How To Celebrate The Holidays At Disney World

The most magical time of year meets the most magical place on earth beginning Nov. 8. That’s right, the holiday season will officially begin at Walt Disney World.

The Orlando, Florida theme park will officially kick off its holiday events on Friday, setting in motion more than a month of festive activities throughout all four parks. For everyone who is going to be spending some of the holiday season with Mickey and Minnie, there is so much to see and do that will make their visit extra special. Here’s everything you can do at the parks this season.

Animal Kingdom:

• Tree of Life Awakenings: The Tree of Life, which serves as the focal point of the park, will unveil a new wintry themed light show that will take place each night beginning at dark and occurring approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes for the evening.
• Other entertainment will also be available on Discovery Island and at Adventurers Outpost. The Asia section of the park will also feature décor to celebrate Diwali. Holiday festivities and décor can also be found at Pongu Pongu drink stand, located in Pandora—The World of Avatar.

Epcot:

• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: Beginning on Nov. 29, this event will ring in the holiday season with food, music and traditions from around the globe and starring the 11 nations that make up the World Showcase Pavilion: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The United States, Japan, Morocco, France, The United Kingdom and Canada.
• Candlelight Processional: Also beginning Nov. 29, this show will kick off the festivities by telling the story of Christmas (presented by a celebrity narrator) and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a choir.

Hollywood Studios:

• Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!: This amazing show will feature projections, traditional holiday tunes and stories from beloved characters, laser effects, fireworks, a little “snow” and even some scenes from favorite movies like “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Magic Kingdom:

• Mickey’s Verry Merry Christmas Party: This event requires a separate ticket for admission (starting at $99), but is worth the extra cost. Taking place from 7 pm-midnight on select nights throughout November and December (Nov. 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 and 24 as well as Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 and 22), there is a lot to unpack in this particular event. Not only will select attractions be open, but there will be holiday-themed event-exclusive treats that can be purchased, and more character experiences, including a special potential appearance by Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, Scrooge McDuck and Santa Claus himself.
• A new fireworks show, titled Minnie’s Most Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, will also debut and take place during event nights. Other shows that will occur will be Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. A Frozen Holiday Wish will also be performed and see Queen Elsa transform Cinderella’s Castle with glistening ice.
• In addition, those attending can also visit Club Tinsel at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café if they’re feeling a bit of a dance party atmosphere.