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

This upcoming holiday season at Walt Disney World promises plenty of excitement for kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone eager for some festive fun. Whether you're seeking a perfect late-night event at Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or interested in exploring global traditions during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, there is an abundance of experiences awaiting you across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, Disney Resort hotels, and much more during this joyous time.

From November 14 to December 31, 2025, prepare to embrace the holiday spirit as Walt Disney World transforms with Christmas decorations, themed food and drinks, characters in festive attire, special holiday entertainment, new holiday merchandise throughout Disney World, and so much more.

Attention Holiday Foodies and Christmas Tree Enthusiasts: Here's everything guests need to know about the 2025 holiday season at Disney World and how to make the most of their joyful visit.

Experience Nostalgic Holiday Joy at Magic Kingdom

Dreaming of an ideal Disney Christmas? Once guests enter the Magic Kingdom park and catch a glimpse of Cinderella Castle from Main Street, U.S.A., they'll know they're in the perfect place to fulfill their holiday bucket list.

Enjoy the Winter Thrill During the “Frozen Holiday Surprise”

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

With appearances from Anna, Kristoff, and a magical moment from Elsa as she turns Cinderella Castle into a sparkling crystallized palace, this show is a spectacular nighttime experience guests won't want to miss.

Want to see even more of Elsa's magic during the holidays? Watch her and many other Disney characters in the new “Disney Starlight” parade, debuting July 20 and occurring twice each night (subject to cancellation). Note that the parade won't be available on nights when Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but it will continue throughout the holiday season – after all, the cold never bothered us anyway.

Experience Spectacular Holiday Decorations Throughout the Park

Magic Kingdom boasts some of the most iconic holiday photo spots in Walt Disney World, offering numerous picturesque areas perfect for a Christmas card.

With festive decorations adorning Main Street, U.S.A. and the rest of the park, visitors can capture and share their ideal photos along the vibrant and cheerful Main Street, as well as at other renowned Disney World attractions like Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion during their multi-day visit.

Take Little Ones on the World-Famous Jingle Cruise

The world-famous Jingle Cruise returns in 2025, offering a festive yet familiar adventure as a skilled skipper expertly guides guests through some of the world's most perilous waters. Along their 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey, guests will encounter numerous holiday-themed jokes and sights that continue for Niles and Niles and Niles, so be sure to listen closely as the skipper leads the boat through the jungle filled with pun-filled fun.

The excitement begins as soon as guests enter the queue. Before boarding your canopied tramp steamer, you'll notice that the skippers have adorned the loading area with an abundance of lights, sights, and sounds for the holidays. Keep an eye out for hidden details during the wait—guests never know what new antics they'll discover each day at the Jungle Navigation Company.

Discover Global Holiday Traditions at EPCOT

Featuring beloved international snacks, entertainment guaranteed to bring joy, and attractions that consistently enchant, EPCOT is the perfect family spot for visitors at Disney World this winter. With bells ringing and choirs singing, be sure to have your cameras ready (and your appetite) as you enter this festive park.

Explore World Showcase During the Festival of the Holidays

From November 28 to December 30, 2025, explore EPCOT for festive offerings and joyful moments at the International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.

Experience the lively “JOYFUL! Celebration of the Season” in CommuniCore Plaza, featuring a mix of classic songs and fresh arrangements with powerful vocalists. Meanwhile, the Voices of Liberty, dressed as Dickens Carolers, entertain guests inside The American Adventure Pavilion with holiday tunes in traditional Victorian attire.

Enjoy the 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., lasting approximately 50 minutes. Celebrity narrators bring the Christmas story to life onstage. Seating is first-come, first-served and often fills quickly, so plan ahead to make this stunning show a priority during your visit.

The charming appeal of World Showcase during this season includes the Holiday Storytellers, who share festive traditions and bring holiday tales to life in their respective countries. Here are some unique stories and performers you can expect to see this winter:

• Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration

• Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa

• China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer

• Italy Pavilion – La Befana

• Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller

• Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller

• France Pavilion – Père Noël

• United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas

• Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

Discover Favorite Holiday Foods Throughout EPCOT

All EPCOT enthusiasts share a love for sampling the unique food and drink options across the park! Whether you begin your journey around World Showcase in Canada or Mexico, there are numerous items to enjoy during your next visit.

This year, the Holiday Kitchens return to EPCOT for the Festival of the Holidays, offering heartwarming recipes and festive flavors from around the world. Final details and menus are still being finalized, so stay tuned for the Festival of the Holidays 2025 foodie guide from Disney Eats.

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

Join Olaf’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt

This year, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is back, inviting guests on a joyful quest to find Olaf in 13 different locations around EPCOT.   

Guests can buy a map and stickers from select festival merchandise spots. The mission? Discover the holiday traditions Olaf has uncovered in each pavilion. Once completed, participants can head to Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to claim a gift that’s truly worth melting for.

Experience the Magic of Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses

During the Festival of the Holidays, the beloved attraction Living with the Land becomes a sparkling greenhouse tour, adorned with twinkling Christmas lights and stunning decorations, sure to enchant guests of all ages with a sense of wonder.

This serene and educational journey through a shimmering greenhouse offers a perfect retreat from a day filled with holiday excitement, highlighting the remarkable work of Disney World plant scientists and their cutting-edge growing methods and technologies.

Experience Holiday Magic at CommuniCore Hall

Throughout the festival, CommuniCore Hall will be the ultimate hub for holiday joy as it transforms into a festive wonderland where guests can meet Santa Claus! Known by many names such as St. Nick, Père Noël, or Father Christmas, Santa will be ready to welcome guests and their families with a warm smile and a hearty “ho-ho-ho.”

CommuniCore Hall will also feature a breathtaking Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display, a must-see highlight of the festival. While visiting, guests should not miss the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, an impressive light show occurring every 15 minutes.

Explore Seasonal Wonders at the Odyssey

The Odyssey will be adorned with festive wonders that make each visit feel like a celebration. Guests can explore Glittering Grove presented by Balsam Hill, where a stunning array of faux trees creates a winter wonderland filled with shimmering lights and elegant ornaments, perfect for holiday photos.

Nearby, guests can find Santa Goofy spreading joy and laughter in his festive attire. This playful character interaction adds a fun twist to the season. For more details, be sure to visit the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays entertainment webpage.

Experience a Cinematic Christmas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Whether enjoying “Cool Yule” while strolling down Sunset Boulevard, discovering the ideal toy at Mickey’s of Hollywood, or capturing a holiday photo with Gertie at Echo Lake, Disney’s Hollywood Studios adds just the right touch of holiday charm to your 2025 Walt Disney World vacation.

Marvel at “Sunset Seasons Greetings”

As evening descends, witness the return of “Sunset Seasons Greetings” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring nightly holiday projections.

Prepare to enjoy the music and lights each night as holiday magic transforms the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread creation, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy Arendelle scene, and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Join the Fun at “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration”

Upon entering the Hyperion Theater, guests can settle into their seats and listen as the Royal Historians of Arendelle narrate the frosty tale of their magical kingdom. Watch as exciting scenes from the film unfold on-screen and join in as Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff sing along with the audience.

With lyrics projected to make it easy for children to sing along, enjoy a flurry of stories, festive songs of the season, and a memorable holiday finale featuring everyone’s beloved snowman, Olaf.

Capture a Moment with Friends in Seasonal Attire

Hollywood Studios is beautifully decorated with vintage decor throughout areas like Echo Lake and Sunset Boulevard. For a closer look at festive decorations and to meet beloved toys, visit Andy's backyard in Toy Story Land, where you'll find larger-than-life seasonal decor and characters dressed for the season.

Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear don their holiday outfits during this time, so be sure to stop by, snap a photo perfect for a holiday card, and greet your favorite toys with a cheerful “hey, howdy, hey!”

Meet Minnie Mouse and Friends at Minnie’s Holiday Dine

Join Minnie Mouse and friends at Hollywood & Vine for Minnie’s Holiday Dine, where festive music, decor, and delightful menu items create a sensational celebration. Guests of all ages can enjoy the holidays with Disney Characters dressed in seasonal attire while savoring delicious dishes.

The menu features options like oven-roasted herbed chicken, carved beef tenderloin, seared salmon, spice-rubbed pork loin, and a plant-based roasted mushroom-farro risotto. Don't forget to leave room for impressive desserts, including seasonal bread pudding, Mississippi mud pie, and more.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended for this exciting holiday event, and same-day reservations are available on a limited basis (subject to availability). Be sure to book early to secure your spot for yourself and your family.

Relive Holiday Movie Classics at Walt Disney Presents

Walt Disney Presents is aglow for the season with a new holiday installation celebrating cherished Disney stories.

Visitors can explore festive displays featuring props and artifacts from beloved films such as Noelle, Babes in Toyland, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Santa Clause. Additionally, the attraction’s theater offers a seasonal experience with “Holiday Shorts,” showcasing Walt Disney’s On Ice, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and The Art of Skiing starring Goofy.

Experience Exciting Seasonal Adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Are you ready for a thrilling holiday adventure in the wild? This season, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a variety of attractions for everyone. Whether you're racing through the snowy Himalayan mountains on a high-speed train while dodging the legendary Yeti on Expedition Everest or enjoying classic holiday activities like meeting Disney characters dressed in festive outfits, there's something for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Discover Polar Puppets at the Merry Menagerie on Discovery Island

Experience a magical holiday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with stunning festive decorations, as artisan-crafted puppets of arctic animals come to life on Discovery Island during the Merry Menagerie. Children and families can spot penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears, creating the perfect photo opportunity for your annual holiday card.

Additionally, original artwork by artist Rob Kaz will be available at Island Mercantile on Discovery Island throughout the holiday season. Kaz will also be meeting guests at Island Mercantile from November 1 through November 20, so be sure to stop by to view his beautiful Disney-themed art. 

Be Amazed by the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition”

Experience a stunning visual spectacle filled with vibrant colors and animated scenes as the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition” illuminates Animal Kingdom, bringing the park's majestic centerpiece to life on nights when it remains open after dark on Discovery Island.

Featuring a collection of wintry stories and a heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score, this evening holiday show is certain to enchant and inspire your entire family. The show starts after dark each night and takes place approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes, so make sure to catch a glimpse before returning to your hotel after a fun-filled day.

Encounter Disney Characters in Festive, Adventurous Outfits

At Adventurers Outpost, you can meet and take a photo with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the world travelers, at their exploration headquarters. They're dressed in their finest holiday attire as they get ready for their next big adventure. Be sure to capture a postcard-perfect photo to share with friends and family.

Immerse Yourself in Holiday Joy at Disney Springs

Searching for a spot to fulfill all your child's Christmas wishes? Disney Springs is the destination for finding classic Disney items, souvenirs, and the latest trends from some of the world's top brands during the holiday season. Enjoy world-class dining, casual eateries, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and memorable late-night fun for adults.

Experience Snowfall and Explore the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs is ideal for holiday shopping, surrounded by stunning decorations and the renowned Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. Discover a vast array of beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs, including intricately themed trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars favorites.

Curious about one of our beloved trees making a return this year? Be sure to see the Haunted Mansion-inspired tree, adorned with musical instruments, candlesticks, and more – happy haunting and happy holidays!

For additional enjoyment after guests have found their favorite tree, don't miss the enchanting nightly snowfall in the Town Center. Indeed, even central Florida embraces the wintery excitement during this spectacular season.

Sip and Snack at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Legend has it that in 1938, Indiana Jones and his laid-back pilot Jock Lindsey discovered Disney Springs while pursuing a mythology-related lead in central Florida. Their discovery quickly became a favorite stopover and watering hole for both globetrotters and locals, filled with dusty souvenirs from past adventures. Today, adventurous families enjoy the rustic charm of Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, adorned with spare airplane parts, salvaged gear, and abundant holiday decorations.

Curious about this year’s offerings? This winter, the bar will feature a selection of seasonal bites, brews, and drinks for guests seeking a joyful break between shopping at World of Disney and catching a new movie at the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres.

Listen to Live Music and Encounter Holiday Fun

Besides the top-notch retail and dining spots, visitors to Disney Springs will find themselves in a winter wonderland featuring toy soldier stilt walkers, snowflake rollerbladers, a holiday drum line, and a brass band playing festive tunes.

On select evenings, guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of regional and local bands performing live at the Waterside Stage, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just a short walk away, you can grab a variety of 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, it's the perfect spot for a chilly evening with friends and lively music.

During your visit, don’t miss Disney’s Days of Christmas and World of Disney, where guests can explore a wide array of festive holiday collections.

Meet Santa at Disney World

Amidst his hectic schedule, Santa Claus will visit each of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World to greet guests on the nice list this holiday season. As an added treat, Santa will also make appearances at Disney Springs until December 24, where visitors can take festive photos and share holiday wishes with the cheerful St. Nick.

To find specific times and locations for meeting Santa during their visit, guests can check My Disney Experience before he returns to the North Pole.

Discover Christmas Decorations and More at Select Disney Resort Hotels

With over 25 Disney Resort hotels available in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are numerous opportunities to make this holiday season memorable for you and your family. Featuring special offers, breathtaking decorations, and endless joyful experiences, each Disney Resort hotel offers a wealth of activities and sights during the holiday period.

Embrace Grand Holiday Decorations

Are you aiming to capture Instagram-worthy shots with Christmas trees, festive decorations, and stunning gingerbread displays? Or perhaps you're searching for a spot to exchange gifts with family while enjoying the peaceful sounds of holiday music and the delightful aroma of gingerbread? The Disney Resort hotels provide a vast array of bright and cheerful holiday decor, with several hotels showcasing advanced gingerbread displays for visitors to admire.

During the holiday season, many Disney Resort Hotels feature themed food and drink options, including special holiday gingerbread treats. For more information on where to find delightful winter drinks and hearty snacks, keep an eye out for further updates on Disney Travel News.

Whether guests are someone who enjoys a tropical Christmas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or prefers a seaside holiday at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, there’s something for everyone.