2018 Holiday Happenings At Walt Disney World

Updated! 9/25/18: Walt Disney World is always a great place to go, but during the winter holidays it just seems like there is a touch more magic in the air. Every nook and cranny of the property is decorated with a festive flair and holiday charm takes over. If you're planning a winter vacation, we've got a few sets of dates you'll want to know.


2018 Holiday Happenings At Walt Disney World


Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park

Select evenings at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey gathers all of his pals together to celebrate the season. Party goers will be treated to a wide variety of special holiday hospitality such as: Coco and Cookies, Character Meets, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes Fireworks, A Frozen Holiday Wish featuring Queen Elsa, and Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration. This special hard ticketed event cost at $95 per person if purchased in advance, and $105 at the gate, if still available. Get more information at Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dates

• November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
• December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party


2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

With 11 World Showcase pavilions Epcot is the perfect place to discover how people around the globe celebrate the winter holidays. As guests wander World Showcase they'll be treated to charming entertainment, exciting storytellers, new seasonal foods and beverages at more Holiday Kitchens than ever, not to mention the stunning holiday decor. Don't forget to participate in Chip & Dale's Christmas Tree Spree scavenger hunt, completed maps can be returned for a festive surprise! To end your night on a special note, during this time there is a special holiday presentation of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth."

Speaking of scavenger hunts or sorts, you'll be able to track purchases of five select holiday cookies in your Festival Passport by collecting a stamp for each one. Then, stop by Holiday Sweets and Treats to receive a special complimentary "completer" cookie. Collecting something has never sounded more delicious to me.

Read more about the 2018 Holiday Kitchens Here.

Festival of the Holidays will run November 18 through December 30, 2018.


Holidays Around The World


Candlelight Processional at American Gardens Theater in Epcot

Each year a veritable who's who list of celebrities make their way to Walt Disney World to share the story of Christmas. The celebrity narrators, are accompanied with a mass choir and full orchestra. A fan favorite year after tear, in 2018 The Candlelight Processional will open earlier in the year than ever so that even more people can enjoy the spectacle.

The Candlelight Processional opens for Thanksgiving on November 22 and run through December 30, 2018. For guests looking to have reserved seating for the show, check out our post on 2018 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages.

This year's list of narrators (so far) is:

• November 22 - November 23: Chita Rivera
• November 24 - November 25: Helen Hunt
• November 26 - November 27: Alfonso Ribeiro
• November 28 - December 2: To Be Announced
• December 3 - 6: Neil Patrick Harris
• December 7 - 9: Whoopi Goldberg
• December 10 - 12: Bart Millard
• December 13 - 14: Blair Underwood
• December 15 - 17: Gary Sinise
• December 18 - 20: Pat Sajak
• December 21 - 23: Auli'I Cravalho
• December 24 - 25: Edward James Olmos
• December 26 - 27: Jodi Benson
• December 28 - 30: Cal Ripken Jr.

The Traditional Candlelight Processional


A Flurry of Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios

From November 8th, 2018 through January 6th, 2019 Disney's Hollywood Studios will bring festive entertainment and exciting holiday touches to the streets of the Park. Guests will delight at Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show on and Sunset Boulevard, this year the seasonal show will introduce impressive new laser effects combined with seasonal "snow."

Then head on over to fine your place to watch the popular nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and music to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

Plus - Guests will meet Santa at the Once Upon a Time shop Nov.10-Dec. 24, and Santa Goofy after he steps in Dec. 25.


Sunset Seasons Greetings


Celebrate Diwali at Disney's Animal Kingdom

New this year at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, the beautiful nature focused Park will receive a magical holiday touch with the inclusion of Diwali. This important holiday is India's Festival of Lights and will be included as part of the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure. Starting Nov. 8, guests will join fun-loving pals Russell and Dug from Disney*Pixar's "Up" in discovering some of the world's most exotic birds.


UP! A Great Bird Adventure Will Include Diwali


Walt Disney World Resorts

In addition to these fantastic Theme Park happenings, the spirit of the season will also pervade the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels with extraordinary themed decorations, holiday menus with seasonal treats at the restaurants, and grand gingerbread displays.

Ring In The New Year, by getting tickets to one of two New Year's Eve celebrations at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Choose the family friendly Pixar Party: A New Year's Eve Celebration and or the adult exclusive Disney Countdown to Midnight, including an option to purchase VIP access to the Ink and Paint Club for your kids. Both celebrations will feature entertainment, music, food and refreshments, plus a viewing of the Magic Kingdom New Year's Eve fireworks to cap off the night. To purchase tickets, call (407) WDW-DINE.


New Year's Eve Celebrations Now Booking


And finally, we can't forget Disney Springs as the perfect destination for holiday shopping, dining and entertainment. From November 8th, 2018 through January 5th, 2019 Guests can enjoy the Christmas Tree Trail, Stitch's Holiday Gift Hunt, and make a visit to Santa's Chalet. Santa Claus will accept Christmas wish lists and welcome guests before his busy night on Christmas Eve. However - from December 25 through December 31, Santa Goofy will take over after Old Saint Nick heads back to the North Pole.

Seems like now is the perfect time to get down to planning your holidays at Walt Disney World. Bookmark this post! We'll be updating as soon as more holiday specials and celebrations are announced!