Taking the family to Walt Disney World during Christmas is a life-long dream for many. It’s the most magical time of the year- at the most magical place in the world! When Does Disney World Decorate for Christmas? Sooner than you might think!
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Disney World Christmas Decorations
Knowing the best time to go to Disney World for Christmas is important; that’s why you need a Disney expert to take you on a magical journey through Disney World’s enchanting Christmas celebration.
So, grab your Mickey ears, and let’s dive into the holiday spirit together!
When Does the Walt Disney World Christmas Holiday Celebration Begin?
Picture this: November rolls in, and like a wave of magic, Disney World transforms into a whimsical winter wonderland.
Ahem- don’t look at the temps, because, well, Florida doesn’t really “do” winter.
Twinkling lights, festive decorations, and heartwarming surprises are all around.
It’s like stepping into a dream come true!
Now, you might wonder, “When does Disney World decorate for Christmas?”
The surprising answer: Christmas begins as soon as the last Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party wraps up.
The last Halloween Party for 2024 is October 31.
It’s true: Halloween comes down right after the last guests leave, and Christmas begins to go up.
So, will you see everything Disney Christmas offers on November 1 or 2? Not so fast… we’ll explain.
How Long Does It Take To Decorate Disney World For Christmas?
Walt Disney World has four theme parks, so getting all the holiday decorations across all the parks and resorts can take some time.
Disney World becomes a sight, from life-sized trees decked with twinkling lights to snow-capped rooftops and full-sized Gingerbread houses.
It takes a few weeks to transform completely, but it’s worth it!
The magical part, however, is that you’ll see the first signs of the Christmas holiday at Disney World overnight.
You’ll go to bed at a Disney World resort with visions of Disney Halloween and pumpkins but wake up with sugarplums, snowflakes, and Christmas trees everywhere.
When Does Christmas Time Officially Start At Walt Disney World?
While Disney World will start decorating resorts and some theme parks right after Halloween, you may want to wait for all the decorations to be in place.
Officially, the Christmas season at Walt Disney World starts on November 8 and runs through December 31, 2024.
The first special Christmas party celebrations start on November 8, so you can expect all of the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios decorations to be in place before the parties start.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tips
- Should You Go To Jollywood Nights (Hollywood Studios Christmas Party) in 2024?
Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are the two parks that do the most for the holidays, with Epcot and Animal Kingdom coming after.
The focus seems to be on getting Christmas up at the resort hotels and Magic Kingdom first, with the other theme parks being prioritized next.
However, if you want to make the most of your Disney World Christmas, arrive after November 8, when you can experience the full Christmas at Disney experience.
When Does Disney World Take Down Christmas Decorations?
While the official dates run through December 31, we have attended the runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for many years and have seen plenty of Christmas decorations still up.
Disney World doesn’t start taking the decorations and Christmas trees down until the Monday after Marathon Weekend.
Marathon Weekend traditionally happens the first weekend after New Year’s Day.
Christmas at the Magic Kingdom
Okay, folks, let’s talk about the main attraction—the one and only Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
This is where the Christmas magic truly comes alive!
You’re instantly transported into a world of joy and wonder as you enter the park.
Cinderella Castle is the star of the show, decked out with bunting and ornaments. It’s the centerpiece of the Christmas celebrations, and trust me, it’s a sight that will leave you breathless.
Before the 2020 closures, the castle was annually draped with twinkle lights. Since then, Walt Disney World has favored castle projections instead.
Now that the 50th Anniversary Celebration is over, we’re all hoping for a return of the twinkle lights- even if only in projection form. That would be the perfect compromise for me, and I have my fingers crossed for us all!
Another magnificent Disney Christmas experience is Main Street, USA!
It’s like stepping into a winter wonderland. The street is lined with charming storefronts, each decorated with garlands, wreaths, and sparkling lights.
The sweet aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and hot chocolate fills the air. It’s a sensory delight!
Magic Kingdom’s Themed Lands
Now, let’s talk about the themed lands within the Magic Kingdom.
They all get a touch of holiday magic, making them even more irresistible during Christmas.
In Adventureland, the Jungle Cruise gets a merry makeover and becomes the Jingle Cruise. Get ready for hilarious holiday-themed scenes and witty jokes from the skippers!
I ride this one yearly because it’s amusing and festive- Dad jokes galore.
Liberty Square returns to a colonial Christmas with period-appropriate decorations and nostalgic charm. Stroll through this historic land and appreciate the attention to detail that transports you to the old days.
Plus, the Christmas Shoppe is open year-round, so you can always have a little Christmas in the Magic Kingdom.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Special Attraction Overlays For The Holidays
Over in Tomorrowland, Space Mountain transforms into an intergalactic Christmas experience. But this happens ONLY during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
It’s a thrilling ride through the cosmos with mesmerizing lights and cosmic decorations, making it a futuristic holiday experience.
Christmas Village at Disney Springs: Shopping and Delights
But wait, there’s more!
Disney Springs, the premier shopping and entertainment district, becomes a Christmas Village during the holiday season. The village streets are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the joyous sounds of live holiday music.
Indulge in unique shopping experiences, as boutique stores offer an array of holiday-themed merchandise, perfect for finding that special gift.
And don’t forget to treat yourself to delicious seasonal treats from food kiosks and restaurants.
You’ll find everything from traditional holiday fare to delectable desserts and festive beverages.
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Patty Holliday has been running Disney since 2011. She knows just about every tip, trick, and hack there is to cover the runDisney Magical Miles at Disney World and Disneyland. She knows every mile isn’t *always* magical- but with training, tips, and a little bit of pixie dust, they can be a lot of fun! You can also find her at noguiltlife.com and noguiltfangirl.com