Holidays at Disney World 2025: Christmas Lights, Festive Fun and More

In case you didn’t hear, there is a ton in store for this holiday season across Walt Disney World for kids, parents, grandparents and anyone looking to stir up some joyful fun. Whether you’re looking for a perfect late-night event at Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or looking to explore traditions from around the world during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, there’s plenty to experience across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, Disney Resorts Collection hotels, and so much more during this holly and jolly time.

From November 14 through December 31, 2025, get ready to deck the halls as Walt Disney World comes to life with Christmas decor, themed food and beverage items, characters in festive outfits, special holiday entertainment, new holiday merchandise across Disney World and so much more.  

Holiday Foodies and Christmas Tree Lovers, Read On: Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming 2025 holiday season at Disney World and how to make the most of your cheerful visit. 

Dreaming of a perfect Disney Christmas? As soon as guests pass through the Magic Kingdom park gates and have a clear view of Cinderella Castle from Main Street, U.S.A., guests will realize they are in the perfect spot to check off the holiday items on their personal bucket list. 

This year, guests can join “Frozen” friends from Arendelle as Olaf and over 100 of his snowgie siblings add garlands, ornaments, wreaths and more to Cinderella Castle during the “Frozen Holiday Surprise.”  

With appearances from Anna, Kristoff, and a magical moment from Elsa as she transforms Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystallized palace, this show is a dazzling nighttime experience that guests won’t want to miss.  

Looking to see even more magic from Elsa during the holidays? Catch her and many other Disney characters in the new “Disney Starlight” parade, available twice each night (subject to cancellation). Please note that the parade will not be available on evenings Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but the parade will continue throughout the holiday season — after all, the cold never bothered us anyway.

Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic holiday picture spots across Walt Disney World, with plenty of beautiful areas to snap a photo worthy of a Christmas card.  

With jolly holiday trimmings and touches along Main Street, U.S.A. and throughout the park, guests can smile, snap, and share their perfect photos along a bright and merry Main Street and at other iconic Disney World locations such as Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion throughout their multi-day vacation. 

The world-famous Jingle Cruise returns in 2025 for a festive-yet-familiar adventure, as a trusty skipper expertly navigates guests through some of the world’s most treacherous waters. Guests may hear and see plenty of holiday-themed gags along their 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey that goes on for Niles and Niles and Niles, so make sure to keep a close ear as your skipper guides you through the jungle with a boat full of pun-filled fun. 

Yet the fun starts as soon as guests enter the queue. Before boarding your canopied tramp steamer, you’ll see that the skippers have also decorated the loading area with plenty of lights, sights, and sounds for the holidays. Look out for some hidden details throughout your wait time — you never know what you’ll discover next about the shenanigans happening each day at the Jungle Navigation Company. 

With fan-favorite snacks from around the world, entertainment that is sure to put a smile on your face and attractions that delight time and time again, EPCOT is the ultimate family destination for guests staying at Disney World this winter. Bells will be ringing and choirs will be singing, so make sure to bring your cameras (and your appetite) when you pass through the entrance of this cheerful park. 

From November 28 through December 30, 2025, travel around EPCOT for seasonal offerings and good times at the International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.  

During this time, experience the spirited “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,” a concert series that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and Kwanzaa. Holiday hits are performed by Central Florida group D’Vine Voices in an upbeat mix of music styles including gospel, jazz, and R&B. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes. 

Inside The American Adventure Pavilion, the Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers are dressed in signature Victorian attire, delighting guests with holiday tunes.

Witness a retelling of the nativity story at the popular Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre, held nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. With celebrity narrators bringing the story of Christmas to life onstage, seating is first-come, first-served and often fills up fast during this popular performance, so plan ahead and make it a priority on your visit if you want to experience this stunning show. This year’s line-up of celebrity narrators was just announced, full of returning favorites and new faces. 

Part of the charming allure of World Showcase during this time of the year are the Holiday Storytellers, sharing festive traditions and bringing holiday tales to life in their respective countries. Here’s some unique stories and performers you can expect to see during your visit this winter: 

All EPCOT lovers have one thing in common: they all love trying the unique food and drink options across the park! Whether you are someone who starts their journey around World Showcase in Canada or Mexico, there are so many items to pick out and enjoy during your next visit to the park. 

This year, the Holiday Kitchens across EPCOT are making a return for Festival of the Holidays with heartwarming recipes and festive flavors from around the world. For loyal fans of our Foodie Guides, you can now explore the food & beverage that will be available during the festival.

Are visions of cookies and gingerbread dancing in your head? If so, you’ll be happy to know that the Holiday Cookie Stroll returns this season, with favorites like the Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs, and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt returns this year, which sends guests on a jolly journey to locate Olaf in 13 different spots throughout EPCOT.   

Guests can purchase a map and stickers, available at select festival merchandise locations. Your quest? Find holiday traditions that Olaf has discovered in every pavilion. Once you have them all, you can visit Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to redeem a gift that’s worth melting for.

During Festival of the Holidays, the classic attraction Living with the Land transforms into a glittering greenhouse tour, featuring sparkling Christmas lights and dazzling decor, sure to fill guests of all ages with childlike wonder and awe.

This relaxing and educational tour through a glittering greenhouse is a perfect escape from a fun-filled day full of holiday hijinks, showcasing the incredible work of Disney World plant scientists and their innovative growing techniques and technologies.

During the festival, CommuniCore Hall will be the ultimate destination for holiday cheer as it transforms into a festive wonderland complete with a chance to meet Santa Claus! Whether you know him as St. Nick, Père Noël, or Father Christmas, Santa will be ready to greet you and your family with a smile and a hearty “ho-ho-ho.”

CommuniCore Hall will also be home to a stunning Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display that’s a must-see centerpiece of the festival. While you’re there, don’t miss the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, a dazzling light show happening every 15 minutes.

The Odyssey will be decked with festive delights that make every visit feel like a celebration. Step into Glittering Grove presented by Balsam Hill, where a breathtaking display of faux trees creates a winter wonderland of shimmering lights and elegant ornaments that are perfect for your holiday photos.

Nearby, you can spot Santa Goofy ready to spread laughter and cheer in his holiday best. This whimsical character greeting adds a playful twist to the season. For more information, be sure to check the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays entertainment webpage.

Whether you are listening to “Cool Yule” as you stroll down Sunset Boulevard, finding the perfect toy inside Mickey’s of Hollywood or stopping by Echo Lake to take a holiday picture with Gertie, Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings the perfect amount of touching holiday charm to your multi-day trip to Walt Disney World in 2025. 

As night falls, experience the return of “Sunset Seasons Greetings” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with nightly holiday projections.  

Get ready to play the music and light the lights each evening, as holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” 

Once entering the Hyperion Theater, guests can drift over to their seat and listen as the Royal Historians of Arendelle recount the frosty story of their enchanted kingdom. Watch closely as thrilling moments from the movie play on-screen and cheer as Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff appear to sing along with the audience. 

With projected lyrics making it easy for young kids to sing along, witness a flurry of stories, celebratory songs of the season and an unforgettable holiday finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. 

Beautiful, vintage decor is adorned everywhere throughout Hollywood Studios, including Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, and more. However, for an up-close way to spot some fun decor and meet some of your favorite toys, step into the world of Andy’s backyard and head to Toy Story Land to find larger-than-life seasonal decorations and friends dressed in seasonal attire.  

Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear are dressed up in their holiday best during this time of the year, so make sure to swing by, take a picture fit for a holiday card and say “hey, howdy, hey” to your favorite toys! 

Spot Minnie Mouse and friends at Hollywood & Vine during Minnie’s Holiday Dine, which hosts sensational soirees that mix festive music, decor, and tantalizing menu items. Guests of all ages can celebrate the holidays with additional Disney Characters perfectly dressed for the season, while munching on great dishes.  

Selections include oven-roasted herbed chicken, carved beef tenderloin, seared salmon, spice-rubbed pork loin, and a plant-based roasted mushroom-farro risotto. Make sure to save room for some showstopping desserts as well, including seasonal bread pudding, Mississippi mud pie, and more. 

Walt Disney Presents is shining for the season with a brand-new holiday installation celebrating favorite Disney stories.

Guests can explore festive displays featuring props and artifacts from beloved films like Noelle, Babes in Toyland, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Santa Clause. Plus, the attraction’s theater will take on a seasonal twist with a limited-time experience, showcasing “Holiday Shorts” including Walt Disney’s On Ice, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and The Art of Skiing starring Goofy.

Looking to take a festive journey on the wild side this holiday season? Whether you’re looking to careen through snow-capped Himalayan peaks on a speeding train while avoiding the mythic Yeti on Expedition Everest or stick to more traditional holiday activities like greeting Disney characters in festive attire, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has something in store for guests of all ages during the upcoming holiday season. 

For a truly enchanting holiday experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom amidst beautiful holiday decor, artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals come to life around Discovery Island during the Merry Menagerie. Kids and families alike can spot penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears, setting up the perfect photo opportunity for your yearly holiday card. 

In addition, original artwork from artist Rob Kaz will be available at Island Mercantile in Discovery Island throughout the holiday season. Kaz will also greet guests inside Island Mercantile from November 1 through November 20, so make sure to swing by to see his beautiful Disney-themed artwork. 

A dazzling visual display full of bright colors and animated imagery, the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition” lights up Animal Kingdom as the majestic centerpiece of the park comes to life on nights when the park is open after dark in Discovery Island.  

Accompanied by a series of wintry tales and a heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score, this holiday evening experience is sure to delight and inspire your whole family tree. The show begins after dark each night and occurs approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes, so make sure to catch a quick peek before heading back to your hotel after a long day of fun. 

At Adventurers Outpost, meet and pose for a photo with world travelers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at their exploration headquarters, dressed in their best holiday outfits. The globetrotting couple is preparing for their next grand expedition, so make sure to snap a postcard-perfect picture to send to all your friends and family. 

Looking for a place to check off all the boxes on your little one’s Christmas list? Disney Springs is the place to be to find classic Disney merchandise, souvenirs, and trends from some of the world’s most popular brands during the holidays, as well as world-class restaurants, casual eateries, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and unforgettable late-night fun for adults. 

Disney Springs is the perfect spot for holiday shopping, alongside dazzling decorations and the popular Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Discover a wide collection of extravagantly decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs, including elaborately themed Christmas trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars favorites. 

Want to know about one of our favorite trees returning this year? Check out the returning Haunted Mansion-inspired tree featuring musical instruments, candlesticks, and more — happy haunting and happy holidays! 

For even more fun once you’re done searching for your favorite tree, make sure to also check out the magical nightly snowfall in the Town Center. Yes, even central Florida gets in on the wintry fun during this sensational time. 

As the story goes, Indiana Jones and his easygoing pilot Jock Lindsey stumbled on Disney Springs in 1938 while chasing down a mythology-based tip in central Florida. Before long, this home base became a popular stopover and watering hole for world travelers and locals alike, full of dusty mementos of glorious holidays gone by. Today, thrill-seeking families soak up the rugged charm of Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, with its spare airplane parts, salvaged equipment and plenty of holiday decorations. 

Looking for a peek behind the curtain at the offerings this year? This winter, the bar will serve up select seasonal bites, brews, and libations for guests looking for a joyful time in between shopping at World of Disney and catching a new film at the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres. 

In addition to the world-class retail and dining locations, guests visiting Disney Springs will be surrounded by a winter wonderland full of toy soldier stilt walkers, snowflake rollerbladers, a holiday drum line, and a brass band playing holiday tunes.  

On select nights, guests may be able to listen to a rotating lineup of regional and local bands play live tunes on first-come, first-served seating at the Waterside Stage, while being a quick stroll away from a variety of grab-and-go snacks. With a warm coffee from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company in one hand and some cheesy, melty goodness from The Daily Poutine in the other, this is the place to be on a chilly night surrounded by good friends and lively music. 

On your visit, make sure to stop by Disney’s Days of Christmas and World of Disney, where you can find a wide range of cheerful holiday collections.

In between his busy schedule, Santa Claus will also swing by each of the four theme parks across Walt Disney World to meet guests on the nice list this holiday season. To put the bow on top, Santa Claus will also be stopping by Disney Springs through December 24, where you can take festive photos and share holiday wishes with jolly old St. Nick.  

For specific times and locations to meet Santa on your next visit, visit My Disney Experience before he heads back to the North Pole. 

With more than 25 Disney Resort hotels to choose from in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are plenty of ways to make this holiday season special for you and your loved ones. With special offers, stunning decor, and countless moments of joy, there’s so much to see and do at each of the Disney Resort hotels during the holiday season.  

Looking to take Instagram-worthy pictures with Christmas trees, joyful decorations, and incredible gingerbread displays? Or are you looking for a place to exchange gifts with family members while soaking in the sounds of peaceful holiday music and smelling the sweet aroma of gingerbread? For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resort hotels offer a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor, with several hotels offering state-of-the-art gingerbread displays to see.

Many Disney Resort Hotels offer themed food and beverage items during the holiday season, such as special holiday gingerbread treats. For even more details on where to get delightful and wintry drinks as well as hearty snacks, make sure to be on the lookout for Disney Eats updates on the Disney Parks Blog and @DisneyParks on social channels. 

Maybe you are someone like me who loves to enjoy a tropical Christmas celebration at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or maybe you prefer to check out a seaside holiday by the shore at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. No matter what your ideal vacation looks like, there’s something in store for kids, parents and grandparents alike to play and plan the holiday vacation of their dreams in 2025. 

Looking to celebrate the best time of the year in a Disney Resort hotel with plenty of benefits including 30 minutes of early theme park entry and, for guests of Disney Deluxe Resort hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas, extended evening park hours?* Friends and families can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, while also receiving up to a $100 Walt Disney World Resort Dining & Shopping Card when adding four-day (or longer!) standard theme park tickets to their stay.

This offer is available to book starting July 10 for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights October 12-November 20, 2025, and most nights November 23-December 25, 2025. Visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers to get offer details. 

Whether you’re from California, New York, Texas or even just down the street, get ready to dash through the snow as you laugh and play all the way to Disney World this winter. There’s plenty of fun to be had as you ride your favorite attraction and sing your favorite Disney song this holiday season, so make sure to check your list twice and start planning now. 

For more information, be sure to check out DisneyWorld.com/Holidays and follow along on the Disney Parks Blog for even more holiday content coming soon. Happy holidays! 

_{*Valid theme park admission required for park entry.}