Holiday Highlights around Walt Disney World

November 9 – December 31, 2023

A vacation to Walt Disney World is special no matter what time of the year you visit, but it is especially magical during the winter holiday season. All four theme parks, Disney Springs, and even the Resort hotels are dressed up in their holiday best with everything from specially-themed Christmas trees and huge garlands to some of the most beautiful Gingerbread displays you've ever seen.

Below, you'll find information on what's happening all across Walt Disney World during the holiday season!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Christmas outfits at Walt Disney World

Holiday Events around Walt Disney World:

Disney Springs
- Christmas Tree Trail

Walt Disney World Resorts

Holiday PhotoPass Magic Shots

Holiday Merchandise around the World

New Year's Eve

Holiday Dining around the World

Related Articles:

Christmas at Magic Kingdom

During the holidays, Magic Kingdom is home to 40 festively decorated trees, 147 wreaths and 590 garlands that measure a total of 5,188 feet! Most of the holiday decorations can be found on Main Street, U.S.A. and the Castle hub areas.

On evenings when Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is not being held, Cinderella Castle takes on a festive appearance with special projection effects, providing a colorful backdrop for guests’ photos. Throughout the evening, bursts of holiday magic will transform Cinderella Castle with a rotating series of designs, followed by a stunning transition in which the iconic Magic Kingdom Park landmark will shine as a Beacon of Magic, illuminating the night with an EARidescent glow.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

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...

Jingle Cruise takes over the Jungle Cruise

During the holiday season, the Jungle Cruise attraction has a new storyline, just for the holidays. The Skippers are homesick, so they've handmade decorations for the queue and boathouse using things that have been mailed to them from home (plus a few they've created themselves). There will be new jokes, new holiday-themed names for the boats and even a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background.

This version of the classic attraction will be open throughout the holiday season.

See Santa Claus

At Magic Kingdom, Santa Claus will glide down Main Street, U.S.A., in his sleigh, led by prancing reindeer.

Special Holiday Food at Magic Kingdom

The information you see below is from 2022. 2023 details will display once they are announced officially by Walt Disney World.

Collage of Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies food for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2022

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Lock, Shock, and Barrel Sundae: Festive vanilla cake, vanilla ice cream, strawberry topping, whipped cream, and Christmas sprinkles with a Lock, Shock, and Barrel chocolate piece (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Sugar Plum Shake: Spiced sugar plum soft-serve topped with cherry syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Casey’s Corner

Holiday Dinner Dog: All-beef hot dog with cranberry mustard, savory stuffing funnel cake, and cheese curds (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Christmas Tree Cake: Red velvet brownie cheesecake with eggnog buttercream and spiced caramel topped with mini sugar Christmas lights (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Cool Ship

Polar Bear Claw: Chocolate hazelnut pastry with white and dark chocolate (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

The Friar’s Nook

Curry Brat Tots: Tots topped with chopped bratwurst, curry ketchup, and apple slaw (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Tinker Bell Cream Puff: Cream puff and compressed carrot cake topped with spiced cream cheese icing, spiced walnuts, and chocolate wings (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Golden Oak Outpost

Fried Pork Tamale served “Christmas Style” with red and green chile sauces and queso fresco (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Chai Caramel Freeze: Salted caramel freeze with chai spiced whipped cream (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)

Main Street Bakery

Cinnamon Roll: Mickey Mouse-shaped cinnamon roll with white icing (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Mickey Mousse Ornament Treat: Gingerbread mousse with crispy center and a spiced almond cake with brownie crumble (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café

Texas-sized Sweet Potato Pie: Baked sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue and candied pecans (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

Peppermint Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and candy cane pieces served on a brownie (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa: Hot chocolate with peppermint ice cream, whipped cream, and candy cane pieces (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

Funnel Cake Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, M&M’S chocolate candies, and hot fudge served on funnel cake (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sandy Claws Peppermint Mousse Treat: White chocolate peppermint mousse with a chocolate fudge center, chocolate Santa hat, and Jack Skellington face (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Apple Cider Float: Apple cider topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with cinnamon (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Once Upon a Christmastime Tart: Chocolate and cranberry tart with chocolate Mickey ears (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)

Various Carts Throughout Main Street, U.S.A.

Christmas Cookie Churro: Churro served with marshmallow cream, cookie crumbles, and Christmas sprinkles (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Christmas Wreath Doughnut: Red velvet doughnut with green buttercream and Holiday sprinkle decorations (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) (Decorations will vary)

Christmas Dining Around the World

Christmas at EPCOT

Holiday Kitchens located throughout World Showcase will offer tasty treats of the season when the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins on November 24, 2023.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll will offer a complimentary cookie as reward for completing the confectionary collection!

Candlelight Processional

There's nothing that's more inspirational than hearing the story of Christmas told by a celebrity narrator. This beautiful show evokes the true meaning of the holidays and is not to be missed.

See Santa Claus

EPCOT guests will have individualized time to wave hello and share their Christmas wishes with Santa in 2023!

Special Holiday Food at EPCOT

We'll share the Foodie Guide to the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays here once it's released!

Christmas Dining Around the World

Christmas at Animal Kingdom

Keep an eye out on the waters of the Discovery River where you may spot Goofy, Donald Duck, and other Disney character friends as they jingle through the jungle to the rhythm of the holidays waving to everyone as they pass.
Chip ‘n’ Dale will bring their own style of holiday flair to the river on their flotilla.
The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat.

Decorations around the park will showcase day-into-nighttime experiences, including Tree of Life awakenings as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score.

Merry Menagerie

During the holiday season and beyond, nature holds the truest magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. As a part of this year’s yuletide entertainment, Discovery Island will spring to life with a Merry Menagerie of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a whimsical display and playful atmosphere for guests of all ages to enjoy.

See Santa Claus

Santa will make the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to spread the joyous spirit of the season from his very own flotilla as he sails down Discovery River.

Special Holiday Food at Animal Kingdom

The information you see below is from 2022. 2023 details will display once they are announced officially by Walt Disney World.

Creature Comforts (Available Dec. 19 through 31)

Holiday Mousse Dome: Amaretto chocolate mousse cherry cranberry coulis, orange chocolate cake, white chocolate glaçage, and chocolate pieces

Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, and Restaurantosaurus (Available Dec. 1 through 30; mobile order available)

Menagerie Cupcake: Gingerbread cake with cream cheese filling and vanilla frosting

Isle of Java (Available through Dec. 31)

S’mores Hot Cocoa: Crowned with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkling of graham cracker crumbs
Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with sweet, whipped cream and drizzles of luscious caramel syrup
Peppermint Hot Cocoa: Wintry taste of Peppermint bits sprinkled over whipped cream

Satu’li Canteen (Available Dec. 22 through 31; mobile order available)

Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse with peppermint sauce, peppermint candy pieces, and chocolate “dirt”

Tiffins (Available Dec. 24 through Jan. 1)

Horchata Mousse with a gingerbread sable cookie, pecan praline crumble, coffee ice cream, and bourbon caramel sauces

Tusker House (Available Nov. 11 through Dec. 31)

In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry, lime, and cinnamon (New) (Souvenir jingle glow cube available)

Available at Popcorn Carts (Available through Dec. 31)

Musical Holiday Tin Premium Bucket (New)
Mickey Mouse Snow Globe Sipper Cup (New)
Gold Tree Popcorn Bucket

Christmas Dining Around the World

Christmas at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will enjoy a Flurry of Fun with holiday decor throughout the park. All the holiday decorations at Hollywood Studios have a retro style and are inspired by the 1950s. Tinsel town takes on a whole new meaning during the holidays. Echo Lake and the surrounding area is the merriest of places with extra-large ornaments (even some that float!), colorful garlands, and a giant 65-foot tall Christmas tree with a 25-foot base.

A brand-new hard-ticketed event – Disney Jollywood Nights – is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2023! It’s a holiday vibe like you’ve never felt before. Sights of sparkling décor, sounds of modern beats over classic holiday songs, tastes of craft cocktails and decadent dishes. It’s nostalgic and it’s glitz and glam galore. It's a new, separately ticketed event from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on 10 select nights November 11-December 20, 2023 and tickets are on sale now. LEARN MORE

Even Dinosaur Gertie is dressed for the occasion with a dino-sized Santa hat that is so big, four people could stand inside it.

Holiday Cavalcades will make their way through the park with some of our favorite Disney characters all decked out for the season. The Echo Lake area of the park has some of the best holiday decorations – enjoy five minutes of the lovely atmosphere in the Disney Park Bench video below!

Sunset Seasons Greetings

Flurry of Fun Photo Gallery

This popular holiday experience features impressive laser effects to complement the spectacular projections of Mickey Mouse, Olaf and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite seasonal stories. A snowy Sunset Boulevard will twinkle with festive holiday decorations making the perfect setting for this wintry display. 21 palm trees along Sunset Boulevard will be illuminated with programmable, color-changing LED fixtures transforming the entire area. Walt Disney Animation Studios produced custom animation of Wayne and Lanny from ABC’s Disney Prep & Landing as well as Mickey and pals, exclusively for Sunset Seasons Greetings.

Holiday magic (i.e. 12 high-definition projectors) will transform the facade of the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season – Mickey and Minnie reminiscing about a hometown Christmas, characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films wondering which new toys are coming this holiday and more. This stunning experience runs continuously throughout the night.

Holiday magic will once again bring billboards on Sunset Blvd. to life and transform the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a giant pile of wrapped Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house, the 'Hollywood Toy Hotel', and a frozen winter wonderland. A summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance to share his holiday wish. This stunning and heartwarming experience will run continuously throughout each evening.

Minnie's Holiday Dine - Hollywood & Vine

Minnie Mouse will host a festive and physically-distanced holiday dinner with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Santa Goofy! Hollywood & Vine will be all decked out with holiday decor, food, music, and activities. Begins November 5, 2023!

Make reservations online here or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

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

Holiday festivities continue at the Hyperion Theater as Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will welcome Olaf to the very popular sing-along, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Just in time for the 2021 holiday season, the show will include all-new songs from Disney’s animated short Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. Olaf will be delivering a special holiday finale in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along along with other experiences.

See Santa Claus

Led by an entourage of elves and riding in his red convertible packed with presents, Santa brings glitz and glamour to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Special Holiday Food at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Christmas Dining Around the World

The information you see below is from 2022. 2023 details will display once they are announced officially by Walt Disney World.

ABC Commissary (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

Holiday Minnie Mouse Bundt Cake: Spice cake rolled in cinnamon-sugar with apple pie filling and topped with spiced maple buttercream and salted caramel icing (New)
Reindeer Mousse: Spiced cherry-orange dark chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, and gold chocolate cookie base with dark chocolate glaze and milk chocolate buttercream (New)
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce

Backlot Express (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red Velvet Cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkles
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce

Dockside Diner (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

Holiday Tree Marshmallow: Vanilla bean marshmallow and raspberry jam dipped in chocolate on top of a vanilla cookie (New)
Hot Cocoa Flight: Flight of three hot cocoa with Stoli Vanil Vodka, Red Stag Cherry Whiskey, and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur

Fairfax Fare (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

Hot Cocoa Flight: Flight of three hot cocoa with Stoli Vanil Vodka, Red Stag Cherry Whiskey, and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur

Hollywood Scoops (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1)

Candy Cane Milkshake: Peppermint ice cream shake topped with whipped cream, chocolate cake doughnut, and candy cane sprinkles

The Hollywood Brown Derby (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1)

Winter Signature Dessert: Pumpkin mousse, milk chocolate Cremeux, chocolate pecan cookie, vanilla sauce, Chantilly cream, and a pecan crumble

PizzeRizzo (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with red and green sugar, white chocolate, marshmallow, dark chocolate top hat, raspberry-chocolate twigs, orange sprinkle, and chocolate covered cocoa nibs
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce

Rosie’s All-American Café (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

Santa Mickey Mouse Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with mocha fudge and topped with red almond buttercream, white chocolate, and dark chocolate Mickey Mouse ears
Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce

The Trolly Car Café (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1)

Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Cookie
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red Velvet Cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkles

Woody’s Lunchbox (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

Hot Chocolate Lunch Box Tart: Chocolate fudge filling, hot chocolate marshmallow fondant, and mini marshmallows

Available at Various Locations Throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1)

In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry, lime and cinnamon; Available at the following:
- Animation Courtyard Bar
- The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
- Hollywood & Vine
- Oasis Canteen
- Tune-in Lounge
- Sunshine Day Bar
- 50’s Prime Time Café

Mickey Mouse Snow Globe Sipper; Available at the following:
- ABC Commissary
- Backlot Express
- The Market
- PizzeRizzo
- Rosie’s All-American Café
- Main Entrance Outdoor Kiosk

Musical Holiday Tin Premium Bucket;Available at the following:
- Popcorn Kiosks near Hollywood Boulevard, Hyperion Theater, and Animation Courtyard

Toy Story Blocks Premium Bucket;Available at the following:
- Popcorn Kiosks near Hyperion Theater, Animation Courtyard, and in Toy Story Land

Available at Outdoor Kiosk Locations (Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 1)

Mickey Mouse Brownie: Chocolate brownie with holiday sprinkles
Holiday Popcorn Mix: Caramel corn with white chocolate, red and green M&M’s chocolate candies, and candy cane peppermint pieces presented by Freeform 25 Days of Christmas

Christmas at Disney Springs

At Disney Springs, Christmas and holiday cheer can be found around every corner. The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth brings elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees to the neighborhoods throughout Disney Springs. Each of the twinkling trees will be themed to personify beloved Disney characters, stories, and celebrations.

Special festive décor and live holiday performances will add an extra touch of wonder to holiday shopping. And in the evening, guests visiting Town Center will experience a magical snowfall, bringing the spirit of the North Pole to Central Florida.

For the perfect wrap-up to a holiday visit to Disney Springs, visit Jock Lindsay’s Holiday Bar; back by popular demand, this seasonal favorite is returning in 2023 with yuletide touches alongside festive food and craft cocktails – there’s something on the menu for everyone!

CLICK HERE for more festive fun at Disney Springs!

Holiday Magic Shots Around the World

The PhotoPass photographers that can be found all across Walt Disney World have hidden surprises in their cameras - we call them Magic Shots and they can add just a bit of Pixie Dust to the photos you have taken. Some of the photographers will automatically add them, but don't count on it. We recommend asking each photographer because you never know what can happen and it's always fun to see the surprise when you view your photos for the first time.

Here are just a few examples of some of the Magic Shots that have been available in the past:

Holiday Merchandise Around the World

Fun and creative offerings will be available for purchase all across the Walt Disney World Resort for the holiday season and including new ear headbands, trading pins, plush toys, ornaments, and so much more!