Christmas is one of my favorite times to go to Disney World, and with so many Christmas events, I am not alone. Disney brings in Christmas with more events that most can imagine, some well known, and some pretty secretive.
It looks like the hubs and my families' will be all going to Disney World next week to check out all the holiday events. We have not been to Disney since Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and I cannot wait to go! Hopefully, we will be able to take advantage of our time there and do everything on this list. The one that I am most excited about is the Very Merry Christmas Party since I have not been there for over 5-years and the hubs has never gone.
Side note: Check out the link attached to this picture. I was ridiculously amazed by the incredible Disney pictures seen here! All but two of these were taken by him, can you guess which ones were not?
1. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
This is one of the most well known Christmas events at Disney World and the only one on this list that costs any money other than a theme park ticket. This Christmas party takes place during certain nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom. The night includes limited crowds since it is after park hours and require special tickets. It is also has it's own holiday parade, fireworks, castle display, Christmas show, free hot chocolate and cookies, snow on Main Street, and, of course, a holiday themed dance party.
If you are wanting to go to this, I would highly recommend getting tickets in advance, they can sell out quick and prices are higher at the door. Be prepared, tickets for this start at about $60 and the only reduction in price is for those with an annual pass to Disney World. This may not be a yearly option for most families, but it sure is fun every once in a while.
2. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
This Christmas event was started almost 20 years ago in 1995. The Osborne family began this Christmas spectacle at their home in Arkansas. Now, it is a yearly tradition at Disney's Hollywood Studios complete with lights coordinated to music, snow, and a ton of hidden Mickey's. A fun game to play while there is to see who can spot the most hidden Mickey's in the lights. I won last year- woop woop!
3. Jingle Cruise
During the holidays the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland and Disney World is transformed to the Jingle Cruise filled with lots of holiday puns. This special ride will be departing from now until December 31st during the usual park hours and during Mickey's Very-Merry Christmas Party.
We were able to go on the Jingle Cruise while in Disneyland a few weeks ago. It was super fun and I cannot wait to compare the Disneyland version to the Disney World one!
4. Holidays Around the World
One of my favorite parts of EPCOT is their Holidays Around the World. Each country in the World Showcase gives you a little taste of celebrations you can traditionally find there. Last year i was able to learn where my Grandmother's yearly tradition of hiding a green pickle ornament in the Christmas tree came from. Turns out, it is a Dutch tradition common among Dutch-American immigrants.
EPCOT's Holidays Around the World also has a candlelight processional, special holiday fireworks, Santa Claus in America, and R&B Christmas music four times a day until December 29th.
If you are into baked treats, be sure to check out the gingerbread treats for sale in The Land. Mrs. Claus is also baking up some sweets at her bake shop found in America at the World's Showcase.
5. Downtown Disney
The parks are not the only way to Celebrate the holidays at Disney World, both Downtown Disney and the Disney World Resorts do their own Christmas events. A great, and free, option while visiting the parks is to check out Downtown Disney. There are some nice options for dinner and during Christmas it will have carolers, a picture area with Santa, dance parties, and some other great holiday themed entertainment from around the world.
6. Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade
Do not think that the only park to not get in the holiday spirit is Animal Kingdom. During the months of November and December Animal Kingdom will be running a holiday parade with there usual themes including stilted puppets, animal costumes, live music, and holiday themed safari cars.
This event takes place daily at 3:45 PM in Africa and around Discovery Island.
7. The Disney Resorts
One of my favorite parts about visiting Disney World around the holidays is being able to check out all of the holiday decor at the Disney Resorts. Guests not staying at the resorts are allowed and even encouraged to visit the Disney Resorts that are decked for the holidays. Although every resort does something festive, there are a couple of places that stand out beyond the rest.
Some of my favorites include The Grand Floridian where you can see and go into a life sized gingerbread house. This is not to be missed, especially since it is the 15th year of the gingerbread house being in The Grand Floridian. The Boardwalk hotel has yuletide snack stand and the Yacht and Beach Club displays an edible carousel. The Contemporary Resort also gets in on the action with a huge gingerbread Christmas tree- all of which will be going on through the holiday season.