Holiday Decor Begins to Arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The holiday spirit is beginning to take over Walt Disney World as Christmas décor starts to appear throughout the parks. During a recent visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we spotted the first signs of the season taking shape. While the park’s towering entrance tree has yet to arrive, festive touches are already spreading across Discovery Island and beyond.

— No Christmas tree yet…

Let’s head inside the park!

At the heart of Animal Kingdom, woodland-themed decorations now adorn the rooftops of Discovery Island’s main shops.

Outside Island Mercantile, you can spot handcrafted animal lanterns perched high above the building, with beautifully detailed deer, foxes, squirrels, owls, and birds made from organic materials. The look feels right at home in Animal Kingdom, where the holidays are celebrated through the park’s appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Next door, Riverside Depot and Discovery Trading Company have received matching décor, creating a cohesive look across the interconnected shops. The decorations, with their soft glow and carved textures, give the area a warm, rustic feel that comes to life even more after sunset.

Here’s a look at the lanterns with their twinkling garland after the sun sets (image from 2024!):

Larger lantern-style animal figures can also be found around the greenery of Discovery Island, continuing the park’s animal-centered holiday theme.

Over in Asia, festive touches are appearing near Feathered Friends in Flight. Here, lanterns, string lights, and beaded garlands drape across the area, adding color and sparkle that shines brightest at dusk.

Soon, the fan-favorite Merry Menagerie will return to Discovery Island, bringing the park’s most heartwarming holiday experience back to life. These beautifully crafted life-size animal puppets, such as polar bears, foxes, and penguins, interact with guests throughout the day, accompanied by live musicians playing soft winter melodies.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to offer one of the most unique holiday atmospheres at Walt Disney World, blending nature, artistry, and festive storytelling into a celebration that feels both peaceful and joyful.