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Disney World Christmas 2023 Complete Guide

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Disney World Christmas 2023 Complete Guide

The Christmas season at Disney World is one of the most popular times of year to visit, and when you check out the pics and information below, we think you’ll see why.

Not only are the parks decked out in their finest holiday decorations, you’ll also find unique seasonal entertainment, food, and even fun attraction overlays.

We absolutely love Christmas at Walt Disney World! Here’s everything you need to know to put together your dream Disney World Christmas vacation.

In this article

What you can expect in this guide

In this guide, we’re going to talk a little bit about what you can expect at the parks during Christmas at Walt Disney World. We’ll go over the best times to visit and the dates that will likely be the busiest, and then give you some tips on how you can still have a blast on your trip even if it is crowded.

magic kingdom at christmas

After that, we’re going to go park-by-park (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) covering all the Christmas and holiday entertainment stuff you need to know so that you can put together the ultimate plan for your trip.

This guide has a TON of info, but it also has a lot of links that go off to more in-depth coverage of each topic. We encourage you to start here, but make sure you check out the companion posts for more tips and information.

Note: We have not received information for the holidays at Disney World in 2023. Below is information for 2022 but will be updated with the latest 2023 information as soon as it is released.

Disney World Christmas FAQs

When does Christmas start at Disney World?

The 2022 Christmas season officially kicks off at Walt Disney World on November 11. But the holiday action actually starts on November 8 at Magic Kingdom. That is the night of the very first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Castle Projections Magic Kingdom

Although that is the official start to the season at WDW, it is important to note that not everything will be decorated and ready at that time.

While we do expect the decorations to be up in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, Epcot doesn’t officially start the Festival of Holidays until November 25 and the decorating of the resorts usually extends a few weeks into November before they are all complete.

As for an ending date, it takes several weeks for the decorations to all come back down. In general, that process starts the first Monday after New Year’s Day and can extend several weeks into January before all the decor makes its way back into storage.

When is the best time to visit Disney World at Christmas? (And when is it the busiest?)

First, let’s start with the busiest. If you didn’t already guess it, the absolute busiest time of the year will be between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Historically, that was when we would see the parks closing after reaching capacity, however, the new Park Pass Reservation System has kept that from happening in recent years.

If you want to see the Christmas decorations at Walt Disney World, when is the best time to visit?

We recommend the first 2 weeks of December for the lightest crowds and decent weather. The week before Thanksgiving is also an okay time BUT, keep in mind that the Festival of Holidays doesn’t start until after Thanksgiving, so you’d miss all the entertainment at Epcot if you go before then.

Cinderella Castle at christmas

Whenever you go, it is important to note that the weekends will likely be a lot more crowded than the weekdays.

The holidays are a popular time for locals (and anyone within driving distance), so that makes all the weekends between early November and the first week of January extra busy this time of year.

Is it worth it to go to Disney World at Christmas?

Yes. We really do think it is worth it to go to Disney World at Christmas.

Even with the crowds, the parks never feel more magical than they do during this time of the year, and there is just something about being in a place surrounded by festive music and decorations to get you into the Christmas spirit!

The key to visiting Disney World over Christmas is having the right attitude, a good plan, and the correct expectations.

If you have those 3 things, even with the heaviest of Christmas crowds, you’ll still be able to see and do a lot.

What will the weather be like at Christmas?

November and December weather can be anything from really hot to downright chilly. But, the good news is that in general, the temps average 77°F / 25°C for a high in November and 73°F / 23°C for a high in December.

As for the lows, November’s average lows are around 61°F / 16°C and December’s are 55°F / 13°C.

Mickey Mouse at christmas

Another pro to traveling in November and December are the decreased chances of rain. Unlike the summer where you are likely to have rain nearly every day, in November and December the chance of rain is still there, but you are far more likely to have sunny days.

As for what to pack for a Christmas Walt Disney World trip, we recommend summer clothes with light jackets for layering in the morning and evening.

VIDEO: Christmas at Disney World

5 Tips for Disney World at Christmas

Here are some of our best tips for having a great time at Disney World during Christmas:

  1. Have a plan & be flexible. Now is not the time to wing it. Check out our touring advice for guidance on putting together a touring plan – both with and without Genie+.
  2. Spring for Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections. Although we aren’t fans of spending extra money, the busy times of the year are a good time to pay a little more. But, if you are going to shell out the cash, make sure you have a good Genie+ strategy so that you don’t waste it.
  3. Take advantage of the early hours. During the holiday season, the parks will open up early – sometimes as early as 7 am. You can get a lot done in those first 90 minutes of the day, so whenever possible, try to make it to the park in time for those.
  4. Check out the Christmas stuff outside the parks, too. Parks getting busy? Head to the resorts to check out their holiday decorations, or visit Disney Springs for some shopping and the Christmas Tree Trail.
  5. Keep expectations manageable. The goal of the trip should be to make happy memories and NOT to see and do everything! Keep your expectations in check, and we think you’ll have an amazing time.

Christmas at Disney World Bucket List

Heading to Disney World for the holidays? Make sure you save this graphic to your phone! How many activities can you cross off?

disney world christmas checklist

Christmas Foodie Guides

What would Christmas be without food?

Disney World has TONS of holiday treats to feast upon.

If we listed everything that was available, your arm would get tired from all the scrolling. Instead, we are just going to link off to the official guides put out by Disney Parks Blog:

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is home to the only specially ticketed holiday-themed event – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

But, even if you don’t spring for the party, you can still find lots of other festive cheer spread throughout the park:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (specially ticketed event)

During the holidays, the biggest specially ticketed event is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP), which takes place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom in November and December.

The party features exclusive holiday entertainment, “snow” falling on Main Street, complimentary treats, special character meet and greets, the chance to see Santa Claus, and so much more.

Toy soldiers

The event takes place on 24 select nights and runs from 7 p.m. to midnight (yes, that can make a late night for little ones!).

And, it isn’t cheap. Tickets range from $149 plus tax all the way to $199 plus tax (depending on the day you attend).

For that price, you’ll get nearly everything you’ve come to expect from MVMCP, including the holiday fireworks, the Once Upon a Christmastime parade, some character sightings, and of course, free hot cocoa and cookies.

After the last party, select entertainment will be available

After the final party of the season, select party-exclusive entertainment will be available.

In 2022, from December 23-31, you can see the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade twice a day (at 12 p.m. and at 3 p.m.) and from December 23-29, you can see Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 8:15 p.m.

On December 30 and December 31, the special New Year’s Eve Fireworks “Fantasy in the Sky” will be shown twice nightly – at 6:30 p.m. and again at 11:50 p.m.

Santa Claus

The big man himself will make his way back to Magic Kingdom in 2022! During MVMCP, you can find him at the Liberty Square Gazebo.

Note: While Santa meets exclusively during MVMCP, as it gets closer to Christmas, he will also meet during the day.

santa claus mickey's very merry christmas party

Cinderella Castle projections 

No, there will not be any Dream Lights or a Frozen Holiday Wish this year, but there will be projections on the castle:

castle projections magic kingdom christmas

Similar to the projections used during the nighttime shows, on nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party is not offerred, guests can expect to see Cinderella Castle transformed into seasonal favorite vignettes.

Note: the castle projections will alternate with the 50th Anniversary Beacon of Magic.

Jingle Cruise (Jungle Cruise attraction overlay)

The Jingle Cruise is back!

Attraction overlays are a new-ish phenomenon for Walt Disney World. But, if you’ve visited Disneyland during the Christmas season, you’ll have an idea of what it means.

During the holiday season, the popular Jungle Cruise becomes the Jingle Cruise and when you ride it, you’ll see a sprinkling of holiday-themed props and signage.

And jokes. We can’t forget the jokes. The jokes get a dash of Christmas, too.

Jingle Cruise

Monster’s Inc., Laugh Floor, Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain, and Mad Tea Party will also see an overlay for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. In years past, those overlays would also be available to all guests after the final party of the year, and we expect the same for 2023.

Decorations

At Magic Kingdom, you can expect to see lots of decorations down Main Street U.S.A. and around the hub.

Christmas decorations at Magic Kingdom
Photo Credit: Natalie Engle

And once again this year, you can expect to see some lovely gold accents (in celebration of the 50th Anniversary) making their way into the festive decor!

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

There are Magic Shots that are exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but there are also a few that are available all day long.

Here’s where you can find the ones available during the day:

  • Mickey Gingerbread Prop: near Cinderella Castle
mickey gingerbread photopass disney world
  • Christmas Present: Disney PhotoPass Studio inside Sir Mickey’s
christmas present photopass studio
  • Winter Confetti: Available at most PhotoPass locations around the park
magic shot christmas
  • Tinker Bell: Park entrance, Main Street, Hub grass area, and Sir Mickey’s Royal Portrait Studio
christmas magic shot
  • Mistletoe: Available at most PhotoPass locations around the park
christmas magic shot
  • Snow Globe: Park entrance and Hub grass area
christmas magic shot
  • Mickey Mouse Lights: Town Square near the Christmas tree
christmas magic shot

Holiday Super Zoom

Super Zoom shots are fun pics and videos that start off far away, but then zoom in. The Super Zoom spot in Magic Kingdom is in the Hub area. To find it, look for a Disney PhotoPass Cast Member holding a tablet.

These Magic Shots are exclusive to MVMCP:

  • Pixel Stick: near Storybook Circus entrance
pixel stick magic shot
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale Ornament: Cinderella Castle Hub area
chip and dale ornament magic shot
  • Mickey Mouse Sleigh: Main Street, Cinderella Castle Hub area
mickey sleigh magic shot
  • Muppets Christmas Carol: Liberty Square near Sleepy Hollow and Hall of Presidents
muppets christmas carol magic shot
  • Gift Box: Town Square near Christmas Tree
christmas present magic shot
  • Mickey Mouse Lights: Town Square near Christmas Tree
mickey bokeh lights magic shot
  • Tinker Bell Lantern: Cinderella Castle walls near Pinocchio Village Haus
tinker bell lantern magic shot
  • Zero: Haunted Mansion entrance
zero magic shot

What is not available for Christmas at Magic Kingdom?

Here are some things that we won’t see in 2022:

  • Tree Lighting Ceremony – Typically held once the tree is up at Magic Kingdom, during normal years there’s a tree lighting ceremony that would take place every evening at dusk (around 5:15-5:30). It didn’t happen in 2020 and 2021, and we have not heard any word of it returning for 2022.
  • Holly Jolly Trolley Show – While we don’t expect to see the typical Holly Jolly Trolley Show, we do hope we can see the Dapper Dans performing from the Main Street Train Station.
  • Castle Dream Lights and A Frozen Holiday Wish – The 50th Anniversary decorations have kept the Castle Dream Lights away in 2021 and 2022. On the positive, no Castle Dream Lights also means no crane, but we will all miss seeing the beautiful lights! Hopefully we will see them back in 2023.
Dream lights on Cinderella Castle

Epcot

Starting on November 25 and running through December 30, Epcot includes all of its holiday offerings under the umbrella of the popular International Festival of the Holidays.

Here’s what you’ll find there:

Candlelight Processional

It’s back for 2022! The Candlelight Processional and the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are back once again for the holiday season.

Candlelight processional at epcot festival of the holidays

For those unfamiliar, the Candlelight Processional is probably the most well-known piece of the Festival of Holidays.

During the 40-minute show, celebrity narrators read a presentation of the Christmas Story while joined by a huge choir and a 50-piece orchestra.

It is a beautiful holiday tradition that many families return for year-after-year.

Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Overlay

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is known for its music, and during the holiday season, they’ll be switching out their current list for a new song that’s a “mash-up” of all your favorite Christmas hits. Experience the Holiday Remix from November 25 to December 30, 2022.

guardians of the galaxy

Spaceship Earth Holiday Lighting Composition

Spaceship Earth’s beautiful new lights take on a festive feel with winter-themed compositions that will run through December 30.

spaceship earth holiday light show 2022

“Olaf’s Holiday Tradition” Scavenger Hunt

Guests wanting to join in can simply purchase a map for $9.99 from select locations (Creations Shop, Port of Entry and World Traveler at International Gateway) and then they will be able to hunt the World Showcase for holiday traditions that Olaf has misplaced.

Once you complete it, you’ll be able to snag a gift!

We love the scavenger hunts at Epcot. They are a great for both kids AND adults.

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Perfect for those of us with a sweet tooth, all you have to do is collect five stamps after trying five different cookies on the list.

2021 holiday cookie stroll epcot 50th cookie

You must purchase the cookies, but after five stamps, you’re able to receive a complimentary cookie as a reward.

And, just an FYI – you don’t have to complete all 5 in 1 day. You can spread it out over multiple visits to Epcot if you wish.

Gingerbread Display

Inside the American Adventure Rotunda, you can find recreations of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and The American Adventure building all created out of gingerbread.

Live performances (including Mariachi Cobre, JAMMitors, and JOYFUL!)

During the day, you’ll have opportunities for other live performances. Make sure you check the My Disney Experience app for show times:

  • JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season will perform holiday music in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa on the Showcase Plaza Stage.
  • The JAMMitors typically modify their performances based upon the season. Currently, they can be found performing in the entrance plaza to the right of Spaceship Earth
  • Mariachi Cobre joins in the with dancers and piñatas for the Los Posadas festivities in the Mexico Pavilion.
  • Canadian Holiday Voyageurs part of the Holiday Storytellers, the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs take you on a musical tour of the Great White North.
Mariachi Cobre

Holiday Kitchens

What would the holidays be without food? 

Much like what you find at other festivals, the kitchen kiosks will offer both sweet and savory choices, plus a selection of themed holiday beverages.

Santa Claus

In 2022, Santa will be greeting holiday guests inside the Odyssey Pavilion, which is a bit different from previous years when he met at the American Adventure.

World Showcase Storytellers

In addition to Santa Claus, you can find a wide variety of storytellers spread throughout the World Showcase:

Epcot France storyteller Festival of the Holidays
  • Mexico: Las Posadas Celebration – Feliz Navidad! Join the fun and pageantry of Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas and the music of Mariachi Cobre
  • Norway: A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa – Celebrate the season with laughter as a mischievous Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller
  • China: Chinese Lion Dancer – Catch a glimpse of this colorful performance that brings good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New Year
  • Italy: La Befana – Listen to the tale of La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who visits sleeping children on the eve of the Epiphany
  • The Odyssey Pavillion: Santa Claus (through December 24) – Enjoy a visit with Santa, who has slipped away from his workshop at the North Pole to bring good cheer to you this holiday season
  • Japan: Daruma Storyteller – Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year! 
  • Between France & Morocco: Hanukkah Storyteller – Join the storyteller Zachary as he shares legends, tells tales and sings songs, highlighting Hanukkah celebrations throughout the world
  • France: Père Noël – Visit with Père Noël and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child
  • United Kingdom: Father Christmas – Join Father Christmas as he rings in the season, sharing the traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer
  • Canada: Canadian Holiday Voyageurs – Explore holiday customs from across the vast regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North

Living With The Land: Glimmering Greenhouses

How do you make one of the best attractions in all of Walt Disney World get even better?

Living with the Land Holidays

You decorate it for the holidays!

Living with the Land gets decked out with Christmas lights and decorations. It is a cute way to add a touch of the season to this beloved classic.

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

Here are where you can find the current holiday-themed Magic Shots at Epcot.

  • Olaf and Sven: Norway Pavilion (available beginning Nov. 25)
sven and olaf holiday magic shot epcot
  • Chip and Dale: all World Showcase locations (available beginning Nov. 25)
chip and dale holiday magic shot epcot
  • Tinker Bell: All World Celebration locations, near World Showcase entrance under Monorail beam, and UK pavilion
epcot christmas magic shot
  • Mickey Gingerbread prop: in front of Christmas tree as you enter World Showcase
mickey gingerbread photopass disney world
  • Winter Confetti: Available at most PhotoPass locations around the park
epcot christmas magic shot
  • Mistletoe: Available at most PhotoPass locations around the park
epcot christmas magic shot
  • Snow Globe: Near World Showcase entrance
epcot christmas magic shot

Hollywood Studios

It is no secret that our favorite park for Christmas is Hollywood Studios.

And, to be honest, we don’t think you can get much more “Christmas” than what you’ll see here.

Decorations

If you want to see a park ALL decked out, head to Hollywood Studios.

Sure, the other parks have decorations, too. But they just can’t compete with Hollywood Studios.

From the giant-sized Lefton figurines:

Hollywood Studios christmas lefton

To the gorgeous wreaths, swags, and trees:

hollywood studios christmas decorations

I mean, how cute is this?!

Hollywood Studios christmas decorations

Plus – you can even find holiday decorations back in Toy Story Land, too!

sugar cookie toy story land christmas

Minnie’s Holiday Dine

Available from early November – early January, you can dine with Minnie Mouse and friends at a “dazzling dinner party filled with holiday cheer”.

Minnie's Holiday Dine

This is an extremely popular reservation – and the only place you can dine with the characters dressed up for the holidays.

Holiday-themed motorcade with Santa

Santa returns in 2022 with a motorcade that includes a candy-apple red convertible and a crew of festive elves.

Santa Motorcade Hollywood Studios

Sunset Season’s Greetings

When the sun goes down, guests will be dazzled by a beautiful projection show on the Tower of Terror.

And, one of the best parts? The entire area gets sprinkled with snow (aka Snoap)!

Sunsset Seasons Greetings

Note: Sunset Season’s Greetings will alternate with the 50th Anniversary Beacon of Magic.

Frozen Sing-Along with holiday finale

The very popular Frozen Ever After Sing-Along gets a seasonal tag during the holidays!

Frozen Sing Along with holiday ending

And, unlike the non-holiday version, this one has Olaf!

What about Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!?

We are sad to say it, but Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will not return for 2022.

Since it hasn’t been shown for several years now, we kind of think it is gone for good. Which is a shame, because it was a nice addition to the holiday season.

jingle bell jingle bam

PhotoPass and Magic Shots

Here are where you can find the current holiday-themed Magic Shots at Hollywood Studios.

  • Snow Globe: along Sunset Boulevard and at Echo Lake
snow globe magic shot
  • Santa’s Naughty or Nice List: near Tailor to the Stars and Keystone Clothiers on Hollywood Boulevard
Santa’s Naughty or Nice List magic shot
  • Tinker Bell: along Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard
tinker bell holiday magic shot
  • Chip & Dale: near Tailor to the Stars and Keystone Clothiers on Hollywood Boulevard and at Echo Lake
chip and dale holiday magic shot
  • Mistletoe: most locations around the park
mistletoe holiday magic shot
  • Winter Confetti: most locations around the park
confetti magic shot

Animal Kingdom

Even animal Kingdom gets in on the holiday fun!

Merry Menagerie

Merry Menagerie is back for 2022!

Merry Menagerie animal kingdom

During the daytime, you’ll be able to see giant artisan-sculpted animal puppets.

And at night, the buildings are framed in gorgeous rooftop luminaries.

Merry Menagerie animal kingdom

Holiday flotillas

The popular flotillas will get a makeover, including favorite characters decked out in festive holiday attire. Here’s what you’ll see:

  • Santa Claus Festive Flotilla
  • Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla
Santa at Animal Kingdom flotilla

Decorations

Animal Kingdom’s decorations are definitely worth checking out. They are different from what you see in the other parks, but their uniqueness is what makes them worth a 2nd look:

Animal Kingdom decorations

Tree of Life Awakenings 

Also returning this year is the holiday-themed version of the Tree of Life Awakenings projections on the Tree of Life.

Tree of life awakenings holiday

This projection show plays intermittently (alternating with the 50th Anniversary Beacon of Magic) starting at sundown.

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

Here are where you can find the current holiday-themed Magic Shots at Animal Kingdom.

  • Mistletoe: most locations around the park
mistletoe holiday magic shot animal kingdom
  • Santa’s Naughty and Nice List: bridge leading from the entrance of the park into Discovery Island and closest photographer to the Tree of Life in Discovery Island
santa's naughty and nice list magic shot animal kingdom
  • Snow Globe: near the Christmas tree near the entrance of the park
snow globe holiday magic shot animal kingdom
  • Tinker Bell: bridge leading from the entrance of the park into Discovery Island
tinker bell holiday magic shot animal kingdom
  • Meeko: bridge leading from the entrance of the park into Discovery Island
meeko holiday magic shot animal kingdom
  • Winter Confetti: most locations around the park
confetti magic shot at animal kingdom

Disney Springs

Christmas Tree Stroll

Do you love a themed Christmas tree? You’re in luck because Disney Springs has a TON of them!

haunted mansion tree disney springs christmas tree stroll

Known as a Christmas Tree Stroll, guests can pick up maps of where to find the trees from several shops around Disney Springs. In 2022, you can get the maps from City Works Eatery & Pour House, Planet Hollywood, UNIQLO, The BOATHOUSE, and Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers.

2022 disney springs christmas stroll tree map locations

Click on the maps below for a closer look.

disney springs christmas tree stroll 2022 map
disney springs christmas tree stroll 2022 map

You can also find the trees on the map in the My Disney Experience app.

Snowfall

Let it snow! Disney Springs gets in on the snoap (aka fake snow) action, with flurries taking place each evening through Dec. 30 around the Town Center area of Disney Springs.

disney springs snowman holiday decoration

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

And, don’t forget Jock Lindsey’s! Once again for 2022 they will get a special holiday-themed menu plus lots of fun decorations.

jock lindsey's holiday bar disney springs

Santa

What would Christmas be without Santa?

In 2022 you can find him at Once Upon a Toy.

santa claus once upon a toy disney springs

Here’s how the virtual queue for Santa works:

Using your phone, you’ll join a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app to meet Santa Claus.

Open the app, click the three lines at the bottom right of the screen, select “Virtual Queues,” tap “Join Virtual Queue,” and then go to the “Disney Springs” tab to join the queue.

Important: You can either join starting at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., or 6 p.m and you must be at Disney Springs to do so.

santa virtual queue disney springs

Other Entertainment

DJs will play music at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage during the day and at night. There will also be performers in the evenings, including toy soldier stilt-walkers and snowflake skaters.

advent health waterside stage disney springs

Food & Beverages

There are, of course, several locations to purchase limited-time, holiday treats.

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

  • Christmas Present: Disney PhotoPass Studio
christmas present photopass studio
  • Mistletoe: in front of Christmas tree in Town Center
mistletoe magic shot disney springs
  • Winter Confetti: Disney PhotoPass Studio
winter confetti disney springs photopass studio
  • Christmas Gift: Disney PhotoPass Studio
christmas gift disney photopass studio disney springs
  • Holiday Props: Disney PhotoPass Studio
christmas photo disney springs photopass studio
  • Joy Prop: in front of Christmas tree in Town Center
joy prop disney springs magic shot
  • White Mickey Wreath and Holiday Background: Disney PhotoPass Studio
mickey wreath disney springs photopass photo studio
  • Mickey Bokeh Lights: in front of Christmas tree in Town Center
  • Sven and Olaf: Disney PhotoPass Studio
sven and olaf disney springs photopass studio
  • Holiday Sweater Background: Disney PhotoPass Studio
disney christmas flannel background disney springs
  • Santa’s Workshop Background: Disney PhotoPass Studio
santa's workshop background disney springs photopass studio

Blizzard Beach

In 2022, Blizzard Beach gets in on the holiday action, too!

Swimming in December may not sound fun, but rest assured, the heated waters of Blizzard Beach are the perfect place to cool off on warm December days.

tropical santa blizzard beach

And for the holidays, you can expect this already festive winter wonderland to get even a little bit more into the spirit!

Here’s some of what you can expect:

  • holiday-themed treats
  • “snow” fall
  • festive inner tubes for the lazy river
  • chance to meet a tropical-dressed Santa

Resort Christmas Decorations & Gingerbread Houses

All the resorts get in on the action complete with gorgeous holiday decorations themed to the resort and festive drinks, sweets, and treats.

While all resorts (including the Values and Moderates) are decorated for the holidays, it is the Deluxe-level resorts that really go all out. We highly recommend you take some time to explore them if you can. In fact, during the middle of the day when the parks are at their busiest is a great time to check them out.

If you are looking to do a resort tour, here are some of our favorites. These pictures are from 2021, but we will update with 2022 images as soon as the resorts get their decorations up.

Monorail Resorts

  • Grand Floridian: Giant, life-size gingerbread house packed with tons of details. You can purchase smaller versions and gingerbread ornaments to take home with you.
2021 grand floridian gingerbread house

Oh, and there’s even a “Gingerbread House Menu,” where you can order festive treats!

grand floridian gingerbread house 2021 menu
  • Contemporary Resort: Not only does the Contemporary Resort have a GIANT tree, they have an adorable gingerbread house (done in the style of Mary Blair), too!
contemporary gingerbread house 2022
  • Polynesian Resort: Gorgeous tree and garland filled with flowers, shells, and pineapples.
polynesian village resort christmas tree

Boardwalk Area Resorts

  • Beach Club: Life-size spinning carousel made of gingerbread. The 2022 theme celebrates the Disney Princesses.
gingerbread little mermaid carousel display at disney's beach club resort
gingerbread little mermaid carousel display at disney's beach club resort
  • Yacht Club: Fun holiday village and miniature train.
Yacht Club miniature train
  • Boardwalk: One of our favorite lobbies with a gorgeous tree and tons of garland. Plus, they typically have a miniature gingerbread display of the Boardwalk.
Boardwalk lobby christmas

Wilderness Lodge & Ft. Wilderness

  • Wilderness Lodge: Fan favorite known for its decorations. The lobby here is always stunning, but it is especially gorgeous during the holidays
Wilderness lodge at christmas
  • Ft. Wilderness: The only place you can book a holiday “sleigh” ride! The cost is $75 plus tax per ride, and the sleigh fits up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

  • Animal Kingdom Lodge: Not only will you find an extremely unique tree (that is absolutely gorgeous), but you’ll also find a life-sized baby giraffe and baby zebra – both made from gingerbread!

PhotoPass & Magic Shots

  • Grand Floridian
grand floridian gingerbread house magic shot
grand floridian christmas magic shot
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge
animal kingdom lodge christmas magic shot
mistletoe magic shot animal kingdom lodge
  • Wilderness Lodge
wilderness lodge christmas magic shot
sven and olaf magic shot wilderness lodge
  • Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge
winter confetti magic shot disney world hotels

Special holiday tours

Unfortunately, the 2 holiday tours typically found this time of the year – the Yuletide Fantasy Tour and the Holiday D-Lights Tour, weren’t held in 2021. No word yet on 2022.

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Related News
Felicia Goodwin

christine lynch

Monday 29th of October 2018

Do you know any details on the ultimate Christmas package Disney has going on for Dec 17 2018 for 5 nights. Particularly what it means to have exclusive access to Toy Story Land and Animal Kingdom? Wondering if I will be able to get on the rides easily without fast passes during this time. Especially because if I book now, no fast passes for Slinky or Flights of passage are available.

Cheryl

Thursday 30th of August 2018

Hi guys, We have an ADR at Hollywood Vine for Nov 6. WDW site says this will still be Halloween Minnie and friends, but it looks like Jingle bell jingle bam will begin that evening. Do you think Minnie and friends will be geared up for Christmas, or would they possibly be still Halloween? Anyone else every been to WDW during this transitional week and have any advice for seeing a bit of both worlds? Thanks in advance!

Cherie

Wednesday 25th of October 2017

Any idea when the gingerbread house decorating classes are at the Grand Floridian? Or when exactly Mickey and Minnie in the Victorian Christmas costumes are available for pictures at the Grand Flo?

Brandon

Wednesday 30th of November 2016

We are heading to WDW Jan 4th-9th for the Marathon Weekend. Will Christmas decorations and the castle lights still be up?

Lauren

Saturday 22nd of October 2016

Hello! I was planning my trip for next year around the last week of October and the first week of November. I was wondering if In that week in November the parks will still be decorated for Halloween or Christmas? Thanks so much!

jodi goulding

Thursday 17th of November 2016

not christmas

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