Disney World is always magical, but during the holidays, it transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, holiday decorations, and holiday cheer. Whether you're visiting with kids, teens, or the whole family, there's something fun for everyone.
From exclusive holiday events to themed attractions, here are the best things to do at Disney World during the holidays.
15 Ways to Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Walt Disney World
1. Mickey's Merry Christmas Party
This special ticketed event at Magic Kingdom Park is the highlight of the season. Festive parades, dazzling fireworks, and exclusive treats are a must-do when visiting Disney World during the holidays. The Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade and Minnie’s wonderful Christmas Fireworks display are well-loved.
You can check out our full review of Mickey’s Christmas Party here!
2. Enjoy the Christmas Parade
Find a spot on Main Street to watch this holiday parade, featuring your favorite Disney characters in their holiday attire. Dancing reindeer, gingerbread men, and even Santa Claus himself make appearances. Don’t miss the magical snowfall that transforms Main Street into a snowy wonderland.
Typically, this parade is held during the Christmas season for all guests attending Mickey's Merry Christmas Party, as well as throughout the remainder of the season.
Pro tip: For the best views, find a spot near the Christmas tree in the town square or along Main Street facing Cinderella Castle. If you can stay up late, the second parade is usually less crowded.
3. Marvel at Minnie's wonderful Christmas fireworks
This spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky and adds to the festive atmosphere. Classic Christmas songs, stunning fireworks and a magical finale combine to make it an unforgettable experience. The fireworks show is part of the ticketed event “Mickey's Merry Christmas Party.”
4. Experience holiday-themed rides
Many attractions receive festive makeovers this season. Highlights include the Jungle Cruise-turned-festival “Jingle Parade” and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Holiday Remix!
Don’t miss the Holiday Edition of Space Mountain during Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party. This is a one-of-a-kind holiday music and light effects experience!
5. Celebrate at Disney Jollywood Nights
Disney’s Hollywood Studios shines with its newest holiday event: Disney Fun Nights, a charming, ticketed celebration filled with retro holiday charm. Think Hollywood glamor meets holiday cheer!
The event features live entertainment, including jazz-inspired holiday performances and characters dressed in vintage holiday costumes. Specialty food and beverages, unique photo opportunities, and a jazz lounge atmosphere create the ambience. Guests can also enjoy holiday-themed projections on the iconic Tower of Terror.
Pro tip: Plan ahead for themed food and drink options, as some of the most popular items tend to sell out.
6. Explore Epcot’s International Festivals
Travel the world at Epcot and you'll discover unique holiday traditions and flavors from different countries. Enjoy seasonal treats at the Holiday Kitchen, hear stories of holiday customs, watch the Candlelight Procession and listen to heartwarming Christmas stories told by celebrity narrators.
7. Walking the Christmas Tree at Disney Springs
Disney Springs comes alive with a Christmas Tree Walk, featuring carefully designed themed trees inspired by Disney movies and characters. This is a great place for holiday family photos and holiday shopping.
Pick up a Disney Springs Christmas Tree Walk map. Once you've seen all the trees, return the completed map to receive a small prize!
8. Take photos with characters in festive costumes
During the holidays, many Disney characters dress up in festive attire. Whether it's Mickey in a Santa suit or Goofy as a holiday baker, these photos make the perfect keepsake.
Pro tip: Character meet-and-greet lines are usually shorter during Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party, so plan to meet your favorite characters during the event.
9. Enjoy the festive feast
Seasonal snacks and beverages are available throughout the park and resort. From peppermint Mickey-shaped treats to holiday-themed churros, these treats are worth checking out.
Choose from seasonal treats like Hollywood Studios' hot cocoa flight or Epcot's famous gingerbread cookies. Look out for the exclusive popcorn bucket and mug to take home as a souvenir!
10. Visit the resort’s gingerbread display
Disney World's luxury resorts feature elaborate gingerbread displays that are nothing short of works of art. Highlights include a life-size gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and a gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Shop my Disney vacation favorites!
11. Shop exclusive holiday merchandise
From decorations and holiday apparel to unique Disney souvenirs, holiday merchandise is everywhere. Don’t forget to pick up this year’s exclusive holiday popcorn bucket or liquor jersey!
12. Watch seasonal entertainment and dances
Join Club Tinsel or Disney Junior Jingle Jam for some fun. These balls feature vibrant music and entertainment for children and adults alike.
13. See the glittering Cinderella Castle
During the holidays, Cinderella Castle lights up brighter than ever with holiday lights. While dreamy lights are no longer a staple, the projections on the castle are still dazzling.
14. Experience the snow scene on Main Street
One of the most magical parts of Disney during the holidays is the snowfall on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. This whimsical feel makes the season feel even more special.
Grab a warm holiday drink from Main Street Bakery and enjoy it while watching the snowflakes fall!
15. Stop to shorten your ride wait time
During ticketed events like Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, many guests are focused on the festivities, cutting ride lines short. This is a great opportunity to visit popular attractions like Space Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Cart without having to wait.
Disney World is truly magical during the holidays. From Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party to the new Disney Fun Nights at Hollywood Studios, there’s no end to the holiday cheer.
Be sure to plan ahead as event tickets and dining reservations sell out quickly. No matter how you choose to celebrate, a holiday trip to Disney World is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Emily is an experienced travel writer and editor who has traveled throughout the American West, calling California, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and more home, and now Washington, D.C. 's home. With a passion for exploration and a special love for unique Airbnb properties, she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to every article she writes.
