25 Must-Do Disney World Holiday Events — and Eats!

Disney4me · November 23, 2015

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Season’s Greetings! It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and if you’re bound for Walt Disney World, it’s even better.

That’s because there is no more festive spot on earth to celebrate all of the heartwarming fun of the the season.

And we don’t want you to miss out on any of the top attractions. So let’s take a look our list of the 25 Must-do Disney Holiday Events — and Eats! — to celebrate this season at Walt Disney World!

Take Advantage of a Candlelight Processional Package

There are lots of ways to observe the holidays throughout Walt Disney World, but one of the most beloved is the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

Celebrity Narrators recount the traditional holiday story, while a choir and orchestra perform beloved Christmas carols.

Conducting the Choir

The event draws big — I mean, HUGE — crowds during the three nightly performances. You can catch most of the action from the Promenade behind the American Gardens Theatre.

Neil Patrick Harris Narrating the Candlelight Processional

But if a seat is important to you, definitely take advantage of the Candlelight Processional Packages. For the price of a meal at participating Epcot restaurants, you get reserved seating for the Candlelight Processional as well.

Chefs de France in the France Pavilion, Decked Out for the Holidays

You can book the package for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner, and have the comfort of knowing that your Candlelight Processional seat is guaranteed.

Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

If your Disney trip coincides with the holidays, then Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an absolute MUST on your list!

Snow on Main Street at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This special after hours event, held at Magic Kingdom select nights from 7:00PM until midnight, offers lots of special ways to get into the spirit of the season. Special Character Meet and Greets throughout the Park give you facetime with rare characters decked out in their holiday finest. You’ll also enjoy special performances on stages set up throughout the park and SNOW on Main Street USA!

Toy Soldiers During the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!

Kick off your evening with your Frozen favorites, Anna, Elsa, Sven, and Olaf, as they appear in A Frozen Holiday Wish. Elsa wraps up the performance by transforming Cinderella Castle into an enchanted ice palace! (But keep in mind — you can enjoy this special event with or without admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.)

Frozen Holiday Wish

And don’t forget the special Holiday Wishes Fireworks Spectacular! This special fireworks display is only available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party until the event comes to a close. After that time everyone can enjoy it!

Book Minnie’s Holiday and Dine Dinner

Looking for a special meal to kick off the seasonal celebration? Check out Minnie’s Holiday and Dine Dinner, brand new in 2015!

We’ve already had the chance to try the special character meal, which is held at Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood and Vine Restaurant. Seeing some of our favorite characters decked out for the holidays in brand new gear is a real treat.

Minnie Mouse

Mickey Mouse

But the food! We found several dishes worthy of the special occasion as well. And with word that Minnie will be hosting special dinners that change with the seasons, we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Enjoy the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights — One Last Time

It’s the 20th anniversary of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. But more importantly than that, this is the last year that you’ll be able to enjoy the event.

Tinker Bell at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights

The incredible lights, which number in the millions, are on display for all to see on the Backlot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

But if you’d like to make your viewing experience extra special, book a Merry and Bright Dessert Party.

Dessert + Lights!

And don’t forget to look for the purple cat!

Engage in a Little Gingerbread Hopping

The first appearance of Gingerbread is a sure sign that Christmas and other winter holidays are just around the corner. And displays featuring this traditional confection at Disney Resorts are not to be missed.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

Because we are not talking about your grandmother’s gingerbread house here. These are lifesize displays, and more than once, I’ve been tempted to sidle up and break off a piece of shingle, Hansel and Gretel-like, and start snacking. (Good thing I can just buy one!)

A Gingerbread Shingle to Take Home

Whether you fancy the Mary Blair-meets Frozen display at the Contemporary, the Carousel at the Beach Club Resort, or my favorite, the huge gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, be sure to make some time for these masterpieces during your visit.

Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display

And don’t forget to look for special holiday Hidden Mickeys and holiday character meet and greet opportunities at the resorts!

Add to Your Popcorn Bucket Collection

Disney fans are world-class collectors of awesome, and Holiday Popcorn Buckets are right at the top of the list!

Elf Mickey Popcorn Bucket

Santa Mickey from 2013

Always whimsical, it’s fun to see what they come up with from year to year — and totally worth making space in your suitcase for the empty vessel!

Drink Around the World During Holidays…Around the World

Just when you didn’t think that Disney could become anymore delicious, the holidays arrive. And with them, there are plenty of special drinks to enjoy.

Prost Kiosk in the Germany Pavilion

Some of my favorites can be found around World Showcase during Holidays Around the World. After all, it just wouldn’t be Christmas time without Hot Applejack Cider in the UK, or Glühwein, Hot Salted Caramel, or William’s Punch in the Germany Pavilion.

Hot Salted Caramel at Holiday Prost Kiosk in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion

Glühwein in Epcot’s Germany

But one of our favorites last year was the Dutch Chocolate Grasshopper at Promenade Refreshments!

Dutch Grasshopper

Enjoy the World Showcase Storytellers

But there are more than just great drinks (and eats) happening at Holidays Around the World. Be sure to time your stroll on the Promenade just right so that you can take in all of the World Showcase Storytellers!

Père Noël Sharing French Christmas Traditions

You’ll hear plenty of Christmas stories, but you’ll also learn about other customs celebrated throughout the world at this time of year.

Celebrating the Spice of Life in the Morocco Pavilion

Be sure to catch them all!

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Liberty Tree Tavern

Thanksgiving is such a special time to celebrate with family and friends. They love this traditional feast so much at Liberty Tree Tavern that it’s available all year ’round during both lunch and dinner!

Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom

Pilgrim’s Feast for Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern

Want to make the holiday extra special? Book your Thanksgiving feast here, as you soak in the early American Colonial vibe!

See the New Year’s Eve Fireworks

If it’s not on your Disney Bucket List, I think it should be. I’m talking about spending New Year’s Eve in Walt Disney World!

Expect Huge Crowds and Stunning Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

The parks pull out all the stops on this night that’s just made for partying. Be sure to take your power nap in the afternoon so that you can stay up late for the extra special New Year’s Eve Fireworks displays!

Read a review from the DFB Team about dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table for New Year’s Eve!

The Clock Strikes Twelve Dessert

Check out the Train Display in the Germany Pavilion for Festive Decorations

Who can resist checking out the toy train display in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion? It doesn’t matter how many times I visit the park, I always have to stop here, especially during the Food and Wine Festival and the holidays, when the town square is decked out for the occasion!

Check Out the Holiday Decorations in the Germany Pavilion’s Train Town Square!

I always look forward to the time when Christmas comes to miniature Germany!

Personalize Your Ornament at Disney Days of Christmas

True, it’s Christmas 365 days a year if you happen to visit Disney Days of Christmas at Disney Springs. But during the holidays, you have to make a pilgrimage here for the best souvenir of all — a personalized ornament!

Liberty Square Decorations in Magic Kingdom

No time for a trip to Disney Springs? Stop by Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square instead.

Christmas Cookie Ornament

Attend the Christmas Parade Taping!

Okay…so, this one has actually already passed for 2015. But we couldn’t resist adding it here so that you can plan ahead for next year!

Magic Kingdom Holidays

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland actually tape their Christmas Parades (as well as the Christmas Parade performances) for an ABC Television Special well before the actually holiday. In the past, taping has taken place the first weekend in December, but in 2015, it was taped in mid November! So if this is something that you’d love to be a part of, be sure to keep a sharp eye out for when the date is announced in 2016.

Magic Kingdom Holidays

While it may compromise some of the magic, it’s pretty fun to catch a glimpse of yourself on the special!

Take a Jingle Cruise

A couple of years ago, those enterprising Jungle Cruise Skippers became a little nostalgic for Christmas celebrations — and the Jingle Cruise was born!

Take a Jingle Cruise!

Don’t Lose Your Head Though! :-)

If you love the Jungle Cruise anyway, be sure to book your FastPass for this holiday version — complete with corny jokes and extra fun holiday decor.

Grab a Spot for Mickey’s Once Upon a Time Christmastime Parade

Who can resist life-sized Dancing Gingerbread and marching Toy Soldiers come to life?

Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

This special holiday parade, which takes place during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, features favorite characters on specially themed floats as well. Look for Santa during the parade’s grand finale!

Santa Claus!

Like Holiday Wishes, you can only enjoy this special parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party through December 18. The parade is performed daily December 19-31 for the Magic Kingdom general public.

And Don’t Forget the Can’t-Miss Holiday Snacks

Some of our favorite Disney snacks of all time only make an appearance once a year. And that’s now! Be sure to keep an eye out for extra special cupcakes, like the Gingerbread Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This year, you can get it with a Souvenir Glow Cube shaped like a Christmas lightbulb!

Gingerbread Cupcake with Souvenir Glow Cube

There’s no shortage of treats at Magic Kingdom as well. Check out this Peppermint Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Peppermint Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

But you can’t forget about Epcot. Make some space on the snack list for amazing eats like Pecan Maple Bark from the Canada Pavilion. It’s one of my favorites. (Here’s the recipe if you’d like to make it at home!)

Pecan Maple Bark

And don’t forget to pick up a gingerbread treat from one of the resorts!

Observe the Epcot Tree Lighting

Every night at 6:00PM, a Tree Lighting takes place in Epcot’s World Showcase Plaza.

Epcot Christmas Tree

The theme of the Epcot tree is once again Peace on Earth.

Epcot Tree — Peace Angel

Don’t miss this beautiful spectacle.

Find Carolers and Sing Along

If singing Christmas Carols is a rite of passage for you during the holidays, have no fear — you’ll find Carolers in different spots throughout Walt Disney World. And you should totally join in with the singing!

In Epcot, look for the Voices of Liberty to don Victorian garb and transform into Dickens Carolers.

Dickens Carolers Sing for Guests

Find them in the American Adventure Pavilion. Animal Kingdom also features carolers singing holiday classics near the tree at the park’s entrance.

Carolers also make regular appearances throughout the resorts and at Disney Springs.

Book a Special Holiday Tour

Special Holiday Tours are also a great way to add magic to your visit. Because the tours are usually limited to a small group, they have a much more personal feel to them than many of the other events.

Learn All About What Goes Into Disney’s Beautiful Holiday Displays

Tours like the Holiday D-Lights tour and Yuletide Fantasy take you behind the scenes to learn all about how Disney transforms for the holidays — plus you’ll get to take in some of Disney World’s most popular holiday events with your own personal guide.

Decorate Christmas Cookies

What is Christmas without decorating a cookie or two? Many resorts throughout Walt Disney World offer younger guests the chance to decorate their own cookies.

Decorating Gingerbread Men is a Must!

Look for tables set up in the lobby, or check with your concierge desk for more information.

Check Out the Christmas Eve Golf Cart Parade

One of our favorite pastimes during the holidays is a trip to Ft. Wilderness Resort and Campground to see the campsite decorations. Guests of this resort go the extra mile to celebrate the season.

Christmas Eve Golf Cart Parade at Ft. Wilderness

If you plan your visit for Christmas Eve, be sure to stick around for the traditional Golf Cart Parade, when guests deck out their golf carts in all manner of festive decor!

Take a Sleigh, Wagon, or Carriage Ride

While you’re at Ft. Wilderness, take the opportunity to catch a Sleigh or Wagon Ride. Yep — that’s right. Through the magic of Disney, you can ride in a sleigh in Florida! Wagon rides are also available, and are a bit easier on the budget.

Take a Sleigh Ride!

If you have your heart set on taking a Carriage Ride instead, you’ll want to head over to Port Orleans Riverside Resort for this charming old world experience.

Learn a Few Gingerbread House How-Tos

Are visiting Gingerbread displays and eating the yummy treats on your list of to-dos? Well, don’t stop there. Attend a

at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to get some great tips on building your own masterpiece.

Gingerbread House Demo

Go even deeper with Gingerbread School at the Ritz Carlton, where families can build their house and take it with them.

Enjoy Some Roasted Chestnuts

Does your holiday dreaming often include Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire? For the epitome of holiday tradition, head to the Grand Floridian, where the resort serves up complimentary tastings of Roasted Chestnuts to guests. You’ll find roasters set up near the Porte Cochere right outside the lobby.

And Finally…See Santa!

And finally, it just isn’t Christmas without a visit with the man himself! If seeing Santa Claus during the holidays tops your list, then you have plenty of options.

See Santa Goofy at Minnie’s Holiday and Dine!

As we’ve mentioned, Santa makes regular appearances at the end of Mickey’s Once Upon a Time Christmastime Parade.

You can also meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the American Adventure Pavilion during Epcot’s Holidays Around the World.

Santa and Mrs. Claus in Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion

He also makes appearances at Magic Kingdom near City Hall from late November through Christmas. Finally, catch him at Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin as well!

And you can meet Santa Goofy at Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select days.

For all the details about these fun holiday events and much, MUCH more, check out our the latest version of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, 2015 e-Book!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun!

We’ve been hard at work, updating the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, 2015 e-Book with all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks this November, December, and January! With 330 pages of detailed information and multiple bonus extras, it WILL save you time and money during the busiest season in Walt Disney World! And it’s here just in time!

Order your holiday guide today!

And since we want you to save some cash right NOW, we have a special discount for DFB readers (as always!).

Get the brand new guide today for 20% off the regular purchase price for a limited time! How? Use code PEPPERMINT at the check-out!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2015 e-Book features 330 pages of all the info you need to know (and not JUST food!) before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, plus over 300 photos.

Don’t forget to pick up your copy for a 20% off using code PEPPERMINT at the check-out! Happy holidays from all of us here at DFB.

What events, treats, or meals make your Disney Holiday Must-Do List? Leave a comment and share your favorite with us!

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