Holidays at Disney World 2026

There is a ton in store for this holiday season across Walt Disney World for kids, parents, grandparents and anyone looking to stir up some joyful fun.

Celebrating the holidays, “snow” in Florida, and Christmas cheer at Disney World means jolly-filled special events, like Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It’s exploring traditions from around the world at EPCOT, dancing with the Merry Menagerie, and shopping for stocking stuffers at Disney Springs.

From November 13 through January 6, 2027, get ready to deck the halls as Walt Disney World comes to life with Christmas decor, themed food and beverage items, characters in festive outfits, special holiday entertainment, new holiday merch, new deals and discounts and so much more. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 holiday season at Disney World and how to make the most of your cheerful visit.

Greet Santa at Disney World

In between his busy schedule, Santa Claus will also swing by each of the four theme parks across Disney World to meet guests on the nice list this holiday season. To put the bow on top, Santa Claus will also be stopping by Disney Springs through December 24, where you can take festive photos and share holiday wishes with jolly old St. Nick.

Discover Nostalgic Holiday Fun at Magic Kingdom

Catch the Wintry Excitement During “Frozen Holiday Surprise!”

Join “Frozen” friends from Arendelle as Olaf and over 100 of his snowgie siblings add garlands, ornaments, wreaths and more to Cinderella Castle during “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” 

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

Catch Elsa and many other Disney characters in Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away a spectacular parade, available twice each night (subject to cancellation).

Please note that Disney Starlight will not be performed on evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. On those nights, you can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Disney Starlight will continue to light up the park throughout the holiday season on non-party nights - because, after all, the cold never bothered us anyway.

Witness Stunning Holiday Decor Across the Park

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, smile, snap, and share your perfect photos along a bright and merry Main Street and at other iconic Disney World locations such as Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion throughout your multi-day vacation.

Take Little Ones on the World-Famous Jingle Cruise

The world-famous Jingle Cruise returns in 2026 for a festive-yet-familiar adventure, as a trusty skipper expertly navigates guests through some of the world’s most treacherous waters.

You may hear and see plenty of holiday-themed gags along your 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey that goes on for Niles and Niles and Niles, and keep a close ear as skippers guide you through the jungle with a boat full of jolly pun-filled fun.

Yet the fun starts as soon as you enter the queue. Before boarding the canopied tramp steamer, you will see that the skippers have also decorated the loading area with plenty of lights, sights, and sounds for the holidays.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

On select nights, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. At this separately ticketed event, guests will enjoy festive entertainment, overlays on classic rides, a storybook holiday atmosphere, sweet treats and so much more!

Explore Holiday Traditions from Around the World at EPCOT

Included with your theme park ticket, from November 27 through December 30, 2026, you can travel around EPCOT for seasonal offerings and good times at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. 

With fan-favorite holiday flavors from around the world, entertainment that is sure to put a smile on your face and attractions that delight time and time again, EPCOT is the ultimate family destination for those staying at Disney World this winter. Bells will be ringing and choirs will be singing, so make sure to bring cameras (and an appetite) when entering this cheerful park.

Celebrate a Cinematic Christmas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Gaze in Wonder During “Sunset Seasons Greetings”

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.

Sing Along at “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration”

Once entering the Hyperion Theater, you can drift over to your seat and listen as 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 join 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.

Snap a Photo with Favorite Friends Dressed for the Season

Beautiful, vintage decor is adorned everywhere throughout Hollywood Studios, including Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, and more. However, for an up-close way to spot some fun decor and 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 from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 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 these toys!

See Minnie Mouse and Friends at Minnie’s Holiday Dine

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. 

Selections include 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.

Advance reservations are highly recommended for this fun, holiday experience and same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis (subject to availability), so make sure to book early to secure a spot!

Revisit Holiday Favorites at Walt Disney Presents

Walt Disney Presents is shining for the season with a holiday installation celebrating favorite Disney stories. You can explore festive displays featuring props and artifacts from beloved holiday films. Plus, the attraction’s theater will take on a seasonal twist with a limited-time experience, showcasing holiday-themed short films including Walt Disney’s On Ice, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and The Art of Skiing starring Goofy.

Discover Wild Seasonal Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Spot Polar Puppets During the Merry Menagerie Around Discovery Island

For a truly enchanting holiday experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom amidst beautiful holiday decor, artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals come to life around Discovery Island during the Merry Menagerie. Kids and families alike can spot penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears, setting up the perfect photo opportunity for your yearly holiday card.

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 22, so make sure to swing by to see his beautiful Disney-themed artwork.

Watch in Awe During the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition”

A dazzling visual display full of bright colors and animated imagery, the “Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition” lights up Animal Kingdom as the majestic centerpiece of the park comes to life every day after the sun sets in Discovery Island. 

Accompanied by a series of wintry tales and a heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score, this holiday evening experience is sure to delight and inspire. The show begins at sunset and occurs approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes.

Meet Disney Characters in Adventurous, Holiday Attire

At Adventurers Outpost, you can meet and pose for a photo with world travelers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at their exploration headquarters, dressed in their best holiday outfits.

Be Surrounded by Holiday Cheer at Disney Springs

Spot Snowfall and Take a Walk Around the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs is the perfect spot for holiday shopping, alongside dazzling decorations and the popular Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Discover a wide collection of extravagantly decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs, including elaborately themed Christmas trees inspired by Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Star Wars favorites.

For even more fun, check out the magical nightly snowfall in the Town Center. Yes, even central Florida gets in on the wintry fun during this sensational time.

Sip and Snack at Jock Lindsey's Hangar 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 the Holiday Overlay at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, with its spare airplane parts, salvaged equipment and plenty of holiday decorations.

This winter, the bar will serve up select seasonal bites, brews, and libations for guests looking for a joyful time between shopping at World of Disney and catching a new film at the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres.

Listen to Live Music and Encounter Holiday Fun

During the holiday season, Disney Springs will enter into a winter wonderland full of festive roaming entertainment.

On select nights, you will find a rotating lineup of regional and local bands playing live tunes on first-come, first-served seating at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage, just a quick stroll away from a variety of grab-and-go snacks.

With a warm Joffrey’s coffee in one hand and some cheesy, melty goodness from The Daily Poutine in the other, this is the place to be on a chilly night surrounded by good friends and lively music.

Stop by Disney’s Days of Christmas and World of Disney, where you can find a wide range of cheerful holiday collections.

Spot Christmas Decorations and More across the Disney Resorts Collection

Look Out for Larger-than-Life Holiday Decor

Are you looking to take Instagram-worthy pictures with Christmas trees and joyful decorations? Or are you looking for a place to exchange gifts with family members while soaking in the sounds of peaceful holiday music? For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.

Many Disney Resorts Collection hotels offer themed food and beverage items during the holiday season, such as special holiday treats.

With more than 25 hotels to choose from in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are plenty of ways to make this holiday season special. Plus, with special offers, stunning decor, and countless moments of joy, there’s so much to see and do at each of the Disney Resorts Collection hotels during the holiday season! Let’s start planning today!