Is there anything better than going to Disney World? Yes: seeing Disney World Christmas decorations on your enchanting trip!
Disney World is already a magical place. But it’s even more beautiful and special when it’s decorated for the holidays.
If you’re planning a Disney World trip in mid-November-December, you should definitely try to see as many Disney World Christmas decorations as you can. You won’t regret it!
This post is all about the 10 places you should visit to see the best, most festive Disney World Christmas decorations.
Disney World Christmas Decorations
@caffeinebythecastle Disney World is a Winter Wonderland at Christmas! If you’re visiting the parks over the holidays, make sure to check out these top 10 locations for the BEST Disney World Christmas decorations! To read the full post, go to caffeinebythecastle.com 🎄
1. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Especially Gran Destino Tower)
I have had the pleasure of staying here during the Disney Christmas period in 2022 and 2023, and I can confirm that it is an underrated place to visit at Christmas!
Gran Destino Tower is beautiful any day of the year, but it becomes even more breathtaking with the addition of the gargantuan Christmas tree!
The Christmas decorations didn’t go up until partway through my stay – in mid-November (in 2022). And, it really was magical waking up to these breathtaking Disney World Christmas decorations.
RELATED POST: Discover the Magical Moderate: 9 Reasons Why You Should Stay At Disney’s Coronado Springs
2. Disney Springs
Most people think of Disney Springs for two things: shopping and dining.
Now whilst it excels at these purposes, it also has a great Christmas tree.
And the snow was a wonderful surprise on my November 2022 trip.
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian lobby is already iconic. But it reaches an even higher level of perfection at Christmas.
Firstly, with the gingerbread house.
Not only is this a beautiful addition to the lobby, but you can also purchase festive sweet treats here.
Whilst the gingerbread house may be the main attraction, the Christmas tree is not to be scoffed at.
4. Beach / Yacht Club
Now, I know these are different resorts, but as they’re sister resorts, I figured I’d mention them both. After all, they’re both incredible at Christmas.
The gingerbread house is one of the most infamous festivities at Disney World. But an equally impressive and terribly underrated festivity is the gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
You can also purchase festive snacks at Beach Club.
Yacht Club may not have a gingerbread carousel, but it has some on-brand Disney World Christmas decorations – and a gingerbread lighthouse!
@caffeinebythecastle This has got to be one of the best Disney World Resorts at Christmas! 🎄✨💖 #yachtclub #disneychristmas
The Beach and Yacht Club resorts are often considered Spring/Summer resorts (thanks to the Stormalong Bay pool), but as you can see, they are definitely worth visiting during the Christmas season!
RELATED POST: How Long Does Disney World Keep Christmas Decorations Up? [in 2024]
5. Magic Kingdom
If you’ve been to Disney World during the holidays, this won’t surprise you in the slightest.
Walking through Main Street is always special, but it’s undeniably better when it’s all decorated!
@caffeinebythecastle But we all know, seeing the Dapper Dans at any time of year is magical ✨💖 #mainstreet #magickingdom
If you’re planning on a day trip to Disney World during the holidays, I recommend visiting Magic Kingdom over the other parks, if you want to feel festive!
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6. Epcot
Another park with wonderful Disney World Christmas decorations is Epcot.
And to make it even cooler, there are some great PhotoPass opportunities (like the one above) – with the Disney World Christmas decorations in the background (and an adorable Mickey gingerbread man!).
If you’ve purchased PhotoPass, make sure to look out for these Christmassy photo opportunities.
Festival of the Holidays is one of Epcot’s annual festivals (in 2023, this took place between November 24th and December 30th, 2023).
During this festival, you can enjoy some festive food, drinks and decorations!
RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide To All The Epcot Festival Dates You Need To Know
7. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
In case you haven’t already noticed, Disney loves gingerbread. Which explains why there’s a gingerbread castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
It’s a lot more modest than the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, or the carousel at Beach Club, but it is still adorable and worth visiting.
Similarly, they also sell sweet treats here.
After all, if you’re going to Magic Kingdom or the Grand Floridian, it’s worth taking the Monorail to the Contemporary to see their Christmas decorations.
8. Wilderness Lodge
This is no surprise to most Disney World fans. Wilderness Lodge feels warm and cosy and Wintery (even on a humid Florida day).
So, when Disney puts a tree and lights in the lobby, it feels perfectly festive and exactly where you want to be around Christmas.
9. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
@caffeinebythecastle I’m excited to be staying at Boardwalk in 2024, but right now, I want to appreciate the gorgeous (and underrated!) decorations at this resort 🎄✨💖 #boardwalk #disneyresort
This may be breaking the rules slightly, as I’ve already spoken about Magic Kingdom. But, I have to mention the decorations at the party.
Sure, most of the decorations are the same as usual. But, I simply had to point out the adorable decorations in the parade at the party.
Please note that in order to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you need to purchase additional tickets (often ranging between $159 and $199 + tax per person).
RELATED POST: Jingle All the Way: Your Guide to Disney World Christmas Party Dates in 2024
It is very expensive, but if you decide to go, I don’t think you’ll regret it. The parade, the snow, the shorter lines for rides.
The one thing I will say is that if you’re going for the unlimited, “free” cookies, you may be disappointed. They taste like Play-Doh.
UPDATE: The cookies from the 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party were MUCH better, and do not taste like Play-Doh. 😂 Fingers crossed that the cookies in 2024 will also be great!
RELATED POST: What To Expect at a Disney World Christmas Party: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights
10. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
If you are already visiting Epcot, Beach Club or Yacht Club, it’s also worth going to Boardwalk Inn.
@caffeinebythecastle I’m excited to be staying at Boardwalk in 2024, but right now, I want to appreciate the gorgeous (and underrated!) decorations at this resort 🎄✨💖 #boardwalk #disneyresort
They also have a little gingerbread deli (about as grand as the Contemporary’s gingerbread castle – but still worth a visit).
Like at the other resorts, you can find gingerbread snacks here too!
Frequently Asked Questions about Places with the Most Festive Disney World Christmas Decorations
When do Christmas decorations go up at Disney World?
Decorations typically start appearing in early November and are completed by mid-month – shortly after Halloween festivities wrap up.
Are there special events or shows during the holidays?
Yes, Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights and Hollywood Studios also hosts Jollywood Nights on some nights during the festive season! (Check out this post for the 2024 party dates).
Epcot features the Candlelight Processional and the Festival of the Holidays.
Can I see Santa Claus at Disney World?
Santa makes appearances at various locations throughout Disney World, including Disney Springs and some theme parks. Make sure to check this before your visit for the most up-to-date information!
How long do the Christmas decorations stay up?
We talk all about this in our post called: How Long Does Disney World Keep Christmas Decorations Up? [in 2024]
Is there a special parade for Christmas?
You can see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Do hotels at Disney World have holiday decorations?
Absolutely, Disney resort hotels embrace the festive spirit with unique decorations – some with giant gingerbread displays.
Please note that not all resorts are decorated equally.
For example, in 2023, resorts like Old Key West, Caribbean Beach and Riviera had some of the most modest decorations (which is a polite way of saying they were way less festive than the other Disney resorts!).
Can I buy Disney-themed Christmas merchandise?
Yes, shops throughout Disney World sell holiday merchandise, including ornaments, clothing, and more!
To see the latest collection, you can check out the Disney Store online!
Ta Ta For Now
Which are your favourite Christmas decorations at Disney World? Let me know in the comments!
This post was all about the top 10 places with the most festive Disney World Christmas decorations.
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