Spread the love

Clearly, Walt Disney World, is the place to be this Holiday Season. The entire resort pulls out all the stops with amazing decorations, music, and more to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, even when it’s 85 degrees out. Whatever the weather, Walt Disney World offers many amazing holiday events this season that will delight everyone in your family. So before you make all your plans for holiday travel, take a look at these 10 Things You Must See this Holiday Season at Walt Disney World.

For years Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has been creating a winter wonderland for their guests during the months of November and December. In fact, the very week after Halloween, the parks and hotels transform literally overnight from Not-so-scary Halloween into a Very-Merry Christmas Party. We had one day in the parks the first week of November last year and I came home so excited for Christmas because of all the festive decor and music. Here are some of the fun events that guests can expect this holiday season:

10 Things You Must See this Holiday Season at Walt Disney World

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

A new holiday show is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM debuts on November 19. We absolutely LOVE the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show that debuted last summer and we are excited to hear that a similar projection/fireworks show will be displayed nightly on the facade of the Chinese Theater.

There will be several beloved scenes from popular Holiday moments in Disney movies, like “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” and Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. And everyone’s favorite elves, Wayne and Lanny from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” make an appearance. With a new twist on classic Holiday music, this is bound to be a special show to see.

The 2016 holidays season brings a all-new nighttime spectacular to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!. (David Roark, photographer)

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Make the Holidays Even Sweeter Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

For an even greater experience of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, join the Make the Holidays Even Sweeter Dessert Party. Guests will enjoy decadent sweets and beverages before the show.

The Dessert Party can be purchased for $69 per adult or $39 for children (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity included.

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Want to experience the Magic Kingdom after hours in a special way? Grab your family tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party before they sell out. The park closes down for this coveted event that features special performances, parades, treats and more. Some of the highlights you can expect:

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Mickey & friends (lots of friends!!) help celebrate the holidays in this special performance that transforms Cinderella Castle into a magical holiday scene.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Duffy wave to Magic Kingdom guests as snow falls on Main Street, U.S.A., during ” Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at Walt Disney World Resort. (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
This special parade is unlike any you would see during the day with special guests, gingerbread men, holiday music, and more…including Santa!

Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
A special fireworks version of Wishes behind Cinderella’s frozen castle.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party gives Walt Disney World Resort guests the chance to experience special holiday festivities, including the spectacular fireworks extravaganza, Holiday Wishes: (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is on select evenings at the Magic Kingdom. Tickets start at $69.00. The 2016 dates are: November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27 and 29 and December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22. We have all the details for the 2016 parties here.

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Candlelight Processional

Another spectacular holiday event is the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Hosted by a celebrity narrator, and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir, you will hear the story of Christmas in a way like never before. This beautiful performance will bring tears to your eyes. It is included in cost of admission to Epcot, but make sure you arrive early to get your seat as these performances are very popular.

Presented in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: International Yuletide Extravaganza

The World Showcase at Epcot comes alive with holiday traditions from around the globe as they celebrate the International Yuletide Extravaganza. Enjoy unique celebrations of the holidays as you visit each country in the World Showcase:

American Adventure
Guests can meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy Hanukkah traditions and experience the spirit of Kwanzaa. And the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers are an a cappella group that sings classic songs.

Canada
Follow the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs on a musical tour through the customs of the Great White North.

China
Enjoy the colorful Chinese Lion Dance, which brings good fortune and happiness to all during major celebrations like the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival.

France
Meet Père Noël and learn the joy of the season through a Christmas letter.

Germany
Enjoy a story from Helga of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.

Italy
Meet the kind-hearted witch La Befana who arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children.

Japan
Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year.

Mexico
Learn the traditions of a ¡Feliz Navidad! Enjoy mariachis and dancers bring the holiday fiesta to life.

Morocco
Learn how Morocco celebrates the seasons of the holidays.

Norway
Spend time with Sigrid and learn about Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome.

United Kingdom
Hear the stories of Father Christmas, dating back to 15th-century England.

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Special Finale to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

We love the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot and make a point to see it each visit. During the holidays, a special finale is added to the already spectacular show. From November 25 to December 30, enjoy holiday greetings in languages from all over the world and a special fireworks performance to “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party

There’s a special way to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot with the Sparkling Dessert Party. Enjoy decadent treats from around the globe and watch he show from a special vantage point. Cheers the special finale with a glass of sparkling wine. The Sparkling Dessert Party costs just $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 3 to 9—tax and gratuity included.

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Disney Springs Gets Festive

With Disney Springs fully open now, there is so many new shops & restaurants to try out. So make sure you plan an evening to spend at Disney Springs when visiting this holiday season. They have festive decorations and entertainment to put you in the Holiday Spirit. Here are a few things to enjoy there:

Nightly tree lighting ceremony at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
Elaborate storefront window displays at select shops
Meet and take a keepsake photo with Santa Claus from November 14 through December 24, 2016; and with Santa Goofy from December 25 through December 30, 2016 at Santa’s Chalet
A holiday-themed DJ dance party with games and activities at the at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
Live entertainment, including toy solider and snowflake stilt walkers, pop carolers, acapella groups and more
Photo ops with oversized toy sculptures throughout Disney Springs
Enjoy the Festival of Trees – custom decorated trees with a Disney theme

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Gingerbread Displays

Years ago, we made a point of seeing the life-sized Gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort. It was worth a special trip on the Monorail just to see it and buy a bit of gingerbread to take home with you. Now, several resorts go all out with the gingerbread. A Gingerbread Carousal can be found at the Beach Club, Ginger’s Bread and Cookie Shop at the Boardwalk, an edible miniature train display at the Yacht Club, the Contemporary Resort did a Frozen-themed castle out of gingerbread last year, and of course, the traditional house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian ( I swear it gets bigger every year!).

Holiday Season at Walt Disney World: Jingle Cruise

Lastly, make sure you take a ride on the one and only Jingle Cruise. Your tour guide will take you on a cruise thru the jungle at Christmas time. The jokes aren’t the same, so watch out!

So beyond the sparkly lights and the glittery trees, Walt Disney World has lots to offer for you & your family at the holidays. Personally, we felt like the parks at Christmas time was a completely different visit than any other time of year. Yes, they are already magical to begin with, so it’s hard to imagine they could get even more! But they can….