Full Guide to the Festive Fun Across The Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World is ready to sleigh the season once again as the 2025 holiday celebrations kick off from November 14 through December 31, bringing Christmas cheer to all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and resort hotels. Whether you’re looking for sparkling decor, cultural traditions, seasonal snacks, or magical meet-and-greets, there’s something merry for every kind of Disney guest.
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At Magic Kingdom, guests can look forward to the return of several holiday staples. The Jingle Cruise will once again set sail with punny yuletide jokes, festive cargo, and a holiday makeover both in the queue and on the river. The Frozen Holiday Surprise will light up Cinderella Castle nightly, as Olaf and more than 100 snowgies help decorate the iconic centerpiece before Elsa casts her icy spell.
New this year is the Disney Starlight Parade, running twice nightly on non-party evenings and featuring beloved characters like Anna, Elsa, and more. Of course, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns as the can’t-miss after-hours event packed with parades, fireworks, complimentary cookies and cocoa, and low waits on your favorite rides. With garlands lining Main Street, U.S.A., and the massive Christmas tree in Town Square, Magic Kingdom truly becomes the heart of the holidays.
Over at EPCOT, the beloved International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 28 through December 30, bringing together seasonal traditions from around the globe. The Candlelight Processional returns nightly with celebrity narrators, a full orchestra, and a mass choir performing the story of Christmas at the America Gardens Theatre.
Around World Showcase, guests will find Holiday Storytellers representing cultural icons from each pavilion—think Père Noël in France, La Befana in Italy, and the mischievous Barn Santa in Norway. EPCOT will also serve up sweet and savory cheer with its returning Holiday Kitchens, plus the always popular Holiday Cookie Stroll. You can also join Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition, a family-friendly scavenger hunt, or take in the twinkling lights on Living with the Land, which transforms into a glowing greenhouse tour.
Hollywood Studios is once again rolling out the tinsel with an extra touch of showbiz flair. The Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show returns nightly, magically transforming the Hollywood Tower Hotel into festive scenes inspired by Muppets, Toy Story, Arendelle, and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. At the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, a holiday finale featuring Olaf adds seasonal sparkle to the family-friendly show.
Toy Story Land is decked out with oversized ornaments and holiday accessories for Woody, Jessie, and Buzz, while Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine offers guests the chance to dine with favorite characters in their festive best, alongside a seasonal menu of hearty entrees and decadent desserts.
Across the savannas and rivers of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, nature meets Noel in unique and artistic ways. The Merry Menagerie brings artisan-crafted animal puppets to life in Discovery Island, offering sweet interactions with polar bears, reindeer, and more. At night, the Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition lights up the park icon with heartwarming stories and musical moments.
Mickey and Minnie appear at Adventurers Outpost in their explorer holiday attire, and the park is adorned with wintery accents that feel right at home in its earthy, rustic setting.
Disney Springs is also getting into the spirit, perfect for a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Christmas Tree Stroll features beautifully themed trees inspired by favorite Disney stories, with one especially popular returnee: the Haunted Mansion tree. Guests can enjoy nightly snowfall in Town Center and take a festive break at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, where themed bites and drinks are served in a decor-packed pilot’s hangar.
Throughout the district, live entertainment includes toy soldier stilt walkers, snowflake rollerbladers, brass bands, and more. It’s the ideal destination for both last-minute gifts and long-lasting memories.
And yes—Santa Claus himself will be making appearances throughout all four theme parks and at Disney Springs through December 24. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for times and locations if your little ones (or you!) want to share a holiday wish with the big guy in red.
Back at the Disney Resort hotels, the magic continues with stunning holiday decorations, gingerbread displays, and themed treats. Whether you’re admiring the life-sized gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian or enjoying a tropical take on the holidays at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the resorts are full of cozy and creative cheer. Guests staying on property will also enjoy perks like early theme park entry and extended evening hours at select resorts. Plus, a special holiday offer begins July 10, with discounts of up to 20% on rooms and up to $100 in Disney Dining & Shopping cards for qualifying vacation packages.
Related: Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat Officially Closed at Magic Kingdom
Whether you’re craving cookies in EPCOT, catching snowflakes on Main Street, or hunting down Olaf in World Showcase, the 2025 holidays at Walt Disney World promise to be festive, flavorful, and full of Disney magic. Now’s the time to make your list, check it twice, and start planning your most enchanting winter getaway yet.
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