If you’re planning your Orlando trip later this year, it’s time to sprinkle a little holiday magic into your planning. On July 9, 2025, Walt Disney World officially announced key dates and festive experiences for their 2025 holiday season—so you can start dreaming of Tinsel Town visits!
From November 14 through December 31, the parks and resorts will be transformed in holiday splendor. That includes dazzling décor, exclusive entertainment, festive snacks, limited‑edition merchandise, and Santa meet‑and‑greets across all four parks and Disney Springs.
Magic Kingdom Highlights
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns on select nights starting November 14. Early admission begins at 4 p.m., with party festivities kicking off at 7 p.m.
- Keep an eye out for exclusive offerings like the “Frozen Holiday Surprise” stage show featuring Elsa lighting up the castle, Claus-focused meet‑and‑greets, dazzling fireworks, and holiday-themed projections on Cinderella Castle.
EPCOT Seasonal Magic
- The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins the day after Thanksgiving (November 28) and runs through year-end. You’ll find the beloved Candlelight Processional (with celebrity narrators, nightly at 5:00, 6:45 & 8:15 p.m.), Olaf’s scavenger hunt, the global Cookie Stroll, Holiday Kitchens, and cultural storytellers.
Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom
- Disney Jollywood Nights gets glamorous once more—select nights from November 8 to December 22—offering high‑energy entertainment, skating shows, character sightings, and a fiesta of flavors.
- Animal Kingdom returns with its Merry Menagerie of arctic animal puppets on Discovery Island and Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition illuminating every 10 minutes after dark.
Resorts & Disney Springs
- Decked‑out resort lobbies, gingerbread displays (with exception of Grand Floridian’s, due to renovations), themed treats, and entertainment will grace nearly every Disney property.
- Disney Springs will sparkle with its Christmas Tree Stroll, nightly snowfall, seasonal shopping, and Santa meet‑and‑greets through December 24.
Planning Tips for Families
- Book early – Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights go on sale July 16 for resort guests, and July 22 for the general public.
- Strategize your visits – Split your stay: get one Magic Kingdom party night, one EPCOT festival day, and an Animal Kingdom + Hollywood Studios mix day to experience everything.
- Dress for the season – Even in Florida, December evenings can get chilly. Bring a light jacket or cozy sweatshirt to enjoy nighttime shows.
- Reserve dining early – Holiday dining packages and processional seating reservations for EPCOT should be booked quickly once they release.
- Take resort breaks – A mid‑day swim or nap back at your resort can help little ones (and big ones!) stay energized for evening entertainment.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season promises the signature Disney sparkle—enchanting décor, festive shows, warm scarlet and gold tones, and magical snowfall at Disney Springs. Planning now allows you to snag limited‑release merchandise and exclusive party tickets that often sell out fast. If your family is dreaming of a heartwarming holiday trip, this is your sign to start building magical memories now!
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