Merry & Bright: The Ultimate Guide To All The Disney World Christmas Events You Need To Know 2023

DISNEY WORLD CHRISTMAS

Welcome to the Most Magical Time of the Year; a time filled with Disney World Christmas decorations!

WALT DISNEY WORLD CHRISTMAS

The holiday season at Disney World is a truly enchanting experience that transforms the already magical theme parks into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and heartwarming celebrations. 

If you’re planning a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth during Christmas, you’re in for a treat like no other! 

This post is all about the ultimate guide to all the Disney World Christmas events you need to know.

Disney World Christmas Events

1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 

The iconic Walt Disney World Christmas party is returning to Magic Kingdom!

disney Christmas party

If you attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can expect

  • Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – a 25-minute parade with every Disney character you can think of – and even Santa!

mickey's very merry christmas party

  • Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworksan exclusive, Christmassy, fireworks show.
  • Complimentary cookies & hot cocoa – Be aware that the cookies taste pretty artificial (AKA like Play-Doh 😂)
  • Meeting characters all ready for Christmas
  • Shorter wait times for rides
  • SNOW ❄️

when do mickey's very merry christmas tickets go on sale

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party cost $149-$189 + tax for kids aged 3-9.

Tickets for guests aged 10+ are $159-$199.

If you are an Annual Passholder or a Direct Disney Vacation Club Member, you will be eligible for a $10 discount per ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – on select nights only.

RELATED POST: What To Expect at a Disney World Christmas Party: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights 

2. Disney Jollywood Nights

For the first time, Disney Jollywood Nights are being held at Hollywood Studios.

is disney world open on christmas day

This is Hollywood Studios’ version of a Disney Christmas party.

If you attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can expect:

  • The dazzling return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – a nighttime show with extraordinary projections, special effects and music at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

when does disney take down christmas decorations 2023

  • A musical variety show with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy at Theater of the Stars – You can also expect to see some princesses (including Belle and Tiana).
  • Exclusive snacks
  • And more!

Tickets will cost between $159-$179 for this event.

Annual Passholders and Direct Disney Vacation Club members can save $10 per ticket. This discount is valid for every night of this festive event.

3. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Between November 24th – December 30th 2023, Epcot is holding its fourth festival of the year, the Festival of the Holidays.

During this festive event, you are invited to embark on a heartwarming journey around the world as you explore holiday traditions from different countries.

disney world christmas events

Strolling through the World Showcase pavilions, you can try delectable seasonal treats from various cultures.

But it’s not just about the food. There is also unforgettable live entertainment and performances that showcase diverse holiday customs from around the globe.

The Epcot Candlelight Processional is a breathtaking and profoundly moving holiday tradition in Epcot.

This beloved event combines the joyous spirit of Christmas with a beautiful retelling of the biblical story of the birth of Jesus.

Every night of this festival, a celebrity narrator (such as Josh Gad, Whoopi Goldberg and more) joins a mass choir and a full orchestra to recount the timeless tale of Christmas. The resonant voices of the choir, the orchestral melodies, and the heartfelt narration create a powerful and emotionally stirring performance that captivates audiences of all ages.

The Candlelight Processional holds a special place in the hearts of many, with its blend of music and storytelling offering a sense of peace, unity, and goodwill. It’s a remarkable experience that reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday season and allows guests to bask in the warmth of the Christmas spirit.

Attending this Epcot Festival and The Candlelight Processional is free. However, you can book the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which includes a meal at a table-service restaurant. The main attraction of this package is that it will reserve you a seat at The Candlelight Processional.

This is perfect if you don’t want to wait in line before the show.

4. The gingerbread structures around Disney World Resorts

During the Disney World Christmas season, there are a plethora of unbelievable gingerbread displays at different Deluxe Resorts.

Here are the main displays that you shouldn’t miss:

  • The Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This isn’t the kind of gingerbread house you decorate at home during the holidays. No, this is a LIFE-SIZED gingerbread house!

disney world christmas 2023
The 2022 Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian

 

It’s so perfect that it will make you crave a sweet treat. Don’t worry, Disney World doesn’t miss an opportunity to capitalise off the holiday season 😂

So, you will find an impressive menu of festive snacks here too, which makes it all the sweeter.

disney world christmas tree
This is the 2022 menu

 

  • The Gingerbread Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

when does disney decorate for christmas
The 2022 Gingerbread Carousel at Beach Club

 

This is arguably cooler than the Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House, as this spins like a regular carousel!

And, of course, you can purchase Christmassy treats here too.

  • The Gingerbread Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Gingerbread Castle is a much more modest display, but it is still very sweet (just like the treats sold here).

disney world christmas gift
The 2022 Gingerbread Castle at the Contemporary

 

You can also find a Gingerbread Giraffe and Zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and a Gingerbread Cabin at Wilderness Lodge, and a Gingerbread Boardwalk Deli at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.

disney world tickets
The 2022 Gingerbread Boardwalk Deli at Boardwalk Inn

 

RELATED POST: Top 10 Places With The Most Festive Disney World Christmas Decorations

5. Visiting the Disney World Resorts to see the Christmas decorations

disney world christmas outfit
The main Christmas tree at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. For reference, I’m 5’2, so it’s about triple my height 🎄

 

Resort hopping is always a fun activity – whether it’s the holiday season or not.

But, when it’s Christmas, it’s extra special and exciting, as you get to check out all the different Disney World Christmas trees and decorations.

All the decorations are different, as they fit in beautifully with the theme of each resort.

very merry christmas party dates
It may not be as big of a tree, but this feels very on brand for the Polynesian Village Resort 🌺

 

Ta Ta For Now

So, are you going to get your favourite Disney World Christmas outfit on and attend any of these events? I certainly am!

This post was all about the ultimate guide to the Disney World Christmas events you can’t miss this holiday season.

Other Posts You May Like

The Ultimate Guide To All The Epcot Festival Dates You Need To Know 2023

Your Complete Guide to Disney World Halloween Events

9 Magical Reasons Why You Should Stay at Deluxe Resorts at Disney World