Celebrate the Spirit of the Season at Walt Disney World November 11th through December 31, 2023!
Christmas “officially” kicks off in Disney World on November 11th, of course decorations start going up earlier and you will be able to hear the sounds and sights of the holidays as soon as Halloween ends (if not sooner). In fact, in Disneyland there is already snow on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Aside from some entertainment, there is no “hard” start date to Christmas 2023 at Walt Disney World. Once the calendar flips from October to November, the holiday season is underway. So even if you’re arriving before November 11th, you should experience some of the holiday festivities and decorations.
Before we get started on the festive Walt Disney World Christmas 2023 vibes, let’s talk about a couple new additions for the Christmas Holidays.
NEW Disney Jollywood Nights in Hollywood Studios
This brand-new glam nighttime ticketed event will occur select nights November 11 to December 20, 2023. This Christmas party promises a shimmering holiday scene with glitz and glam galore. There will be yuletide entertainment featuring some of your favorites, like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and the seasonal spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” To top it all off, enjoy the festive libations and treats that will be available during this star studded spectacular. If you are going to this fabulous event, we’d suggest wearing your holiday best with an old Hollywood flair.
Disney Jollywood Nights takes place from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
This is an after hours ticketed event and separate from your park tickets, get your Disney Jollywood Nights Party tickets now before they are sold out!
NEW “Frozen Holiday Surprise” in Magic Kingdom
For the first time in forever, gather in front of Cinderella Castle for a dazzling new experience – featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the Snowgies! This will replace “A Frozen Holiday Wish” and according to Disney, “It will illuminate the castle in a whole new way”. You can view this during regular park hours or at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
I don’t know about you, but I am excited to see the new additions Disney has created for the Holiday season!
With that said, there is still something nostalgic about the traditional holiday happenings at Walt Disney World as well.
Let’s chat about each park and all the splendor they bring!
Magic Kingdom Park:
Let’s dive right into the beloved Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. The most magical holiday tradition returns to Magic Kingdom select nights November 9 to December 22, 2023.
Join Mickey and Pals to celebrate the season! Enjoy the festive music that fills the air while Disney Characters don their holiday attire and enchanting entertainment can be found around almost every turn.
Throughout the evening you can enjoy the spectacular events such as, “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks“. This show is not to be missed. This nighttime spectacular is hosted by Minnie Mouse herself! Come celebrate the magic of Christmas, heartfelt moments of home and family, and the spirit of the season before an incredible finale.
Gather together to watch Disney Characters give a yuletide nod to the season during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, this parade dazzles twice per night, and features all your festive favorites, it even snows on Main Street USA! Savor sweet moments as you enjoy cookies and cocoa—available in select locations at no additional charge. Take in all of the festive decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life! And so much more!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight.
This is an after hours ticketed event and separate from your park tickets, get your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets now before they are sold out!
Jingle Cruise
This attraction is a must see during the holiday season, the beloved Jungle Cruise undergoes a yuletide transformation. It’s a festive adventure from stem to stern! Enjoy the Jingle Cruise anytime during park hours.
Holiday Decor
Let’s not forget the holly-jolly holiday trimmings and touches along Main Street, U.S.A. and throughout the park. The Disney Parks always amaze with the festive little touches that are sure to leave you feeling in the holiday spirit.
EPCOT:
International Festival of the Holidays
Immerse yourself in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season from November 24 through December 30, 2023! Savor spectacular recipes from around the globe at Holiday Kitchens. And embark on a journey with Holiday Storytellers sharing holiday traditions from around the world.
Candlelight Processional
There’s a reason one of the most popular events of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World is the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: it’s a beautiful show that many guests find to be a moving and spiritual experience. Gather with friends and family to hear the story of Christmas—brought to life by celebrity narrators. See the celebrity narrator schedule for November and December. This event will take place at America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT from November 24 to December 30, 2023. There are three showtimes: 5:15 PM, 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
Meet Santa Claus at the Odyssey Pavilion
Santa Claus has come to town – or more specifically EPCOT! Who doesn’t want to meet Santa Claus?! Get in the holiday spirit by joining Santa Claus in his snow-covered sleigh November 24 to December 24, 2023.
Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
During the holidays Living with the Land takes on a special glow. Celebrate the most bountiful time of the year on a festive voyage through greenhouses glimmering with dazzling lights—November 24 to December 30, 2023. This attraction is best to ride at night to get the full effect of the glimmer.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Merry Menagerie
See Discovery Island come to life with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals—like penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears and more! Watch as they interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a whimsical display and playful atmosphere for guests of all ages to enjoy.
Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition
Watch in awe as the park’s magnificent icon shimmers and sparkles each evening, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score. There are two Holiday Tree of Life Awakening shows, and each features a different story. The first story of the night is known as “The First Snow,” which shows animals enjoying the transition from fall to winter. The second story covers the “Seasons of Light,” which shows animals frolicking across the Northern Lights. Experience begins at dusk and is subject to change.
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurer’s Outpost
Don’t forget to go the Adventurer’s Outpost and pose for a photo with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse all decked out in their holiday attire.
Seasonal Décor
Discover festive trimmings and touches around the park.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. It’s a can’t miss for Frozen fans!
Sunset Seasons Greetings
Must See! Gaze in wonder as the Hollywood Tower Hotel is transformed nightly. Get swept up in scenes of the season as The Hollywood Tower Hotel comes to holly-jolly life with continuously running, colorful projections.
Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
See Minnie Mouse and her pals during a jolly festive meal. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Come have a meal with your pals!
Toy Story Land Characters in Holiday Attire
Howdy Partner! See some Pixar pals decked out for the season.
Holiday Shopping at the Walt Disney World Resort
Holiday Shopping
Can I just tell you, when I see the holiday merch in the parks and Disney Springs I am sent into a shopping coma. OMG… the shopping experience is out of this world!!
If you can’t get to the parks and want to give the magical gift of Disney please go to our site, Mickey’s Magical Bag and browse our Unique Disney Gift Ideas.
Make the season more magical with authentic gifts from the Disney Parks. What’s in your bag?
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