Walt Disney World Announces NEW and Returning Holiday Events
We’re approaching the holiday season, and there’s no better destination to celebrate than The Most Magical Place On Earth! This year, Walt Disney World is unveiling a variety of exciting holiday events, both new and returning, designed to bring magic and joy to visitors. Here are the details on the festive activities planned for Disney this holiday season!
Disney Jollywood Nights is Back!
Get ready to dazzle this holiday season at Disney Jollywood Nights! Running from November 9 to December 21, Disney Jollywood Nights offers a glamorous experience on select evenings. Immerse yourself in five hours of festive fun from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., perfect for families and Disney enthusiasts.
Be captivated on Hollywood Boulevard by a brand new skating spectacular set to your favorite holiday songs, featuring performances by international champion skaters several times a night in a mesmerizing twist on classic ice shows.
Disney Jollywood Nights will also showcase over 20 unique character encounters, featuring beloved figures like Phineas and Ferb, Santa Duffy, and Santa Stitch, as well as new faces like Bo Peep, Lotso, Baloo, and King Louie from TaleSpin. Plus, PhotoPass digital downloads are included with your ticket!
Fans will be thrilled to see the return of Ollie, the dapper gingerbread man, with a new Ollie-themed merchandise collection featuring items like Minnie Mouse ear headbands and festive apparel. Enjoy classic treats like the iconic Gertie cookie alongside new holiday delights, and receive a sweet treat from Wondermade upon exit.
Guests attending Disney Jollywood Nights will also get to enjoy shows such as “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along,” “Disney Holidays in Hollywood,” and “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” The Holiday Fiesta en la Calle moves to Animation Courtyard, starring Jose Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros. Dance the night away at the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club in the Tower Courtyard. Jazzy Holidays at the Hollywood Brown Derby also returns, though reservations are recommended due to limited space. For more booking details, visit DisneyWorld.com/Jollywood in September.
Last year, my friends and I had the opportunity to attend Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. And let me tell you, it was one of my favorite memories ever in the park. The entire experience was truly magical and put us all in the holiday spirit. From the festive decorations to the special entertainment and exclusive treats, everything about Jollywood Nights was simply amazing.
But what made it even more memorable were all the unique photo opportunities available throughout the night. We made sure to dress our best and fully embrace the holiday spirit, which really enhanced our overall experience. We took countless photos with our favorite characters dressed in their holiday outfits, as well as some fun group shots with festive backdrops.
If you have the chance to attend Jollywood Nights this year, I highly recommend taking advantage of every photo opportunity available. These photos will serve as wonderful mementos to look back on and remember your special night at Hollywood Studios during the holiday season or make a perfect holiday card photo!
Guests of select Disney Resorts hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can buy tickets starting July 2, while all other guests can purchase tickets starting July 10. Get your tickets at DisneyWorld.com/Jollywood or call 407-934-7639. Mark your 2024 calendars for:
- Nov. 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
- Dec. 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21
With additional Saturday dates, there are plenty of opportunities to join the festive fun. Don’t miss out on this stylish holiday celebration at Disney Jollywood Nights!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Makes a Festive Return
This festive event at Magic Kingdom Park is back for 2024 and brimming with joy and holiday cheer!
This year, look forward to a brand-new merchandise collection, including exclusive apparel, trading pins, and more—perfect for holiday gifts or keepsakes.
Guests will also enjoy beloved entertainment such as Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show.
Got a sweet tooth? Delight in complimentary cookies and cocoa throughout the evening, making the night even sweeter. Revel in festive cheer with the beautifully decorated Main Street, U.S.A., and enchanting holiday-themed attractions.
Amy and I are ready to get into the holiday spirit as we eagerly anticipate our return to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year. We were unable to attend last year, so we are even more excited for this year’s festivities.
One of our favorite traditions at the party is collecting cookies from all the different locations scattered throughout the park. From gingerbread to chocolate chip, there is a cookie for every sweet tooth. We always make sure to grab extras to take home and enjoy during the holiday season.
Aside from the delicious cookies, we also love experiencing the holiday ride overlays at Space Mountain and Autopia. These rides feature festive lighting and holiday soundtracks that put a unique spin on these classic attractions. It truly adds to the magical atmosphere of the party.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a limited-capacity, five-hour event running from Nov. 8 through Dec. 20 on select nights from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Guests staying at select Disney Resorts hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting July 2. General ticket sales begin July 10.
To buy tickets, visit DisneyWorld.com/VeryMerry or call 407-934-7639. The dates for 2024 are:
- Nov. 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
- Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20
Mark your calendars! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the perfect way to get into the magical holiday spirit!
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth
Holidays are a beloved tradition worldwide, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is an ideal place to celebrate them! From Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, this festival offers an immersive experience of festive customs from across the globe. Delight in captivating holiday storytellers, savor delicious holiday dishes, explore unique merchandise, and enjoy vibrant entertainment, all showcasing diverse cultural traditions.
Satisfy your holiday cravings at the Holiday Kitchens, which are scattered throughout the park and offer a wide variety of seasonal foods and beverages from around the world.
A highlight you won’t want to miss is the Candlelight Processional. This emotional event features a celebrity narrator recounting the Christmas story, accompanied by a full orchestra and a mass choir, encapsulating the true spirit of the holidays. Check out the Disney Parks Blog later this year for this year’s lineup of celebrity narrators.
Last year, we were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to take our families to a showing of Candlelight Processional. As we sat in the audience surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights and holiday decorations, we couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It was truly a magical experience that we will never forget.
But what made it even more special was being able to share it with our families. Seeing their faces light up with wonder and excitement as they watched the procession of candlelit singers and listened to the beautiful music was priceless.
It was truly heartwarming to be able to share the true meaning of Christmas with our loved ones in such a special way. The message of love, hope, and faith that is conveyed through this event is something that resonated deeply with all of us. Our families still talk about that night as one of their favorite holiday memories, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have shared it with them.
Festive Holiday Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort
Additional holiday events are also returning to other Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Springs this season!
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the charming Merry Menagerie will feature intricately crafted winter animal puppets, all set against beautiful holiday decorations. Plus, don’t miss the chance to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their festive outfits!
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the popular yuletide projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel is back. You can also spot Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear in their holiday attire in Toy Story Land.
Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom will once again host the “Frozen Holiday Surprise” in front of Cinderella Castle. Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the adorable Snowgies for this enchanting holiday event.
Holiday Fun at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is the perfect destination for holiday shopping, adorned with stunning decorations and featuring the popular Christmas Tree Stroll.
To top it all off, Santa Claus will be making appearances across all four parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Water Parks, dressed in his tropical holiday beachwear.
Gingerbread Houses and Décor Galore
Staying at a Disney Resort hotel is a must-do during the holiday! This year the resorts will once again be beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, festive decorations, and the irresistible aroma of gingerbread displays throughout Walt Disney World!
During the holiday season, one of our family traditions is to travel around and visit all the Disney Vacation Club resorts. Each resort has its own unique decorations and themes, making it a magical experience to see them all. From the elaborate Christmas trees at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the festive displays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, every resort is decked out in holiday cheer. We love seeing how each resort incorporates Disney characters and icons into their decorations, making us feel like we’re in our very own winter wonderland.
It’s a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit and appreciate the creativity and detail that goes into each resort’s decor. We highly recommend adding this to your holiday bucket list!
Start Planning Your Holiday Trip Today!
With so many magical events to look forward to, now is the perfect time to start planning your holiday trip to Walt Disney World. The DVC Rental Store offers you the chance to save up to 75% off Deluxe DVC Villa accommodations by checking availability or browsing our available confirmed reservations.
Make this holiday season one to remember by experiencing one of these amazing Walt Disney World holiday events during the most wonderful time of the year. Visit the DVC Rental Store today and start planning your unforgettable Disney holiday getaway!
