We’re about to kick off the Halloween season in Orlando’s theme parks next month, and Disney has just confirmed the full lineup of festive events and activities coming to Walt Disney World for the 2025 Holiday season. This year, the Holiday season will take place November 14th through December 31st, filled with returning favorites across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and resort hotels. Start making your lists, and checking it twice… Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom’s iconic traditional Christmas decor returns to Main Street, U.S.A, including the iconic toy soldiers sprinkled around Town Square, sprawling garland, the towering Christmas tree, and candle wreaths leading the way to Cinderella Castle.
Cinderella Castle will light up with nightly performances of Frozen Holiday Surprise, featuring Elsa transforming the park’s icon with vibrant projections. (Alas, no return of the Castle Dream Lights)
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns with exclusive entertainment, treats, and snow on Main Street, U.S.A. Dates and tickets will be announced at a later date.
The World Famous Jingle Cruise will also return; a fan-favorite holiday-themed overlay to Adventureland’s Jungle Cruise.
EPCOT
The International Festival of the Holidays returns to EPCOT from November 28th through December 30th. The event features globally inspired holiday kitchens, the Holiday Cookie Stroll, and the Candlelight Processional, where celebrity narrators tell the story of Christmas with a live orchestra and choir.
EPCOT’s glittering Christmas tree and festive Points of Light shows on Spaceship Earth will have all of us feeling like a moth to a candle.
Living with the Land’s holiday overlay is set to return with sparkling lights and festive decor filling the greenhouses.
Enjoy Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition scavenger hunt, seasonal decor throughout the park, and holiday storytellers around World Showcase, where unique performers share festive traditions and bring holiday tales to life in their respective countries:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
- Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion – Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios will again host Disney Jollywood Nights, a separately ticketed event on select nights featuring exclusive entertainment, themed food and drinks, and character encounters. Dates will be announced later.
Outside the event, Sunset Seasons Greetings will transform the Hollywood Tower Hotel with holiday projections, and special seasonal songs will return to For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
Say hey howdy hey to some of your favorite toys dressed for the season in Toy Story Land:
And of course, Gertie the Dinosaur will once again don her Santa hat:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom will once again feature the Merry Menagerie, a collection of life-sized winter animal puppets near the Tree of Life.
Meet characters in holiday outfits at Adventurer’s Outpost and see seasonal decorations throughout the park. At night, the Tree of Life features winter-themed projection shows that add a festive atmosphere without overpowering the park’s natural setting.
Disney Springs and Resorts
Disney Springs will offer the Christmas Tree Stroll, seasonal live entertainment, snowfall in the evenings. Shops and restaurants will offer limited-time offerings and seasonal menus.
Most Deluxe Resort Hotels will showcase elaborate gingerbread and chocolate displays, although the Grand Floridian’s iconic gingerbread house will not return this year due to ongoing lobby refurbishment.
— The Contemporary’s 2024 gingerbread display
Santa Sightings
Santa Claus will appear in all four parks and at Disney Springs, offering everyone the chance for memorable photos and holiday greetings throughout the season.
The holiday season at Walt Disney World sure is shaping up to be a cheerful one! I’ll still be wishing for the return of those Castle Dream Lights… Do you have holiday traditions at Disney’s parks? Will you be attending any of this year’s holiday events? It’s time to start booking your trip!
