It’s that time of year again! I love Christmas and I really love Christmas in Disney World. Come early November, you can’t miss it. The parks, the resorts, everything is decorated and gorgeous. There’s so much to do and enjoy it’s nearly impossible to see everything, but here are my top ten favorites:
10. This one’s totally free–you don’t even need a park ticket. It’s touring the Wilderness Lodge, possibly the most “Christmas” of all the resorts. Try to get a seat next to the fireplace one night.
9. Holidays around the World at Epcot. All the pavilions tell a holiday story. My favorites are England and Germany.
8. Sipping hot cocoa on Main Street late at night, enjoying the Christmas lights. Stay a bit after the park closes to soak up the holiday spirit.
7. The life-sized gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian. Buy a cookie and sit for a while. In fact, if you get a chance resort hopping is best this time of year. All the resorts decorate for the holidays.
6. Holiday music in the parks, especially first thing in the morning when they’re not crowded and you can hear it really well. There’s something about being in the parks on a crisp but sunny morning, listening to holiday music that’s so magical.
5. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot. It’s the most well-done telling of the Christmas story I’ve ever seen.
4. When the castle is lit up for the first time each night. I’ve traveled all over the world and seen some beautiful sights, but there’s something about the castle lit up for Christmas that is truly extraordinary.
3. “Snow” in downtown Celebration, Florida. If you haven’t been to Celebration, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially during the holidays. Every night, there are carolers, a visit from Santa, and it “snows.” Best of all, it’s totally free.
2. The Osborne Family Spectable of Dancing Lights. Many thanks to Jennings Osborne of Little Rock, Arkansas for giving everyone this gift. Jennings is a famously kind and generous man; this is just one of his legacies that we can all enjoy.
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I know it’s an extra $60 per person, but I think it’s worth every penny. I love the parade and the shows, but I aslo just love walking around the park after the crowd clears out (usually around 9:30, when little ones get sleepy). It doesn’t hurt that most nights, rides are practically a walk-on.
Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast.
Related articles
- Planning Your Disney World Holiday Vacation (onlywdworld.com)
- Disney World Holiday and Christmas Activities in November and December 2010 (easywdw.com)
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Great list! Didn’t know about the snow in Celebration — too “cool”!