A Sneak Peek at All the Christmas Disney Magic Coming In 2025

As the calendar turns to July, many of us think of picnics, trips to the shore, and other summertime activities. But it also means something else…jingle bells! Santa! Twinkling lights! Yes, this is also the time we take a (temporary) break from Summer fun and get into the holiday spirit with Christmas in July! The holiday season is still quite a ways off, but for those of us who can’t wait to sing those Christmas songs and indulge in Christmas cookies, I’ve got some good news! Disney has just shared all the details for this year’s holiday celebration…everything from Cookie Strolls and yummy treats to yuletide decorations and Very Merry parties. Here’s the roundup of all the magic that awaits us this holiday season!

 

 

Nostalgic Merriment at the Magic Kingdom

Dreaming of a perfect Disney Christmas? As soon as you pass underneath the Walt Disney World Railroad station for that first glimpse of Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll discover a winter wonderland filled with good old-fashioned Christmas charm!

Celebrate the season with all your Frozen friends from Arendelle as Olaf and over 100 of his snowgie siblings add garlands, ornaments, wreaths and more to Cinderella Castle during the “Frozen Holiday Surprise.”

With appearances from Anna, Kristoff and a magical moment from Elsa as she transforms Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystallized palace, this show is a dazzling nighttime experience that you won’t want to miss!

Looking to see even more magic from Elsa during the holidays? Catch her and many other Disney characters in the new “Disney Starlight” parade, debuting July 20 and running twice each night (subject to cancellation). Don’t forget, the parade doesn’t take place on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights (more on that in a bit!), but the parade will continue throughout the holiday season — after all, the cold never bothered us anyway.

Speaking of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, this magical holiday treat is back once again, giving you the chance to enjoy festive entertainment, overlays on classic rides, a storybook holiday atmosphere, and sweet treats. The first event takes place on Friday, November 7 and will be held on select nights through Sunday, December 21. Here is the complete list of dates:

November: 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
December: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21

 

 

More Magic Kingdom Holiday Magic

The Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic holiday picture spots across Walt Disney World, with plenty of beautiful areas to snap a photo worthy of a Christmas card. With jolly holiday trimmings and touches along Main Street, U.S.A. and throughout the park, you can smile, snap and share you perfect photos along a bright and merry Main Street and at other locations including Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Space Mountain, and even the Haunted Mansion!

But wait, what about the Jungle Cruise, I mean, Jingle Cruise? Yep, this holiday classic is back once again! The world-famous Jingle Cruise returns in 2025 for a festive-yet-familiar adventure, as a trusty skipper expertly navigates you through some of the world’s most treacherous waters. You’ll hear and see plenty of holiday-themed (and groan-inducing) gags throughout your 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey that goes on for Niles and Niles and Niles, so make sure to keep a close ear as your skipper guides you through the jungle with a boat full of pun-filled fun.

Before boarding your canopied tramp steamer, you’ll see that the skippers have also decorated the loading area with plenty of lights, sights and sounds for the holidays. Look out for some hidden details throughout your wait time — you never know what you’ll discover next about the shenanigans happening each day at the Jungle Navigation Company.

 

 

EPCOT Holiday Celebrations

Once again, you can travel around World Showcase and explore holiday traditions across the globe during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.

From November 28 through December 30, 2025, you can experience the spirited “JOYFUL! Celebration of the Season” in CommuniCore Plaza featuring a combination of classic songs and updated arrangements with powerhouse vocalists, while the Voices of Liberty as Dickens Carolers entertain you inside The American Adventure Pavilion with holiday tunes in signature Victorian attire.

Witness a retelling of the nativity story at the popular Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre, held nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. With celebrity narrators bringing the story of Christmas to life onstage, seating is first-come, first-served and often fills up fast during this popular performance, so plan ahead and make it a priority on your visit if you want to experience this stunning show.

 

 

Part of the charming allure of World Showcase during this time of the year are the Holiday Storytellers, sharing festive traditions and bringing holiday tales to life in their respective countries. Here are some of our favorites:

Mexico: Las Posadas Celebration
Norway: A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
China: Chinese Lion Dancer
Italy: La Befana
Japan: Daruma Storyteller
Between Morocco and France: Hanukkah Storyteller
France: Père Noël
United Kingdom: Father Christmas
Canada: Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

This year, the Holiday Kitchens across EPCOT are making a return for Festival of the Holidays with heartwarming recipes and festive flavors from around the world. The final details and menus are still being prepared, but make sure to stay tuned for the Festival of the Holidays 2025 foodie guide.

Are visions of cookies and gingerbread dancing in your head? If so, you’ll be happy to know that the Holiday Cookie Stroll returns this season, with favorites like the Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans. Finally, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt returns this year, sending you on a journey around World Showcase to locate Olaf in 13 different spots throughout EPCOT. Find 13 holiday traditions that Olaf has discovered in every pavilion around World Showcase before visiting Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to redeem a special holiday prize.

 

 

The Holiday Lights at Living with the Land

One of EPCOT’s newest Christmas traditions can be found right in the heart of World Nature! Living with the Land once again transforms during the holiday season, with sparkling Christmas lights and dazzling decor. This relaxing and educational tour through a glittering greenhouse is a perfect escape from a fun-filled day full of holiday hijinks, showcasing the incredible work of Disney World plant scientists and their innovative growing techniques and technologies.

 

 

Celebrate a Cinematic Christmas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Whether you are listening to “Cool Yule” as you stroll down Sunset Boulevard, finding the perfect toy inside Mickey’s of Hollywood or stopping by Echo Lake to take a holiday picture with Gertie, Hollywood Studios brings the perfect amount of touching holiday charm to your Disney Christmas celebrations.

As night falls, experience the return of “Sunset Seasons Greetings” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with nightly holiday projections. Get ready to play the music and light the lights each evening, as holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

You can also get into the holiday spirit with a festive sing-along at “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.” Once entering the Hyperion Theater, you’ll hear the Royal Historians of Arendelle recount the frosty story of their enchanted kingdom. Watch closely as thrilling moments from the movie play on-screen and cheer as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff appear to sing along with the audience.

With projected lyrics making it easy for young kids to sing along, witness a flurry of stories, celebratory songs of the season and an unforgettable holiday finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf.

Hollywood Character Merriment

You’ll find beautiful, vintage decor throughout Hollywood Studios, including Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard and more. However, for an up-close way to spot some fun decor and meet some of your favorite toys, step into the world of Andy’s backyard and head to Toy Story Land to find larger-than-life seasonal decorations and friends dressed in seasonal attire. Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear are dressed up in their holiday best during this time of the year, so make sure to swing by, take a picture fit for a holiday card and say “hey, howdy, hey” to your favorite toys!

You can also spot Minnie Mouse and friends at Hollywood & Vine during Minnie’s Holiday Dine, which hosts sensational soirees that mix festive music, decor and tantalizing menu items. Guests of all ages can celebrate the holidays with additional Disney Characters perfectly dressed for the season, while munching on great dishes like oven-roasted herbed chicken, carved beef tenderloin, seared salmon, spice-rubbed pork loin and a plant-based roasted mushroom-farro risotto. Make sure to save room for some showstopping desserts as well, including seasonal bread pudding, Mississippi mud pie and more.

 

 

Wild Seasonal Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Looking to take a festive journey on the wild side this holiday season? Whether you’re looking to careen through snow-capped Himalayan peaks on a speeding train while avoiding the mythic Yeti on Expedition Everest or stick to more traditional holiday activities like greeting Disney characters in festive attire, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has something in store for guests of all ages during the upcoming holiday season.

2025 Walt Disney World Holidays Disney’s Animal Kingdom Merry Menagerie
Spot Polar Puppets During the Merry Menagerie Around Discovery Island
For a truly enchanting holiday experience, keep an eye out for the Merry Menagerie! Keep an eye out as artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals come to life around Discovery Island. See if you can spot the penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears…and don’t forget your cameras!

At Adventurers Outpost, you can have your photo take with world travelers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at their exploration headquarters, dressed in their best holiday outfits. The globetrotting couple is preparing for their next grand expedition, so make sure to snap a postcard-perfect picture to send to all your friends and family.

In addition, original artwork from artist Rob Kaz will be available at Island Mercantile in Discovery Island throughout the holiday season. Kaz will also greet guests inside Island Mercantile from November 1 through November 20, so make sure to swing by to see his beautiful Disney-themed artwork.

Finally, no Animal Kingdom Christmas celebration would be complete without the dazzling colors and animated imagery of the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition. ” Accompanied by a series of wintry tales and a heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score, this holiday evening experience is sure to delight and inspire your whole family tree. The show begins after dark each night and occurs approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes, so make sure to catch a quick peek before heading back to your hotel after a long day of fun.

 

 

Surround Yourself in Holiday Cheer at Disney Springs

Looking for a place to check off all the boxes on your little one’s Christmas list? Disney Springs is the place to be to find classic Disney merchandise, souvenirs and trends from some of the world’s most popular brands during the holidays, as well as world-class restaurants, casual eateries, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and unforgettable late-night fun for adults.

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth is back once again, giving you the chance to discover a wide collection of extravagantly decorated Christmas trees, inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars. And yes, the Haunted Mansion-inspired tree is back, featuring musical instruments, candlesticks and more — happy haunting and happy holidays!

For even more fun once you’re done searching for your favorite tree, make sure to also check out the magical nightly snowfall in the Town Center. Yes, even central Florida gets in on the wintry fun during this sensational time.

For some holiday sipping and snacking, head on over to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar. As the story goes, Indiana Jones and his easygoing pilot Jock Lindsey stumbled on Disney Springs in 1938 while chasing down a mythology-based tip in central Florida. Before long, this home base became a popular stopover and watering hole for world travelers and locals alike, full of dusty mementos of glorious holidays gone by. Today, thrill-seeking families soak up the rugged charm of Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, with its spare airplane parts, salvaged equipment and plenty of holiday decorations. This winter, the bar will serve up select seasonal bites and libations for guests looking for a joyful time in between shopping at World of Disney and catching a new film at the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres.

 

 

Christmas at the Resorts

One of our favorite holiday activities is exploring the breathtaking Christmas decorations at all the Walt Disney World Resorts. Here you’ll find Christmas trees, joyful decorations, and incredible gingerbread displays. You can find a place to exchange gifts with family members while soaking in the sounds of peaceful holiday music, or enjoy the sweet aroma of gingerbread at the many signature Gingerbread House displays.

Maybe you enjoy a tropical Christmas celebration at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or perhaps you prefer a seaside holiday by the shore at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. You might like the Victorian splendor of an old-fashioned Christmas, or the coziness of a wintry log cabin huddles around the warmth of a fireplace bedecked in festive lights. Whatever your idea setting is, you’ll be sure to find at one of Disney’s breathtaking resorts! (And yes, don’t forget the gingerbread…more details to come!)