Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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

While temperatures soar into the 90s, and we are all still basking in the glow of July 4th, fireworks, and barbecues, it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2025 holiday season at Disney World!

The holiday season at Walt Disney World officially kicks off on November 14 and will run through December 31, 2025. Disney will come to life with Christmas decor, themed food and beverage items, character meet and greets in their holiday outfits, and so much more!

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Holidays at Magic Kingdom

The Christmas season at Magic Kingdom is filled with festive magic and wonder. From the moment you enter the park and get that first view of Cinderella Castle, your eyes will behold all that is the holidays at Disney.

The all-new “Disney Starlight” parade will debut on July 20 and be presented twice each night (subject to cancellation) and will continue throughout the holidays. It’s important to note that the parade will not be available on evenings when the Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Magic Kingdom will transform into one of the most iconic holiday photo spots across Walt Disney World, with stunning areas just waiting for you to create that perfect Christmas card.

We know your little ones will want to set sail on the World-famous Jingle Cruise, returning in 2025. The holiday-themed gags along the 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey will keep guests chuckling long after the journey concludes.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Holiday Traditions from Around the World at EPCOT

Over at EPCOT, you will find bells ringing and choirs singing in celebration of the holiday season. With tasty snacks from around the world, entertainment that will make you smile, and attractions that delight guests time and time again, EPCOT is the perfect family destination.

Come experience the spirited ‘JOYFUL! Celebration of the Season” in CommuniCore Plaza featuring classic songs and updated arrangements, while the Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers bring The American Adventure Pavilion to life with holiday tunes.

The wildly popular Candlelight Processional at the American Gardens Theater captivates audiences of all ages. This retelling of the Nativity story is presented nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. With celebrity narrators bringing the story of Christmas to life onstage, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and often fills up quickly during this popular performance. Plan ahead and make it a priority on your visit if you want to experience this stunning show.

Of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without favorite Holiday Foods, and where better to find scrumptious food than EPCOT!

The Holiday Kitchens across EPCOT will return for the Festival of the Holidays, featuring heartwarming recipes and flavors from around the globe. Keep your eyes peeled for the soon-to-be-released menus.

The Holiday Cookie Stroll returns this year with your favorite treats and delicious new items.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt returns this year to the World Showcase. This is a favorite holiday activity for both children and adults.

Always a popular attraction during the holiday season, Living with the Land will be transformed with sparkling Christmas lights and festive decor.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Celebrate a Cinematic Christmas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Plan to get a jump on your holiday shopping and find that perfect toy inside Mickey’s of Hollywood, or stop by Echo Lake and take a holiday photo with Gertie. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is packed with holiday charm to get you in the spirit of the holidays.

As night falls, experience the return of “Sunset Seasons Greetings” with nightly holiday projections.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Beautiful decor is everywhere throughout Hollywood Studios, including Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, and more. Toy Story Land is a great place to find larger-than-life decorations and favorite characters dressed in seasonal attire. Stop by and take a pic for that holiday card!

Minnie Mouse and her friends will be gathered at Hollywood & Vine during Minnie’s Holiday Dine featuring sensational soirees that mix festive music, decor, and delicious menu items.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Discover Wild Seasonal Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has something special in store for guests of all ages during the upcoming holiday season.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Merry Menagerie is back this year as those Polar Puppets greet guests around Discovery Island. Children and adults alike will spot penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears, making it yet another fantastic photo spot.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

You’ll want to swing by Adventurers Outpost for a holiday meet and greet with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in their most festive holiday outfits.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Surround Yourself in Holiday Cheer at Disney Springs

Disney Springs will be the place to be this holiday season as you check off items on your Christmas list. Classic Disney merchandise, souvenirs, and trends from some of the world’s most popular brands will help you wrap up your Christmas shopping a little bit early.

Back for 2025 is the popular Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Discover a vast collection of extravagantly decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs, including elaborately themed Christmas trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars favorites.

Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Greet Santa at Disney World

Make sure you save time in your busy holiday schedule to visit the big, jolly guy! Santa Claus will visit each of the four theme parks, greeting guests and determining who has been naughty or nice. Santa will also stop by Disney Springs through December 24 for you to take photos and share holiday wishes.

For specific times and locations to meet Santa on your next visit, visit My Disney Experience before he heads back to the North Pole.

So, whether you hail from the West Coast, East Coast, the Deep South, or are a local, plan to spend time at Disney World this winter. There is plenty of fun to be had by all!

Do you enjoy spending time during the holidays at Walt Disney World?