Soak Up the Season: Must-See Holiday Highlights at Walt Disney World® Resort

November 1, 2025

Holiday magic feels even more special under sunny skies and swaying palms. In Orlando, the season comes alive with glowing lights, lively parades, and music floating through warm evenings. Snowflakes may be rare, but the holiday spirit shines bright with tropical cheer. It is the kind of place where you can sing carols in flip flops and still feel all the wonder of the season.

At the center of it all, Walt Disney World® Resort delivers holiday fun that is nothing short of magical. From nostalgic traditions to over-the-top spectaculars, each park sprinkles in its own special blend of seasonal joy.

It’s time to soak up the sunshine, slip on your flip flops, and see what Walt Disney World® Resort has up its sleeve this holiday season.

Magic Kingdom® Park: A Classic with a Tropical Twist

Main Street U.S.A. glows with wreaths, garlands, and shimmering lights, while gentle “snow” drifts through the warm Florida air. The whole park feels like a holiday postcard come to life, with Cinderella Castle sparkling at the center of it all.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Celebrate with endless holiday cheer as the park transforms into a winter playground complete with cookies, cocoa, parades, fireworks, and character meet and greets. The highlight comes when Elsa lights up Cinderella Castle, creating a frosty glow that feels magical in the Florida night air.

The Jingle Cruise: The Jungle Cruise® takes on a festive flair with holiday decorations scattered along the riverbanks and skippers delivering pun filled seasonal jokes. It is equal parts adventure and holiday comedy, making every boat ride full of laughter and cheer.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios®: Glitz, Glam & Peppermint Fun

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® rolls out the red carpet for the season, dressing the park in retro sparkle and golden age glamour. With jazzy music in the air and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ shining in holiday style, it feels like stepping into a festive film set where every corner brings a new surprise.

Disney Jollywood Nights: Step into a holiday party inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, complete with live music, stylish shows, and dazzling projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel that shimmer with seasonal sparkle.
Toy Story Land® Holidays: Woody, Buzz, and Jessie deck out their world with oversized ornaments, festive tunes, and cheerful décor that make the land feel extra merry.
Frozen Sing Along Celebration: The popular show gets a special holiday finale filled with jolly songs and plenty of wintry cheer, making it a perfect seasonal treat for fans of Arendelle.
Holiday Dining with Mickey and Friends: Sit down at Hollywood and Vine where Mickey, Minnie, and friends greet you in their holiday best while you enjoy a festive buffet filled with flavors worth savoring.

EPCOT®: Holidays Around the World

EPCOT® turns into a holiday tour across the globe, with each pavilion sharing traditions, treats, and performances that bring the season to life. From candlelit concerts to festive kitchens, the park feels like a passport to winter celebrations sprinkled with Disney magic.

EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays: Wander pavilion to pavilion and sample festive bites, sip seasonal beverages, and enjoy live entertainment that shares the stories and flavors of winter celebrations across the globe.
Candlelight Processional: Experience a moving retelling of the Christmas story as a celebrity narrator leads a choir and orchestra in a performance that fills the night with soaring music and heartfelt tradition.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: Enjoy a lively showcase of gospel, R&B, and holiday music that brings soulful energy to the park’s festive atmosphere.
Glimmering Greenhouses: Ride through Living with the Land as its greenhouses come alive with twinkling holiday lights and festive décor, transforming the attraction into a glowing holiday garden.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: Wild and Wonderful Celebrations

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park brings its own unique spin to the holidays, filling the park with festive décor, creative entertainment, and a touch of seasonal magic. From daytime fun to evening spectacles, the park blends its adventurous spirit with plenty of holiday cheer.

Merry Menagerie: Meet life-sized artisan puppets of polar bears, penguins, and other winter animals as they dance, stroll, and interact with guests on Discovery Island®. Each encounter feels whimsical and heartwarming.
Tree of Life® Awakenings: As evening falls, the Tree of Life® becomes a canvas for stunning holiday-themed projections, transforming the park’s iconic symbol into a glowing masterpiece of light and music.
Festive Meet and Greets: Stop by to see Mickey and Minnie in explorer outfits that feature playful holiday accents. Pose for a photo, share a laugh, and let the festive spirit add to the memories.

Disney Springs®: Shopping, Sipping and Santa

Disney Springs® buzzes with holiday energy as twinkling lights reflect off the water and themed Christmas trees line the paths. From festive cocktails to endless shopping and Santa meet and greets, it is the perfect place to wrap up your evening with seasonal cheer.

Christmas Tree Stroll: Stroll through a forest of beautifully themed Christmas trees, each decorated with creativity and personality, from princess-inspired displays to Star Wars designs.
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar: Settle in at this aviation-themed hangout that transforms for the season with quirky holiday décor, twinkling lights, and playful cocktails crafted just for winter.
Meet Santa and Holiday Shopping: Snap a photo with Santa, then explore shops filled with festive treasures, including Disney ornaments, stockings, and tropical décor that add island flair to your celebrations.

Tips for Smooth Sailing Holiday Fun

A holiday trip to Walt Disney World® Resort is packed with excitement, so a few simple tricks can help keep the vibes easygoing and carefree. Think of these as your island-inspired travel hacks for making the most of the season without breaking a sweat.

Book Early: Secure event tickets, dining reservations, and park passes in advance since the holiday season fills up quickly.
Arrive in the Morning: Cooler weather and lighter crowds make it easier to enjoy rides, parades, and seasonal entertainment.
Dress in Layers: Florida winter can shift from cool mornings to warm afternoons, so layered clothing keeps you comfortable.
Use Disney Genie+ Service & Mobile Ordering: Skip the lines for rides and food so you spend more time celebrating and less time waiting.
Take Breaks: Relax in shaded spots, sip some water, and enjoy the music and décor at a slower pace to keep the holiday magic stress free.

Head Back to Margaritaville Cottages and Villas

After a day filled with lights, shows, and holiday wonder, your private cottage or villa offers the perfect retreat. Stretch out in your spacious living room, sip something festive on your patio, or lounge by the pool under palm trees.

Enjoying your stay is effortless with the Enhance Your Stay portal. From the moment you arrive, it becomes your go to resource for making the most of every day. Order food right to your cottage or villa, book a spa treatment after a full day at the parks, or sign up for resort activities that keep the holiday spirit alive.

Holidays with a Twist of Lime

In Orlando, holiday cheer shines as brightly as the Florida sun. Flip flops, festive music, and palm trees wrapped in lights create a celebration unlike any other. Walt Disney World® Resort delivers the magic and Margaritaville Cottages and Villas delivers the laid back comfort. Together they create memories filled with joy, warmth, and sparkle.

The parks are filled with festive sights, shows, and surprises far beyond what can be captured in one story. With so much to see and do, the holiday season in Orlando offers endless opportunities to keep the spirit light, joyful, and carefree.

Plan your stay, pack your Santa hat, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Paradise is waiting, the holiday spirit is already in the air, and the best way to celebrate the season is to Live Life on Vacation.