Animal Kingdom Holiday Eats & Treats
Satuli Canteen
- Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse Peppermint cream cheese mousse, peppermint sauce, peppermint candy pieces, and chocolate dirt
Tiffins Restaurant
- Horchata Mousse Snow Globe Golden coffee crémeux, gingerbread sable cookie, coriander chantilly, elderflower meringue, bourbon caramel, and candied pecans
- Pork T-Bone Apple-brined pork, sweet potato variations, boniato mash, and ginger-pear butter
Disney World Christmas Decorations In 2021
When does Disney World decorate for Christmas?
The resorts, especially the deluxe resorts, get really decorated for Christmas. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Hotel, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Beach and Yacht Clubs all typically have spectacular, oversized gingerbread displays. While these incredible gingerbread displays weren’t available in 2020, select displays are already a work in progress! The resorts also feature magnificent Christmas trees, each decorated in theme with the resorts. While there isn’t a gingerbread display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the tree is massive and absolutely spectacular. Select resort restaurants will also be offering holiday menus and specialty food and drink.
No matter where you’re staying, expect some gorgeous holiday decor to fit your resort. But word to the wise: Book a Disney Resort hotel for the holidays as early as possible!
When does Disney take down Christmas decorations?
The decorations in all of the parks and at the resorts typically start coming down during the first week in January . Disney Christmas decorations started coming down by Jan. 5, 2020, and were completely gone after the Disney Marathon Weekend, which took place through Jan. 12. This season, the Marathon will take place Jan. 5 to Jan. 9, 2022.
Christmas At Walt Disney World
In this post, we provide an overview of Christmas at Walt Disney World. Particularly, this post covers how Disney transforms for Christmas, including the decorations, events, and merchandise youll only find during the Christmas season. This post does not cover tips for planning a trip during the Christmas season.
Links throughout give more specific information about Christmas throughout the resort, so if you have questions, click through! Nowlets see what Christmas at Walt Disney World is like!
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The Epcot International Festival Of The Holidays
One of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays storytellers Photo by WDWOW
During the holidays, the countries around the World Showcase get all dolled up in their holiday finest. Not all of the countries around the world celebrate Christmas, and if they do, they dont always celebrate it the way we do here in America.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a celebration of the winter holiday season in each of the countries. In most of the pavilions there are storytellers that tell how Christmas or their special holiday is celebrated. Its really neat.
Plus, you can be on the lookout for traditional holiday decor in the pavilions, and Holiday Kitchens featuring festive flavors from around the world.
Mickeys Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

Theres good news for those visiting Magic Kingdom December 22, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The popular Magic Kingdom Christmas parade normally only included with Disney Very Merriest After Hours tickets is available to all guests on these select dates. Check the My Disney Experience app for updated parade performances times.
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Disney World In December
The best timeto visit Disney World in the holidays depends on your preference really.
If you would prefer low crowds but still want to enjoy the sights of the season, then I recommend visiting Disney World the first two weeks of December as this is the least crowded time of the month.
For instance,if you enjoy large crowds then it is best to visit the week of Christmas as theholiday hype is at its peak with the number of days until Christmas begin todwindle.
- New Years Eve and New Years Day
Try All The Holiday Food At Disney Springs
As you may or may not already know, with every season at Disney comes limited time food, drink, and apparel offerings. Lets go through what you can expect on your Orlando foodie tour.
Amorettes Patisserie
- White Chocolate Peppermint Éclair with White Chocolate and Peppermint Mousse
- Santa Mickey Dome Cake
- Holiday Mickey Mousse Mini Dome Cake
- Holiday Parfait Bourbon white chocolate mousse, cranberry cherry panna cotta, maple chocolate ganache, and chocolate chiffon cake
- NYE Petite Cake
AristoCrêpes
- Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle Bubble waffle filled with scoops of vanilla ice cream, cherries jubilee fillings, and whipped cream
- Santa Hot Crêpe Sweet crêpe filled with eggnog custard topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream
D-Luxe Burger
- Holiday Turkey Burger Turkey patty, butternut squash risotto cake, bacon-cranberry jam, lettuce, and tomato
- Oh Deer Cookie Shake Hazelnut liqueur, vanilla gelato, cinnamon beverage syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon, and sugar dusting with ginger deer garnish
Dockside Margaritas
- Snowman on the Beach Margarita Silver tequila, key lime juice, crème de coconut, sweet and sour, graham cracker rim, chocolate pearls, and carrot sugar piece
The Daily Poutine
- Gobbler Poutine Turkey, brown gravy, cranberry chutney, and cheese curds
The Ganachery
- Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise
- Santa Mickey Piñata
- Gingerbread Ganache Square
- Peppermint Bark
- Chocolate Christmas Cottage
Jock Lindseys Hangar Bar
Outdoor Carts and Kiosks
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Does California Adventure Have Christmas Decorations
Yes, Disney also decorates California adventure in Christmas lights every year. In fact they start decorating California Adventure at the same time they start decorating for Christmas at Disneyland.
Your family will enjoy the spirit of the holidays in Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at California Adventure. The park is beautifully decorated, complete with a huge 50-foot tall Christmas tree in the middle of Buena Vista Street, a Snowcar outside of Cars Land, and Cars inspired Christmas trees made of tires, hubcaps, and cones down Route 66. Bell ringers and carolers fill Buena Vista Street with holiday cheer.
For a special treat, take some time to visit the festive Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party that takes place during the holiday season in November and December.
Dont Miss The Fireworks Show
The Minnies Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks display for Disney Very Merriest After Hours is incredible. In fact, its one of my favorite fireworks shows Ive ever seen. Even if you arent going to stay awake for the whole party, dont leave before this show at 11:15 p.m. Id say if you cant stay up that late to enjoy the holiday-themed display, Id skip the party this year, as this was one of the biggest highlights of the night.
Because the crowd level at the after-hours party was so manageable, even on the sold-out night I attended, we were able to easily get a spot right in front of the castle just a few minutes before the show began. The show is virtually guaranteed to put you in a festive mood with holiday music, projections, fireworks and the best darn display that money can buy.
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When Will Disney World Decorate For Christmas 2021
When it comes to the holidays at Walt Disney World, there are three questions we receive more than any others: When will Christmas decorations go up in the parks & resorts?Thats what well answer in this post.
Just in case youre curious, the other most common question is: How do you get tickets to see the ABC Christmas Day Parade live in person at Walt Disney World? Rounding out the top three, when are Christmas decorations taken down?
With Christmas quickly approaching and Walt Disney World continuing to announce new details for the holiday season, were receiving this question more. This is likely because Christmas season isnt starting until November 12, 2021one week later than normal. Suffice to say, Christmas 2021 at Walt Disney World is going to look a little different, including the decorations.
Before we get to the good news, lets start with the bad news. We really dont know what the decorations will entail this year. As with last year, Christmas is likely to be scaled back at Walt Disney World this year.
However, its for a very different reason. Last year, travel had plummeted and a number of modifications for health and safety were made. This year, the changes are due to Walt Disney Worlds 50th Anniversary, which overshadows both Halloween and Christmas in the process. Consequently, things will be a bit different for Christmas 2021.
First, we know that there will be no Cinderella Castle Dream Lights, which is a big blow.
Final Thoughts On Christmas At Disney World
As you can see, there is no shortage of things to enjoy during Christmas at Disney World. It is truly a fun and beautiful time of the year to visit. And lucky for us, Christmas at Disney lasts 2 months.
Remember, if you plan to go during the very busy Christmas week, make sure you have a solid plan and follow the tips provided in this post.
Along the lines of having a solid plan here are some links for you to check out to make sure you have the best Christmas trip to Disney World ever!
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Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge
I must admit my bias Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite Disney resort, hands down. This one-of-a-kind resort is home to beautiful African animals as well as a massive collection of African art and artifacts.
Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disneyâs Wilderness Lodge were designed by the same architect. So they both have jaw-dropping lobbies. Jambo House is the main building of Animal Kingdom Lodge and has an incredible, warmly lit Christmas tree. You can sometimes find a gingerbread or chocolate village here, near the BOMA Flavors of Africa restaurant. There are two fire pits here too, one indoors and one outdoors. Either one is perfect for snuggling with your sweetheart.
While youâre here you can also walk over, or take a complimentary van, to Kidani Village. This is the second building at the resort, built a few years after Jambo House.
Is Disneyland Still Decorated For Christmas In January

Disneyland Christmas this year runs from November 12th through January 9th giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. Disneyland at Christmas offers so much to see and do for guests including themed attractions, a holiday parade and fireworks, fantastic holiday food, festivals, and breathtaking decor!
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Disney World For Christmas
A few days after Thanksgiving until about a week before Christmas is the best time to visit for the holidays. The Disney World Christmas crowds are low, but everything holiday is up and running.
In particular, the first week of December is a perfect mix of holiday experiences, comfortable crowds, and gorgeous weather which makes it our favorite time to visit.
Not able to visit between Thanksgiving and Christmas? Mid-November is a good Disney World Christmas vacation alternative if you dont mind missing Epcot Festival of the Holidays.
Are There Any Magic Kingdom Christmas Decorations That Are Placed Later
The large Christmas tree inside the Magic Kingdom has to be patient for its installation inside the park. While the castle has been lit up, and wreaths hung for days, there is often still no giant tree. The famous Christmas tree is over 70 feet tall and stands just inside the entrance to the park between Main Street USA and the train station.
Because the Walt Disney World Christmas parade heads down Main Street, Disney must wait to place the tree until after to avoid obstructing any camera shots necessary during filming. In the past, the tree was installed before the tapings, but more recently has not been.
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Where Can I Find Disney World Christmas Decorations
The short answer is Disney World Christmas decorations are everywhere. There are specially themed Christmas trees, wreaths, flowers, and other decorations at Disney World resorts, theme parks, and Disney Springs. Disney World cast members put up an astonishing 1500 Christmas trees around the property.
Celebrating Christmas At Disneyworld
As we go through this holiday guide, my goal is to answer your top questions about visiting Disney at Christmas. Plus, I want to inform you on all the popular events you can attend while at the parks.
Ill also give you some handy tips that will help you have the most fun while sticking to your budget.
So, lets get right to it and learn about the magic and hidden treasures of Disney World at Christmastime.
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When Do Disney Hotels Decorate For Christmas
So now that we have covered all four theme parks, when do Disney Christmas light go up at the resorts?
Unfortunately there is no set order when it comes to the Disney putting Christmas decorations up at the hotels. We can say that all hotels receive their decorations within the last two weeks of November.
So if you plan on resort hopping to see all of the Disney World Christmas decorations make sure you visit in December! And the truth is we highly recommend visiting the hotels if you love Christmas. The imagination and creativity that goes into decorating the Disney world Resort hotels is amazing.
Watch Sunset Greetings On The Hollywood Tower Of Terror Hotel
The SunsetSeasons Greetings is a projection show that takes place at the park andfeatures some pretty cool light and laser effects complete with falling snow atSunset Boulevard.
The event is meant to mesmerize you with all the colorful lights and stories showing snowy Arendelle, the Muppets, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by Mickeys Christmas Carol.
Youll also see the hotel transforms into the Beacon of Magic in honor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration in between its holiday décor!
The holiday show will also alternate with the towers nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic.
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When Does Disney Start Decorating For Christmas At Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom park is another one of the most popular parks when it comes to Christmas decorations in Disney. Not only does this park have a very loyal fan base, but its also the newest Disney park to receive a Holiday upgrade.
Just like the Magic Kingdom, Disneys Animal Kingdom theme park has an official holiday start date of November 6th.
Christmas At The Disney World Resort Hotels

The Disney hotels being decorated is hard to predict but its fairly safe to say that by mid-November all the hotels will have all their festive decorations up.
Gingerbread House displays and massive Christmas tree displays at the hotels are absolutely stunning! To stay at one of these resorts during this holiday time, whether it be at one of Disneys Deluxe Resorts or any of the other wonderful hotels will be an experience you wont forget. You will truly be situated in the perfect place for a 24/7 Christmastime immersion.
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Epcot At Christmas Time
Heading over to EPCOT, this park offers you the chance to learn more about the holiday season in various countries around the world. If youve always wanted to spend time abroad during Christmas, this is your chance to taste some holiday treats and learn more about what life is like overseas at this time of the year.
How Do You Plan Your Days At Disney World
One thing youneed to know that while being at Walt Disney World during the holidays can befun, all the activities you might likely want to fit in your schedule can be abit overwhelming.
So, you needto plan each day carefully to prepare you for the activities as theycome.
Read how to maximize a short vacation at Walt Disney World here!
If you are staying on Disney World property, then it is best that you get an early start and take advantage of Disney extra magic hours.
This will helpyou avoid the unending queues that form during the holidays and get you on yourway to enjoying your day.
Hipster Power Tip: Use the Disney Genie+ system to make sure that youre able to experience your top attraction even on a busy Christmas day.
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Echo Lake Holiday Decor
One of the prettiest areas to take holiday photos of you and your family is around Echo Lake. This is where they usually place one of the parks Christmas trees, and youll find that Dinosaur Gertie is dressed up for the season as well. Grab a drink from one of the nearby stands and relax in this area to get in the holiday mood. Its the perfect spot to sit and reminisce on another great day in Walt Disney World without having to battle too many crowds.
Hollywood Studios Holiday Eats & Treats
ABC Commissary
- Sugar Cookie Snowman A tasty snowman made of white chocolate sugar cookie mousse, whipped lemon curd, and a holiday sugar cookie
ABC Commissary and Catalina Eddies
- Santas Belt Cookie White chocolate-covered chocolate shortbread cookie
Backlot Express and Trolley Car Café
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pie Moist red velvet cake filled with classic cream cheese filling and festive sprinkles
The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and Tune-In Lounge
- Holiday Bliss Vanilla vodka, sour apple liqueur, caramel beverage syrup, and vanilla ice-cream mix
ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Rosies All-American Café, and PizzeRizzo
- Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Salted caramel beverage syrup and frozen hot chocolate mix topped with marshmallows and chocolate syrup
- Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Black Cherry Bourbon Salted caramel beverage syrup, frozen hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, chocolate syrup, and black cherry bourbon
Oasis Canteen, Animation Arch Bar, and Sunshine Day Bar
- Christmas on the Beach Coconut rum, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice served with a souvenir glow cube
Outdoor Carts
- Holiday Brownie Chocolate Mickey brownie with holiday sprinkles
PizzeRizzo
- Butterscotch Caramel Cannoli Holiday cannoli filled with caramel cheesecake, butterscotch chips, and chocolate flakes
Rosies All-American Café and Trolley Car Cafe
- Reindeer Mousse Spiced caramel cheesecake over peanut butter mousse atop a salty pretzel shortbread cookie
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