How Long Does Disney World Keep Christmas Decorations Up? [in 2024]

‘How long does Disney World keep Christmas decorations up?’

Do you have to visit the week of Christmas to see Disney looking like a winter wonderland? Or, can you see them in November? January?

Like the Halloween season, the Disney World Christmas season is quite extended. But, how much?

Today, let’s go through when you can see the Christmas decorations. 

After all, if you’re taking a winter Disney trip, you probably won’t want to miss the STUNNING decorations!

This post is all about answering the question: ‘How long does Disney World keep Christmas decorations up?’

How Long Does Disney World Keep Christmas Decorations Up?

When Does Disney World Decorate for Christmas?

If you’re as excited about Christmas decorations as I am, then you’re probably wondering when the magic officially starts at Disney World. 

(I know it’s July and Halloween hasn’t started at Disney World yet, but it won’t be long!).

The decorations don’t go up at every park and resort at once. It is a slightly more gradual process.

The Disney Parks

• Magic Kingdom: Typically, Magic Kingdom is the first to show its Christmas spirit. The decorations start going up almost immediately after Halloween, usually by the first week of November. You’ll notice the beautiful wreaths, garlands, and an enormous Christmas tree near the entrance as soon as you walk in. It syncs with the start of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which kicks off in early November (Friday, November 8th, 2024).

• Epcot: Epcot’s transformation is a bit more gradual. The International Festival of the Holidays usually starts in late November, often the day after Thanksgiving. The decorations, which include displays and great food, align with this timeline. The Candlelight Processional also starts in late November. So, around Thanksgiving, you can expect the decorations to go up.

• Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Studios starts decorating around the same time as Magic Kingdom – mainly because of its Christmas party, Disney Jollywood Nights (which starts on Saturday, November 9th, 2024).

• Animal Kingdom: Animal Kingdom is often decorated for Christmas by the second week of December – and has some fun and unique decorations!

Disney Resorts

Let’s not forget the Disney World resort hotels, where the holiday decorations and events are just as enchanting.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: The Grand Floridian is famous for its life-sized gingerbread house, which usually goes up by the second week of November. This hotel’s Victorian-style holiday decorations are nothing short of breathtaking, making it a must-see even if you’re not staying there.

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

Of course, there are LOTS of other Disney World hotels, but you can expect the majority of them to be decorated by mid-November.

If you’re planning a trip, knowing these timelines can help you catch the parks and resorts in all their Christmas glory. 

How Long Does Disney World Keep Christmas Decorations Up?

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the Christmas magic at Disney World, you’re probably curious about how long those beautiful decorations stick around.

Let’s break down all the details so you can plan your magical visit!

Past Trends and Patterns

Disney World generally keeps their Christmas decorations up until early January. 

Over the years, I’ve noticed that the holiday vibe lingers a bit longer than you might expect.

• Post-New Year: Decorations usually stay up through the first weekend of the new year. Many times, they remain until the end of the first week of January, especially while Disney wraps up its holiday events.
• Marathon Weekend: The decorations are usually down by Marathon Weekend in January (which was is set for January 8th-12th, 2025).

These patterns have been consistent year after year, making it a relatively safe bet that you’ll still see the festive decor if you visit in early January.

Best Time to Visit for Christmas Decorations

Planning to make the most of Disney World’s Christmas magic? Timing your visit just right can elevate your holiday experience. Disney’s splendid Christmas decorations not only light up the parks but brighten the hearts of everyone who visits. Let’s look at the best times to see these holiday wonders.

Early December

Visiting Disney World in early December is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, the decorations are fully set up by this time. You’ll get to see the parks and resorts in their full holiday glory without missing a single strand of twinkling lights.

Another great thing about early December is that crowd levels are generally lower. The period between Thanksgiving and the Christmas break is often quieter, as most families wait until school is out to plan their trips. This means shorter wait times for rides and attractions, giving you more opportunity to soak in the festive atmosphere. Who doesn’t love the idea of enjoying the magic with fewer crowds?

And lower demand can mean lower hotel prices as well (especially if you’re booking with your DVC points or renting DVC points).

Additionally, visiting in early December means you can take advantage of special holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. 

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

These parties feature exclusive parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets, making your holiday visit even more special.

Christmas Week

If you prefer to visit during the actual week of Christmas, there are both pros and cons to consider. The biggest advantage is undoubtedly the magical holiday atmosphere. 

However, keep in mind that crowd levels are at their peak during this week. Many families flock to Disney World during the holiday break, leading to longer wait times and busier parks.

New Year’s Week

New Year’s week at Disney World is another fantastic time to experience the Christmas decorations. One of the most significant benefits is that the decorations are still up. 

Another perk of visiting during New Year’s week is the opportunity to experience New Year’s Eve celebrations at Disney World. 

However, similar to Christmas week, New Year’s week can be very crowded. Many people extend their holiday vacations to include New Year’s celebrations, leading to busy parks and longer wait times. If you’re okay with navigating the crowds, it’s a fantastic way to kick off the new year in a magical setting.

Tips for Experiencing Christmas at Disney World

Spending Christmas at Disney World is a magical experience, but it does come with its own set of challenges and tips to make the most of it. Here are some practical tips to navigate the season effectively.

Navigating Crowds

Christmas time at Disney World can be magical but also quite crowded. Knowing how to handle the crowds can make all the difference.

• Arrive Early: One of the best ways to beat the crowds is by arriving early. The parks are usually less crowded in the morning, giving you a better chance to enjoy popular attractions without long wait times.
• Stay Late: If you can manage to stay late, you might find the crowds thinning out as the evening progresses. Plus, the parks look even more magical when lit up at night. This is easiest if you are staying at a Deluxe Resort and have access to Extended Evening Hours.

• Go to a Disney World Christmas Party: If you can go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, you can enjoy exclusive celebrations and shorter wait times for attractions! 

• Take Breaks: Crowded days can be exhausting. Plan breaks during the busiest times, perhaps by enjoying a leisurely meal or returning to your hotel for a quick rest.

Special Holiday Events

Disney World goes all out for the holidays, with special events you won’t want to miss. Here are some highlights to consider.

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Held at Magic Kingdom, this event features exclusive parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets. It’s a separate ticket event but well worth it for the unique experiences and lighter crowds.

• Disney Jollywood Nights: Since 2023, Hollywood Studios has held their own Christmas party. This one caters more for adults than kids, but allows you to enioy exclusive shows, food and more!

RELATED POST: Jingle All the Way: Your Guide to Disney World Christmas Party Dates in 2024

• Candlelight Processional: This Epcot event features a celebrity narrator telling the Christmas story accompanied by a full choir and orchestra. It’s a moving experience and very popular, so plan to arrive early.

• Festival of the Holidays: Also at Epcot, this festival offers holiday kitchens featuring seasonal treats, special performances, and beautiful decorations celebrating holidays around the world.

• Disney Springs: Don’t overlook Disney Springs, which hosts a Christmas Tree Trail featuring themed trees, holiday shopping, and festive performances. It’s a great way to soak in the holiday spirit without needing a park ticket.

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

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all the Christmas magic Disney World has to offer. It’s truly a special time to visit, and with a bit of planning, you can make the most of every magical moment.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding How Long Disney World Keeps Up Their Christmas Decorations

Do all parks at Disney World keep their decorations up for the same amount of time?

A lot of the time, yes, but the dates may vary slightly from park to park.

Is there a specific date when Disney World starts taking down decorations?

Disney doesn’t confirm a specific date, but the process usually begins right after the first week of January.

Are there any differences in the decorations across the parks?

Yes, each park has its unique theme and feature, which influences its decorations. For example, you’ll see more nature-inspired Christmas decorations at Animal Kingdom.

Are any special decorations specific to certain attractions or rides?

Yes. For example, Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom gets a festive overlay and becomes “Jingle Cruise” with special holiday decor.

Ta Ta For Now

So, if you’re planning a Disney World trip between early November and early January, there’s a good chance you’ll see at least some awesome Christmas decorations!

What’s your favourite time to visit Disney World during the Christmas season?

This post was all about answering the question: ‘How long does Disney World keep Christmas decorations up?’

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