I’m still very much in Halloween mode, and I’m in no hurry to pack away the pumpkins. But Walt Disney World has a way of making it nearly impossible not to start thinking about Christmas a little early.
Before long, the pumpkins will disappear, giant Christmas trees will pop up across the parks and resorts, and Main Street, U.S.A. will trade its fall bunting for garland and wreaths. The holidays also bring some of my favorite Walt Disney World traditions, from riding a Christmas version of a classic attraction to spending an evening looking at ridiculously elaborate campsite decorations.
If you have a Walt Disney World holiday trip coming up, here are six traditions worth adding to your plans this year.
Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
No list of Walt Disney World holiday traditions is complete without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom.
This separately -ticketed event is a family favorite thanks to exclusive entertainment, including the “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” holiday fireworks, snowfall on Main Street, and character meet-and-greets in festive costumes. If you don matching holiday sweaters, you’ll have easy holiday family photo opportunities!
One of my favorite highlights of any MVMCP is the unlimited hot cocoa and packaged Cheryl’s Cookies, which are distributed around the park. If your party priorities allow – which they should – see who can collect the most cookies! Since they don’t give out treat bags like at Mickey’s Not-So Scary, Bring a designated cookie tote, or ask for a merchandise bag to fill up like we did (classy, I know). Bonus: you can give excess cookie leftovers to family and friends back home as stocking stuffers or holiday hosting gifts. Trust me, they’re DELICIOUS!
Visit the Resorts!
You don’t need another park ticket to enjoy some of Walt Disney World’s best Christmas decorations.
Resort-hopping remains one of my family’s favorite things to do during the holidays. Disney’s Deluxe Resorts usually get most of the attention thanks to their massive trees and elaborate gingerbread displays (which sadly now excludes the Grand Floridian), but don’t overlook the Moderate and Value resorts. Their trees, wreaths, garlands, and decorations often incorporate details specific to each resort.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort traditionally features its spinning gingerbread carousel, while Disney’s Contemporary Resort has become another must-do for the gingerbread recreation of the beloved Castle Dream Lights that are gone too soon.
And even without a gingerbread display, I will always recommend Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Christmas. If there were ever a Disney resort made for the holiday season, this is it. The enormous lobby tree, fireplace, rustic decorations, and cozy atmosphere make it worth a visit all on their own.
TIP: If you really can’t decide where to start, make a game out of it with Disney Bus Roulette and see where Disney transportation takes you!
Ride the Jingle Cruise
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas… No, really! The Jungle Cruise gets a festive holiday makeover each year, transforming into the Jingle Cruise. This is the one seasonal attraction overlay exclusive to Walt Disney World! With seasonal decorations scattered throughout the boathouse and along the rivers, plus holiday-themed jokes from the skippers, this has become a quirky and beloved family tradition for many. TIP: Nighttime Jungle Cruise rides are ALWAYS best.
Spend a Holiday Evening at JOLLYwood
If your family has already done Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, consider adding a different kind of Disney Christmas party to the mix.
Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights from November 7, 2026, through January 5, 2027. This separately-ticketed event leans into the park’s old-Hollywood personality with holiday entertainment, specialty food and drinks, rarer character appearances, PhotoPass opportunities, and plenty of reasons to dress up a little for the occasion. Plus, there’s MUPPETS!
Disney Holidays in Hollywood features Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy alongside Disney characters and live performers. Hollywood Studios already has some of my favorite Christmas decorations at Walt Disney World, so spending an entire evening surrounded by its vintage tinsel, colorful lights, and retro holiday atmosphere makes Jollywood a fun alternative to the more traditional Christmas party over at Magic Kingdom.
Camp (and Decorate!) at Fort Wilderness
One of the most unique and memorable family traditions at Walt Disney World can be found just outside the parks at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
While many families decorate their balconies or windows of their Disney resort room over the holidays, those who stay at Fort Wilderness often make a tradition of decorating their campsites with lights, inflatables, and seasonal décor.
Of course, renting or bringing a golf cart is a must, so you can ride around the loops at night to take in the glowing displays. It’s the closest thing Disney now has to the defunct Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Plus, you can decorate the golf cart itself with lights and tinsel!
Winter evenings at Fort Wilderness are especially magical. Imagine roasting marshmallows during the campfire sing-along, catching a Disney movie under the stars, or cozying up by Bay Lake to watch the classic Electrical Water Pageant as it floats by. Cooler Florida nights make for the perfect time to gather with family and enjoy the outdoors!
Thinking About a Disney World Christmas Trip?
If any of these have you looking at the calendar, there are still some Walt Disney World resort discounts available for the 2026 holiday season. Our team at Dreams Unlimited Travel can help compare current Walt Disney World offers, resort options, park plans, and special-ticket events to find what works for your vacation. Disney’s holiday discounts have specific dates, resorts, and availability, so having someone check the options can make planning a Christmas trip a lot easier!
I may not be ready to say goodbye to Halloween just yet, but I’ll admit it: seeing that first giant Christmas tree at Walt Disney World makes the transition a little easier…
