International Festival Of The Holidays
Starting on November 26, a scaled back International Festival of the Holidays will begin and run through December 30, 2021. There will be Holiday Kitchens scattered throughout World Showcase featuring some delicious treats.
Currently, Disneys information page dedicated to the Holiday Kitchens lists up to 20 different food booths. Since menus havent been released yet we dont know if this is the final list of booths, but its a good sign.
Holiday Entertainment
Also present at Epcot will be a couple different performances of holiday favorites. World ShowPlace will host the popular group JOYFUL! They will perform R& B, Gospel, contemporary, and traditional holiday favorites.
You can also find Voices of Liberty sharing their famous 8 part harmonies at the American Gardens Theater stage. They perform a special concert of carols and holiday songs.
Mariachi Cobre will delight Epcot guests with Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday traditions through music and dance.
Guest favorites, JAMMitors will be on the Mill Stage in Canada Pavilion showing off their percussion talents.
So far for 2021, Disney only mentioned Voices of Liberty performing. However, I expect some, if not all, of the other acts mentioned above to also participate.
Holiday Cookie Stroll
When Does Disneyland Decorate For Christmas
The holiday decorations start going up in October, even before Halloween. The snow on Sleeping Beauty Castle is the first thing to arrive in mid-October. The fringes of the park get decorated before Halloween, so we see decorations going up in Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Toontown in October. As soon as Halloween ends, the Halloween decorations begin to come down and a flurry of Christmas decorations begins to appear, day by day.
I’ll let you in on a Frog Family secret: The period between Halloween Time and Disneyland Christmas is one of the best times to visit the Disneyland Resort. The crowds are low, and the weather is usually mild. It’s exciting to see the transition between Halloween Time and the holidays! Keep in mind there may be less entertainment and earlier closing hours to watch out for.
The start of the holiday season at Disneyland is usually about the second or third weekend in November, but it can vary slightly. The first day of Disneyland Christmas in 2021 was Friday, Nov. 12. The festive foods and ride overlays will become available that official first day of the season, except for Haunted Mansion Holiday, which runs through both Halloween Time and the Christmas season. Also, the festival booths soft opened two days, so keep them in mind for next year.
When Does Disney Decorate For Christmas
Did you know there are 25 Walt Disney World Cast Members who work all year round on all of the 2021 Disney Christmas decorations found on property. With that much detail going into each holiday display its no surprise it takes almost the entire month of November to decorate the entire property for Christmas.
The attention to detail does not go unnoticed with guests from all over the world coming to Orlando simply to see the 2021 Walt Disney World holiday decorations. And who can blame them, because there really is something so magical about Walt Disney World during the Christmas.Its also important to point out that although it takes the entire month of November to decorate the entire property but you CAN celebrate sooner in the theme parks!
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When Does Disney World Decorate For Christmas
Magic Kingdom is the first place to get a Disney World Christmas transformation. Almost overnight Magic Kingdom turns from spooky to festive when transitioning from Disney After Hours Boo Bash to Disney Very Merriest After Hours. Expect Magic Kingdom decorations to appear sometime between November 1 and the first Christmas after hours event.
Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom get a sprinkling of holiday decor early in November and are usually fully decorated by mid-November.
Epcot is the last park fully decorated for Christmas since Epcot Festival of the Holidays doesnt start until after Thanksgiving.
Disney World resorts complete most Christmas decorating about mid-November. However, some elaborate gingerbread houses arent finished until closer to Thanksgiving.
Disney Springs gets an impressive Christmas Tree Stroll with many incredible Disney themed Christmas trees. The 2021 Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll opened mid-November and should continue through early January.
Disney World Christmas decorations stay up until the New Year, but not much past that. For example, one year we arrived on January 3 and were greeted by gorgeous nautical themed Christmas decor at Yacht Club. By the next morning all of the Christmas decorations had completely disappeared.
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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Magic Kingdom Christmas Decorations And Activities
Magic Kingdoms iconic holiday experiences are what most people picture for Disney World Christmas. Main Street, U.S.A. decked out in holiday decorations plus a 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with 60,000 lights and 1800 ornaments begins the magic of a Disney World Christmas the moment you enter Main Street.
Inside each display window and all along Main Street U.S.A. there are wreaths, bows, and many other festive Magic Kingdom Christmas decorations. I think the traditional Americana Christmas decor of Main Street at Magic Kingdom is one of the best things about visiting Disney World during the Christmas season.
Epcot Candlelight Processional Returns November 26 Through December 30 2021
This wonderful retelling of the Christmas story was greatly missed in 2020, so we are excited that Epcot Candlelight Processional officially returns for 2021.
A celebrity narrator shares the Christmas nativity story with help from an impressive choir and 50-piece orchestra. Epcot Candlelight Processional is one of the most beautiful and touching ways to celebrate Christmas at Disney World.
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Whats The Weather Like At Disney World During Christmas
You might be wondering why I suggested a sweater for Florida. The truth is, if you are there in late November through December, odds are good its going to be cooler than you expect. Or it could be 80 degrees.
In the span of one trip we went from wearing tank tops and shorts to winter coats and gloves. And Im not even kidding you about that.
The later it is in the Christmas season, the greater the odds are youll need some warmer clothes, especially in the evening and mornings. But just in case, you might want to bring some Disney Christmas themed t-shirts as well! It doesnt hurt to be prepared
Walt Disney World Holiday Decorators
Job Summary:
Do you have the knack for decorating for the holidays? Would you love knowing that your work will bring oohs, aahs and smiles to millions of Guests at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts? If you have a good eye for all things visual, arent afraid of working on a ladder and know your way around a tool chest, becoming a Holiday Services Craft Support Decorator might be right for you!
Disney is admired around the world for our imaginative, over-the-top holiday decorations. Join the team that makes it all happen at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts!
Related: Disney Park Passes starting to fill up for Thanksgiving & Christmas
Responsibilities:
You would join a team of seasonal workers who transform our Parks and Resorts into wonderlands representing major holidays celebrated around the world, and would get the incredible satisfaction of seeing your work turn a venue into a wondrous, imaginative, truly unique vision of holiday splendor.
Every day as a Holiday Services Craft Support Decorator is different. On any given day or night, you might:
Basic Qualifications:
Heres what youll need to be successful at this job:
Preferred Qualifications:
- Three or more years of experience in a scenic or fabrication shop.
- Theatre/Props experience
Required Education:
- High-school diploma or equivalent
If youre excited to roll up your sleeves and work with a team to create the most magical holiday scenes on Earth, head over to the Disney Careers website now to submit your application!
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New Disneyland Holiday After Hours Party: Merriest Nites
NEW this year is a Disneyland Christmas after hours party called Disney Merriest Nites! The event will include a special viewing of A Christmas Fantasy Parade, themed holiday areas, live music, dance parties, unique character sights, snowfall on Main Street plus limited capacity access to Disneyland after close!
- Disney Merriest Nites will take place on Nov. 11, Nov. 16, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 9.
- Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Sept. 14, 2021 beginning at 9AM.
- Ticket prices are $165 per person for ages 3 and up Nov. 16, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 9. Ages two and under are free. Opening night on Nov. 11 is $175 per person.
- Guests with ticket can enter Disneyland beginning at 5PM.
- The party takes place from 8PM to midnight.
Special Holiday Entertainment
There will be six themed holiday parties around the park featuring enhanced entertainment with photo backdrops, unique character sightings and unique holiday treats! You can also look forward to mini themed holiday parties around Disneyland such as:
Your friends and family will enjoy enhanced entertainment such as themed photo backdrops and character sightings, and themed specialty food and beverage offerings within the event. And guests are encouraged to dress up if they wish as costumes will be allowed for all ages!
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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Best Time To Visit Walt Disney World Resort During The Holidays
Before we dive into the merriment, let’s start with perhaps the most important topic: The best time to visit during Christmas at Disney World. Many people plan their visits to Disney World at Christmas years in advance. The 2020 season was, ahem, special, to put it mildly, and while many people who had already planned trips had decided “not this year,” many are now thinking “let’s go to Disney World!” We highly recommend you start thinking about purchasing tickets and reserving Disney Park Pass reservations as soon as you’re able when it comes to the holiday season! While capacity is increasing, park pass reservations are here to stay, so you will need to pick which park you’ll visit each day of your trip ahead of time.
In general, we think any time you can visit Disney World is a good time to visit Disney World. We’re always excited when we’ve got our bags packed and are headed to the Most Magical Place on Earth. However, there are better times to visit than others during the holiday season. The busiest days of the year hoppen around Disney World holidays. In terms of crowds, here are the busiest days of the season:
- The week of Thanksgiving, including Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving
- The week of Christmas, including Christmas Day
- The week of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Here is a short list of more required reading if you’re headed to the parks during these times:
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.
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Disney Springs Holiday Events In 2021
Don’t froget about Disney Springs as you plan your holiday hopping tour! The entertainment, shopping and dining area is filled with festive decor, fun photo-ops and the chance to say hello to Santa, who is available for individualized time from afar. Make sure to take a stroll down the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail, which returns for 2021. The trail showcases decadently decorated, Disney-themed trees, and if you participate in the Christmas Tree Stroll scavenger hunt, you’ll receive a surprise! In previous years, you could also find holiday carolers, Toy Soldier stilt walkers and other performers.
Guests visiting areas within Town Center encounter magical snowfall in the evening. Jock Lindsey once again turns his hangar bar into Jock Lindseys Holiday Bar, complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Are you excited about spending the holidays at Disney World? There are so many Disney World Christmas events that you may find it’s hard to pack them all in! Still, it’s so wonderful to try. Let us know what you are most looking forward to and any questions you have in the comments below!
Related: Guide to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Hoppy planning!
Your Quick List For The End Of Christmas At Disney World:
The following are the LAST DATES to enjoy these Christmas attractions at Walt Disney World:
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
- Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party perks for everyday guests
- Grand Floridian Gingerbread house, Christmas at Animal Kingdom
- Decorations start to phase out at parks and resorts. Also the first day that Gold and Silver passholders can get back in the parks!
- Christmas at Hollywood Studios, Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs
I hope this info helps you plan your last-minute holiday fun at Walt Disney World!
Like this post? Here at WDW Magazine, were experts at everything Disney World. to get weekly updates on whats happening at the most magical place on earth.
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Disneyland Christmas Attraction Overlays
Disneyland pulls out all the stops for two of its most classic rides it’s a small world and Haunted Mansion. These fantastic holiday overlays is one of the best parts of Disneyland at Christmas. Both of these rides get busier than usual this time of year due to the popularity of these themes.
I recommend following our Christmas time Disneyland touring strategy to help you plan your day which prioritizes both of these attractions. For it’s a small world holiday, that ride is best experienced after dark so you can take in the brilliant display of lights on the facade while you wait.
You can see the benefits of an early morning from our last visit!
The Haunted Mansion Holiday is an overlay based on The Nightmare Before Christmas. For some guests, they actually prefer this version over the classic because it’s just that good! If you haven’t seen the Tim Burton flick then you should definitely add it to your Disneyland movie list before your visit.
The Haunted Mansion gets the makeover from start to finish from the decorations outside to the music.
The main thing to watch for on the ride is the famous gingerbread house display that actually gives off a gingerbread scent as you drift by in your doom buggy!
Every year the Disneyland chefs pull out all the stops for the enormous gingerbread house with a different theme each year.
You will see many of your favorite characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas featured throughout the ride. Oogie Boogie is my favorite!
Disney World Christmas Guide : Best Decorations Activities And Tips For Christmas Visits
Disney World is fabulous all year, but there is something extra magical when visiting during Disney World Christmas season. The wide variety of Disney World Christmas decorations, activities, and entertainment make this our favorite time of year. Use our complete 2021 Disney World Christmas guide to understand what is available and plan your own special holiday experience.
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A Completely Festive Guide To Walt Disney World Christmas Decorations
Christmas is coming and the turkey legs are fat. Disney World is magical enough as it is, but add in some themed Christmas trees, decked-out gingerbread, and other jolly baubles and its downright enchanting.
Theres no denying that Disney World Christmas decorations bring the Central Florida resort to life during the holiday season. But, just when does Disney decorate for Christmas? What does the festive display look like? How long is it up? Grab your tinsel and some hot cocoa as we unwrap all the details about Christmas decorations in Disney World.
Disney World Christmas Events At The Parks
Finding Santa at Disney World for Christmas 2021
Be on the lookout for Santa during Disney World holiday events! He or his stand-in, Santa Goofy, will make special appearances starting Nov. 12 through the end of December. From afar, Santa will cruise in a red convertible down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and voyage across Discovery River in a festive flotilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Meanwhile, at Magic Kingdom , EPCOT and Disney Springs, guests will get a chance to have individualized time from a distance to wave hello to Santa and share what they want for Christmas .
Once you make your list and check it twice , keep an eye out for delicious seasonal food offerings and adorable merchandise that can be found all around Walt Disney World Resort.
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