Happy, Merry, Mele Kaliki, Holly, Jolly, Happy, Tappy season’s greetings here.

There is nothing like spending the most wonderful time of the year at the most magical place on earth. Walt Disney World pulls out all of the stops for the holidays, and with so much going on it can be hard to prioritize what your family wants to experience. It is also the most crowded time of the year so it is important to set expectations in advance and to know How to Avoid the Holiday Overwhelm.

If you are planning a trip for the holidays, it is important to book ahead and schedule it NOW. Here is a list of all of my recommendations for a Holiday Disney world trip.

Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom 

If you’re looking for an extra dose of Christmas spirit on your December Disney World vacay, check out Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom! This separately ticketed event is available on select nights throughout the month. Guests can enjoy festive entertainment, specialty treats, complimentary snacks, and lighter crowds! Party entertainment offerings include Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show, character meet-and-greets, A Frozen Holiday Wish Castle Lighting Ceremony, and the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade! (Check out my blog post on Is the Disney Christmas Party Worth It? to see if you think you are missing out on anything you wanted to see!

If you’re traveling in early December, you’ll only be able to catch this parade during the party — but in the days leading up to Christmas, it’s also shown during the afternoon for day guests!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 

I love all of the EPCOT festivals but I have to say I think this one is my favorites. The festival celebrates holiday traditions from various cultures with decorations, stories, music, cuisine, and additional special events. The festival is included in the cost of admission to Epcot, although some of the special events do require an additional fee.

One of the longstanding guest favorites of the festival is the Candlelight Processional. During this event, the Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator while accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir. This event is wildly popular, especially for more notable celebrities, so if you want to see it we highly recommend booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package that will guarantee you seats for the show. 

Every World Showcase Pavilion also has its own Holiday Storytellers who share the traditions that are practiced during the season in the country they represent.

And, of course, no Epcot festival is complete without FOOD! Guests will find Holiday Kitchen food booths throughout the World Showcase which serve holiday dishes from cultures around the world.

The food here is so great and extensive that you may not have a chance to try it all so check out My Five Favorite Festival of the Holidays Snacks Youtube video to make sure you don’t miss out on the best this festival has to offer!

For more information on EPCOT during the holidays check out my blog post on Why EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is my Favorite and Youtube Video on Why I Love EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays.

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Holiday Celebrations

You won’t find an official “festival” in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but they still get in on the celebration! Here, you can take in both the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM fireworks show, and the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show each night. And the holiday spirit is sprinkled throughout the rest of the park as well! Seasonal decorations add an extra touch of theming and charm! I LOVE seeing how they deck out Toy Story Land for the occasion!

Animal Kingdom Holiday Celebrations

Animal Kingdom upped their game last year, adding their own holiday entertainment, decorations, and snacks! If you’re looking to get festive, you can enjoy the Merry Menagerie puppets, decorations, and a seasonal projection show on the Tree of life.

Disney Springs Holiday Celebrations

The celebrations aren’t just in the theme parks! Disney Springs also has plenty of holiday offerings for guests to enjoy. One of our favorite things to do in Disney Springs in December is to check out the FREE Christmas Tree Trail showing off gorgeously decorated trees themed after your favorite Disney movies and attractions!  And for the kiddos who are still working on their Christmas lists — you can meet Santa Claus on the Christmas Tree Trail!

Holiday Decor at the Resort Hotels

All of the Disney World Resort hotels put up holiday decor, but some definitely go bigger than others! At most locations, the main attraction is a Christmas tree in the hotel lobby — and we have seen some INCREDIBLE versions in years past! In general, the bigger the main lobby, the bigger the tree! Head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for some of the BIGGEST trees!

Disney Springs Holiday Celebrations

The celebrations aren’t just in the theme parks! Disney Springs also has plenty of holiday offerings for guests to enjoy. One of our favorite things to do in Disney Springs in December is to check out the FREE Christmas Tree Trail showing off gorgeously decorated trees themed after your favorite Disney movies and attractions!  And for the kiddos who are still working on their Christmas lists — you can meet Santa Claus on the Christmas Tree Trail!

WEATHER

The temperatures are pretty mild throughout the month, with an average high of 75 degrees and an average low of 55 degrees, but a cold snap is not uncommon. You will want to keep an eye on the forecast and pack layers. The last time we went in December one day was in the 30s and a few days later it was in the high 80s so be prepared. It’s helpful to have a light jacket/sweatshirt, scarf, hat, and gloves, especially for little ones. That way, you can dress warmly when you head out to the parks, and take off your layers as needed throughout the day! Shop my favorites here.

Before you go

The beginning of the holiday season starts out with moderate crowds and they continue to build the closer you get to Christmas. The week between Christmas and New Years’ is the busiest of the year but one of my favorite times to go if you follow these tips.

If you are looking for a traditional holiday meal check out this video for some of my holiday favorites.  

 

Need help planning your Walt Disney World Vacation without the overwhelm?

I understand how you’re feeling, I know all too well how easy it can be at the beginning to start researching online, just to find yourself 3 hours down the line more confused than when you started. But don’t panic! I can help you plan your dream Disney vacation without any of the stress of hassle – starting with the ‘A Disney Trip without Overwhelm, 5 Easy Steps’ Guide. These 5 steps will help keep you focused on organizing the best trip ever, while giving you peace of mind that everything will be done, and nothing will be left out

 

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