiday entertainment, a sleigh full of Character moments, magical “snowfalls”, complimentary treats and more.
Note: Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket valid only during specific event dates and hours. Inclement weather conditions may also affect outdoor entertainment.
EPCOT®
EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth
Starting November 29, 2024, the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will inspire you with the Candlelight Processional—a joyous retelling of the Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by amazing singers and orchestration. As you tour around the world, discover delightful holiday décor, plus festively dressed storytellers bringing time-honored stories and traditions to life. You can even meet Santa at The Odyssey Pavillion! Along your travels, be sure to sample treasured recipes from around the globe at
Holiday Kitchens throughout the Park…and embark on a sweet Holiday Cookie Stroll while you’re at it.
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS®
Sunset Seasons Greetings
Disney’s Hollywood Studios® is a holiday destination you don’t want to miss. Get swept up in the holiday spirit with the spectacular Sunset Seasons Greetings projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel. With amazing effects and “snow”, this experience also includes songs and cheer brought to you through on-screen holiday appearances by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Olaf and friends. Of course, be sure to catch the spirited holiday finale of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Plus, make sure to put Toy Story Land on your holiday itinerary to see how Andy and his pals have spruced things up for holiday playtime fun and photos, all for making big holiday memories.
Happening on select nights November 9–December 21, 2024 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney Jollywood Nights* is a five hour nighttime and separately ticketed holiday event filled with live music, festive fireworks, cheerful Characters like Phineas and Ferb, favorite attractions and more.
Note: Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket valid only during specific event dates and hours. Inclement weather conditions may also affect outdoor entertainment.
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® THEME PARK
Merry Menagerie and More Holiday Cheer!
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, festive décor and holiday music with a worldly beat greet you throughout the Park. And exclusively for the holiday season, meet Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse together in their holiday attire. And don’t forget to see Santa at his new location in Restaurantosaurus. During the day at Discovery Island®, come meet the Merry Menagerie, life-size artisan-sculpted animal puppets that will capture your heart and spark new holiday traditions. And when evening arrives, the Tree of Life® awakens with a series of special wintry tales, complemented by familiar and heartwarming holiday music.
DISNEY SPRINGS®
Merrily Whatever You’re After
At Disney Springs® you can find Merrily Whatever You’re After, especially during the holidays. Shop over 100 retail destinations complete with unique holiday gifts, must-haves, signature Disney apparel and more. You’re sure to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list (including yourself)! Plus, among all the delightful decorations, you can experience the Disney Springs® Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, live entertainment and a visit with Santa.
DISNEY RESORTS COLLECTION
Precious Holiday Memories
Ready for special holiday experiences beyond the Parks? Put our Disney Resorts Collection hotels on your must-see holiday list. Every uniquely themed Resort hotel comes alive during the holidays, surrounding you with amazing décor, decked out lobbies with towering holiday trees, plus delightful seasonal dishes, desserts and bites. And several of our Resort hotels feature wonderfully decorated, oversized gingerbread displays. Precious holiday memories are waiting to be made at every Disney Resorts Collection hotel.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
S’mores Trail At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
From November 7 through March 1, 2024 you can experience the return of the popular S’mores Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park! Signage within the park will guide you on this delicious stroll where you can experience the campfire treat in all new yummy ways. Along the route you will encounter several delicious beverages including s’mores hot chocolate and a s’mores milkshake, as well as a fun take on a theme park classic, the s’mores churro. Found at Eight Spoon Cafe, the s’mores churro is rolled in a mixture of chocolate dust, sugar, and salt, topped with dollops of whipped cream sprinkled with graham crackers and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. And don’t forget the marshmallow dipping sauce!
WATER PARKS
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Add a splash of Disney magic to your holidays this season at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park*. Experience magical “snowfalls” and fun, festive décor. Plus, immerse yourself in fantastic stories, thrills and chills. Here, there’s holiday magic in every drop.
MERCHANDISE
Mickey Family Christmas Collection
Can’t wait to deck the halls with Mickey Mouse ears and sip hot cocoa with Olaf? Well, hold that mistletoe, because the holidays are kicking off at Walt Disney World Resort and with them comes festive new merchandise! The Mickey Family Christmas Collection has officially launched with new ear headbands, apparel, plushies and more! Don’t forget to check out the exclusive merchandise for party guests at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park as well as Disney Jollywood Nights over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Available while supplies last.
If you’re not a Boardwalk Travel agent yet, check out our tutorial on how to become a Disney travel agent with no experience and take a minute to find out why Boardwalk is the best host agency for travel agents!