The holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, with the traditional wreaths and garlands adorning the lampposts and store facades.
At the iconic train station and all along Main Street, U.S.A., the Magic Kingdom is home to eye-catching displays of holiday decorations.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the happiest season of all with our guide to the Magic Kingdom’s holiday decorations; then enter our Christmas ornament GIVEAWAY at the end of the blog!
There is always much to do at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, but Christmas brings a flurry of additional activities celebrating this festive time of year. You’re sure to keep busy from morning till night!
The traditional 65-foot Christmas tree towering above Town Square makes the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.
Yuletide street performers, such as the Dapper Dans, deliver their holiday harmonies on a daily basis.
Stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., and admire the decorations along the way. Every house is decorated with garlands, and festive decor is found throughout the stores.
In Adventureland, you’ll discover that the World-Famous Jungle Cruise has been converted into the Jingle Cruise, with holiday-themed jokes and scenery temporarily incorporated into the classic ride.
NEW THIS YEAR
Gather around Cinderella’s Castle for the new Frozen Holiday Surprise. The show features Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and his Snowgie siblings. Together, they illuminate the castle like never before.
Enjoy the finale of the show!
The seasonal decor throughout the park is even more spectacular after sunset when the colorful lights come on.
SWEETS MADE BY THE ELVES AT MAIN STREET CONFECTIONARY
It isn’t Christmas without seasonal snacks and sweets. Find limited-time offerings on the menus around the park. Make sure to visit the Main Street Confectionary, where the Halloween treats have been swept from the shelves, which are now filled with yummy Christmas sweets.
HOLIDAY MERCHANDISE
You can’t celebrate the holidays without gifts to put under the tree, and the Magic Kingdom’s stores are packed with seasonal merchandise for family and friends, as well as enough fun Yuletide clothing to deck out the entire family.
If you happen to be a member of the Tribe, there is a limited selection of Hanukkah offerings from which you may choose.
It’s Yuletide year-round at the Ye Olde Christmas Shop in Liberty Square, and nothing says Christmas better than the beautiful ornaments.
Here are a few of our favorite ornaments. Which one would you like to see on your tree?
Did you know that the origin of the modern-day glass ornament is believed to date back to mid-16th-century Germany? The first Christmas trees, however, were decorated with apples and candy.
The first American-made glass ornaments were created in New York in 1870, and the now well-known Hallmark ornaments came to the market in 1973.
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Now in its 40th year, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special treat taking place on select days now through December 22nd.
This special ticketed event features the amazing Once Upon A Christmastime Parade with floats, dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and beloved characters dressed in their holiday best.
One of the highlights of the party is to meet with favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, as well as some rarely seen characters such as Santa Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws, the Seven Dwarfs, and Scrooge McDuck.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration takes place at Cinderella’s Castle forecourt.
Be sure to secure a spot in front of Cinderella’s Castle at least 30 minutes before fireworks light up the sky during Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show.
Disney Junior Jingle Jam (Tomorrowland) gives young partygoers a chance to get their groove on with favorite characters from popular Disney Junior shows Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and The Lion Guard. Mega fun can be had at the dance party at Club Tinsel (Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe).
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP), some rides get a holiday overlay. Check out Tomorrowland Speedway (especially after dark), Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor!, and Space Mountain. If you ride the Mad Tea Party, you will notice that the teacups swirl to the tune of Christmas music.
Free cookies and holiday drink stations are set up throughout the Magic Kingdom, and, with the help of millions of tiny soap bubbles, snow falls on Main Street, U.S.A.
I don’t recommend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for first-time visitors to the Magic Kingdom, but if you want to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World Christmas, complete with snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A., go for it!
From December 23-31, you can expect to see the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration twice a day. (Note: These two events are not yet confirmed on the Magic Kingdom Calendar.) And from December 23-29, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will bring Christmas cheer to all at 8 p.m. While Santa meets exclusively during MVMCP, as it gets closer to Christmas, he might make appearances during the day. Check the My Disney Experience app, as showtimes may vary.
GOOD TO KNOW
Yuletide festivities await throughout the park. They are a wonderful experience for adults but especially exciting for children. There is so much to see, and the festive atmosphere will put everyone in the spirit of the season. However, should you decide to visit on December 25th, the first order of the day is to make Disney Park Pass reservations NOW! The Magic Kingdom will be filled to capacity, and if your heart is set on being there, arrive EARLY, be prepared to stay all day, and don’t expect to see all the attractions. Most of all, bring along a humongous dose of patience and humor.
And now it is time for you to enter our GIVEAWAY. Good luck!
For all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. #unofficialguide #theUGSeries
