One of the biggest misconceptions about the holidays at Walt Disney World is that you need a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to see everything festive. While that’s true for most of the season, there’s a key exception that many guests don’t realize: the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is shown to all Magic Kingdom guests during Christmas week, no party ticket required.
This full-length parade is classic Disney Christmas. It features many floats and units, including toy soldiers, gingerbread men, dancing reindeer, snowfall on Main Street, and characters in festive attire. Santa Claus himself closes out the parade, making it one of the most traditional holiday experiences at Walt Disney World.
Typically, this parade is exclusive to MVMCP on select nights from early November through December. But during the week leading up to Christmas and briefly thereafter, December 22nd through December 31st this year, the typical daytime parade — Festival of Fantasy — is temporarily swapped out for the Christmas parade. That means anyone visiting Magic Kingdom during that window can catch one of the park’s most beloved holiday offerings.
The parade will be available to everyone at Magic Kingdom on the following days and times:
- December 22nd: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 23rd: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 24th: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 25th: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 26th: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 27th: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 28th: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 29th: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 30th: 12 PM & 3 PM
- December 31st: 12 PM & 3 PM
Looking for more parade magic? Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away still shows twice nightly during Christmas week, stepping off at 7 PM and 9:45 PM most nights. On December 30th and 31st, it will step off at 6:30 PM and 9 PM.
Best Places to Watch
Because Christmas week is one of the busiest times of the year, where you watch the parade matters. Plan to arrive early to claim a spot, but don’t stress if you’re not right on the curb. Many of the floats are tall, so sightlines are still solid from a few rows back.
Main Street, U.S.A.: This is the most popular viewing location and for good reason. The Victorian-style buildings, wreaths, and Christmas tree make the perfect backdrop. The parade also feels more energetic here as performers interact with the crowd. The downside is crowds. Guests often start staking out spots 60 to 90 minutes early.
Frontierland: Frontierland is a smart choice if you want slightly lighter crowds. Since the parade typically steps off here, you may be able to see it earlier and grab a spot with less waiting. It lacks the Main Street visuals, but it is more practical during peak season.
Liberty Square: The wide walkways here allow for easier standing-room viewing, and the colonial décor blends surprisingly well with the holiday theme. It’s also a good option if you plan to move quickly to Haunted Mansion or Fantasyland attractions right after.
Near the Hub: Viewing spots near Cinderella Castle offer great sightlines, especially for photos, but they fill quickly. Account for extra time before and after with heavy foot traffic all around.
If you plan ahead and choose your viewing spot wisely, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ve got this. Happy holidays!
