Disney World is pretty wonderful anytime of the year (well I am not a fan of summers in Florida), but it gets extra special at Christmas when the the parks are transformed essentially overnight. The Magic Kingdom is not the only park that is transformed; Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Downtown Disney and more get the holiday magic too!
Epcot
Epcot offers Holidays Around the World where each country offers holiday presentations throughout the day to tell you about their holiday customs. Some presentations you might see include Hanukkah, Pere Noel, Chinese Lion Dance, and Father Christmas. I recommend taking in a couple presentations to learn something new and expose your children to a different culture. It’s a wonderful learning opportunity in a fun way!
The Candlelight Processional is offered three times each night in the American Garden Theater. This program tells the story of Christmas through a celebrity narrator, orchestra and a choir. There is also a special Illuminations every night. 
Magic Kingdom
Watch as each evening, Cinderella’s Castle is transformed during A Frozen Holiday Wish into an ice castle with the help of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf.
On certain nights of the year, Magic Kingdom closes early for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which is a hard ticket event that costs extra. The party includes a special parade, fireworks, dance parties, hot chocolate and cookies.
Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is so beautiful. For more information and tips about visiting the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights check out my post from last week.
Beyond the Parks
Each resort is decorated for the holidays including their own Christmas tree. Some of the deluxe resorts have additional decorations such as a gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian.
Characters
Conclusion
You do not have to wait until Christmas to enjoy all the holiday magic! Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are already transformed. Epcot’s Holidays Around the World starts November 28th.
One of my favorite times to visit Disney World is the beginning of December when all the Christmas decorations are out, the parks are less busy, and the cost is a bit lower, but really who am I kidding I love to visit anytime of the year! Each season offers it’s own unique festival or celebration or decorations.
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How fun!! I’ve often wondered if it’s crazy busy even in the beginning of December. It’s always been a wish to see Disney at Christmas time! Looks like you had a great trip!
I hope you are able to visit at Christmas time. It makes the parks/resorts all that more magical!
SOOOO excited to go in a few weeks! I’ve been before at Christmas, but it’s been several years–I’m excited to see what’s changed since I went last. We’re also building in time to visit some of the resorts, too: another thing I’ve never done at Christmas! 🙂 Pinning!
The resorts are so beautiful too! I am excited for our trip this year!
We’re heading back in early December and I can’t wait to go! For the past three years we’ve gone after Thanksgiving and it is by far my favorite time to visit the parks. It seems more magical with all the Christmas decorations up!
Yes Teresa, it’s one of my favorite times too! On a side note did you see the changes to the park hours at Magic Kingdom!
I LOVE Disney World! In full disclosure, it made me a little emotional to look at these pictures… they’re all so magical!
xo,
Marissa
http://www.makinitwithmarissa.com
Thanks Marissa! We love Disney World too and I always get a little emotional.
You know I lived the first 19 years of my life in Florida and I never once went to Disney during Christmas!
Oh no! The parks are so magical decorated for Christmas!
The transformation of the Magic Kingdom is quite impressive. The Disney brand does an exceptional job with details and creating a memorable experience. I have been to Disney since I was a little girl. It looks like your little one had big fun, I’m sure mom did too.
Thank you Reginia! It is so beautiful and magical! I love Disney’s attention to detail!
This looks like so much fun! We have always gone during the warmer months, but Disney during the holidays looks like it might be a wonderful time to visit. I loved reading this post!
Thanks Kristen! We love to alternate when we visit WDW and hit different seasons.
When my husband and I were dating we lived in Orlando and every year we went to Disney! I love every second of the magic they do for Christmas. I cannot wait to take our daughter there and experience it through her eyes,
I hope you are able to take her. It is so very magical at Christmas!
This looks like so much fun! I’d love to see Cinderella’s castle become frozen!
I love all the beautiful lights!
My family loves Disney all decked out for Christmas! We live in Michigan and love getting to enjoy the holiday fun without big winter coats and gloves and being freezing cold! We were there is August this year and were just talking about how much we missed it already so the 5 of us sat down and watched the Disney planning DVD together! My kids love watching that when they miss Disney!
What a great idea Stephanie! We seem to always miss Disney as soon as we leave!
What’s not to love about Disney! 😀 When my son turned 10 I took him to Disneyland Paris as a surprise birthday gift and he had a blast. It was a great weekend and I believe he’ll remember it forever 🙂 Have to try Christmas at Disney one of these days.
I would love to visit Disneyland Paris! One of these days I will make it 🙂
I used to LOVE Disney at Christmas when I was a kid – I was lucky enough to go there around Christmastime twice and I loved how everything was decorated! So much fun and I have such fond memories.
It is one of the best times to visit Disney World. The lights are amazing~
I would love to spend one holiday at Disney! Looks like you had a wonderful time! 🙂
It is always one of my favorite trips! The holidays are awesome at Disney World!