Take joy in the holiday magic throughout the parks and resorts this holiday season at the most magical place on earth. Of course, with Disney’s attention to detail it’s not only the excellence we have come to expect, but so much more! Keep reading as I show you the top five must-do experiences at Walt Disney World this holiday season!
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Known as the main event, join Mickey and friends as the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a winter wonderland. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a special ticketed event and takes place on select nights in November and December. The party starts at 7pm and gates open at 4pm.
It truly doesn’t get more Christmassy than this, from the snowfall on Main Street to the aroma of sweet treats, it’s pure holiday enchantment around every corner. Let loose at one of the dance parties or revel in the moment as Cinderella’s castle turns into Elsa’s frozen wonderland. There are tons of photo ops, as the dazzling decorations make for wonderful holiday-themed backdrops.
Don’t miss Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade, where favorite characters and a few surprises come to life, including a special appearance from Santa Claus himself! Lastly, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Time fireworks show is uniquely designed for the holidays, where the vibrant colors of Christmas light up the sky to the tune of cherished Christmas carols and songs.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates 2024:
- November 8,11,12,14,15,17,19,21,22,24,26,27,and 29
- December 1,3,5,6,8,10,12,13,15,17,19,and 20
CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL AT EPCOT’S INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAY
This is one of the most popular events of the Christmas season, and for good reason. If you are unfamiliar with this event, let me fill you in! The Candlelight Processional is the Christmas story brought to life with a special guest celebrity narrator. With music performed by a grandiose choir alongside a 50-member live orchestra, this is truly an unforgettable holiday spectacle. Although the event is held inside Epcot in the World Showcase, this is a popular event, and many line up early for the chance to be seated. You can be guaranteed a seat by booking a Candlelight Processional dining package where you can enjoy dinner in combination with 1 seat per person. Dining packages can be made online, by phone, or through your travel professional.
Below is the list of narrators and dates for the 2024 Holiday season:
- Josh Gad – November 29 and 30, 2024
- Nico Santos (NEW) – December 1 and December 2, 2024
- Chrissy Metz – December 3 through December 5, 2024
- Whoopi Goldberg – December 6 and December 7, 2024
- Tituss Burgess (NEW) – December 8 through December 10, 2024
- Brendan Fraser – December 11 and December 12, 2024
- Ralph Macchio (NEW) – December 13 and December 14, 2024
- Gary Sinise – December 15 and December 16, 2024
- Neil Patrick Harris – December 17 and December 18, 2024
- Pat Sajak – December 19 through December 21, 2024
- Gloria Estefan – December 22 and December 23, 2024
- Edward James Olmos – December 24 through December 26, 2024
- Sterling K Brown – December 27 and December 28, 2024
- Jodi Benson – December 29 and December 30, 2024
JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS
What do you get when old Hollywood meets Disney during the Yuletide season? Welcome to Jollywood Nights, Hollywood Studios’s glitzy twist of a Christmas-time celebration like no other. Often dubbed “date night” in comparison to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, what Jollywood offers in comparison is a more upbeat, glamorous party atmosphere, and if you are ready to dance the night away and enjoy exclusive holiday libations and entertainment, then look no further!
Highlights include an all-new ice skating spectacular on Hollywood Boulevard and the always favorite can’t-miss “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM” nighttime show set in front of the park’s iconic Chinese theater. New this year is a variety show extravaganza hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy located at the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard.
The party would not be complete without the top rides and attractions open with reduced lines and special character greetings throughout the park. Of course, I cannot forget to mention the specialty drink and food offerings sold exclusively during Jollywood Nights (too many, in fact, to name), so grab yourself a Mistletoe martini and get ready to trip the light fantastic at Hollywood Studios!
Remember, this is a special event, gates open at 6 pm and we suggest getting there early, party starts at 7:30pm until 12:30 am.
Jollywood Nights event dates for 2024:
- November 9,13,16,18,23,25,30
- December 2,7,11,14,18,21
RESORT HOP TO SEE THE DECORATIONS
This is truly my personal favorite part about spending the holiday season at Walt Disney World. Each resort is uniquely decorated to represent the era and culture in which they have been designed, and you just can’t help but feel the joy of the season around every corner.
I have to first start with the most anticipated and beloved annual tradition of the Gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Hotel. The Grand Floridian Resort bakery chefs have been honoring this tradition for 25 years, and to say this colossal gingerbread house, which truly is made of real gingerbread pieces, is anything short of magnificent would be an understatement. To top it off, the Gingerbread House is a fully functioning quick serve pop up snack shop, serving up gingerbread cookies and treats. Spend some time looking for all of the hidden Mickeys and Minnies strategically decorated throughout the house. It really is a site to be seen!
Next, ride to the Wilderness Lodge to see arguably the most stunning Christmas tree on Disney World property. This gorgeous beacon of Yuletide stands 60 feet tall and is the centerpiece of the warm & cozy lobby of the lodge. It’s a perfect setting to take Christmas photos and snuggle up by the fireplace with a warm cup of hot chocolate. I promise that you won’t even realize that you are still in Florida! The Wilderness Lodge is THAT resort that will leave you with the “this feels like Christmas” feeling 100%!
If you feel like a unique holiday experience, check out the holiday sleigh ride experience at Fort Wilderness Resort. Cozy up in a sleigh, ride through the festive campground, and enjoy the decorations and beauty of nature and woodlands in your own horse-pulled sleigh. This experience requires advanced reservations, and availability is limited, so if this is up your alley, make sure to plan ahead.
Holiday resort hopping can be a fun-filled holiday experience in itself, and I would suggest making a day of it by booking a dining reservation at one of the fantastic restaurants located in the resort and enjoy the ambiance and holiday spirit at your leisure.
DISNEY SPRINGS
Last but not least, I can’t forget to mention Disney Springs during the holidays. Take part in the brilliant Christmas tree stroll and go on a quest to find 21 festively decorated trees. Children may pick up a map to search for the trees and, once finished, bring it to one of the redemption locations to receive an exclusive holiday surprise!
In my opinion, there is no more magical way to Christmas shop and pick up all the perfect gifts than at Disney Springs! With 97 specialty shops and over 50 places to dine at Disney Springs, you can spend an afternoon exploring and stay for the evening entertainment. Nightly snowfall and live entertainment are special for the holidays. Also, pop over to Santa’s Marketplace where you can meet Jolly St. Nick himself (subject to availability, so check the website for updates).
If you haven’t visited Amorette’s Patisserie, consider this a must! Special Holiday offerings at Amorette’s include:
-Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookie Croissant: Croissant dough, snickerdoodle cookie, and holiday sprinkle plaque (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31, 2024)
-Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake: Peppermint cheesecake, dark chocolate mousse, chocolate cookie crust, and white chocolate-peppermint coating with crushed peppermint pieces (Available Nov. 8, 2024 through Jan. 4, 2025)
-Mini Christmas Croquembouche: Chocolate Pâte à Choux, chocolate-hazelnut custard, and chocolate ganache (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31, 2024)
-Toy Soldier Mickey Dome Cake: Chocolate chiffon, milk chocolate mousse, and coconut-pecan filling (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31, 2024)
As you can see, there is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World during the holiday season! Making memories that will last forever: that is the true Holiday spirit!
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