Disney World starts decorating for Christmas right after Halloween, with the parks and resorts fully decorated by mid-November.
You love the magic of Disney World and enjoy Christmas, you might be wondering when the park transforms into a festive winter wonderland. Disney World is known for going all out for the holidays, creating a magical experience for visitors.
In this article, we’ll explore when Disney World starts decorating for Christmas and what you can expect during this special time of year.
Christmas Decorations at Disney World: When Does It Begin?
Disney World usually starts decorating for Christmas right after Halloween. This means that by the first week of November, the parks begin to look festive with holiday decorations. In fact, some decorations even start going up during the last few days of October, but the full transformation happens in early November.
Disney wants to make sure that guests visiting in November and December get to experience the holiday magic, so they don’t wait long after Halloween to put up the Christmas decorations. This timing also aligns with the start of special holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
How Long Does It Take to Decorate Disney World?
Decorating Disney World for Christmas is a big task! Since the parks are so large, it takes about a week or two to get everything ready. Disney’s team works overnight to make sure decorations are ready for visitors the next morning.
This way, the magic of Disney is always alive and guests don’t have to see the process of the transformation.
By mid-November, you can expect to see almost all of the holiday decorations in place at Disney World, including the giant Christmas trees, festive lights, and garlands that make the parks look even more magical.
What Areas of Disney World Are Decorated?
During the holiday season, many parts of Disney World get decorated. Each park and even some resorts have their own unique holiday displays. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different locations:
- Magic Kingdom: Magic Kingdom is often the most decorated park, with Cinderella Castle covered in lights, a massive Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., and festive decorations throughout the park. The decorations here are usually the most traditional, with a classic Christmas feel.
- EPCOT: EPCOT celebrates the holidays by decorating each World Showcase pavilion to reflect the traditions of different countries. You’ll see holiday decorations from around the world and can even enjoy the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which features special food, performances, and decorations.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Studios takes on a vintage Christmas vibe with decorations inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. One of the standout features here is the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: While Animal Kingdom’s decorations are a bit more subtle compared to the other parks, it still has some unique displays that celebrate the natural world and different cultures.
- Disney Resorts: Many of Disney’s resorts are also beautifully decorated for Christmas. Each resort has its own themed decorations, including stunning Christmas trees, gingerbread displays, and more.
Also Read: What Is The Root Of The Impulse To Decorate – Discover The Surprising Truth!
Christmas at Disney Springs:
Disney Springs, the shopping and dining area of Disney World, is also beautifully decorated for the holidays. One of the main highlights is the Christmas Tree Trail, where guests can walk through a display of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, each inspired by different Disney characters and movies.
Disney Springs also features festive music, holiday lights, and special seasonal treats. It’s a great spot to get into the holiday spirit without needing a park ticket!
Special Holiday Events at Disney World:
Disney World doesn’t just decorate for Christmas—they also host special holiday events that bring extra magic to your visit. These events start in early November and run throughout the holiday season.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:
One of the most popular holiday events at Disney World is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This event is held at Magic Kingdom on select nights from November through December. The party requires a separate ticket, but it’s worth it for the exclusive entertainment and festive atmosphere.
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests can enjoy:
- Holiday parades and fireworks: The Christmas parade features favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday outfits, along with festive floats, music, and even “snow” falling on Main Street, U.S.A. There’s also a special holiday fireworks show called Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.
- Meet-and-greets with characters: Many Disney characters are dressed in their holiday best during this event, and you can meet them throughout the park.
- Complimentary holiday treats: Guests at the party can enjoy free cookies, hot chocolate, and other holiday snacks at various locations around the park.
- Shorter wait times for rides: Since this is a ticketed event with a limited number of guests, you’ll find shorter wait times for popular rides during the party.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays:
Starting in late November, EPCOT hosts the International Festival of the Holidays, which celebrates holiday traditions from around the world. This event includes:
- Holiday Kitchens: Similar to EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, the Festival of the Holidays features special food booths where you can sample holiday treats from different countries.
- Candlelight Processional: One of the highlights of this event is the Candlelight Processional, where a celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas, accompanied by a choir and live orchestra. This show is truly moving and is a must-see for many Disney guests during the holidays.
- Holiday Storytellers: At each World Showcase pavilion, you can meet storytellers who share the holiday traditions of their respective countries.
Tips for Visiting Disney World During Christmas Time:
Visiting Disney World during the holiday season is a magical experience, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Here are a few tips to make the most of your trip:
Book Early:
Since Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit Disney World, hotels and park reservations fill up fast. Be sure to book your accommodations and park tickets as early as possible, especially if you want to attend events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Arrive Early:
The parks can get crowded during the holiday season, so it’s a good idea to arrive early in the day. This will give you a head start on enjoying popular rides and attractions before the crowds get too large.
Take Advantage of Genie+:
Genie+ is Disney’s paid system that allows you to skip the lines at certain attractions. During busy times like the Christmas season, it can be a big time-saver. Consider purchasing Genie+ to make the most of your time in the parks.
Enjoy the Decorations at Night:
The holiday lights and decorations at Disney World are especially magical at night. Be sure to spend some time in the parks after dark to fully appreciate the festive displays. Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle are particularly stunning when lit up for the holidays.
Don’t Miss the Holiday Treats:
Disney World offers special seasonal treats during the Christmas season. From gingerbread cookies to peppermint-flavored desserts, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Be sure to try some of these limited-time treats while you’re there!
When Does Disney World Take Down Christmas Decorations?
Disney World typically starts taking down its Christmas decorations in early January, after the New Year’s celebrations. The process of removing decorations can take about a week or two.
The holiday decor usually remains in place through the first weekend of January, and by mid-January, most of the Christmas decorations have been fully removed.
The exact timeline can vary slightly each year, but by mid-January, the parks generally return to their normal theming without the festive decorations.
Also Read: How To Decorate My Birthday On The Calander – Fun & Easy Ideas!
FAQ’s:
- When does Disney World begin decorating for Christmas?
Disney World starts decorating right after Halloween, typically in the first week of November.
- How long does it take to decorate Disney World for Christmas?
It takes about one to two weeks to fully transform the parks with Christmas decorations.
- Which areas of Disney World are decorated for Christmas?
All four theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs are decorated for Christmas, each with unique holiday displays.
- When are the Christmas decorations fully up at Disney World?
By mid-November, most of the Christmas decorations are complete across Disney World.
- What special holiday events take place at Disney World?
Events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays run during the holiday season.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Disney World begins decorating for Christmas right after Halloween, with the full transformation completed by mid-November. The parks, resorts, and Disney Springs all feature unique holiday decorations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the resort.
Visitors can also enjoy special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays during this magical season.