UPDATED February 12, 2026

The holiday season at Disney’s Parks and Resorts is filled with delights like food, festivities, and FUN! And if you ask us, it’s never too early to start planning for all the holiday happenings!

We’ve compiled years of Disney Parks holiday experience so that you don’t miss a single treat, holiday meal, event, or activity. The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays includes all the NEW events and holiday happenings, hundreds of photos, an events calendar, touring suggestions, and more!

The Disney World Holiday Season officially typically kicks off in mid-November (though, select events including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party may begin earlier!) and many of the festivities run through the New Year. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite holiday events, tips, and suggestions for making this year’s Disney World holiday trip your merriest one yet!

Dining at Walt Disney World During the Holidays

There are plenty of special Disney holiday events for the food lover at Walt Disney World. For Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, guests can expect specialty menus and holiday meals at many Disney restaurants in the Parks, at the Resorts, and in Disney Springs.

Here’s what you can expect for Christmas Dining Options in Disney World:

• Here is the FULL LIST of restaurants serving Christmas Day meals;
• Many restaurants — both Table Service and Counter Service — will add holiday meals to the menu. You can also check out some terrific options for Thanksgiving here;
• Ringing in the New Year at Disney World? Find out all of your New Year’s Eve options here;
• Even when you’re simply out and about enjoying the holiday atmosphere, it’s rare to turn your head and NOT see a special treat for the occasion!

Treat yourself with an order of The Holidays at Disney World: DFB’s Merriest Guide!

Holiday Treats at Walt Disney World

The holidays are another welcome excuse for Walt Disney World to introduce lots of special treats just for the season. From sundaes and yule logs to cupcakes and hot spiked beverages, there’s a holiday-inspired treat for everyone!

You can find ALL of our holiday treat reviews from the 2025 Season HERE to get an idea of what might be available over the 2026 Holiday season.

Holiday Events and Experiences at Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom celebrates the holiday season in a BIG way with a larger-than-life Christmas tree, beautiful decorations, and a special extra-ticket event!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separate ticket for entry. The Party took place on select nights from Friday, November 7th to Sunday, December 21st, 2025. Stay tuned for 2026 dates!

Once inside, guests enjoy plenty of festive fun and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

This includes a showing of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and MUCH more!

See everything included at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party HERE!

Attraction Holiday Overlays

And daytime guests enjoy a very merry — and very hilarious — ride on the Jingle Cruise — the annual makeover of the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland!

“JUNGLE ALL THE WAY!”

Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle 

A“Frozen Holiday Surprise!” is presented nightly at Magic Kingdom throughout the holiday season. This show brings together Olaf and more than a hundred of his Snowgie siblings along with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff to decorate the castle for the festivities.

The show culminates with Elsa adding shimmering and sparking touches which “transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystallized palace.”

Meet Santa Claus

Get that wish list ready! You can meet Santa Claus at Storybook Circus — both during the day AND during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — in Magic Kingdom!

Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times.

Special Entertainment During Christmas Week

During the final week of the year, regular daytime guests visiting Magic Kingdom can enjoy Christmas entertainment that is typically exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

In 2025, guests could enjoy daytime showings of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade from December 22nd through December 31st, 2025 at 12PM and 3PM daily. (Stay tuned for 2026 dates!)

Another party exclusive, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, was presented for all guests to enjoy at 8:30PM each night from December 22nd through December 29th. (Stay tuned for 2026 dates!)

During this show, you’ll watch fireworks while listening to festive music, and there are fun lights and projections on the Castle that’ll have you feeling merry and bright.

EPCOT

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT celebrates with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Expect delicious treats from the Holiday Kitchen food booths, festive decorations, and music and entertainment celebrating holiday traditions around the globe! Please note that the Festival of the Holidays begins later than the holiday celebrations in the other three theme parks. The Festival of the Holidays traditionally starts the day after Thanksgiving (which is Friday, November 27th, 2026) and lasts through December 30th.

With the popular Holiday Cookie Stroll, guests stroll around to select Holiday Kitchens trying five different designated cookies featured in the Festival Passport.

Once you’ve received stamps in your Festival Passport for five included cookies, you can redeem your stroll with a FREE completer cookie!

Costumed Holiday Storytellers also share traditions from the different nations that make up World Showcase.

Another favorite and family-friendly activity at Festival of the Holidays is Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition.

EPCOT Candlelight Processional

The beloved EPCOT Candlelight Processional is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator while a 50-piece orchestra and choir (composed of Disney cast members) accompany the re-telling.

We also have information about Candlelight Processional Dining Packages here.

The packages provide guests with a breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal at select EPCOT restaurants and guaranteed seating to the popular Candlelight Processional. 

Click HERE for our full review of the EPCOT Candlelight Processional Dining Package!

Festive Ride Overlays

The classic Living with the Land attraction gets all dressed up for the Festival: it’s Living with the Land — Glimmering Greenhouses!

And speaking of getting “all dressed up…” Spaceship Earth presents a sparkling Holiday Lights display in the evenings.

But there’s much more in store during the Festival of the Holidays, and you can find it all here!

Click here to see all of the details on the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Jollywood Nights

Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It took place on thirteen select nights between November 8th and December 22nd, 2025. Stay tuned for 2026 dates!

As part of the event, guests can view the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular, enjoy exclusive treats AND exclusive entertainment, meet (over 20!) rare characters, and more! Throughout the park, guests also experience unique music and entertainment inspired by different genres.

Two limited-capacity entertainment experiences also take place during the event: The Hollywood Brown Derby transformed into a speakeasy-inspired jazz lounge; and The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard hosted an “other-worldly soiree” with a ghostly band!

Click HERE for everything you need to know about Disney Jollywood Nights!

Sunset Seasons Greetings

This holiday experience brings guests to a twinkling Sunset Boulevard where holiday decorations set a festive mood.

Throughout the night, the Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes the Hollywood “Holiday” Tower Hotel! Holiday-themed projections turn the Hollywood “Holiday” Tower Hotel into scenes from Frozen, a Muppets gingerbread house, a toy hotel from Toy Story, and “a Dickensian village inspired by ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol.’”

More Entertainment Offerings

In 2024, Disney’s Hollywood Studios added THREE new acts to celebrate the holiday season.

Juggling Elves show their juggling and comedy skills. Holidaygroove Swingin’ performs jolly tunes. They perform throughout the day along Hollywood Boulevard. 

Vintage Decorations

Vintage-inspired decor transforms Echo Lake — including dressing Dinosaur Gertie up in her dino-sized Santa hat!

And the Hollywood Studios Christmas Tree in Echo Lake is truly a stunner.

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine is a character meal centered on traditional seasonal fare (and some not-so-traditional items!) at lunch and dinner.

Guests can dine with Minnie and her best festive friends, like Mickey and Santa Goofy in their holiday finest throughout the Season! The Holiday version of this Character Meal kicked off on November 6th, 2025 and ran through January 4th, 2026. Stay tuned for 2026 dates!

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Get ready to join in the fun at For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration!

This show, which is presented several times throughout the day, receives a special finale just for the holiday season featuring Olaf himself!

Holiday Cheer in Toy Story Land

Guests can celebrate the holidays with seasonal tunes at Alien Swirling Saucers and special decorations unique to Toy Story Land.

These special touches are every bit as nostalgic and charming as your favorite toy…

Even Rex gets in on the holiday celebration at Slinky Dog Dash.

It looks like he made these ADORABLE reindeer antlers by hand… err, claw! Oh, and look for festive touches to the Toy Story characters outfits, too!

Meet Santa

Santa meet guests in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (typically from 10AM to park close through December 24th)! In 2024, he made appearances inside Walt Disney Presents. 

Check the My Disney Experience app for specific appearance times and location.

Once Santa leaves to take his famous midnight right on the 24th, a rarely seen character, Duffy the Bear, just may meet guests through December 31st!

He is all dressed up in his holiday best, too!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Merry Menagerie

The beautiful and charming Merry Menagerie is a delight every year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Winter animal puppets bring joy to guests strolling along Discovery Island, and live musicians also help set the scene.

Guests can also enjoy beautiful decorative nods to celebrations such as Diwali in the Asia section of the park.

Tree of Life Awakenings

In the evenings, the Tree of Life Awakenings — Holiday Edition delivers beautiful winter-inspired scenes to the park’s icon.

And, of course, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is always decked out in gorgeous and unique decorations for the holidays!

Mickey and Minnie in Holiday Costumes

When you stop by Adventurer’s Outpost to meet Mickey and Minnie (HOORAY!), they’re in festive gear for the occasion!

As always, the festivities extend beyond the parks, too…

Disney Springs

Disney Springs showcases whimsical décor, entertainment, and holiday shopping and delicious dining during the season!

And nightly snowfall occurs every half hour, beginning at sundown, near the Town Center tree! There is also plenty of daily holiday entertainment, including Douglas Fir, DJ Sleigh, Toy Soldier Drummers, Seasonal Skaters, and Icicle and Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers setting the merry scene.

Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Stroll: Stroll, indeed, among custom-decorated holiday, Disney-themed trees placed all throughout Disney Springs!

The Christmas Tree Stroll is a free event where you can walk through Disney Springs and check out all the decorated trees.

You can pick up a map at the following locations to make sure you find them all:

• City Works Eatery & Pour House
• Crystlas Arts by Arribas Brothers
• havianas
• House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
• The LEGO Store
• The Polite Pig

The map shows the locations of all the trees, along with stickers so you can mark off each tree you find.

There are also coupons in the map for places inside Disney Springs to save some money while you’re shopping and eating. Once you complete the scavenger hunt, make sure you return to those locations to receive a special prize — it’s usually a button!

From time to time in the evenings, magical snow falls upon the Town Center.

Meet Santa Claus

Bring that Wish List! You can find Santa in the Disney Springs Marketplace in a special spot right near Disney Pin Traders!

You can check hours on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app, but the meet and greet is typically open from 10AM to 10PM and is held through December 24th. 

Jock Lindsey’s HOLIDAY Bar and MORE Festive Treats

But no one gets in the holiday spirit more than our pal, Jock Lindsey… and that’s why you HAVE to make a merry stop at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar!

The Hangar AND THE FOOD get all decked out for the season!

Oh, what FUN! Check out our review HERE!

The festive fun continues with Christmas-inspired treats throughout Disney Springs!

Disney World Gingerbread Displays and Activities

Wonderfully aromatic and gorgeous Gingerbread Displays can be found at locations including the Beach Club Resort, the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge (featuring a Gingerbread Giraffe), and BoardWalk Inn. 

The horses spinning on the Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel are themed differently every year.

The 2025 Carousel celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Beach Club Resort!

The signature Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian Resort is SO large that cast members can stand inside to serve holiday treats.

The house is made from a classic Austrian recipe, and among all the details you can see hand-painted candy canes, white chocolate, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, 25 hidden Mickeys, an 85-pound chocolate Santa, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen!

*Please be aware that the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House will not be displayed in 2025 due to a major recent refurbishment of the hotel’s lobby. 

A Gingerbread Castle is featured at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

The display at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn presents locations such as the BoardWalk Deli in GINGERBREAD form!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features a display that include Ginger the Giraffe, Debra the Zebra, and Francisco the Flamingo who is made his very FIRST appearance in 2024!

The display is made with honey from approximately 32,256 bees, totaling about 42 pounds of honey.

It is created by the incredible pastry team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Gingerbread Spaceship Earth

EPCOT hosts the stunning Gingerbread Spaceship Earth. 

Throughout the Festival of the Holidays, you can visit CommuniCore Hall to see the display, which is complete with its own light show!

Dining with Santa!

A few restaurants around Disney World host dining events with a very special guest: Santa Claus!

The Cake Bake Shop on Disney’s BoardWalk

Enjoy Dinner with Santa at The Cake Bake Shop! The event offers a festive evening filled with sparkling cocktails and Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and a gift to take home, as well as the main event: a family photo and visit with Santa!

Included with your visit, each family can share their “Holiday Pixie Glitter Wishes” with Santa Claus and take a family photograph, which will be available to download through PhotoPass. Finally, each family receives a handmade sugar cookie in the shape of Cake Bake Shop’s Bubbles the Bear, as well as all the ingredients you need to make a cookie of your own.

Stay tuned for 2026 information including how to book. In 2025, tickets cost $200 per adult and $150 per child 12 and younger. For adults, tickets include up to three beverages, an entrée of your choice, a seasonal dessert, a professional family photo with Santa Claus, and a gift.

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante in Disney Springs

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante in Disney Springs hosts Breakfast with Santa!

Breakfast With Santa at Maria & Enzo’s took place on select dates from December 13th through December 24th, 2025. In addition to meeting and taking a photo with Santa (plus getting to meet some of Santa’s elves!), guests experience:

• A Family-style breakfast
• Visit with Santa and elves
• Takeaway treats
• Holiday carolers
• A Prosecco mimosa for guests 21-and-over

Stay tuned for 2026 information including how to book. Prices vary by seating category and started at $55 for children and $84 for adults (plus tax and gratuity) in 2025.

Click HERE for our REVIEW of Breakfast With SANTA!

T-Rex Cafe in Disney Springs

Over at T-Rex Cafe in Disney Springs, on select dates  you and your family can sit down for a meal with the dinosaurs…and Santa!

Stay tuned for 2026 information including how to book. Presented on December 13th and 14, 2025, the family-style breakfast cost $57.99 for adults and $26.77 for kids, and also includes letters to Santa, goodie bags, a raffle and prizes, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more!

MORE Holiday Happenings in Disney World

Holiday Sleigh Rides

At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, holiday sleigh rides allow guests to book a 25-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Each sleigh can fit up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children, and priced started at $80 in 2025 (Stay tuned for 2026 prices). Interested guests may book 60 days in advance using the My Disney Experience app or via the Disney World website.

Resort Hotel Activities

Many of the Resorts offer cookie decorating and other special activities to small guests. After all, just because you’re on vacation, you don’t have to miss one of the season’s most beloved traditions! Check your Resort’s entertainment schedule for this year’s offerings.

Likewise, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels offer cookie decorating on select nights throughout the holidays, typically starting at 6PM.

Visits with Characters and Santa Claus

But it would hardly be Christmas for the little ones (or us big kids!) without a visit from Santa Claus!

You can meet Santa Claus at Storybook Circus — both during the day AND during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — in Magic Kingdom!

Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times.

Santa meet guests in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (typically from 10AM to park close through December 24th. In 2025, he’s appeared inside Walt Disney Presents.

Check the My Disney Experience app for specific appearance times.

Guests can look for Santa in EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall during the Festival of the Holidays.

Jolly Old Saint Nick greets guests daily through December 24th. You can confirm greeting times in the My Disney Experience app during your visit.

And guests can get ready to meet SANTA GOOFY throughout the Festival from a dedicated space inside The Odyssey Pavilion.

Since Santa Goofy won’t technically be making a midnight ride on Christmas Eve (unlike the REAL Santa, whom you can meet inside CommuniCore Hall as mentioned above), you can meet Santa Goofy through December 30th!

And in Disney Springs, he greets guests in the Disney Springs Marketplace in a spot near Disney Pin Traders. (Look for the Virtual Queue info provided in the Disney Springs section above!)

The Big Guy often makes appearances on Christmas Eve at several Resort hotels, ready to hear your Christmas wishes.

And you’ll also spy the big guy in front of his Tiki Hut by the Swan Pool at the Swan and Dolphin — perfect for a Florida Santa photo opp!

Holiday times are so busy that Disney pulls out all the stops to entertain the large number of guests. It’s quite common throughout Christmas week to find character meet and greets at Deluxe Resorts!

Really — can you imagine anything more enchanting than Christmas Minnie and Mickey? Be sure to check with the concierge for more information on appearance times for future trips.

New Year’s Eve 

Are you ready to ring in the New Year in Disney World?

From exclusive fireworks shows in the theme parks to special dining options and events in Disney Springs and the Disney World Resort hotels, there are PLENTY of ways to welcome 2026! 

Below we are focusing on New Year’s Eve in theme parks; but if you are looking for a Special Event or dining options for New Year’s Eve, you can find all of your options HERE!

Disney World Theme Park Hours for December 31st

Here is the list of Park Hours from December 31st, 2025 (Stay tuned for 2026 hours):

• EPCOT — 9AM to 1AM
• Magic Kingdom — 8AM to 1AM
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom — 8AM – 7PM
• Hollywood Studios — 9AM to Midnight

Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve

The Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks are shown at both 7:30PM and 11:50PM, leading into a countdown to the New Year!

In fact, it can be seen on TWO nights: December 30th AND December 31st at two times each day, 7:30PM and 11:50PM.

See pics and VIDEO of the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Magic Kingdom HERE!

EPCOT New Year’s Eve

Then, the Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration Countdown Fireworks is presented on December 31st, starting a few minutes prior to midnight (at 11:54, to be exact) with the grand finale kicking off right as the clock strikes 12!

DJ dance parties also take place around World Showcase.

Hollywood Studios New Year’s Eve

Hollywood Studios presents the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular on New Year’s Eve.

Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and a DJ all night long, including the Pixar Dance Party at Hollywood Studios. There may be special character experiences around the park, and at 11:57 PM, you can catch the New Year Countdown Fireworks!

See ALL of the ways to celebrate the New Year around Disney World HERE!

Holiday Options at On-Property Hotels

Disney and non-Disney-owned hotels on Walt Disney World property have an assortment of holiday options.

Featuring an entire calendar filled with holiday activities, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel celebrates the season with two special guest hosts – Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Activities include:

• Santa’s Dancing Lights Spectacular each evening — Located on the causeway between the hotels, this show sees dancing lighted palms “come alive every 10 minutes after dusk in a musical & light display designed to delight!”
• Meet & Greet opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as their elf Kandy Kane, at Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool, 6pm – 8pm on select nights.
• Cookie Decorating at Santa’s Holiday Hangout area at the Swan pool on select nights from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.
• The Elves Magical Workshop, “a magical workshop bustling with activity” that features a variety of craft stations where children can “decorate ornaments, assemble personalized gift bags, or even create their own stuffed toys. Each station is designed to spark their imagination and bring their ideas to life.”
• The Santa’s Magic Key program, which allows “Santa” to deliver gifts directly to guests’ rooms on Christmas Eve.
• The Deck the Halls in-room decoration package.
• Santa’s Stocking delivery on Christmas morning.
• A Chocolate Santa Display handcrafted by two-time World Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard.
• Winter Wonderland Bags for “children of all ages,” which include “winter-themed crafts, candies, toys, and more!”

See MORE of the festive FUN at the Swan and Dolphin HERE!

Holiday happenings also take place at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Or stop by the Four Seasons Resort.

Happy Holidays from the DFB!

We’ll see you right here on the DFB as we bring you all the MERRY MAGIC taking place throughout the Holiday Season at Disney World!