It’s beginning to look a lot like Disney magic.
Walt Disney World is pulling out all the stops for the 2025 holiday season, with celebrations running from November 14 through December 31. Whether you’re looking for festive foods, sparkling nighttime spectaculars, jolly character meet-and-greets, or just the joy of strolling through garland-lined streets, there’s something for everyone this year—from toddlers to grandparents.
From Magic Kingdom’s time-honored traditions to EPCOT’s multicultural celebrations, and from the cinematic sparkle of Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the nature-inspired beauty of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday cheer reaches every corner of Walt Disney World Resort—including Disney Springs and the resort hotels.
Let’s take a look at what’s new, what’s returning, and what you can’t miss.
Magic Kingdom: A Classic Christmas Dream
Magic Kingdom is the heart of Disney’s holiday season, and 2025 brings back beloved traditions with new twists.
“Frozen Holiday Surprise” on Cinderella Castle
Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and over 100 snowgies as they transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering palace of light and snow. This magical moment takes place nightly and is a must-see for families and fans of Frozen.
New This Year: “Disney Starlight” Parade
Debuting July 20 but continuing through the holidays (except on party nights), this parade sparkles with new floats, vibrant lighting, and character cameos. It’s an energetic celebration that brings added glow to your evening visit.
Iconic Decor and Photo Ops
Main Street, U.S.A. is once again draped in nostalgic decorations, towering trees, and shimmering lights. Make sure to grab a photo in front of Cinderella Castle or alongside the giant ornaments lining the pathways.
Jingle Cruise Returns
The world-famous Jungle Cruise goes full holiday with pun-filled commentary, kitschy decor, and a few laugh-out-loud surprises. The queue alone is worth visiting for the creative details.
EPCOT: Global Traditions, Holiday Flavors
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays runs November 28 through December 30, offering cultural storytelling, festive eats, and soul-stirring performances.
Candlelight Processional
This cherished retelling of the Christmas story features a live orchestra, massed choir, and celebrity narrators at the America Gardens Theatre. It runs three times nightly and often fills up quickly.
Holiday Storytellers Around World Showcase
From Père Noël in France to the mischievous Barn Santa in Norway, cultural performers share unique traditions and heartfelt tales. Don’t miss the Chinese Lion Dancer or the Hanukkah Storyteller between Morocco and France.
Holiday Kitchens and Cookie Stroll
Over a dozen holiday kitchens will serve up sweet and savory delights from around the world. Be sure to collect stamps for the Holiday Cookie Stroll, which ends with a delicious prize for those who complete it.
Living with the Land: Merry & Bright Nights
This gentle boat ride gets a seasonal overlay with glowing greenhouses filled with lights, ornaments, and holiday cheer.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Families can enjoy this festive scavenger hunt throughout World Showcase. Find Olaf and his collection of holiday traditions in each pavilion and redeem a prize once completed.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A Tinseltown Celebration
Step into a vintage Hollywood holiday scene where tinsel glitters, music swings, and your favorite characters dress to impress.
Sunset Seasons Greetings
Each evening, the Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms with projection shows themed to Toy Story, Frozen, The Muppets, and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Watch it light up to jazzy holiday tunes on Sunset Boulevard.
“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along” – Holiday Edition
With added holiday songs and a special appearance from Olaf, this version of the sing-along makes spirits bright.
Toy Story Land Decor and Character Meet-and-Greets
Woody, Buzz, and Jessie dress up for the holidays, and Toy Story Land sparkles with oversized lights and festive fun.
Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
A seasonal character dining experience where you can feast on festive fare while meeting Minnie Mouse, Mickey, and friends in holiday attire. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: A Natural Wonderland of Winter Magic
Nature meets the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, offering a quieter—but no less magical—seasonal celebration.
Merry Menagerie
Artisan-crafted animal puppets—penguins, polar bears, foxes, and more—come to life with the help of talented performers on Discovery Island. It’s a unique photo and interaction opportunity for all ages.
Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition
After dark, the Tree of Life glows with wintry tales and colorful projections every 10 minutes. A beautiful and moving nighttime cap to your Animal Kingdom adventure.
Mickey and Minnie in Holiday Attire
Stop by Adventurers Outpost for photos with the iconic duo in festive travel-ready outfits.
Disney Springs: Shopping, Entertainment, and Snowfall
Disney Springs offers a holly-jolly blend of shopping, dining, and live entertainment during the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Stroll
This self-guided experience takes you through Disney Springs to see elaborately decorated trees themed to Disney films and characters. Each tree is uniquely styled and placed throughout the district.
Live Entertainment and Holiday Eats
Catch carolers, musicians, and dance troupes performing throughout the day. Seasonal food and beverage offerings are also available across restaurants and kiosks.
Let it Snow… in Florida
At night, snowfall drifts through the Town Center area as part of a magical, free holiday experience.
Meet Santa at Walt Disney World
Santa Claus makes several appearances across Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll find him at:
- Magic Kingdom (near Liberty Square)
- EPCOT (inside the Odyssey Pavilion)
- Disney Springs (through a virtual queue system)
- Select Disney Resort Hotels
Holiday Magic at Disney Resort Hotels
Even if you’re not staying overnight, the Disney Resort hotels are worth a visit just to see the ornate Christmas trees, garland-draped lobbies, and delicious seasonal treats.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Features the legendary life-sized gingerbread house
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Hosts a spinning gingerbread carousel
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Cozy, rustic decor with a towering tree and warm fireplace
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – African-inspired decorations with holiday charm
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re coming for the cookies, the characters, or the castle lights, Holidays at Walt Disney World in 2025 promises to be a festive, unforgettable experience for the whole family. From the first snowfall at Disney Springs to the final note of the Candlelight Processional, the spirit of the season shines bright across the resort.
Make sure to plan early, book your reservations, and check the latest entertainment schedules and dining availability on the official Walt Disney World website or app.
Here’s to a season full of magic, memories, and Mickey.
