2024 Walt Disney World Christmas Offerings Bring Yuletide Delight

There’s extra magic in the air when you stay at Walt Disney World during the holiday season. Characters don their festive holiday attire, seasonal flavors are perfect for Insta-worthy snacks, and then there are special ticketed events, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, that become annual fan favorites. Personally, I love seeing the decor that’s perfectly themed, to each park or resort. I would be first in line to purchase custom garlands from Walt Disney World if such a souvenir existed. 

While the list goes on, there are a few new additions to the 2024 Walt Disney World Christmas lineup that are sure to rejuvenate your holiday spirit. All of these new theme park offerings mentioned below are included with your park ticket admission. 

Guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit. Traditionally, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is the busiest time to visit Walt Disney World.

Fortunately, Christmas starts early at WDW. Disney starts to spread yuletide cheer across the park with one of their most famous transformations, from Halloween to Christmas. You don’t want to miss out on any of these new offerings, as there’s something new for all ages to enjoy in each of their four theme parks.

Enchanting Magic Kingdom Christmas Offerings

There’s nothing quite like walking up Main Street, U.S.A when it’s decorated for the holidays. Starting November 12th, the Magic Kingdom will be decorated for Christmas, plus themed food and drink items at select locations throughout the park. 

• Join Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” at the castle stage for a “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” During this show, friends from Arendelle ring in the season together and help transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystalized palace – a magical look that remains throughout the evening. 
• Jungle Cruise’s transformation into Jingle Cruise is a holiday overlay no one can resist! Guests can experience this wild attraction wrapped with festive jokes and even more fun memories starting Nov. 2. Dads, this ride is an opportunity to stock up on festive Dad Jokes and it’s a must-do!

Global New Fun At The Epcot Festival of the Holidays

Epcot brings together global holiday traditions at the World Showcase pavilions. This season, Epcot invites world travelers and foodies alike to come together for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. 

From Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2024, guests can enjoy vibrant decorations and offerings that transform the park into a festive wonderland. 

• Listen to lively storytellers as they share holiday legends from around the world. Located throughout World Showcase, these tales of traditions will fill one’s heart with holiday cheer while learning about these amazing cultural celebrations.
• Witness a beautiful tribute to Christmas with Gospel, R&B, and holiday songs at “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.”
• Sing-along with a glorious mass choir, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the Voices of Liberty during the Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre. This year, the fan-favorite tradition welcomes new narrators Nico Santos, Ralph Macchio, and Titus Burgess to the stage, plus a variety of award-winning actors, singers, and television personalities.
• Who doesn’t love eating around the world at Epcot? Savor festive cuisine from countries near and far as the Holiday Kitchens bring culinary traditions to life across the park.
• Surround yourself with glorious lights at Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, which gets special holiday treatment. Learn about the foods produced in the greenhouses that play a part in the holiday celebrations throughout the resort.

Experience Wild Holiday Wonder at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Even the animals get into the holiday spirit at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. From enchanting festive décor throughout the park to a lively, dinosaur-themed carnival brimming with holiday cheer in DinoLand U.S.A., there’s plenty to ensure a wildly festive day of fun!

• New in 2024, Santa is heading to Restaurantosaurus! As the guest of honor at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio, Santa invites everyone to join him in this festive new location from Nov. 12 to Dec. 24.
• Capture a moment with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Snap a picture with the beloved duo in their holiday attire at Adventurers Outpost.
• Gather by the Tree of Life, where Merry Menagerie puppeteers showcase the artisan-sculpted wintry animal puppets, including reindeer, penguins, and seals. This sounds like a great show for the little ones to love!
• As night falls, guests are invited to gather for the enchanting Tree of Life Awakening. The whole family will be captivated by a dazzling display of color and light, where animal spirits come to life, weaving together an unforgettable experience.

Find Cinematic Christmas Cheer At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Starting Nov. 12, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms into a dazzling realm where holiday magic and classic Hollywood energy sync in perfect harmony, delivering all the nostalgic holiday feels! This year, exciting new entertainment offerings take center stage.

• Jam out to the Holiday Spirit Band at various performance spots throughout the park. The fun doesn’t stop there; new festive acts, including more holiday musicians and juggling elves, are making their debut.
• In Toy Story Land, families enter a world where toy-sized festive fun is larger than life! Explore Andy’s backyard decked out in dazzling holiday decorations and say howdy to beloved “Toy Story” pals, all dressed up in their holiday finest. 
• Catch a showing of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration” with a special festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman Olaf and celebratory songs of the season.
• As night falls, experience the return of Sunset Seasons Greetings, where holiday magic transforms the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol!”

With all of the upcoming seasonal excitement at Walt Disney World, now is the time to start planning your family’s magical vacation. I’m one of the new-age minimalist moms who consider experiences to be the best holiday gifts (and they keep my house clutter-free). A few rides along the Jingle Cruise sounds like Christmas perfection to me!

Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/Holidays for more information about planning their holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort.