Everything you need to know about Disney World this Christmas Holiday season

Disney just released everything that will and won’t be included this holiday season. Take a look at the details.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

We’re so excited that the Christmas Party is returning this year! We are back to the original format after a two year hiatus. In 2020 they had castle projections and a themed cavalcade. Then, in 2021, they hosted Very Merriest After Hours. You can read Monica’s review HERE. Check out the latest sold out dates HERE.

This year’s Christmas party brings back new and returning holiday offerings, including Mickey’s Once Upon a Time Christmastime parade with Santa and Mickey Mouse greeting guests. Then, get ready for “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas,” featuring Buzz, Mike Wazowski, and Stitch on the Rockettower Plaza Stage.

Guests will be given complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at locations throughout Magic Kingdom.  But the fun doesn’t stop there! New sweet treats this year include Texas-sized Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue and Candied Pecans found at Pecos Bill. And if you love Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll, you’ll find them with special holiday sprinkles at the Main Street Bakery.  

During the party, guests enjoy holiday layovers at the following attractions: Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party.  

New to this year’s party, attendees have three jolly new Disney PhotoPass opportunities and they will receive a special 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake themed to the holidays.   

Magic Kingdom

In addition to the Christmas Party, guests enjoy the classic festive decorations throughout Main Street, U.S.A. beginning November 1.

On non-party nights, Cinderella Castle transforms to take on a magical holiday look complete with special projection effects, festive colors and a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater, a jeweled castle look and more.  

Cinderella Castle icicle lighting is not returning this year.

Not only that, But Jungle Cruise will once again be transformed for Jingle Cruise for the entire holiday season.

EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays

This year, The Festival of the Holidays begins November 25 and offers tasty snacks and sips throughout the park.

New savory offerings include an Impossible™ Chorizo Tamale, a Plant-based Cotija Cheese and Spicy Red Chile Sauce found at Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen.  Returning items include the Maple Bûche de Noël found at Holiday Hearth Holiday Kitchen.

In addition, the Holiday Cookie Stroll  is returning. Once your scavenger hunt is complete, you’ll be treated to a cookie prize. Check out Maggie’s review HERE.  

Disney recently shared some exciting news about 2022’s Candlelight Processional, including the list of narrators and dining packages. So many favorites are returning this year! And, don’t miss the Storytellers. These performers perform in countries around the World Showcase during the festival.

Santa will be greeting guests inside the Odyssey Pavilion this season.

Last year, My husband and I (Susan) listened to “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.”  They were wonderful! I hope you check out this uplifting group as it celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa. Note that this group offers various performances each day.

Other performances include Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, and the Chinese Lion Dance.

Hollywood Studios

Then, one of my favorites, holiday glam returns to Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not only that, but guests will enjoy festive touches in Toy Story Land.

Sunset Seasons Greetings brings holiday magic each evening as the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms into myriad scenes including a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and more.  Not only that, but the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade features jolly St. Nick himself cruising down Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible stuffed full of presents. 

And Don’t miss Olaf’s festive finale to “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” that delights guests with performances of celebratory songs of the holiday season.  

Animal Kingdom

While at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be on the lookout for animal-inspired décor, luminaries on Discovery Island and decorations from Earth have brought to Pandora. One of my favorite Disney traditions, A Merry Menagerie, is coming back. Its life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals bring Discovery Island to life as they interact with guests alongside serenading musicians. 

After dark, watch the Tree of Life awaken as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by holiday-inspired music. 

Disney Springs and Resorts

Then, nightly snow flurries and Disney-themed Christmas tree trails are coming back to Disney Springs. Guests can walk in a winter wonderland through Town Center and the West Side as flurries of snow add a touch of magic to holiday shopping.  

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar transforms into a holiday bar complete with jolly decorations to ring in the merry season. Guests can indulge in limited-time holiday-themed sips and snacks to get into the spirit of the season.  Enjoy new and returning festive food items throughout Disney Springs like Olaf’s Hot Cocoa Surprise from The Ganachery. 

Don’t miss Santa at the Once Upon a Toy where they can take photos and share holiday wishes with him.  

Last, but certainly not least, Disney announced the beloved gingerbread displays and wonderful holiday decorations are coming back Disney Resort Hotels.

Are you visiting Disney World this holiday season? Which is your favorite way to celebrate at Disney? Please share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.