All the Christmas Cheer at Disney World

‘Tis the season to be doing all the things, going all the places, and buying all the gifts. But what if you want a bit of time to relax and enjoy some sights and sounds? Take a trip down to Walt Disney World and see all the Christmas cheer they have to offer. Here are some fun ideas to get the holiday spirit started!

Disney Springs

Christmas Tree Trail: Come follow the Christmas Tree Stroll to see 21 beautiful trees around the neighborhoods of Disney Springs. From Toy Story to Minnie Mouse to Moana 2 and Black Panther, you will find a tree to love! Be sure to pick up your map with stickers to ensure you see them all. Place the corresponding sticker on the map as you find each tree. When you finish you can redeem your map for a prize at one of the following locations (these locations are also where you can pick up the maps): City Works Eatery and Pour House, Crystal Works by Arribas Brothers, The LEGO Store, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, and The Luxury of Time by Diamonds International.

Be sure to check the back of the map, as there are many discounts available for the restaurants and shops at Disney Springs.

New this year, 16 of the trees interact with your Disney Band+, so be sure to wear it if you have one! You can also purchase them at Disney Springs if you don’t have one.

Snow: As Floridians, we often wish there was a bit of snow to help us feel more Christmas-y. Have no fear, at Disney Springs you can enjoy snowfall every 30 minutes by the Town Center tree, starting at sundown.

Jock Lindsey’s: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Restaurant has a “holiday takeover” where you can imbibe in Christmas drinks and food. Take a look at the menu and see if there’s anything you’d like!

Meet Santa: You will need the My Disney Experience app for this one! When you arrive at Disney Springs, go into the app on the home screen, and look for the “Join Virtual Queue” button on the home page. Click the Disney Springs tab, and get in a virtual line to meet Santa! Be sure notifications are on because you will get a push notification when your group is called!

There are also so many more holiday-themed food options at Disney Springs in addition to all the Christmas merchandise at World of Disney and shopping around all of Disney Springs. My advice is to always arrive as early as you can. Shops usually open at 10 a.m., but you can park before that and grab a snack (the Disney Springs Starbucks’ usually opens at 9 a.m.).

Sleigh Ride: Want a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride? Hop on board a “sleigh” at Fort Wilderness during the month of December for a 25-minute excursion around the property. You leave from the new Tri Circle D Barn. It’s a sight to see in and of itself!

Gingerbread Houses: The gingerbread houses are back again this year and seem just as amazing as they’ve ever been! The best way to see these amazing creations (made by the Disney World baking team) is to make a dining reservation at either The Beach Club resort (where there is a gingerbread carousel themed around The Little Mermaid) or the Grand Floridian. There’s even a new addition this year — a Spaceship Earth gingerbread creation at EPCOT!

If you choose the Grand Floridan option you can also hop on the monorail and go to the Contemporary and Polynesian to see their Christmas trees! Likewise, you could make a dining reservation at the Contemporary or Polynesian and then take the monorail to view the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian. You can also take a bus from Disney Springs to any of these resorts.

Note: The following holiday experiences require a ticket. Annual Passholders also require a park pass. 

Epcot

In the early part of November, Epcot is dedicated to the Food and Wine Festival. However, at the end of the month (specifically on November 29 this year), the park is transformed for the Festival of the Holidays. In addition to beautiful decor throughout the park, Epcot boasts beautiful trees that you’ll love as backgrounds for your photos! Beyond this, the popular boat ride Living with the Land gets a holiday overlay. Plants, vegetables, and fruit get a Christmas facelift that really puts you in the holiday spirit.

Cookie Stroll: Grab a Festival Passport booklet at the entrance of the park, buy five cookies at specific food booths, and get a fancy cookie for free. This is fun to do with a group, that way one person doesn’t need to eat all the cookies. Don’t forget your stamp every time you buy a cookie!

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays Candlelight Processional: This emotional event tells the traditional story of Jesus coming to Earth. The festival begins on November 29th and is narrated by various celebrities. The best way to get a guaranteed seat for the event (which happens three times a night) is to make a lunch or dinner reservation at one of many participating restaurants at Epcot. When you make your reservation (menus are prix fix and require a credit card to hold your reservation) you are assigned a time to view the processional. The performances are held in the America Gardens Theater in the America pavilion.

In addition to meeting Santa at the Odyssey Pavilion, there is traditional storytelling at most pavilions in the World Showcase. You will find dancers, a mariachi band, and traditional costumes in the Mexico pavilion. In the China pavilion, you will encounter the Chinese Lion Dance. The list goes on and on!

Olaf Scavenger Hunt: Arguably the most fun activity for kids, the Olaf Scavenger Hunt is available for purchase at Creations Shop, World Traveler at International Gateway, or other participating shops. Use the stickers to mark the map when you find Olaf’s “traditions” in each pavilion. Redeem your map for a prize after completion!

Animal Kingdom

Santa: Santa will be available to meet in the Dinoland section of the park this year! You can find him in Restaurantosaurus, and he begins meeting on November 12.

Flotillas: See Santa, Donald Duck and friends, Chip and Dale, and the Island Drummers as they all cruise along Discovery River throughout the day.

Merry Menagerie: This is my FAVORITE part of the holidays at Animal Kingdom. Starting on November 12, in the Discovery Island section of Animal Kingdom, see life-size, artisan-sculpted animal puppets brought to life by cast members. I am SO happy they are here this year!

Tree of Life Awakenings: Starting at dusk, stand in front of the Tree of Life and watch the projections dance on the tree to the beats of your favorite holiday tunes. It’s truly a sight to behold!

Hollywood Studios

Sunset Seasons Greetings: Enjoy nightly holiday projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

New Entertainment: This year at Hollywood Studios, catch the Juggling Elves, the Holiday Spirit Band, or the Seasons Jukebox. You can also meet Santa at It’s A Wonderful Shop.

Dining: Join Minnie and her besties at Hollywood and Vine restaurant for their best holiday meal! Reservations recommended.

Frozen Sing-Along: Enjoy a special finale to this fan-favorite sing-along that features Olaf!

Jollywood Nights: Back for a second year, this is a separately ticketed event that takes place on select nights at Hollywood Studios. It’s a bit more entertainment based, and a bit less ride-based like the ever-popular Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Act quickly though, dates are starting to sell out.

Magic Kingdom

All the Treats: There are so many limited-time treats available in Magic Kingdom (and throughout all the parks really)! From a Ginger Apple Funnel Cake to a Christmas Cookie Milkshake and Sundae, there is so much sugar to be eaten.

Seasonal Decor and Castle Projections: In addition to the giant Christmas tree at the entrance, garland, lights, and wreaths all around Main St., Cinderella’s Castle is awash in cheerful holiday projections as soon as the skies get dark. My favorite is when the castle looks like a giant present (maybe the gift of a Disney trip is a good idea this year?).

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Now through December 20, you can indulge in the ultimate Christmas party at Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights from 7 p.m. to midnight, with park entry as early as 4 p.m. With very low crowds, you can enjoy riding rides until your stomach says, “No more!” There are also stage shows, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, two parades, holiday treats, and character meet and greets. It’s really such a special event at the most magical place on earth!

There you have it, friends. Some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in the Walt Disney World area. Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments below.

Ready to take a trip to the most magical place on earth? Let me know how I can help! As a travel planner specializing in Disney Destinations, my services are free to you, and it’s my obsession to know all that’s going on in the world of Disney, so I can help you plan your best vacation ever!