How Crowded Is Disney World On Christmas Day
Christmas Day at Disney World is the busiest day at the resort especially at the Magic Kingdom.
For parents,this can be a bit tricky. Taking your child to Disney World sounds likethe best gift ever!
The only issueis every other mom and dad has the same exact idea.
Of course,that doesnt mean you cant take your kids to Disney for Christmas season orany other holiday for that matter it just means youll need to be prepared fora lot of company.
Youcan read how to beatthe crowds at Walt Disney World here!
Animal Kingdom Christmas Decorations
Disneys Animal Kingdom Theme Park is all about Mother Nature, so its no surprise that many of the Animal Kingdom Christmas decorations feature natural materials or elements that look like theyve been upcycled. Handcrafted, animal-inspired ornaments on the Animal Kingdom Christmas tree greet guests at the entrance to the park and set the tone for the entire experience.
Glistening whites, warming neutrals, and homespun details like strings of paper luminarias featuring animal designs along the rooftops in Discovery Island keep the focus on the Tree of Life while still feeling festive. Over in Africa, the townspeople have gotten artsy, crafting wreaths, garlands, and more out of leftover items like gourds and bottlecaps. Asia lights up with the glow of colorful Diwali lanterns and DinoLand U.S.A. basks in Christmas kitschiness with tacky tinsel decorations. Youll even find a little Christmas cheer in Pandora a makeshift Santa Claus made out of leftover RDA tech.
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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Disneys Hollywood Studios At Christmas Time
While Disneys Hollywood Studios doesnt have quite as much to offer nowadays when compared to the other parks during the holidays, its still a fun place to spend the evening, soaking in the holiday atmosphere. Youll find that this park offers some great drinks and snacks for the season, which can be enjoyed throughout the time leading up to Christmas. Make sure you take the time to stroll around the whole of the park, as there are many subtle touches that help to get this park ready for the holidays. Dont miss the light show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel, which happens after dark each night and is one of our favorite holiday additions to this park.
Minnies Seasonal Dining At Hollywood & Vine
For families looking for something special to do to celebrate the holidays, check out Minnies Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine. This family-friendly restaurant in Disneys Hollywood Studios is a great spot for younger children, who will enjoy seeing the characters in their holiday outfits. This special dining offering lasts from early November until early January, and reservations are required to avoid missing out on this great opportunity. Especially with the return to normality with character meet and greets, theres no better time than this holiday season to book your family in for this dining opportunity.
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Enjoy The Magic Of The Tree Of Life Awakenings
During the holiday season, there will be even more magic inspired by nature as the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings also takes place most nights.
As the evening progresses, you get to see magic of nature combine effortlessly with holiday tunes each evening on the Tree of Life. It also transforms into another Beacon of Magic for the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Hollywood Studios Christmas Decorations
Those with thriving Shiny Brite collections and a penchant for mid-century modern design wont want to miss the Disney Hollywood Studios Christmas decorations. A vision in silver and gold garlands and technicolor ornaments, the Christmas decorations at Hollywood Studios feature plenty of retro touches like supersized versions of vintage holiday figurines and color palettes straight from the 50s and 60s. Even Gertie the Dinosaur gets in on the fun with her very own Santa hat.
With its larger-than-life Christmas lights, Toy Story Land feels pretty festive on a normal day. In past years, Andy has also added the other playful touches hes made for the season or maybe it was the Disney Imagineers like oversized popcorn-and-cranberry garlands and macaroni Christmas ornaments or giving Rex paper reindeer antlers. And for the perfect ending to your holiday at Hollywood Studios, add a little character to your meal with Minnies Seasonal Dining starring Minnie and her friends in their finest Christmas clothes.
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Christmas At Disney Springs
Of course the wonderful Disney Springs is part of the holiday action when Christmas time comes around! Featured at Disney Springs is a Christmas Tree Stroll in which you can take a tour of the all the beautifully themed Christmas trees.
Wonderful treats, entertainment and of course Santa Claus are all found at Disney Springs too. One fun stop is Jock Lindseys Hangar bar which evolves into Jock Lindseys Holiday Bar! Be sure to check out the restaurants at Disney Springs to take in holiday decor.
The holiday season at Disney World is truly amazing! In terms of crowds, well, yes, they will be massive. But this special event that happens every year until early January is something we feel everyone should do if they can at least once.
Being at Disney World when Disney decorates for Christmas is definitely something to consider. Walking down Main Street USA on Christmas Day for the first time watching a Christmastime parade as it moves down the town square and waving at a Christmas Minnie Mouse brings a joy that is hard to compare! The Disney World Theme Parks do the holidays right!
Basics Of The Holidays At Walt Disney World
Let’s start off with the basics of what you need to know about celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World.
The holidays at Walt Disney World kick off November 8, 2022 and run through early January 2022. EPCOT gets a later start on November 25, 2022.
If you plan to visit on Christmas or any dates close to it, book your Disney Park Pass Reservation as soon as you can. These will book to capacity very quickly.
Other things to know:
- Each theme park and Disney resort hotel is decorated
- Special holiday food and beverage is available at each Disney theme park
- Santa Claus appears at each of the four Disney theme parks, and Disney Springs
- Most Disney resort hotels have special holiday treats
- Disney Springs has decorations and special treats
- Everywhere at Walt Disney World is very busy, especially closer to Christmas week
- Christmas week and New Year’s week are two of the busiest weeks at Walt Disney World
Now, let’s dive deeper into each of the traditions and holiday experiences at Walt Disney World this year.
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When Does Walt Disney World Decorate For Christmas At Hollywood Studios In 2022
Hollywood Studios hosts some of the most amazing nighttime events during the holiday season including the popular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! They also have some of the most immersive holiday decorations throughout the entire Walt Disney World resort.
Just like the previous two parks, Hollywood Studios officially kicks off the holiday season on November 6th.
If you have an opportunity to visit to see these Christmas decorations please go. Its amazing to see what the Imagineers have been able to do with the newly added Toy Story Land and the Hollywood Tower Hotel icon on Sunset Blvd. You dont want to miss this park for the holiday season!
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When Do Christmas Decorations Go Up At Disney World
So, when do Christmas decorations go up at Disney World in 2022? Officially the holiday season at Walt Disney World begins on November 6th and runs through December 31st. This was once again confirmed for 2022 as Disney announced it will host Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Partyat the Magic Kingdom. However as noted above, and described below the Disney World Christmas lights dont just appear all at once. The Walt Disney Company does give some of the parks priority, specifically the Magic Kingdom Christmas decorations which we will jump into next!
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Where Can I Find Santa At Disney World Christmas Events
During the holiday events at Disney World, you can find Santa or Santa Goofy, his stand-in in the parks typically in the last week of November throughout the last week of December. Usually, you can catch Santa at the Hollywood Studios of Disney, at Epcot and Disney Springs. Last year, Santa and Santa Goofy were still greeting guests at Disney Springs and Disney Hollywood Studios.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Epcot greet children typically during the International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot until the last day of December at the American Adventure Pavilion. You will also find Santa appearing often at the Very Merry Christmas Party of Mickey although he may make more frequent appearances than that.
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
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What To Expect During The Holidays At Walt Disney World Resort
On your Disneytrip you can expect to see so many Christmas decorations that are unlike anythingin the world.
Youll get to see a castle covered in thousands of ice-inspired lights to some of the largest Christmas trees you probably ever seen.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the resort such as:
- A Star-studded Twist on Christmas at Hollywood Studios
- A Wild Holiday Adventure at Disneys Animal Kingdom
Youll alsoget to meet the famous Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse andGoofy in all their holiday gear.
As you cansee, Walt Disney World will leave you speechless and under its spell during theholidays.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Holiday Events In 2022
Best for: Unique decorations, nighttime experiences
Over the years, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s holiday events have increased.
My favorite holiday experience in all of Walt Disney World is back again in 2022. Merry Menagerie features winter animals realized as life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by musicians.
Goofy, Chip n Dale and other Disney character friends journey along the park’s Discovery River aboard boats with festive flair and cheerful music Santa is a part of the fun too!
And on nights when the park is open after dark, the Tree of Life dazzles guests. Wintry tales are told through lovely animations projected onto the park’s icon accompanied by a holiday-inspired musical score.
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Thats A Wrap For Christmas At Hollywood Studios
Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! is still running for a very limited time. Photo by Laurie Sapp
The Sunset Seasons Greetings projections on the Tower of Terror, Toy Story Land Christmas decor, and Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! Nighttime spectacular will be up and running until Monday, January 5th, 2020.
This goes for those sweet, sweet vintage decorations all around the park that remind me of Grandmas tree trimmings. Make it to the park before the 5th to guarantee a cozy throwback Christmas.
Notable Magic Kingdom Christmas Attractions
Magic Kingdom goes all out for the holiday season, so there is plenty to do in the fairytale theme park.
Most of the biggest Magic Kingdom Christmas festivities occur at a special ticketed Christmas event, which for 2021 will be Disney Very Merriest After Hours. However, closer to Christmas Day, the park may hold these events during regular guest hours.
Fireworks
For fireworks fans, Disney has designed Minnies Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. This spectacular show features a fireworks and light show, accompanied by a Christmas music medley.
Jingle Cruise
Another classic Magic Kingdom Christmas attraction is the Jingle Cruise. This cute twist on the Jungle Cruise ride features a special Christmas tour guide script and plenty of quirky Christmas decorations.
Totally Tinsel Tomorrowland Trio
Disney loves to do Christmas overlays on their major attractions, and the Tomorrowland area of Magic Kingdom goes into full holiday mode for the season. Guests can expect Christmas versions of popular attractions such as Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
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Disney World At Christmas: Crowds
Crowds are a rather significant factor when planning a trip to Disney at Christmas. And the scope of the crowds varies dramatically throughout the Christmas season.
Hands down, the week of Christmas is the busiest week at Disney World of the entire year. However, there are some gems thrown in there which are actually phenomenal times to visit in terms of crowds.
Christmas At Disney California Adventure Tips And Overview
Disney’s California Adventure Park has worked hard over the past few years to continue to increase the holiday offerings in this park which has had great results. You can find holiday nighttime entertainment, a festival all about food, great decor, and holiday ride overlays!
You can read more about our last trip to Disney’s California Adventure during Christmas on our Facebook page.
Holiday Decor at California Adventure Celebrating Disneyland Christmas
You will find holiday decor the most heavily concentrated in Cars Land and on Buena Vista Street. You can also find a giant 50 foot tall Christmas tree in front of Carthay Circle so make sure you don’t miss it! Similar to over at Disneyland, the large Christmas tree takes front and center stage for PhotoPass pictures- save some time to get in line for this great photo op.
Even our favorite trolley gets in the spirit of the season.
Make sure to take the time to look at the ornaments of this fabulous tree!
It’s hard to feel impressed by other Christmas trees until you’ve seen the ones at Disneyland!
I especially love all the old time toys you see scattered lovingly underneath the tree. We always enjoy the Disney details and these fantastic trees are filled with them.
Cars Land by far has some of the best holiday décor you can find in both parks. The amazing amount of detail that’s already present in Cars Land is further enhanced by the Christmas festivities.
Notice the snow-caped tire Christmas tree!
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Festival Of Holidays At Disney California Adventure And The Best Disneyland Christmas Food
The main celebration that takes place in California Adventure is the Festival of Holidays which includes dining booths with unique food items from all over the world along with holiday entertainment in the parade corridors of the park.
The show stopper of this event are the Festive Food Marketplaces where you can find a glorious amount of international and local holiday specialties.
Disneyland at Christmas is not complete without an assortment of great food and the Festival of Holidays has you covered when you’re in California Adventure. Here are the essential details you need to know:
- Sip and Savor Pass: this pass gives guests the chance to choose from eight different dishes or non-alcoholic beverages. You can purchase the pass at various locations throughout the park, including Festival Merchandise Carts, Seaside Souvenirs, Kingswell Camera Shop, and Rushin River Outfitters.
- I recommend looking at the foodie guide before purchasing in case you have any picky eaters in your cohort.
To be honest, I just went for all the dessert when we visited the marketplace booths and they did not disappoint.
Mickey and Minnie are decked out in festive outfits for the occasion.
Disneyland Christmas Guide: Dates Tips Decorations And More
Christmas at Disneyland is one of the most magical times of the year to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. Disneyland Christmas this year runs from early November to the first week of January. 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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Very Merry Christmas Party Of Mickey
What can be merrier than the Very Merry Christmas Party of Mickey? These Christmas parties have separate tickets and over the last few years have gotten much busier. Of course, there is no reason to miss this major event of the holiday. You can fill up your belly with as many cookies and cocoa as you can keep down! See every character dressed up in their finest Christmas outfits. Make sure you dont miss the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade of Mickey.
