Christmas Events at Walt Disney World

There is always something special going on at Walt Disney World. It may the Spring Flower and Garden Festival or Autumn's Food and Wine Festival. There are special Pirate and Princess parties throughout the year and Mickey hosts his own Not So Scary Halloween Party to celebrate October. But there is no time of the year filled with more entertainment, festivity and fun than the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And high season doesn't have to mean high crowds. So start checking your schedule and see what's going on in early December...and book your trip!

Resort decorations. The resorts don their merriest decorations and truly bring the season alive with wreaths, trees and boughs decorated to reflect the individual resort theme. Some of the lobbies sport exceptional decorations like the Grand Floridian gingerbread house or the Beach Club gingerbread and chocolate carrousel. Visiting the resorts for a meal or just on a decorations tour is a great way to soak up more of the season.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This hard ticketed event is a true highlight of the season. The Magic Kingdom park closes early and guests arrive to enjoy a Main Street with snowflakes dancing across the buildings, special Christmas shows, character events, a magnificent Christmas parade and a spectacular Christmas season fireworks show. Rides are also open, and with the lower crowds the lines are short. Make a reservation at the Liberty Tree Tavern for a holiday style meal with the characters just before the party and then step out into the action after dinner.

Holidays around the World. Learn about holiday traditions around the globe in Epcot's World Showcase. See traditional decorations, taste some custom treats and sit back and listen as the country's Storytellers talk about their Christmas and holiday histories. Pere Noel in France and Julenissen in Norway are but two examples of the Storytellers you can visit. Get a full list of names and times neat the maps located at the park's entrances.

Jingle Jungle Parade. Animal Kingdom Park has a delightful parade every afternoon where characters dance and host floats amongst the whimsical created creatures of Animal Kingdom. Christmas music and decorations add charm to the usual parade elements and plenty of new additions make it even more special.

Holiday Spectacle of Lights. Disney Hollywood Studios is the host of a jaw dropping lights display completely covering the Streets of America. Every night, millions and millions of lights come alive across the buildings and movement and music are mesmerizing. "Snow" falls from the sky, and the atmosphere of lights and happy guests make this a holiday must see.

Tree Lighting Ceremonies. All four parks - Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios all have huge decorated trees and special lighting ceremonies as evening approaches. Characters arrive for the big moment, and photo opportunities abound.

Candlelight Processional. The absolute jewel in the holiday repertoire, Epcot's Candlelight Processional is a show full of beautiful music spelling out the Christmas Story. Disney World cast members join the Voices of Liberty and school choirs from across the country to sing a combination of traditional and original Christmas music while celebrity narrators tell the story of Jesus's birth. It is a moving and uplifting experience and is a definitely holiday can't miss. Assure yourself seating by reserving a Candlelight Processional dining package at one of the Epcot restaurants. If you do not get seating, you can still watch and listen from the American Pavilion.

The resorts, parks and Downtown Disney are all alive during the holiday season and create a beautiful beginning to your own holiday. Start a new tradition, and head south to enjoy part of Winter's holiday in the Sunshine State.