Why Christmas Season Is The Best (And Most Magical) Time To Visit Disney World

Flickr/Judd Helms

Since Disney theme parks are the most magical place on earth, and Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, it only makes sense that these two are best when combined!

Last December, I had the opportunity to visit Disney World during the Christmas season, and I will only be visiting during the holiday season from now on. This was not my first trip to Disney, but because of the Christmas flair, it was definitely the most magical. As an avid Disney fan, I had high hopes for my Christmas visit. I had seen the pictures, heard the stories and I was so excited to see it for myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

From the decorations to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the special holiday shows, here are just a few reasons why Disney is best visited during the holiday season.

1. The Christmas Trees

Disney has some of the most beautiful Christmas trees I have ever seen. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios each have their own trees, one more extravagant than the next. Each tree is unique in representing that specific park, and no two are the same.

Flickr/Justin Brown

2. Cinderella’s Castle

I never got sick of looking at Cinderella’s Castle. The castle is specially decorated for the season, dressed head to toe in icicle lights, and it’s breathtaking. The extra-special thing about the castle during the Christmas season is that Elsa herself comes out to light the icicles, making the entire castle look frozen!

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Flickr/Jake Sane

3. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

You will have to purchase a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but it’s definitely worth it. I’ve seen quite a few Disney parades, but Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade was amazing. For starters, the decorations were unbelievable, and the floats were bigger and better than usual. The floats even released a holiday aroma as they passed by. The one I remember most was a gingerbread float smelling identical to freshly baked gingerbread cookies. In addition to this, you can enjoy as many complimentary cookies and hot chocolate as you can eat! The best part about the Christmas party was the snow (soapy bubbles) falling down main street. The night is topped off with a jaw-dropping fireworks show.

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Flickr/Garry Rollins

4. Candlelight Processional Dinner

The Candlelight Processional Dinner will send chills through your body the entire time. I have to warn you though, I suggest getting to Epcot early and waiting in line to secure a spot. This event is no additional charge and therefore incredibly popular. Enjoy a nice dinner and hear the story of Christmas told by a special guest!

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Flickr/Jeremy Nelson

5. The Decorations

I already mentioned the trees, but the trees are just the tip of the iceberg. Disney goes all out when it comes to holiday decorations! Every inch of Disney is decorated perfectly in tune with the holiday spirit. My favorite decorations were the Christmas lights that lit up Main Street at night leading you to the castle. Also I suggest taking a trip to Disney Springs. The decorations there are mesmerizing, and you can probably get all of your holiday shopping done too!

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Flickr/Judd Helms

6. Holidays Around The World

This event at Epcot was an incredible experience that you can’t get anywhere else! Seeing the 11 different countries in The World Showcase decorated and celebrating their holiday traditions was eye-opening. I also enjoyed all of the various holiday treats and drinks, live music and different shows unique to each country. And to top off the night, in true Disney fashion, Epcot has a spectacular holiday presentation of fireworks, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. I saw it multiple times, and I was in complete awe every time.

Experimenting with a 10-stop ND filter.
Jeff Krause

7. Jingle Cruise

The classic Jungle Cruise attraction transforms into Jingle Cruise during the holiday season! The skippers, your tour guides, were their usual hilarious selves, but the ride itself looks a bit different. The safari is spruced up with festive holiday decorations making it a fun and new experience to enjoy.

Flickr/Albert Lam

8. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show is actually new this year, so I didn’t get to see it. But I can only imagine how magical it is, and it will definitely be on my list of must-sees for my next visit!

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Flickr/Harry Rother

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Flickr/Ryan Kirkpatrick

These are just a few of my favorite memories from my trip, and they don’t begin to complete the list of things to do at Disney during the Christmas season.

So are you planning your trip yet?

Holiday & Seasonal, Life
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Caitlyn Maloney

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