Holidays at Disney World 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Magic

From the sparkling Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom to the fragrant gingerbread displays at Disney Resort hotels – here’s everything you need to know to plan a joyful, memory‑making holiday trip to Walt Disney World this year.

Cinderella Castle with vibrant projections, surrounded by fireworks in a night sky, creating a festive and magical atmosphere.

Magic Kingdom: Classic Disney Christmas

Frozen Holiday Surprise
Experience winter magic as Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and over 100 snowgies deck out Cinderella Castle in glimmering ice crystal décor.
Disney Starlight Parade
This new nighttime parade debuts July 20 and continues nightly through the season—except on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights.
Holiday Photo Ops
Don’t miss iconic Christmas backdrops on Main Street, by Cinderella Castle, and near favorites like Space Mountain and TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Jingle Cruise
Prepare for pun-filled, tropical humor aboard a festively decked-out riverboat ride with fun skipper jokes!

Four people smiling and eating at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

EPCOT: Festival of the Holidays

November 28 – December 30, 2025

Wander the World Showcase for seasonal eats, cultural entertainment, and holiday traditions from around the globe:

JOYFUL! Celebration of the Season – Uptown live music with powerhouse vocalists.
Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers – Victorian-era caroling inside American Adventure.
Candlelight Processional – A dramatic nativity story narrated by celebrities nightly at 5:00, 6:45, & 8:15 p.m. (Seating fills fast—arrive early!)
Holiday Storytellers – Including Las Posadas (Mexico), La Befana (Italy), Père Noël (France), and more.

Holiday Kitchens & Cookie Stroll

Grab unique worldwide bites at Festival Kitchens and collect tasty stamps on your Holiday Cookie Stroll—don’t miss the Coffee‑Mocha Cookie topped with espresso beans!

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

Find Olaf in 13 hidden spots across World Showcase and redeem your prize at Creations Shop or World Traveler.

Living with the Land Holiday Edition

Relax under twinkling lights in a greenhouse ride showcasing Disney horticultural artistry.

Festive scene with a large, colorful Christmas tree and a lit ship at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Studios: Cinematic Holiday Charm 🎬

Sunset Seasons Greetings
Watch the iconic Tower transform into festive scenes from The Muppets, Toy Story, Arendelle, and a Dickensian holiday town.
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Join Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf in a sing-along movie experience filled with holiday joy.
Holiday Toy Story Land
Take toy-sized photos with Woody, Jessie, and Buzz in festive outfits amid seasonal décor.
Minnie’s Holiday Dine
Meet Minnie and friends at Hollywood & Vine in their seasonal best, complete with music, décor, and a festive menu.

Children laugh while interacting with costumed entertainers and penguin puppets in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom: Nature-Infused Holidays

Merry Menagerie
Live artisanal puppets of polar animals (penguins, foxes, polar bears) roam Discovery Island—perfect for photos.
Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition
Every 10 minutes at night, catch a festive projection show set to heartwarming music.
Holiday Adventurers Outpost
Meet Mickey & Minnie dressed as globe-trotting explorers in their festive best.

Couple takes a selfie by a festive tree, surrounded by people and faux snow at Disney Springs. Joyful mood, colorful lights, and costumed performers in background.

Disney Springs: Shopping & Nighttime Magic

Christmas Tree Stroll
Stroll through enchanting, themed trees—like the Haunted Mansion-inspired tree—and capture magical moments.
Evening Snowfall
Yes, even Central Florida gets snowy fun in Disney Springs Town Center!
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar
Enjoy themed cocktails, bites, and travel-inspired décor in this adventurous outdoor space.
Festive Entertainment
Catch toy soldier stilt walkers, snowflake rollerbladers, drumlines, a brass band, and live music at Waterside Stage—grab a coffee from Joffrey’s and a cheesy poutine snack!

A woman and two kids pose happily with Donald Duck in front of a large decorated Christmas tree inside a festively lit room.

Resort Hotels: Gingerbread, Cheer & Atmosphere

Marvel at larger-than-life gingerbread houses, festive trees, and holiday décor across Disney Resort hotels.
Savor seasonal treats like gingerbread pastries at select lounges and bakeries.
Experience diverse holiday vibes—tropical at Polynesian Village or seaside charm at BoardWalk Inn.

Don’t Forget: Visits with Santa!

Santa Claus will be available for festive photos and visits at all four parks through December 24, and at Disney Springs as well. Check My Disney Experience for up-to-date times and locations.

A joyful family poses with a Goofy, with a Christmas tree in the background. Everyone is smiling and festive.

So Why Should You Experience the Holidays at Walt Disney World?

If you and your family are craving heartwarming moments, cultural exploration, cinematic magic, or just gleeful fun, Disney World comes alive for the holidays. It’s about traditions—whether lighting up Cinderella Castle, indulging in spiced treats, or singing carols with Disney characters.

Ready to Plan the Most Magical Holiday Yet?

Need help deciding which park to hit first or finding the perfect resort for your family? Reach out to your Whimsical Wishes Travel Advisor, or click here to get started. We’ll help you create a holly-jolly itinerary you’ll treasure for years to come!