Holiday Highlights around Walt Disney World

 

• Disney World Theme Parks Events
  
  
• Magic Kingdom: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
• Epcot: Candlelight Processional
• Hollywood Studios: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
  
• Animal Kingdom: Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade
• Downtown Disney
  

• Religious Services
• Walt Disney World Resorts
  - Fort Wilderness Sleigh Rides
  - Swan/Dolphin Holiday Events
  
• New Year's Eve
• ICE! at Gaylord Palms
• SNOW! at Gaylord Palms

• Magic Kingdom
• Taping of the Christmas Day Parade
• Epcot
• Animal Kingdom
• Hollywood Studios

You can still find great hotel deals at WDW for the holidays!!

It's not too late to find great rates on an Orlando Area Hotes near Walt Disney World for the Holidays. Click Here to check rates and availability

 

Cinderella's Holiday Wish Stage Show  - 11/8/2011 - 1/3/2012
The "Cinderella's Holiday Wish Stage Show" will take place in front of the castle. Immediately following this performance, the 'Castle Dream Lights' will be lit featuring over 200,000 twinkling lights draped on the towers and turrets.

• Cinderella's Castle Dream Lights Photos

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party  - 11/8/11 - 12/18/11
What happens when you combine one 30,000 pound, 65 foot tree, one 40 foot star, 5500 twinkling lights, 430 feet of garland, 325 ornaments, 275 feet of strung popcorn, 400 flickering candles, 135 candy canes, 100 gingerbread cookies and the Disney Characters? Why you have the perfect recipe for Christmas at the Magic Kingdom!

The spectacular tree seems to touch the sky. With delightful oversized toys displayed at it's base, it's an amazing sight. What's that? Is there a hint of gingerbread and cinnamon in the air? No detail is too small when Disney magic is being made. More Info...

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade  will feature costumes and floats themed to Family and Friends: A Winter Wonderland, Christmas Sweets, A North Pole Christmastime with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Fairytale Christmastime.

This parade runs twice nightly at 8:15 pm and 10:30 pm.  It is often easier to get a seat for the second parade.

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CHRISTMAS PARADE SCHEDULE:

11/08/11 - 12/18/11
There will also be special holiday themed entertainment. Even the Cast Members join in the festivities with red and white scarves snugly wrapped around their necks and an extra big holiday smile waiting to greet you!

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MEET SANTA CLAUS
Santa Claus will be meeting and greeting Magic Kingdom guests from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm at the Tour Guide Gardens next to City Hall.

You can also visit Santa during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party until he's needed for his very important role in the parade.

12/1/11 - 12/24/11

(Santa can also be found at Downtown Disney, Epcot, and most resort lobbies on Christmas Eve)

November 25 - December 24, 2011

One of the really special things about celebrating the holiday season in Epcot is learning about the holiday traditions of all the different countries.  Each country has its own special theme that highlights its culture. Storytellers will delight you with tales of their heritage and how the holidays are celebrated in their homeland. It's a unique opportunity to learn more about the world in which we live. Check the times guide for storytellers' schedules.

Storytellers include:

American Adventure: Story of Hanukkah, Santa Claus, Story of Kwanzaa

Canada: Papa Noel

China: The Monkey King

France: Pere Noel

Germany: Helga

Italy: La Befana

Japan: Daruma Vendor

Mexico: The Three Kings

Morocco: Taarji

Norway: Julenissen

United Kingdom: Father Christmas

Illuminations is enhanced for the Holidays with an additional special holiday ending.

There's nothing that's more inspirational than the nightly Candlelight Processional. This beautiful show evokes the true meaning of the holidays and is not to be missed.  A great way to get in to see this popular show is to take advantage of one of the dinner packages and get reserved seating. 

You can "DAK" The Halls at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. There's a special animal themed tree that's displayed outside the entrance. Once inside, you'll want to visit Camp Minnie-Mickey. Here you'll find trees trimmed with a delightful Disney character theme. Of course, a visit to the "Adirondacks" means that there will be a hint of frost in the air. Look for snow topped light poles that are bedecked with garland.

A visit to Santa takes on a new twist when you head to Santa Goofy’s Wild Wonderland. Complete with red suit and white beard, Goofy is ready for a unique holiday picture.

Live entertainers complete the festive mood found at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade - A lively music-filled holiday parade will be performed. Join Mickey and his Savannah friends as they as they celebrate the season safari style!   

2011 PARADE SCHEDULE: 11/8/11 - 1/03/12

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
11/10/11 - 01/3/12

You'll find the incredible Osborne light display on the "Streets of America." Each evening, millions of twinkling bulbs are used to create a dazzling spectacle. The synchronized lights dance in time to a high-energy holiday symphony. Virtually every surface is illuminated. With angels flying overhead and "snow" falling, it's an experience that fills visitors with holiday cheer. With new LED lights, the show is brighter and better than ever!

Elsewhere, you can expect to find the streets of Hollywood Studios lined with garland, lights and wreaths. There's a charming old-fashioned feel to the decor that will bring back memories of holiday gatherings gone by.

Catholic Mass: 8:00 am and 10:15 am
Protestant Service: 9:00 am

When: December 25, 2011

Where: Disney's Contemporary Resort's Fantasia Ballroom

Walt Disney World Guests are asked to use WDW transportation to the Contemporary. The Parking lot will be restricted during this time as well as the lots at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts.

Find more Religious Services Around Orlando and Disney.