How Disney Guests Can Experience Holiday Magic This Year
From the parks to cruise ships, here's how you can celebrate with Disney.
There’s no place like ho, ho, home for the holidays…but Disney is a close second.
The most wonderful time of the year allows the most magical and happiest places on earth to transform into merry destinations that guests of all ages can escape to for creating holly jolly memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
Kids young and old ("Adults are only kids grown up, anyway," as Walt Disney once said) can experience the childlike spirit of Christmas at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Disney Festival of Holidays will be returning to the parks, along with festive live entertainment and holiday-themed treats.
Disney always wants guests to "feel magical," but this time of year, "it’s just that extra, little special holiday treat," Andrea Wolowitz, who does marketing strategy for Walt Disney’s World Parks, tells Parade.com.
“You're making memories," Wolowitz adds. "That's the biggest thing is that we want you and your family to come, and your friends, your whole group of friends, to come to the parks and just feel really immersed into the holidays, but just have that little special pixie dust that you get to take home and know that this was the only time of year that you're able to get that really special, pixie dust feeling."
So, if you're a big or little kid dreaming of a Disney Christmas, here is everything you need to know about the holiday magic that awaits you this yuletide season, plus how Disney+ subscribers can save during the month of December.
Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort
Walt Disney World
Holiday offer for Disney+ subscribers
To kick us off, as if we needed another reason to love our Disney+ subscription, subscribers can take advantage of a holiday room offer that allows them to save up to 20 percent at select Disney Resort hotels for most nights starting Dec. 11 through Dec. 25, 2022.
Related: Over 50 Walt Disney Quotes
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returned to the Magic Kingdom for 24 select nights starting Nov. 8 through Dec. 22. The special event includes Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, in addition to Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show, Club Tinsel dance party, Disney Junior Jingle Jam and A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas party.
On nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party isn't scheduled, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will get the holiday treatment with special projection effects, festive colors and a rotating series of designs.
How much are tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Tickets are limited and range from $159 to $199 per person.
When is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
The holiday celebration took place November 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27 and 29, and will happen December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20 and 22 as well. Parkgoers with tickets to the party can enter the Magic Kingdom at 4:00 p.m. ahead of the event, which starts at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party bites and drinks
Indulge in sweet treats at Magic Kingdom Park and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Guests will find an array of goodies, including a Mickey mousse ornament treat, sugar plum shake, candy cane hot cocoa, polar bear claw and much more. Check out the bites and drinks below:
Mickey Mousse Ornament Treat from the Main Street Bakery
Walt Disney World Resort
Once Upon a Christmastime Tart from the Sunshine Tree Terrace
Walt Disney World Resort
Sandy Claws Peppermint Mousse Treat from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Walt Disney World Resort
Funnel Cake Sundae from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Walt Disney World Resort
Christmas Wreath Doughnut from carts throughout Main Street U.S.A.
Walt Disney World Resort
Christmas Cookie Churro from carts throughout Main Street U.S.A.
Walt Disney World Resort
Lock, Shock, and Barrel Sundae from Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies
Walt Disney World Resort
Chai Caramel Freeze from Golden Oak Outpost
Walt Disney World Resort
Sugar Plum Shake from Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies
Walt Disney World Resort
Fried Pork Tamale served “Christmas Style” from Golden Oak Outpost
Walt Disney World Resort
Tinker Bell Cream Puff from the Friar's Nook
Walt Disney World Resort
Curry Brat Tots from the Friar's Nook
Walt Disney World Resort
Polar Bear Claw from Cool Ship
Walt Disney World Resort
Peppermint Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Walt Disney World Resort
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Walt Disney World Resort
Christmas Ice Cream Cookie from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Walt Disney World Resort
Holiday Dinner Dog from Casey’s Corner
Walt Disney World Resort
Christmas Tree Cake from Casey’s Corner
Walt Disney World Resort
EPCOT
The International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, returned to EPCOT the day after Thanksgiving. The event, happening between Nov. 25 and Dec. 30, 2022, allows guests to experience "sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season."
Gloria Estefan, Josh Gad, Simu Liu, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Marie Osmond, Angela Bassett and Mariska Hargitay are among this year's celebrity narrators who will be telling the story of Christmas joined by an orchestra and choir during the park's Candlelight Processional. The show happens nightly at 5:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. at the America Gardens Theatre.
While in EPCOT, satisfy your sweet tooth with the Holiday Cookie Stroll, or enjoy festive drinks and bites from Holiday Kitchens throughout World Showcase.
SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)
Disney
Beef Bourguignon with crushed potatoes from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)
Disney
Rosemary Fig cocktail from Tangierine Cafe?: Flavors of the Medina
Disney
Lamb Kebab from Tangierine Cafe?: Flavors of the Medina
Disney
Chicken Kebab from Tangierine Cafe?: Flavors of the Medina
Disney
Moroccan bread with dips from Tangierine Cafe?: Flavors of the Medina
Disney
Jingle Sugar Cookie from Sunshine Seasons
Disney
Turkey Poutine from Refreshment Port (Near Canada)
Disney
Peanut Stew from Refreshment Outpost
Disney
IMPOSSIBLE Chorizo Tamale from the Nochebuena Cocina (Near Port of Entry)
Disney
Alfajores from the Nochebuena Cocina (Near Port of Entry)
Disney
Giant Tostada de Barbacoa from the Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)
Disney
Kālua Pork with Okinawa sweet potatoes and mango salad from Mele Kalikimaka (Near Port of Entry)
Disney
Haupia from Mele Kalikimaka (Near Port of Entry)
Disney
Sufganiyot from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between France and Morocco)
Disney
Potato Latkes from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between France and Morocco)
Disney
Pastrami on Rye from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between France and Morocco)
Disney
Black and White Cookie (Cookie Stroll) from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between France and Morocco)
Disney
Horchata Cold Brew from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Disney
Sushi Tree from Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)
Disney
Mochi Cake from Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)
Disney
Salmone alla Siciliana from the Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)
Disney
Panettone bread pudding and vanilla cream from the Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)
Disney
Cookie that can be redeemed from Holiday Sweets & Treats
Disney
Snowball Cookies from Holiday Hearth Desserts (The Odyssey Pavilion)
Disney
Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake from Holiday Hearth Desserts (The Odyssey Pavilion)
Disney
Maple B?che de No?l from Holiday Hearth Desserts (The Odyssey Pavilion)
Disney
Gingerbread Cookie (Cookie Stroll) from Holiday Hearth Desserts (The Odyssey Pavilion)
Disney
Mini Funnel Cake topped with Peppermint Ice Cream from the Funnel Cake (The American Adventure)
Disney
Roasted ham with mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, mustard sauce and puff potatoes from Le Marché de No?l Holiday Kitchen (France)
Disney
Macaron lollipop with peppermint and Valrhona chocolate ganache from Le Marché de No?l Holiday Kitchen (France)
Disney
Macaron Christmas Tree from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France)
Disney
Donut Box from the Donut Box (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)
Disney
Holiday Sangria from Connections Eatery
Disney
Holiday Sugar Cookie (Holiday Cookie Stroll) from Connections Café
Disney
Coquito Milk Shake from Connections Eatery
Disney
Chicken Skewer with peanut sauce from the Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)
Disney
Beef and Noodle Soup Bowl from the Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)
Disney
Cinnamon-glazed Pecans from the Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen (Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet)
Disney
Linzer Cookie (Cookie Stroll) from the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)
Disney
Slow-roasted Turkey with BEN’S ORIGINAL Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce from the American Holiday Table
Disney
Blackened Catfish from American Holiday Table
Disney
Before or after traveling around the world, go for a ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Riders will hear a holiday single as they blast off!
Animal Kingdom
Santa Claus will be sailing down the Discovery River at Animal Kingdom in the Santa Claus Festive Flotilla. Percussionists will also be cruising along the river in the Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla. While in the park, guests can check out artisan-sculpted puppets of Arctic animals.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Hollywood Tower Hotel is getting a holiday makeover nightly with holiday projections, while the "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" features a holiday finale with Olaf. Enjoy a "merry mealtime" called Minnie's Holiday Dine is also available at the park's Hollywood & Vine restaurant. Be sure to end your night with the nighttime musical Fantasmic!, which finally returned in Nov. 2022.
Related: Get into the Holiday Spirit With These Christmas Movies and Specials Available on Disney+
Disney Springs
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort is decked for the holidays. Disney-decorated trees are on display at the shopping complex as part of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Shoppers will be walking in a winter wonderland as they stroll through Town Center and the West Side.
Visitors will also be able to snap a picture with Santa at Once Upon a Toy, and grab limited-time holiday-themed drinks and snacks at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, which has been turned into a holiday bar, or stop by The Ganachery for the Peppermint, the Rowdy Reindeer drink (available Dec. 18 through Dec. 30).
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort
Disney California Adventure Park
On the west coast, Disney’s Festival of Holidays, which celebrates Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings' Day, came back to Disney California Adventure Park on Nov. 11, 2022. The event, featuring Mickey’s Happy Holidays, character sightings, holiday toy drummers and more runs through Jan. 8, 2023.
The "World of Color - Season of Light" show and the Disney ?Viva Navidad! street party also returned to Disney California Adventure Park on Nov. 11, 2022, in addition to Mater's Jingle Jamboree and Luigi's Joy to the Whirl.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park has plenty of holiday celebrations and attractions too. It’s a Small World and the Haunted Mansion rides are decorated for the season. Parkgoers can look forward to seeing Disney characters join Santa in the "A Christmas Fantasy Parade" and watch the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular, which started Nov. 11.
They say the "fondest memories are made gathered around the table," but you can also make memories during your visit to Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. Below are some of this year's sweet and savory offerings at the parks:
Poinsettia Cookie from GCH Holiday Cart at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney
Holiday Cake Pops from Marceline's Confectionery at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Cocktails from Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar & Cafe at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Purple Mistletoe from Tortilla Jo’s at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Cupcakes from Sprinkles at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Macarons from Kayla's Cake at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Arancini Dolce from Naples Ristorante e Bar at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Maple & Bacon Glazed Beignets from Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Gingerbread Churro from California Churro at Downtown Disney District
Disney
Maple-bacon dipping sauce from Mint Julep Bar at Disneyland Park
Disney
Maple Beignets from Mint Julep Bar at Disneyland Park
Disney
Snowman Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park
Disney
Christmas Brownie from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park
Disney
Peppermint Hot Chocolate from the French Market Restaurant at Disneyland Park
Disney
Holiday DOLE Whip Sundae from The Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park
Disney
Bride Churro from Churro and Lemonade Cart in Critter Country at Disneyland Park
Disney
Mint Chip Churro from the Churro Cart in Town Square at Disneyland Park
Disney
Peppermint Mocha Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café at Disneyland Park
Disney
Peppermint Cream Cheese Pretzel from the Refreshment Corner at Disneyland Park
Disney
Caramel-Pecan Cream Cheese Pretzel from the Refreshment Corner at Disneyland Park
Disney
Holiday Flatbread from Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland Park
Disney
Hot Chocolate from Rancho del Zocalo at Disneyland Park
Disney
Pan Dulce Ice Cream Sandwich from Rancho del Zocalo at Disneyland Park
Disney
Chile Verde from Rancho del Zocalo at Disneyland Park
Disney
Holiday Cake from the Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park
Disney
Thanks-mas Sandwich from the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park
Disney
Mickey Mouse Gingerbread from the Market House at Disneyland Park
Disney
Peppermint Cookie Donut from the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park
Disney
Candy Cane Churro from the Churro Cart near Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park
Disney
Peppermint Holiday Sundae from the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor at Disneyland Park
Disney
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich from the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor at Disneyland Park
Disney
Cranberry BBQ Chicken Sandwich from the Galactic Grill at Disneyland Park
Disney
Christmas Punch from the Galactic Grill at Disneyland Park
Disney
Holiday Cookie Pretzel from the Pretzel Cart in Frontierland at Disneyland Park
Disney
Churro with holiday apple spice dipping sauce from the Churro Cart near “It’s a Small World” Holiday at Disneyland Park
Disney
Holiday Green Alien Macaron from Alien Pizza Planet at Disneyland Park
Disney
Caldo de Pollo from Rancho del Zocalo Disneyland Park
Disney
Charcuterie Pizza Slice from Alien Pizza Planet at Disneyland Park
Disney
Holiday Kermit Straw Clip available at various locations at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Gingerbread Bottle Topper available at various locations at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Holiday Stainless Steel Tumbler available at various locations at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Light Up Holiday Swizzle Stick available at various locations at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Pineapple Limeade from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Gingerbread Shake from Flo's V-8 Café at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Chocolate-Peppermint Sundae from Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Pomegranate Hard Float from Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Caramel Apple Churro from Churro Cart on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Maple-Bacon Shake from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Holiday Punch Cocktail from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Dulce de Leche Mickey Mouse Shake from Schmoozies! at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Chocolate-Cherry Yule Log Shake from Schmoozies! at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Apple-Bacon Soft Pretzel from the Pym Test Kitchen at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Snowman Sourdough Bread from the Boudin Bread Cart at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Sourdough Bread at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Candy Cane Sourdough Bread from the Boudin Bread Cart at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Hot cocoa-dusted donuts from Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Holiday Martini from Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Pineapple-Fresno Chile Michelada from Hollywood Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Everything Spice from Hollywood Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Gingerbread Mule from Hollywood Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Chocolate Cherry-Pistachio Churro at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Peanut Butter Whiskey Cocktail from the Cozy Cone at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Pumpkin Pie Churro from the Cozy Cone at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Esquite Corn Fritters from the Cozy Cone at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Luigi Chicken Pesto Cone from the Cozy Cone at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Salted Caramel-Mocha Bundt Cake from the Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Spiced chocolate cheesecake from Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Bananas Foster Funnel Cake Fries from Award Wieners at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Thai Iced Tea from Lucky Fortune Cookery at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Braised Winter Beef from Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Four-Meat Pizza from Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Braised Beef Poutine from Lamplight Lounge (Boardwalk Dining) at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Crisped Rice Treat from Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney
Matt Stroshane
Disney Cruise Line
Escape the cold and set sail on one of Disney Cruise Line's "Very Merrytime" cruises this season. Enjoy the holidays at sea onboard the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and newest ship, the Disney Wish.
During the select sailings in 2022 and 2023, passengers can expect a special guest onboard, Santa, along with characters dressed in holiday attire, a special tree-lighting ceremony and holiday decor. Disney's private island Disney Castaway Cay will also be turned into a winter wonderland.
Whether you're on land or at sea, have yourself a merry, Disney Christmas this holiday season!
Next up, 100 Disney Movie Quotes