Orlando, FL — Walt Disney World’s Christmas season runs November 13 through January 6, 2027, and on a regular ticket it’s mostly decorations, a few holiday ride overlays and nighttime projections. The Christmas parade and most of the big holiday shows belong to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights. Below is my guide to what you get without a party ticket.
Every other theme park Christmas event, from Disney to Six Flags, is in my Theme Park Christmas guide, by date.
The rest of Walt Disney World’s year, from what opened in 2026 to what’s coming in 2027, is in my Walt Disney World guide.
Note: I may earn a commission if you buy through some links in this article.
What’s new for 2026
- NewRock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: The Electric Mayhem plays holiday songs on the new Muppets version of the coaster, including “Silver Bells” with Cyndi Lauper, Nov. 4 to Jan. 6.
- NewAlien Swirling Saucers: DJ Lilypad from Toy Story 5 spins a new holiday playlist, Lilypad’s Jams, Nov. 4 to Jan. 6.
- NewSanta’s Holiday Grove: Santa’s new spot at Animal Kingdom, a trail with snow flurries across from Theater in the Wild. New holiday treats are sold there.
- NewFood: New treats include the Reindeer Sundae at Terra Treats and the Life Day Wookiee Cookie at Backlot Express and the Milk Stand. The food list below opens on the new items.
- ReturningJingle Cruise, Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle, Sunset Seasons Greetings, Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition, the Merry Menagerie and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll.
Included With a Park Ticket vs. Party Only
I haven’t been to Walt Disney World’s daytime Christmas season in a few years. From what I understand, it’s pretty light, because most of the big things, like the parade and the special entertainment, are behind the two parties, so a regular day is mostly decor.
Frozen Holiday Surprise turns Cinderella Castle into an ice palace on nights without a party, and from Dec. 23 to 29 Disney’s calendar lists Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks for every Magic Kingdom guest at 8 p.m. Jingle Cruise and the holiday soundtracks on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers are open to every guest all day, and Sunset Seasons Greetings runs for every guest on nights without Jollywood Nights.
| Holiday offering | Park | Who can see it |
|---|---|---|
| Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade | Magic Kingdom | Party guests only |
| Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks | Magic Kingdom | Every guest, Dec. 23 to 29, 8 p.m. Party guests only on party nights |
| Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, the castle stage show | Magic Kingdom | Party guests only |
| Main Street snowfall, free cookies and holiday drinks | Magic Kingdom | Party guests only |
| Holiday versions of Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor | Magic Kingdom | Party guests only |
| Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom | Every guest, on nights without a party |
| Jingle Cruise | Magic Kingdom | Every guest |
| Holiday decor on Main Street, U.S.A. and around the park | Magic Kingdom | Every guest |
| Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, Disney Holidays in Hollywood, the Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along and Glisten! | Hollywood Studios | Party guests only |
| Sunset Seasons Greetings on The Hollywood Tower Hotel | Hollywood Studios | Every guest, on nights without Jollywood Nights |
| Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers holiday soundtracks | Hollywood Studios | Every guest, Nov. 4 to Jan. 6 |
| Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition | Animal Kingdom | Every guest, on nights the park is open after dark, Nov. 13 to Jan. 3 |
| Merry Menagerie and Santa’s Holiday Grove | Animal Kingdom | Every guest |
| Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional | EPCOT | Every guest, Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. Festival food costs extra |
| Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind holiday songs | EPCOT | Every guest, Nov. 25 to Jan. 6 |
| Christmas Tree Stroll, Santa and nightly snowfall in Town Center | Disney Springs | Every Disney Springs visitor, free |
| Holiday decor at the resort hotels | Disney Resorts Collection | Hotel guests and visitors with a dining reservation |
Magic Kingdom closes to day guests at 6 p.m. on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes to day guests at 7 p.m. on Disney Jollywood Nights, per Disney’s calendar.
Party Nights and Early Closings
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs select nights through Dec. 22 at Magic Kingdom, and Disney Jollywood Nights runs select nights through Jan. 5 at Hollywood Studios. The calendar marks every party night in the holiday season and the Christmas fireworks nights for every guest.
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
Holiday season dayParty night: one park closes early to day guestsMickey’s Very Merry Christmas PartyDisney Jollywood NightsChristmas fireworks for every guest
Tap a date to see its hours and what’s on.
Check Disney’s park hours calendar for the day you go, since hours can change.
Magic Kingdom: Jingle Cruise, Frozen Holiday Surprise and Christmas Fireworks
Magic Kingdom trims Main Street, U.S.A. and the rest of the park for the holidays, and Disney points to Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion as holiday photo spots.
Jingle Cruise
The jungle boat ride turns into a holiday cruise, with skippers telling holiday jokes and a boathouse decked out with decor the skippers made or got in the mail. Disney says Jungle Cruise returns early next year.
When: All day. On party nights, until Magic Kingdom closes to day guests at 6 p.m.
Where: Adventureland
Frozen Holiday Surprise
Olaf and over 100 Snowgies hang garlands, ornaments and wreaths on Cinderella Castle, then Anna, Elsa and Kristoff come on stage, and Elsa turns the castle into a shimmering crystallized palace. The show runs about 7 minutes.
When: Early evening on nights without a party. Disney’s November schedule lists 6:15 p.m., and on party nights its shows are for party guests.
Where: Cinderella Castle, Main Street, U.S.A.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Minnie Mouse hosts a fireworks show over the castle set to carols like Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It plays at the party through Dec. 22, then Disney’s calendar lists it at 8 p.m. for every guest from Dec. 23 to 29, in place of Happily Ever After.
When: 8 p.m., Dec. 23 to 29. On party nights, 10 p.m. for party guests.
Where: Over Cinderella Castle
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Magic Kingdom’s nighttime parade, inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade, with scenes from Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen and Pinocchio. It isn’t a Christmas parade, and it doesn’t run on party nights.
When: Twice a night on nights without a party. Disney’s November schedule lists 6:45 and 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street, U.S.A., Liberty Square and Frontierland
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the castle stage show Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, the Main Street snowfall and the party versions of Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor are in my Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guide.
Hollywood Studios: Sunset Seasons Greetings and Holiday Ride Soundtracks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios decorates Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard and the rest of the park with vintage holiday decor, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers play holiday soundtracks from Nov. 4 to Jan. 6.
Sunset Seasons Greetings
Holiday projections turn The Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread house, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from Mickey’s Christmas Carol.
When: On nights without Disney Jollywood Nights, from 6 p.m. On Jollywood nights Disney lists its showings as party times, and Hollywood Studios closes to day guests at 7 p.m.
Where: Sunset Boulevard
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Obligatory Holiday Overlay
The Electric Mayhem’s in-car concert switches to holiday songs: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” “Holiday Road” with Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear, “Little Saint Nick” and “Silver Bells” with Cyndi Lauper.
When: Nov. 4, 2026, to Jan. 6, 2027
Where: Sunset Boulevard
Height: 48 inches (122 cm) or taller
Alien Swirling Saucers: Lilypad’s Jams
DJ Lilypad, the frog-shaped smart tablet from Toy Story 5, plays a holiday playlist on the saucers: “Deck the Halls,” “Toyland,” “Swirling, Swirling Saucers” and “Joy to the Swirl.”
When: Nov. 4 to Jan. 6
Where: Toy Story Land
Height: 32 inches (81 cm) or taller
Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear in Holiday Outfits
Toy Story Land puts up larger-than-life seasonal decorations, and Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear meet guests in their holiday outfits.
Where: Toy Story Land
Walt Disney Presents Holiday Displays
A holiday installation of props and artifacts from Disney holiday films, and a theater showing holiday shorts: Walt Disney’s On Ice, Pluto’s Christmas Tree and The Art of Skiing starring Goofy.
Where: Walt Disney Presents
Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
A holiday character meal with Minnie Mouse and friends in holiday outfits. Disney lists oven-roasted herbed chicken, carved beef tenderloin, seared salmon, spice-rubbed pork loin and a plant-based roasted mushroom-farro risotto, with desserts like seasonal bread pudding.
Note: Disney highly recommends advance reservations. Same-day reservations are limited.
Where: Hollywood & Vine
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, Disney Holidays in Hollywood, the Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along, Glisten! and the party lounges are in my Disney Jollywood Nights guide.
Animal Kingdom: Tree of Life Projections, the Merry Menagerie and Santa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom puts a 55-foot Christmas tree at the park entrance, and the village of Harambe hangs garlands made from recycled materials and traditional African textiles. The ECO-RHYTHMiCS, a percussion band that plays to the beat of reduce, reuse, recycle, perform in holiday gear.
Animal Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. on most days of the season in Disney’s posted hours, with 7 or 8 p.m. closings on Nov. 13 to 15 and Nov. 21 to 24. Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition is on Disney’s November schedule only on those later nights, from about 6 p.m. until the park closes, so plan an Animal Kingdom evening for one of them and check the My Disney Experience app for other dates.
Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition
Projections bring the Tree of Life to life with wintry animated tales set to a holiday score, about every 10 minutes from after dusk until the park closes.
When: Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, on nights Animal Kingdom is open after dark. Disney’s November schedule lists it from about 6 p.m. on Nov. 13 to 15 and Nov. 21 to 24.
Where: Discovery Island
Merry Menagerie
Artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals, including penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears, come to life around Discovery Island.
When: Disney hasn’t posted times. Check the My Disney Experience app.
Where: Discovery Island
Santa’s Holiday Grove
Santa’s new spot at Animal Kingdom is a trail with intermittent snow flurries and a holiday soundtrack, with Santa at the end ready to hear wish lists. Holiday treats sold there include the Peppermint-Chocolate Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich and Chilled Mulled Wine.
Where: Across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Theater in the Wild
Treats: Nov. 13 to Jan. 3
Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost
Mickey and Minnie, the park’s world travelers, pose for photos at their exploration headquarters in holiday outfits, with a Disney PhotoPass photographer on hand.
Where: Adventurers Outpost, Discovery Island
EPCOT: Festival of the Holidays and Cosmic Rewind
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 30, 2026, and Disney says it is included with a theme park ticket. It brings Holiday Kitchens around World Showcase, the Holiday Cookie Stroll, storytellers sharing holiday legends from around the world and the Glimmering Greenhouses on Living with the Land. Festival entry comes with the park ticket, and the Holiday Kitchens food and the Cookie Stroll cost extra.
Candlelight Processional
A celebrity narrator tells the Christmas story with an orchestra and massed choir. Disney says the performances run nightly during the festival.
When: Nightly, Nov. 27 to Dec. 30, at 4:45, 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Where: America Gardens Theatre
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Holiday Songs
Each ride plays one of three holiday songs: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra and “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses.
When: Nov. 25, 2026, to Jan. 6, 2027
Where: World Discovery
Height: 42 inches (107 cm) or taller
Goofy as Santa
Goofy meets guests in his bright red Santa suit, with a Disney PhotoPass photographer on hand.
When: Daily, Nov. 27 to Dec. 30
Where: The Odyssey
Santa Claus at CommuniCore Hall
Santa visits with guests for holiday photos during the festival.
When: Daily through Dec. 24
Where: CommuniCore Hall
For the festival’s shows and food, see Disney’s festival page.
Where to Meet Santa at Disney World
Santa Claus visits each of the four theme parks, and Disney posts his times and spots in the My Disney Experience app. Disney names three Santa spots: Santa’s Holiday Grove at Animal Kingdom, new this year, CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT daily through Dec. 24 during the festival, and Santa’s Marketplace near Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs, Nov. 11 to Dec. 24, by virtual queue in the app. At EPCOT, Goofy also dresses as Santa at The Odyssey from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30.
Disney Springs and the Resort Hotels
Disney Springs puts up the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, and snow falls nightly in Town Center. Regional and local bands play the AdventHealth Waterside Stage on select nights, with first-come, first-served seating.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Twenty decorated Christmas trees around Disney Springs, themed to Disney, Pixar and Star Wars favorites. Disney says the Toy Story tree, with its toys, is back this year.
When: Disney Springs’ holiday season, Nov. 11, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
Cost: Free, like the nightly snowfall
Holidays at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
The Indiana Jones-themed bar adds holiday decor and a holiday menu, with new dishes like the Holiday Freight Rolls and Oh Christmas Brie and new drinks like the Frosted Passage Martini.
When: Nov. 10, 2026, to Jan. 11, 2027
Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Shop
A limited-time Hallmark store with products from the Hallmark movie Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, plus Hallmark greeting cards, collectible ornaments and Disney gifts. Disney’s Days of Christmas and World of Disney carry holiday collections too.
Santa Claus at Disney Springs
Santa meets guests for photos in Santa’s Marketplace hosted by Dairy Does More. Entry is by virtual queue only in the My Disney Experience app, with no standby line.
When: Nov. 11 to Dec. 24
Where: Near Disney’s Pin Traders
Cost: Free
Jock Lindsey’s fall menu is in my Halloween Hangar Bar story.
Disney Resorts Collection hotels put up holiday decor, including Christmas trees, for hotel guests and visitors with a dining reservation, and many sell holiday treats. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Tri-Circle-D Ranch runs holiday carriage rides through the campground, booked on EnchantingExtras.com.
Holiday Food on a Regular Ticket
The Reindeer Sundae at Terra Treats, the Life Day Wookiee Cookie at Backlot Express and the Milk Stand, and a menu of new treats at Santa’s Holiday Grove are new this year in Disney’s 2026 holiday foodie guide, which covers daytime food at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs. The guide posts no prices.
Every daytime holiday food and drinkOpens on the new items, and sorts by type or by park. Disney’s guide doesn’t list prices.
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Vanilla milkshake, gingerbread syrup, whipped cream, gingersnap crumbs, and a chocolate gingerbread man.
Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 2.
The Plaza Restaurant, Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing, and griddled rye.
Available Nov. 1 through Jan. 2.
The Plaza Restaurant, Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Grainger’s Deluxe Organic Vanilla Vodka, Cointreau Liqueur, and cranberry and lime juices garnished with a sugar rim.
Available Nov. 1 through Jan. 2.
The Plaza Restaurant, Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Red velvet cake topped with vanilla swirl cheesecake.
Available Nov. 1 through Jan. 2.
The Plaza Restaurant, Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Shredded cabbage, roasted pineapple chutney, sweet-and-spicy barbecue sauce, and griddled bun.
Available Nov. 1 through Jan. 2.
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee topped with cherry whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate curls.
Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 2.
Columbia Harbour House, Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom
Tree-shaped gingerbread chiffon cake with cream cheese frosting, whipped dulce de leche panna cotta, crispy pearls, and a chocolate piece.
Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 2. Mobile order available.
Liberty Square Market, Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom
Flourless chocolate cake sandwiched with marshmallow-mint buttercream (Plant-based).
Available Nov. 8 through Jan. 2.
Aloha Isle, Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, coconut soft-serve, and a spiced pineapple pop.
Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 25.
The Trolley Car Café, Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Studios
Soft gingerbread cookie with white chocolate Mickey details.
Available Nov. 7 through Jan. 5.
Rosie’s All-American Café, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Studios
Coquito custard-filled vanilla cupcake topped with coquito buttercream, chocolate bow, gold crispy pearls, and rainbow sprinkles.
Available Nov. 7 through Jan. 5. Mobile order available.
ABC Commissary, Commissary Lane, Hollywood Studios
Layers of hazelnut cake, raspberry-blackcurrant mousse, raspberry jam, and sweet snow-dusted Linzer cookie.
Available Nov. 7 through Jan. 5. Mobile order available.
Backlot Express, Echo Lake, Hollywood Studios
Two oatmeal cookies with cassis eggnog buttercream garnished with a white chocolate coin.
Available Nov. 7 through Jan. 5. Mobile order available.
Woody’s Lunch Box, Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios
Chocolate fudge filling, hot cocoa-marshmallow fondant, and mini marshmallows.
Available Nov. 7 through Jan. 31. Mobile order available.
Milk Stand, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios
Two oatmeal cookies with cassis eggnog buttercream garnished with a milk chocolate garnish.
Available Nov. 7 through Jan. 5. Mobile order available.
Terra Treats, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
Cookie dough with holiday sprinkles layered with vanilla ice cream and fudgy brownie.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.
Terra Treats, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
Dulce de leche ice cream, espresso caramel, coffee-coconut streusel, coconut cake, chocolate antlers, and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candy.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.
Flame Tree Barbecue, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
Gingerbread cheesecake mousse, spiced graham cracker, and milk chocolate.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3. Mobile order available.
Creature Comforts, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
Chocolate chip cookie with holiday sprinkles.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.
Creature Comforts, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
With blue icing and snowflake sprinkles.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.
Isle of Java, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
With blue icing and snowflake sprinkles.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.
Isle of Java, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
Chocolate twist with red and white chocolate stripes.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, Africa, Animal Kingdom
Chocolate twist with red and white chocolate stripes.
Available Nov. 6 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Double-chocolate peppermint cookie dough layered with vanilla ice cream and fudgy brownie.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
White chocolate chip cookie with Sicilian pistachios, dried cranberries, and candied orange.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Smoked ham, olive, and orange raisin bread roll.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Croissant filled with hazelnut spread dipped in white chocolate.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Croissant filled with hazelnut spread dipped in white chocolate.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Topped with whipped cream, caramel, and a chocolate-dipped cookie.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Chilled Cabernet Sauvignon mulled with fresh orange, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Chocolate chip cookie with holiday sprinkles.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry compote focaccia with lemon icing.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild, Animal Kingdom
Mickey gingerbread cookie dipped in chocolate.
Available Nov. 13 through Jan. 3.
Swirls on the Water, Marketplace, Disney Springs
Gingerbread and vanilla soft-serve swirl, holiday sprinkles, and chocolate coin in a red velvet cone.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Dockside Margaritas, Marketplace, Disney Springs
Lalo Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, white chocolate syrup, plant-based heavy cream, and lime juice garnished with a peppermint sugar rim.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Earl of Sandwich, Marketplace, Disney Springs
Roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, and savory gravy on freshly baked artisanal bread.
Available now through Jan. 8.
eet by Maneet Chauhan, Marketplace, Disney Springs
Bubble’s seasoned tortilla chips tossed with tender tandoori pulled pork and melted shredded cheddar topped with fresh kachumber, jalapeños, cool raita, and signature Jolly Heat Sauce.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
eet by Maneet Chauhan, Marketplace, Disney Springs
Warm date cake with rich caramel toffee sauce, and whipped cream.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
eet by Maneet Chauhan, Marketplace, Disney Springs
Coconut cream, coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, and aromatic cardamom (non-alcoholic).
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
eet by Maneet Chauhan, Marketplace, Disney Springs
Misunderstood Ginger Whiskey, Misunderstood Oat Nog, and barista oat milk topped with cinnamon.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Landing, Disney Springs
Fried egg white filled with house made deviled egg filling and pimento cheese topped with a pickled serrano pepper and bacon bits.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Landing, Disney Springs
Creamy tomato soup garnished with sour cream and house garlic cheese croutons served with a sourdough grilled cheese with cheddar and American cheese.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Landing, Disney Springs
Shredded Brussels sprouts tossed with a house made honey mustard vinaigrette topped with dried cranberries, bacon, green peas, and shredded parmesan cheese.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Landing, Disney Springs
Fried and diced pork belly tossed with spicy guava sauce served over local greens topped with pickled red onion, sesame seeds, and chives.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Landing, Disney Springs
Grilled bone-in ham steak with pineapple chutney served with green beans, mashed potatoes, and a signature biscuit.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Landing, Disney Springs
Fords Gin with muddled raspberries and strawberries, fresh squeezed lemon juice, house made simple syrup, and a splash of cream topped with Cheerwine soda Garnished with a strawberry and a cherry.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, The Landing, Disney Springs
Gin with rosemary, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup topped with La Marca Prosecco.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria and Enzo’s, The Landing, Disney Springs
Absolut Vanilla, crème de cacao, crème de menthe, and half-and-half.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria and Enzo’s, The Landing, Disney Springs
Angry Orchard, Stirrings Ginger Liqueur, Mionetto Prosecco, fig purée, and lemon juice.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria and Enzo’s, The Landing, Disney Springs
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, club soda, apple butter syrup, lime juice, and mint.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria and Enzo’s, The Landing, Disney Springs
Bubba’s Marshmallow Bourbon, crème de cacao, chocolate bitters, graham cracker syrup, and a homemade marshmallow roasted tableside.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria and Enzo’s, The Landing, Disney Springs
Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon, RumChata, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Stirrings Ginger Liqueur, cinnamon syrup, and gingerbread.
Available Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
The Ganachery, The Landing, Disney Springs
The Ganachery hot cocoa mix with a blend of dark, milk, and caramel chocolates and peppermint marshmallows.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
The Ganachery, The Landing, Disney Springs
Assorted ganache squares in holiday flavors of milk chocolate, gingerbread, eggnog, peppermint, caramel, and crunchy hazelnut.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
The Ganachery, The Landing, Disney Springs
Our hot chocolate ganache blend.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
The Ganachery, The Landing, Disney Springs
European-style hot ganache made with milk, dark, and caramel chocolates blended with cream and vanilla and served with Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Paddlefish, The Landing, Disney Springs
Key West pink shrimp, Cedar Key littlenecks, PEI mussels, corn bread, red potatoes, and sweet corn.
Disney’s guide doesn’t list dates.
Paddlefish, The Landing, Disney Springs
Gilbey’s Vodka, Baileys Original Irish Cream, Kahlúa, house-made ginger simple syrup, and gluten free gingerbread cookies.
Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 31.
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, The Landing, Disney Springs
Butter and herb-roasted turkey served with mashed potatoes, duck fat roasties, honey glazed carrots, bacon braised Brussels sprouts, sausage meat stuffing, and turkey and cranberry sauce.
Available only Dec. 25.
Terralina Crafted Italian, The Landing, Disney Springs
Vanilla vodka, allspice dram, prosecco, Sprite, elderflower, lemon juice, and white cranberry juice.
Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 31.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Town Center, Disney Springs
With gingerbread spices topped with meringue and caramelized pecans.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Town Center, Disney Springs
Spiced milk chocolate mousse and whipped ganache in a chocolate shell.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Town Center, Disney Springs
Almond shortbread cookie sandwich filled with raspberry jam.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Town Center, Disney Springs
Peppermint cheesecake mousse and chocolate sablé cookie with chocolate garnish.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Town Center, Disney Springs
Milk chocolate mousse with crunchy hazelnut center and chocolate chiffon.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Town Center, Disney Springs
Layers of peanut butter and dark chocolate mousse, peanut brittle, and chocolate chiffon cake with chocolate bark.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Town Center, Disney Springs
Create-your-own Mickey and Minnie cookie using edible watercolor paints. Kit includes 1 Mickey cookie, 1 Minnie cookie, 1 painter’s palette cookie, paint brushes, and water to activate the paints.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Chicken Guy, Town Center, Disney Springs
With chocolate, candy, cookie pieces, and pretzels.
Available Nov. 2 through Jan. 3.
Frontera Cocina, Town Center, Disney Springs
Reposado Tequila, corn liqueur, marshmallow cordial, and lime.
Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 11.
The Polite Pig, Town Center, Disney Springs
Savory smoked turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and cornbread stuffing served on Texas toast and drizzled with turkey gravy with a side of cranberry BBQ sauce.
Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 11.
The Polite Pig, Town Center, Disney Springs
Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 11.
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, West Side, Disney Springs
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Salt & Straw, West Side, Disney Springs
Double fold vanilla ice cream with slivers of Grandma Malek’s almond brittle, and house-made salted chocolate ganache topped with sweet and salty clusters of saltine Florentine cookies Drizzled in chocolate (Serves 8 to 20).
Available Nov. 6 through Dec. 31.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes, West Side, Disney Springs
Sauteed shrimp, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed in a classic wine and butter sauce and finished with crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes, West Side, Disney Springs
Vanilla-infused vodka, Baileys Original Irish Cream, and Disaronno Originale Amaretto Liqueur.
Available Nov. 29 through Jan. 3.
Wetzel’s Pretzels Kiosk, West Side, Disney Springs
Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 11.
Select Outdoor Vending Locations at Disney Springs, Disney Springs
Patrón Silver Tequila, cranberry juice, sweet-and-sour, and grapefruit juice garnished with berries.
Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 11.
Nothing matches. Try All or All locations.
Holiday candy, like the new Minnie Reindeer Caramel Apple and Santa Mickey Caramel Apple, sells at candy shops around the resort, including Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom and Zuri’s Sweets Shop at Animal Kingdom. EPCOT’s Holiday Kitchens are part of the festival.
Tickets
A regular Walt Disney World theme park ticket covers everything on this page marked Included, in the park you visit that day. Minnie’s Holiday Dine and the food cost extra, and the Disney Springs holiday events need no ticket.
Fever sells Walt Disney World Base Tickets, one park per day for 1 to 10 days, with no booking fees. Park Hopper is not included. See Fever’s dates and tickets.
The two parties are separate tickets. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is $189 to $229 plus tax and Disney Jollywood Nights is $169 to $199 plus tax, depending on the night, and children ages 3 to 9 save $10. Neither party ticket needs a park ticket for the same day.
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Disney World Christmas FAQ
When does Disney World decorate for Christmas?
Disney lists its 2026 holiday season as Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 6, 2027, with Christmas decor in all four theme parks. Some holiday offerings start earlier: the holiday soundtracks on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets and Alien Swirling Saucers began Nov. 4, and Jingle Cruise and both holiday parties were already running by Nov. 10.
Do you need a party ticket to see Christmas at Disney World?
No. A regular park ticket covers the decor, Jingle Cruise, Frozen Holiday Surprise on nights without a party, Sunset Seasons Greetings on nights without Jollywood Nights, Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition on nights Animal Kingdom is open after dark, the Merry Menagerie and EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the castle stage show and the Hollywood Studios party shows need a party ticket.
Is the Christmas parade at Disney World included with a park ticket?
No. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade runs only during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which needs a separate ticket. On nights without a party, Magic Kingdom runs Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, its regular nighttime parade.
Can you see the Christmas fireworks at Magic Kingdom without a party ticket?
Yes, on Dec. 23 to 29. Disney’s calendar lists Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 8 p.m. for every Magic Kingdom guest on those nights. Before that, the show is for party guests on party nights.
Where can you meet Santa at Disney World?
Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from Theater in the Wild at Animal Kingdom. CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT, daily through Dec. 24 during the Festival of the Holidays. Santa’s Marketplace near Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs, Nov. 11 to Dec. 24, by virtual queue only. Goofy dresses as Santa at The Odyssey in EPCOT from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. Disney says Santa also visits each of the four theme parks, with times and spots in the My Disney Experience app.
Is EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays included with a park ticket?
Yes. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 30, 2026, and Disney says it is included with a theme park ticket. The Candlelight Processional plays nightly during the festival at America Gardens Theatre.
Walt Disney World’s holiday season runs Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 6, 2027, across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For park tickets and the full holiday list, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com. The two parties are in my Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guide and my Disney Jollywood Nights guide.
