Gingerbread houses at Disney World for Christmas 2023 (plus resort trees and other decor)

Two of our favorite ways Disney World celebrates Christmas are with their gingerbread houses and their elaborate Christmas trees.

While each theme park has its own special holiday decor and events like Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, the resorts are decorated equally as beautiful and are worth taking time to explore.

Decorations at the resorts go up gradually, typically starting the first week of November and continuing through the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Which resort gets decorated first varies from year to year, with decor at the resorts usually being taken down shortly after New Year’s Day.

We think that if you have time in your holiday schedule, you should definitely check out the gingerbread houses at Disney World.

How many gingerbread houses does Disney World have?

Here are the locations of the 2023 Disney World gingerbread displays:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (NEW for 2023)
• American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT

Monorail Resorts

Want to escape the chaos of Magic Kingdom, or just looking for something seasonal to do outside the parks?

We recommend hopping on the Monorail and visiting all of the Monorail resorts to see their Christmas decorations. You can even try seasonal treats and take holiday Magic Shots with PhotoPass.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Gingerbread Castle Display

This is the 12th year the Contemporary Bakery team created the resort’s gingerbread display with help from lead Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes.

In 2023, you can expect a Mary Blair-inspired 100th Celebration-themed Castle Display.

It stands over 17 feet tall with 612 pounds of sugar, 1012 pounds of flour, 112 pounds of gingerbread spice, over 4000 castle gingerbread bricks, and 12 sprinklings of magical pixie dust.

The Contemporary’s gingerbread display is located on the 4th floor. It’s open from Nov. 10 through Jan. 6, 2024 (usually from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

Be sure to read the signs present to see just how many ingredients it took to create the display and to see if there are any fun activities happening that day, like a pin signing with a pastry chef or a gingerbread house demonstration.

During one of our visits last year, we met Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes, who was doing a merchandise and a 2022 limited edition pin signing.

Next to the display, you can also typcially purchase holiday drinks and treats, including frozen non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

In 2022, we tried the Frozen Coquito with rum, and it was delicious! It was on the sweeter side, but tasted just like gingerbread. Yum!

There are also Contemporary Gingerbread Kits available for purchase, along with a range of holiday cookies, including, of course, gingerbread.

Here are the treats you can find this year next to the Contemporary’s gingerbread display:

• Gingerbread Castle Brick
• Paint Your Own Cookie Box
• Hot Chocolate Caramel Fudge
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
• Pistachio Linzer Cookie
• 5-Legged Goat Cookie
• Gluten/Wheat Friendly Gingerbread Cookie
• Gingerbread Latte Cupcake
• Christmas Tree Butter Cookie
• Frozen Hot Chocolate (Also available with Peppermint Schnapps)
• Frozen Apple Cider (Also available with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky floater)

Christmas Tree

The Contemporary is known for its giant Christmas tree located outside the resort on the promenade. It’s iconic, to say the least, and quite easy to see from the front of the resort.

The Contemporary’s tree is the largest at 70 feet tall. It even weighs more than 33,000 pounds and has 1,200 individual branches. It’s also decorated with 16,000 lights and more than 200 custom light-up ornaments.

Holiday Treats

In addition to the treats available for purchase by the gingerbread display, you can find the following at select Contemporary dining locations.

Contempo Cafe

• Holiday Cranberry Frangipane Cake: Almond frangipane with cranberry-cherry gel, white chocolate mousse, and salted honey whip (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

While Disney’s Polynesian doesn’t have a gingerbread display, it’s still worth seeing the hotel’s themed-decorations and Christmas tree. The Poly is on the Monorail line, so you might as well make a stop.

Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree at Disney’s Polynesian is in the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House. The colors and decorations scream Polynesian and include flowers and festive garland.

Holiday Treats

Here are the different holiday treats you can purchase at the Polynesian this year.

Capt. Cook’s

• Tropical Holiday Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake, peppermint mousse, streusel, and chocolate décor (Available Dec. 17 through 31; mobile order available)

Kona Island Coffee Bar 

• Tropical Holiday Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake, peppermint mousse, streusel, and chocolate décor (Available Dec. 17 through 31)

Pineapple Lanai

• ‘Olu Mel Christmas Float: DOLE Whip Lime Float with pineapple juice, an ‘Olu Mel white chocolate medallion, and strawberry popping candy (Available Dec. 1 through 31) 

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace 

• Tropical Snowstorm: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, coconut cream with cinnamon, orgeat, and falernum topped with cinnamon and nutmeg (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7) 
• Mele Kaliki Mai Tai: Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, with cranberry juice, cinnamon, orgeat, and falernum with a splash of fresh lime juice and a cinnamon stick (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7) 
• Jingle Jammer: A non-alcoholic combination of cranberry, pineapple, cinnamon, falernum, and a splash of fresh lime juice (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7) 

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

The following are from 2022. We will update with 2023 PhotoPass and Magic Shots when they become available.

Keep your eyes peeled for a Disney PhotoPass photographer and ask for any holiday Magic Shots!

Important: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gingerbread House

Grand Floridian’s gingerbread house is the most famous of all Disney World’s gingerbread displays.

The giant house sits in the main lobby. You can’t miss it.

The life-sized Gingerbread House is returning for its 24th year from Nov. 8 through Jan. 1, 2024.

The house features white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread. There’s even an 85 lb. chocolate Santa, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that are all hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team led by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Kristine Farmer.

We love reading all the ingredients that go into crafting these massive displays, including how much of everything is used. Just look at what it takes to make the gingerbread house.

Grand Floridian’s gingerbread house and treat shop are typically open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

You might even encounter a special pin and/or merchandise signing with a pastry chef here. Dates and times vary, so keep your eyes peeled when visiting.

Here are the treats you can find this year next to the Grand Floridian’s gingerbread house:

• Freshly baked, homemade items, such as Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Gingersnap Cookies
• House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses
• Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge
• Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the cookies n’ cream Christmas Tree, exclusive to this box
• Plant-based, no sugar added, and gluten-friendly options

Christmas Tree

Grand Floridian’s Christmas stands tall in the main lobby. Sometimes there is even a Disney PhotoPass photographer here, which makes for a great holiday picture.

Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Holiday Treats

In addition to the treats available for purchase by the gingerbread house, you can find special holiday treats at select Grand Floridian dining locations.

Gasparilla’s Island Grill 

• Present Peppermint Brownie Pop: Brownie filled with house-made peppermint patty enrobed in white chocolate (New) (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 
• Snowman Choux: Pâte à choux filled with spiced mousse and chocolate Bavarian cream (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

The following are from 2022. We will update with 2023 PhotoPass and Magic Shots when they become available.

You could also find these fun holiday-themed Magic Shots at Grand Floridian last year.

Epcot Resorts

There are several Disney World Resort hotels located in the Epcot area that have gingerbread displays. They aren’t as large as Contemporary or Grand Floridian, but they’re still quite impressive.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Gingerbread Carousel

Ever since 1999 (for 22 years!), Disney’s Beach Club has been showcasing its special gingerbread display — a life-sized carousel that actually rotates.

This year, the carousel is inspired by DuckTales with horses themed after Donald Duck and his nephews, Huey, Duey, and Louie.

Crafting this is no joke, either. This year, the team used 434 pounds of honey, 25 pounds of spices, and 200 pounds of icing!

You can find the gingerbread carousel in the lobby.

Sometimes there are special pin and/or merchandise signings with a pastry chef, but dates and times vary.

There are also special goodies available for purchase.

Here are some of the treats you can find this year next to the Beach Club gingerbread carousel:

• Signature Stollen Bread
• Lighthouse Fudge
• Mickey Snowman Pop
• Crispy Rice Treat
• Peppermint Bark
• Gingerbread Shingle
• Hot Chocolate Flight
• Hot Chocolate

Christmas Tree

In the lobby, you can also find several beautifully decorated Christmas trees that are, yes, beach-themed.

Holiday Treats

You can also find limited-time holiday treats at select Beach Club dining locations.

Beaches and Cream 

• Holiday Shake: Cookie butter milkshake with caramel drizzle and holiday sprinkles topped with a Christmas tree cupcake (Available Nov. 26 through Dec. 31)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Lighthouse Gingerbread

For the first time, in 2023, Yacht Club is finally getting its own gingerbread display!

There is a gingerbread Lighthouse on display created by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Michael Craig who used the actual blueprints from the real lighthouse located outside the resort along Crescent Lake.

Keep your eyes peeled for the nearby Holiday Pop Up Shop, which sells sweet treats, including including the new Lighthouse Fudge, which is a nod to the new display.

The Yacht Club also usually has a Christmas village. It’s an easy walk over to the Yacht Club from the Beach Club and the BoardWalk and we think it is worth it to check it out.

Christmas Village

Yacht Club has its very own Christmas Village that has lovely holiday decorations, along with its very own train (something Walt Disney, himself, would love).

If you want to see the train depart, there are set daily hours. In 2023, they are:

Christmas Tree

The Yacht Club’s Christmas tree can be found in the main lobby. The tree is covered in all things yacht and sailing, including boats.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Gingerbread Display

From Nov. 17 through Dec. 27, you can enjoy BoardWalk’s gingerbread creation, which is located in the lobby.

The display is a miniature version of some of the favorite spots found along the BoardWalk, including the BoardWalk Deli, which is home to none other than the BoardWalk Inn Bakery team led by Pastry Chef Alex Vacher.

You might even be lucky to stumble upon a pin and/or merchandise signing with a pastry chef. Keep in mind that dates and times vary.

If you’re hungry, BoardWalk also has several holiday treats on sale.

Here are some of the treats you can find this year next to BoardWalk’s gingerbread display:

• Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookies
• Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie
• Christmas Tree Pop
• Peppermint Bark
• Gingerbread Shingles
• Gluten/ Wheat-Friendly and Plant-based Gingerbread Shingles

Christmas Trees

There are usually several Christmas trees at BoardWalk – both inside and outside.

Inside:

Outside:

Holiday Treats

You can also find festive goodies at some of BoardWalk’s dining spots.

BoardWalk Deli

• Frosted Croissant Roll: Rolled croissant dough filled with a hot chocolate-marshmallow filling (New) (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2; mobile order available) 
• Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 26; mobile order available)

Animal Kingdom Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Gingerbread Display

In the Jambo House lobby from Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, the Animal Kingdom Lodge bakery led by Pastry Chef Lexy Ross continues the tradition with the Life-Size Baby Gingerbread Giraffe (Ginger) and Baby Zebra (Debra)

These are made with gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. Ginger the giraffe even stands near 7 feet tall!

You may even encounter a special pin and/or merchandise signing with a pastry chef. Dates and times vary.

You’ll be able to purchase some gingerbread treats, like the Gingeraffe Cookie, Hot Cocoa Flight, and beer, wine, and cocktails!

Christmas Tree

Animal Kingdom Lodge’s lobby is home to a massive Christmas tree that is pretty spectacular. Just look at it!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, which is located next door to Animal Kingdom Lodge, also has its own decorations, including a beautiful tree in the lobby.

Holiday Treats

There are different seasonal food and drinks you can buy at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village.

The Mara

• Mickey Santa Hat: Chai mousse with coconut marshmallow (New) (Available Nov. 26 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)

Jambo House Lobby Pop-up Shop

• Gingeraffe Cookie: Sugar cookie, gingerbread cookie, white chocolate, M&M’S chocolate candies, and a holiday wreath (New) (Available Nov. 22 through Dec. 31)

Holiday Activities

It’s unclear if this is returning in 2023, but we will update once we learn more.

Animal Kingdom also had a fun holiday-themed activity for guests. Through December 31, 2022, guests could create a mosaic-like ornament made from crushed and dyed ostrich eggs.

These were constructed out of real, unfertilized ostrich eggs. “Once cleaned, the eggs are crushed and colorfully dyed, glued onto an animal-shaped ornament of your choosing and tied off with a recycled telephone wire.”

2022 location: recreation clubhouses at Jambo House and at Kidani Village
2022 times: Jambo House from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Kidani Village from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

The following are from 2022. We will update with 2023 PhotoPass and Magic Shots when they become available.

In 2022, there were a couple of holiday-theme photos available via PhotoPass at Animal Kingdom Lodge, including:

Look for the PhotoPass photographer or ask a Cast Member for assistance. Unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Epcot

American Adventure Pavilion

Gingerbread Display

The American Adventure Pavilion also has its own special display for Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays. You can find it inside the American Adventure from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30,

Once again, this year’s gingerbread masterpiece includes monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and The American Adventure building.

Christmas Tree

Epcot has tons of trees out for the season, but if you are visiting the gingerbread display here, make sure you take time to check out the towering Americana-themed Christmas tree located outside near the festival booth.

Holiday Treats

The American Adventure has its own booth for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, which runs from November 24 through December 30, 2023.

While the holiday kiosk, aka the American Holiday Kitchen, doesn’t usually serve gingerbread treats, you can find “traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking.”

Here is the menu from 2022 (stay tuned for this year’s offerings):

Food

• Slow-roasted Turkey with BEN’S ORIGINAL Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce  
• Blackened Catfish with Hoppin’ John and comeback sauce (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)  
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookie (Cookie Stroll)

Beverages

• Gulf Stream Brewing Whiteout Sails Wit Beer 
• 3 Daughters Brewing Eggnog White Porter 
• Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout 
• Regional White Wine
• Regional Red Wine
• Beer Flight  

Christmas Tree Checklist

Save this checklist as you find Christmas trees at Disney World parks, resorts, and Disney Springs!

Disney World Gingerbread House FAQs

Can I visit a resort to check out their gingerbread display?

Yes, you can! Both onsite and offsite guests can visit the resorts to check out their displays.

The one caution is parking. During busy times of the year (like the holidays), parking at the resorts is reserved for resort guests and those with dining reservations.

If staying offsite, we recommend parking at one of the theme parks and using Disney transportation to get to the resort you’d like to visit.

How much does it cost to see the Disney gingerbread houses?

It is free to see all of the gingerbread houses at the resorts. If you want to see the display at Epcot, you’ll just need a valid park ticket.

What happens to the gingerbread houses after the season is over?

Disney does a great job recycling both the structures used to support the houses and the materials used to construct them.

According to Florida Today, the frames for both the giant display at The Grand Floridian and the carousel at Disney’s Beach Club are reused year after year. And, the actual gingerbread and sugar confections are set out in the nearby Disney tree nurseries for the local bee population.

How do I get to a resort to visit their gingerbread house?

Your 3 best bets for getting to a resort to visit a gingerbread house display are:

• From any of the theme parks, take the applicable Disney transportation to your destination
• Lyft/Uber
• Minnie Van

Unless you have a dining reservation at the resort you are visiting, we don’t recommend you drive, as parking spaces are reserved for resort guests and those with dining reservations.

Need additional help? We have a free Disney World Navigator that will show you how to get between any 2 places on Disney World property.