2025 Christmas at Disney Cheat Sheet
When Does Christmas at Disney Start?
If you’ve ever wondered how Disney turns pumpkins into poinsettias practically overnight, here’s the secret: it happens fast. Usually, the transformation from Halloween to Christmas happens the night of October 31, with Magic Kingdom waking up on November 1 looking like Santa’s elves pulled an all-nighter.
But this year, Disney’s giving themselves one extra day. The official start of the 2025 holiday season is November 2. So if you’re visiting right after Halloween, expect to still see a few leftover cobwebs before the garlands go up.
Here’s how the holiday rollout looks this year:
- Magic Kingdom - Fully decorated by November 2.
- Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom - Decorations appear gradually and are typically complete by mid-November.
- Resorts and Disney Springs - Festivities kick in around mid-November, with themed trees, gingerbread houses, and plenty of cozy corners for photos.
Pro Tip:
Even if you’re not staying on property, it’s worth hopping around resorts just to see the decorations. Park at Magic Kingdom and hop on the monorail at the Ticket Center. This will take you to The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and The Contemporary to explore their holiday decorations. All free of charge.
When Do Decorations Come Down?
The holidays don’t vanish overnight, but they do wrap up pretty quickly. Disney typically starts removing decorations right after New Year’s Day, with everything back to “normal” by January 11, 2026. Right after Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
If you’re visiting the first week of January, congratulations! You’ve unlocked one of the best-kept secrets of the season. You’ll still get the lights, the music, and the gingerbread-scented air… just without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
The Busiest Days of the Holiday Season
Let’s get real. Disney at Christmas is magical, but it’s also madness. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, crowds hit their absolute peak.
The busiest days of the entire season include:
- Thanksgiving week
- Christmas week through New Year’s Day
- Weekends throughout December
If you’re hoping for more “holiday joy” and less “holiday chaos,” plan around these.
Best Weeks to Visit for Lighter Crowds:
- Early November (Nov 2–15) - decorations are up, crowds are still low.
- Early December (Dec 2–13) - sweet spot between Thanksgiving and school breaks.
- First week of January (Jan 2–10) - holiday leftovers without the long waits.
Pro Tip:
If you lower crowds are your priority, go to a park on a party day. So go to Magic Kingdom the day of a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or go to Hollywood Studios on the day of a Jollywood Nights Party. If you rope drop these parks on a party day, they will be less crowded. We dive into all the details of this strategy here.
Holiday Festivals & Special Events
Here’s where the season really shines. From exclusive parties to global food festivals, Disney turns every park into its own version of a holiday wonderland.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)
Dates:
- Nov: 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
- Dec: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21
This is the quintessential Disney Christmas experience. It’s a special ticketed party with shorter lines, exclusive entertainment, and a very generous amount of cookies and cocoa.
Regular park tickets do not include this event. It’s a separate ticket, and yes, it sells out fast.
What You’ll Get:
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
- “Snow” falling on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Free cookies and cocoa at designated locations
- Exclusive holiday snacks and merch
- Lower wait times on Rides
You can enter as early as 4 PM with your party ticket (even though the event officially starts at 7 PM) which gives you a few bonus hours to hit your favorite rides before the Christmas magic begins.
Jollywood Nights (Hollywood Studios)
Dates:
- Nov: 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
- Dec: 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22
Jollywood Nights is a special ticketed event at Hollywood Studios and it’s serving major vintage glam energy. Think “old Hollywood Christmas soirée” with a modern twist.
You’ll find jazz music, specialty cocktails, rare character meet-and-greets, and more sequin-clad guests than a red carpet premiere.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 28–December 30, 2025
This festival celebrates how countries around the world ring in the season (and yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds).
Highlights:
- Holiday Kitchens: Seasonal food booths with global festive eats
- Candlelight Processional: Celebrity narrators tell the Christmas story alongside a full orchestra and choir
- Cookie Stroll: Buy five cookies from designated booths, collect stamps, and earn a free prize at the end.
The best part:
This event is included with park admission - no special ticket required, which makes it one of the best holiday values at Disney.
Animal Kingdom’s Merry Menagerie
Not a ticketed event, but one of the most charming touches of the season.
During the day, you’ll see life-sized animal puppets - handcrafted and operated by performers - greeting guests near the Tree of Life. It’s subtle, artsy, and a completely different kind of Disney magic.
As the sun sets, stick around for the Tree of Life Awakenings: Holiday Edition - a short projection show that lights up the park’s icon with wintry scenes.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Dates: Mid-November through early January
It’s free, it’s festive, and it’s filled with creativity. The Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs features dozens of themed trees - from “Frozen” to “Haunted Mansion” - scattered throughout the shopping district.
Expect artificial snow flurries, photo backdrops, and plenty of excuses to grab another peppermint mocha.
Dont Miss:
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Holiday Takeover
The seasonal decor and themed cocktails make it feel like Indiana Jones crashed a Christmas party (in the best way).
Holiday Food & Treats
If you plan your day around snacks, you’re in good company. Disney’s holiday food lineup is a festival unto itself.
Each park releases its own exclusive treats starting early November, and menus rotate throughout December. Expect everything from peppermint funnel cakes to holiday churros and festive cocktails.
Here are a few fan-favorites from past years:
- Hot Cocoa Flight (Hollywood Studios) - boozy and non-boozy versions available
- Gingerbread Funnel Cake (Epcot) - perfectly warm and spiced
- Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll (Magic Kingdom) - shaped like Mickey and covered in red and green icing
Want the full lineup? Check out our The Best Holiday Snacks at Each Disney Park (coming soon) to see what’s new, what’s worth skipping, and where to find every treat.
Pro Tips for Planning Your Holiday Visit
Because the holidays at Disney are magical, but also strategic.
- Book early - Party tickets and dining reservations sell out quickly (especially character meals like Minnie’s Holiday Dine available from November 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026).
- Use Mobile Order - Don’t waste 30 minutes in line for cocoa - order through the app and pick it up when you’re ready.
- Visit a park on a party day - The park closes early for non-party guests, meaning lighter daytime crowds. View all the details about this strategy here.
- Bring a mobile charger- Between Lightning Lanes, photos, and mobile ordering, your phone will work harder than Santa on Christmas Eve.
Quick FAQ
Is Disney decorated for Thanksgiving?
Yes! By Thanksgiving, all four parks and resorts are fully decked out.
Can I see Christmas decor without a party ticket?
Absolutely. You’ll find decorations, parades, and treats during regular park hours too.
What’s open on Christmas Day?
Everything. All four parks are open, but expect massive crowds. If you plan to go, arrive early and pack your patience.
Are resorts decorated too?
Yes, and they’re stunning. Don’t miss:
- Beach Club’s edible carousel display
- Polynesian’s tropical holiday decor
Wrap-Up
Whether you’re chasing snow on Main Street, collecting cookies around the World Showcase, or sipping holiday cocktails at Jock Lindsey’s, Christmas at Disney is pure magic.
Use this cheat sheet as your starting point, then dive into our full park guides for deeper planning.
