The holiday season at Walt Disney World is a magical time of year. From the twinkling lights on Cinderella’s Castle to the enchanting holiday parades, there’s no shortage of festive cheer. But one question many visitors have is: How long does Disney World Christmas last?
Disney World Christmas typically begins in early November and lasts until the first week of January. The holiday decorations and entertainment usually start from November 11 and remain up until early January. However, the busiest days, with peak attendance, are typically the last 10 days of December.
The Duration of Disney World Christmas
Disney World Christmas typically begins in early November and lasts until the first week of January. In 2023, the Christmas season officially kicks off at Walt Disney World on November 11. The holiday decorations usually stay up until early January. Entertainment concludes at the end of December, but decorations remain until the second week of January. Decorations in all of the parks and at the resorts typically start coming down during the first week in January, and they are usually completely gone after the Disney Marathon Weekend, which takes place from January 3 to 7, 2024.
Special Events and Attractions
During Disney World Christmas, there are several specific events and attractions to enjoy. Some of the highlights include:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: A special event held at Magic Kingdom on select nights from November 9 to December 22, 2023.
- Disney Jollywood Nights: A new separately ticketed nighttime holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offered on 10 select nights from November 11 to December 20, 2023.
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot: A traditional event featuring a celebrity narrator, choir, and orchestra presenting the story of Christmas.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: A seasonal event inspired by cultures near and far, running from November 24 through December 30, 2023.
- Jingle Cruise: A holiday-themed version of the Jungle Cruise attraction.
- Special enhancements to attractions like Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Monsters Inc Laugh Floor.
These events and attractions, along with festive decorations, food, and entertainment, make Disney World a magical place to visit during the Christmas season.
Parades and Shows
Disney World hosts special parades and shows during the Christmas season. One of the main events is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, which is presented as part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, offered on select nights from November 9 to December 22. During Magic Kingdom’s peak week from December 23 to December 31, the parade steps off twice daily, and other holiday entertainment like the castle stage show ‘Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration’ and ‘Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks’ take place during regular park hours for all guests.
Special Packages and Deals
There are special packages and deals available for visitors during the Disney World Christmas season. Some of the offers include a 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket for $99 per day, plus tax; up to $1,000 on a Disney Dining Promo Card with a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort Hotels; and discounts of up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels during the holiday season. Annual Passholders and Disney+ subscribers can also avail of special discounts.
Busiest Days
During the Christmas season, the busiest days at Disney World are typically the last 10 days of December, with every single day seeing peak attendance and high numbers on the crowd calendar. Starting no later than December 21, 2023, you can expect a solid string of 10/10 dates, making it the busiest stretch of the year at Walt Disney World.
In conclusion, Disney World’s Christmas celebration is longer in duration compared to other holiday celebrations like Halloween. The Christmas season offers a wide range of events, decorations, and festive experiences, making it a popular time to visit the parks. Be sure to plan ahead and make the most of your holiday visit to Disney World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours during the Disney World Christmas season?
The operating hours vary by park and day of the week. Typically, Magic Kingdom opens at 9 AM and closes at 9 PM; Epcot opens at 11 AM and closes at 9 PM; Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens at 10 AM and closes at 8 PM; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM. These hours are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the official Disney World website or app for the most accurate information.
Are the Christmas events and attractions included in the regular admission ticket?
Some of the special Christmas events, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, require a separate ticket in addition to regular park admission. However, many of the holiday-themed attractions and entertainment are included with regular park admission.
Is there a special Christmas meal or dining experience available?
Yes, there are several holiday-themed dining experiences available during the Disney World Christmas season. These include Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine, where you can enjoy a festive meal with Minnie Mouse and her friends, and the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages at Epcot, which include a meal at a select Epcot restaurant and guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional.
Can I see the Christmas decorations if I visit in early November or early January?
Yes, the holiday decorations are typically up from early November until the second week of January. However, keep in mind that specific decorations and entertainment may vary as the season progresses.
Are there any special holiday merchandise available during the Christmas season?
Yes, Disney World releases a variety of special holiday-themed merchandise during the Christmas season, including apparel, ornaments, home decor, and collectibles. These items can be found at various shops throughout the parks and resorts.
