Walt Disney World is pure magic during the holidays, with festive decorations, special events, and seasonal surprises that create unforgettable memories! From sparkling lights to heartwarming traditions, Walt Disney World truly knows how to make the holidays magical! 

In this article we are going to share our favorite things to do at Disney World for the holiday season! 

*this is an old photo but the 2024 concept is the same

Visit the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs

The Christmas Tree Stroll is a self-guided tour of beautifully decorated Christmas trees scattered throughout Disney Springs. Each tree is uniquely themed to a beloved Disney movie, character, or experience, making every stop a photo-worthy delight!

Themed Trees
Admire intricately designed trees inspired by fan-favorites like Frozen, The Princess and the Frog, Star Wars, and classic Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie.

 Pick Up a Map
Grab a complimentary map from select locations to guide you to each tree. Once you’ve found them all, return the completed map for a fun holiday keepsake or prize (details vary by year).

Photo Ops
The trees are perfect for holiday photos, and some even include interactive elements or QR codes with surprises.

Festive Atmosphere
Enjoy seasonal music, twinkling lights, and holiday decorations throughout Disney Springs, adding to the magical vibe.

Resort Hop to See the Christmas Trees

Many Disney Resort hotels go all out with Christmas displays, creating a festive and magical atmosphere during the holiday season. Here’s a guide to some of the best displays at Walt Disney World’s resort hotels:

Deluxe Resorts

🎄 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Gingerbread House: A life-sized Victorian gingerbread house made with real ingredients, complete with a shop selling gingerbread treats.
• Lavish Decor: A grand Christmas tree and elegant holiday decorations fill the lobby with timeless charm.

🎅 Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Rustic Elegance: A towering Christmas tree adorned with rustic ornaments in a cozy, log-cabin setting.
• Cozy Vibes: Perfect for enjoying a hot cocoa by the fireplace while taking in the festive atmosphere.

🎄 Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Gingerbread Castle: A contemporary gingerbread display often themed around Mary Blair’s iconic art style.
• Modern Decor: Festive decorations in a sleek, modern setting.

🎅 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Cultural Flair: A massive Christmas tree in the lobby adorned with African-inspired ornaments and decor.
• Unique Touches: Subtle holiday touches throughout the resort blend with the natural surroundings.

🎄 Disney’s Beach Club Resort

• Gingerbread Carousel: A life-sized, spinning gingerbread carousel with intricate Disney-themed details.
• Charming Decor: Nautical touches with a festive twist.

🎅 Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

• Gingerbread Display: Often features whimsical gingerbread models themed to the resort’s 1920s boardwalk vibe.
• Festive Ambiance: Holiday garlands and decorations throughout the lobby.

Moderate Resorts

🎄 Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter

• Southern Charm: Elegant garlands, wreaths, and holiday lights create a cozy festive atmosphere.
• Unique Themes: French Quarter often includes Mardi Gras-inspired holiday touches.

🎅 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

• Tropical Vibes: Holiday decor with a Caribbean flair, featuring bright colors and festive garlands.

Value Resorts

🎄 Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

• Themed Trees: Christmas trees and decorations inspired by Disney animation, including The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo.

🎅 Disney’s Pop Century Resort

• Retro Holiday Fun: Holiday decor that matches the resort’s nostalgic theme, with ornaments and trees inspired by different decades.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is a special ticketed event held on select nights at Magic Kingdom during the holiday season. It’s a festive celebration filled with exclusive entertainment, delicious treats, and unforgettable Disney magic!

🎅 Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

• A delightful parade featuring festive floats, your favorite Disney characters in holiday outfits, marching toy soldiers, and even Santa Claus himself!

🎆 Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

• A breathtaking fireworks show set to classic holiday music and stunning projections on Cinderella Castle.

🎤 Holiday-Themed Stage Shows

• Catch live performances like Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration on the Castle Forecourt Stage, showcasing Mickey, Minnie, and friends singing and dancing to holiday hits.

🍪 Complimentary Treats

• Enjoy complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and other seasonal snacks available at treat stations throughout the park.

🎶 Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

• Experience the magic of snow falling as you stroll down Main Street, surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday decorations.

🎄 Special Character Meet-and-Greets

• Meet rare characters and your favorite Disney friends dressed in festive holiday attire.

🎢 Shorter Ride Wait Times

• Many popular attractions remain open with significantly reduced wait times, letting you enjoy more of the park.

🎁 Exclusive Merchandise and Food

• Shop for event-exclusive holiday-themed merchandise and indulge in specialty treats only available during the party.

**For ticket information contact your travel advisor

Visit the Giant Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Right in the center of the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa you will find one of the largest gingerbread houses in the world. The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House is constructed onsite by the resort’s chefs each year. It contains 1,050 lbs of honey, 800 lbs of flour, 600 lbs of chocolate, 600 lbs of powdered sugar, 140 pints of egg whites, 35 lbs of spices, and, according to Disney, “tons of Disney Magic and Pixie Dust.”

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a festive event celebrating seasonal traditions from around the world. Held annually at EPCOT during the holiday season, this beloved festival immerses guests in a magical blend of global cultures, delicious food, and heartwarming entertainment.

🎄 Holiday Kitchens

• Savor seasonal flavors from around the globe at food booths scattered throughout World Showcase.
• Indulge in treats like German stollen, French buche de noel, or Canadian maple treats, alongside festive drinks like mulled wine and holiday cocktails.

🎶 Candlelight Processional

• A moving retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a choir and a full orchestra.
• Performances take place nightly at the America Gardens Theatre and are a highlight of the festival.

🌍 Holiday Storytellers

• Learn about the unique holiday customs of each country with live performances by cultural storytellers.
• From Père Noël in France to La Befana in Italy, these presentations add a special touch to the World Showcase experience.

🎁 Holiday Shopping

• Explore unique holiday-themed merchandise, from handcrafted ornaments and festive apparel to cultural gifts in the World Showcase pavilions.

🎅 Santa Claus Meet-and-Greet

• Visit Santa himself in the America pavilion for a magical photo opportunity.

❄️ Seasonal Decor and Entertainment

• Marvel at the dazzling holiday decorations and lights throughout EPCOT.
• Enjoy live music performances, such as carolers and holiday bands, that bring the season to life.

🎯 Holiday Cookie Stroll

• Collect stamps by purchasing cookies from select booths to complete your cookie passport. After collecting enough, enjoy a complimentary special treat!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Holiday Fun!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, blending the park’s natural beauty and rich storytelling with magical holiday touches. Here’s what you can experience for Christmas at Animal Kingdom:

🎄 Themed Decor:

• Each land is decked out in holiday decor inspired by its culture and environment.
  • Discovery Island: Filled with white, hand-crafted animal luminaries, creating a glowing, wintry atmosphere.
  • Pandora – The World of Avatar: Features nature-inspired ornaments and festive colors, blending seamlessly with the alien landscape.

🎁 Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition:

• The Tree of Life comes alive at night with seasonal projections, featuring heartwarming holiday stories and festive music.

🎶 Discovery Island Merry Menagerie:

• Delight in life-sized animal puppets (like polar bears, penguins, and foxes) brought to life by performers, perfect for photos and interactions.

🎅 Holiday Character Flotillas:

• Watch your favorite Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, and Santa Claus, cruise down the park’s waterways on festive flotillas.

🎤 Live Performances:

• • Enjoy holiday-themed performances by musicians and entertainers, especially around the park’s outdoor stages and walkways.

These are just a few of our favorite things! What do you like to do at Walt Disney World during the holidays?

Professor Heather

Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?

Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!