There is no better place to soak in the magic of the holiday season than at a Disney theme park. Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Southern California are both offering a full slate of holiday activities to ring in the season in style. Here is what you can expect to find when you visit a Disney theme park in the coming weeks.
In addition to all of the holiday festivities, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. The highlight of the seasonal offerings is sure to be the Disney Very Merriest After Hours celebration, featuring character sightings, a holiday fireworks show, seasonal treats, and much more. This is a special ticket event held on select nights throughout the park. Visitors will also enjoy special projections on Cinderella’s Castle and a variety of festive decor up and down Main Street, USA. Be sure to seek out all of your favorite characters dressed up in their holiday finest.
Enjoy the traditions of countries from all over the world at EPCOT. The cornerstone of the celebration at this theme park is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and the themed Holiday Kitchens, featuring a bevy of global cuisines. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the Holiday Cookie Stroll. Collect enough stamps and you can enjoy a complimentary cookie.
You can also check out the beloved Candlelight Processional production. A different celebrity narrator takes to the stage each night to deliver a stirring performance of the story of Christmas in a peaceful setting. Pair the candlelight processional performance with a dedicated dinner package to enjoy guaranteed seating.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Not to be left out of the fun, Disney’s Hollywood Studios also offers a full slate of seasonal cheer. The Hollywood Tower Hotel is the site of a festive projection show that encapsulates the beauty of the holidays. The youngest people in your travel party will love eating at the themed Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine, featuring all of your favorite Disney characters. You can also catch a glimpse of the big guy himself at the Santa Claus Motorcade on Hollywood Boulevard.
Animal Kingdom
A myriad of flotillas boasting a number of Disney characters will take part in the merriment at the Animal Kingdom throughout the rest of the season. You can also soak up the magic at the Holiday Edition of the Tree of Life Awakenings, offering a fantastic light show accompanied by festive music that will get you in the spirit of what the season is truly about.
Disney Springs
It is no surprise to learn that the Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment district is also a great place to be at this time of the year. Start your visit at this premier Central Florida destination by checking out the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, featuring a bevy of elegantly decorated Christmas trees. Think it does not snow in Florida? Think again. The West Side is home to an enchanting snowfall every evening. When you grow weary of shopping, be sure to stop by Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Holiday Takeover so that you can enjoy a drink and some great food against the backdrop of festive decor. There is no better place to finish all of your shopping than at Disney Springs.
Disney World Resort Happenings
Make the most out of your trip by staying in the middle of the magic at one of the dozens of Disney resorts. Every resort is decked out with holiday decor around every corner, including intricately designed Christmas trees, elaborate gingerbread displays, and more. You can also indulge in a variety of seasonal treats specific to each resort.
Disneyland Park
Not to be outdone by the Disney mecca in Florida, the Disneyland Resort is also serving up a huge helping of holiday fun this year in Southern California. At the classic Disneyland Park, you will find the opportunity to attend Disney Merriest Nights, a special ticketed holiday after-party featuring snowfall along Main Street, USA, themed photo backdrops, holiday entertainment, dance parties, themed merchandise, and the Christmas Fantasy Parade.
Guests will also enjoy the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, including snow and synchronized music. Every night, the Sleeping Beauty Castle is transformed into a shimmering Wintertime Enchantment wonderland. The classic It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions also boast festive holiday overlays to make it a unique seasonal experience every time you board the rides.
California Adventure
Over across the esplanade in the California Adventure park, you will discover the popular Disney Festival of the Holidays. This festival produces all of the sights and sounds of the holiday season, including celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Navidad, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. Be sure to leave room in your stomach to sample all of the fare at the Festive Food Marketplace, offering treats such as the s’mores frozen chocolate milk, the savory esquites carnitas mac & cheese, the delicious maple hazelnut hot buttered rum, and much more to tantalize your taste buds.
Kids will delight in meeting Santa Claus at the Santa’s Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Explore the holiday-themed trail challenge and meet the star of the show himself. Cap off your afternoon of fun by taking in the lights and magic of the Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, featuring a dazzling 50-foot Christmas tree in the heart of the park.
Other fun activities include the Mater’s Jingle Jamboree ride and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl attraction in Carsland.
You can immerse yourself in all of the best sights, lights, music, and food of the holiday season with a trip to any of these unique Disney theme parks.
