The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Disney World 2021
Christmas is the most magical time of the year and there’s no better way to celebrate the holiday than in the happiest place on earth! Each and every year, Disney World transforms their parks into a holiday extravaganza in honor of Christmas.
There are quite a few holiday experiences and treats you’ll want to be sure to check out during this time of year. To ensure you can experience the must see Christmas experiences, I’ve created the Ultimate Guide to Christmas In Disney World – showcasing each and every treat they offer during the holiday season!
Experience Christmas at Magic Kindgdom
Magic Kingdom is the one park you DON’T want to miss over the holidays. The park is beautifully decorated for Christmas with special holiday touches everywhere. Some of the things include:
– Christmas Themed Calvacade: Calvacades are spontaneous short parades that make their way through the park at unannounced times. For Christmas, Disney has given us our favorite characters in the form of calvacades. You’ll see reindeer, gingerbread men, and the Fab Five all dressed up in their holiday best!
– Cinderella’s Castle Light Projections: We may not be able to have Christmas shows in front of the castle, but we have the next best thing. Disney has gone all out with their light projections on the castle giving it a complete makeover once nightfall happens. There are 4 different projections that change at the :15 minute mark after dusk.
Ride the “Jingle Cruise”
The Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom is known for their fun skippers and silly jokes. However, over the holiday season, the Jungle Cruise becomes the “Jingle Cruise” complete with holiday jokes, décor, and more! This simple yet fun twist on a classic ride is one of my favorite things about Christmas in Disney – it really is the little things!
Snack on Holiday Treats
The best part about Christmas in Disney is the SNACKS!! You can’t visit Disney World without trying some of the amazing desserts and special treats! Throughout the holiday season, you’ll find SO many tasty options to try!
– Mickey Santa Hat: Chocolate mousse onto of a shortbread cookie covered in marzipan with two chocolate disc ears
– Holiday Cake Pops: assorted cake pops with holiday & Christmas decorations
– Classic Yule Log (Main Street Confectionary)
– Pumpkin Spice Waffle (Sleepy Hollow)
Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs
This Christmas Tree Trail in Disney Springs is one of my favorite things, and it’s completely free to visit (no park pass required). The trail is typically open from 11AM to 11PM, but just like many other things in 2020, it has been modified for social distancing. Instead of having a dedicated trail to walk through, trees will be spread all throughout Disney Springs.
You’ll find a wide variety of fully decorated Christmas trees that are each themed to your favorite Disney stories. Some trees are decorated for Villain’s, movies, Disney World attractions, and more! The “snow” and holiday treats along the way make it more magical and fun!
Minnie’s Holiday Dine
Disney has extremely limited character dining options available due to Covid. However, they are hosting a wonderful dinner called Minnie’s Holiday Dine featuring Minnie, Goofy, and other favorites in their holiday best. This special character dining will take place in Hollywood Studios at Hollywood & Vine. Pictures of the characters will be limited but they’ll walk around for visits and socially distanced interactions.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is one of the last holiday things to start in the Walt Disney World Resort since it doesn’t officially begin until after Thanksgiving. Each country in the World Showcase will be decorated for Christmas based on their countries traditions. Various restaurants in the World Showcase will feature holiday treats from their home countries.
My absolute favorite treat is America’s Voices of Liberty because they sing holiday carols in November & December. Their 8-part harmony is amazing year round, but it’s truly magical with your favorite Christmas melodies.
Finally, as part of this Festival, you can experience JOYFUL! at the World ShowPlace (outside of the America Pavilion). This R&B/Gospel group will have you feeling joyful in every way.
Wave to Santa Claus
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit from Santa Claus! Santa visits each Disney park (and Disney Springs) daily for special appearances.
Canceled Christmas Events for 2020
“Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party”
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special party hosted on select nights from 7PM to 12AM in November and December. Christmas in Disney is not truly complete without experiencing this! In order to attend this event, you will need to purchase a party ticket in addition to your standard park ticket. Prices range from $90-$130+ per person.
The special ticketed event includes holiday fireworks, parades, holiday photo ops, and festive treats! You’ll meet your favorite Disney characters in their holiday best, see festive and unique parades, and try so many tasty holiday treats.
Resort Hop to See All of the Gingerbread Houses
Have you ever seen a life-sized gingerbread house?! Well, if not, you’re in luck! Disney World Resorts feature huge extravagant life-sized gingerbread houses throughout the holiday season. Each one is uniquely made by the culinary team at that specific resort. One of my favorite things about the gingerbread houses are the stats listed off to the side – they tell you how many pounds of icing, eggs, sugar, etc. went into making the gingerbread house. It’s truly fascinating!
I’ve listed the resorts below that typically have the best Gingerbread houses that you won’t want to miss:
– Grand Floridian
– Polynesian Resort
– Boardwalk Resort
Watch the Candlelight Processional at Epcot
During the holiday season, Disney World features a special performance at the America Pavilion in the World Showcase. It is a full retelling of the Christmas story featuring a choir, orchestra, and (sometimes) a celebrity narrator – it’s typically a fan favorite Christmas in Disney tradition.
There are two ways to enjoy the performance:
1) Wait in the Standby Line before the show and hope to get a spot
2) Purchase a Dining Package with Reserved Seating.
I have never personally purchased the dining package but have heard good things about it. I typically opt to wait in the standby line, but be prepared to get in line early! This is a very popular show during the holidays and lines will begin forming 1+ hour in advance – especially if the narrator is a very popular celebrity.
Save this guide for the best tips for Christmas in Disney World:
