It’s the Most Magical Time of the Year and there’s no better place to spend it than at Walt Disney World! Whether you’re visiting this holiday season or planning a future bucket list trip, you’ll want to add these six festive activities to your Christmas trip itinerary.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This holiday party is one special event that you won’t want to miss! I got the chance to attend for the first time this year and it was such a blast. From the complimentary cookies and other holiday treats to all of the festive shows, you won’t want to leave once it’s over! This event does require an extra ticket, but with the lower crowds and the magical snowfall on Main Street U.S.A. it’s well worth the extra investment.

Pro Tip: Show up at 4:00 to make the most of your event ticket! Although Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party doesn’t start until 7:00 PM, guests can get into Magic Kingdom three hours early. Take advantage of this extra time to hit up a few attractions before the fun begins!

Flurry of Fun

Disney’s Hollywood Studios goes all out when it comes to holiday decor! From the tinsel all of over town to the vintage vibes you can’t find anywhere else, it’s a Christmas wonderland. As the sun goes down, the holiday fun begins! Head over to Sunset Boulevard to experience snowfall and the festive Sunset Seasons Greetings on the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Headed to Toy Story Land? You won’t want to miss Andy’s Backyard all lit up in Christmas lights! Finish off the night watching Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM, a snow-stopping spectacular of twinkling fireworks.

Pro Tip: Take a walk around Echo Lake to experience all the holiday decor! Even Gertie is feeling festive this time of the year.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

Cheers to 20 years! Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This life-sized gingerbread house is made with over 5000 house-made gingerbread shingles and takes over 160 hours to create! Looking for something sweet? Check out The Bake Shop inside of the house! They sell lots of festive treats including the very same gingerbread shingles used to create the house.

Pro Tip: Love to Hidden Mickey Hunt? There’s 20 to be found around the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House this year! (One for each year its been open.)

Jingle Cruise

Disneyland is known for its many holiday overlays, but Walt Disney World? Not so much. If you’re looking for a festive take on a classic Disney attraction, you’re going to have to take the Jingle Cruise! This attraction is available all day long until the end of the holiday season, so be sure to venture over and check it out. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to ride the attraction in daylight if you can. There are so many festive details and you won’t want to miss any of them!

Festival of the Holidays

Epcot is the place to be if you’re a festival lover! Their last festival of the year is all about the holidays. With 16 outdoor kitchens and plenty of festive food and drink, you’ll love enjoying the different holiday cultures in this fun way! Epcot should be an all day affair, ending your night with the memorable Candlelight Processional. A celebrity narrator reads the story of Christmas along with with a 50-piece band and massed choir!

Pro Tip: As you make your way around the World Showcase, be sure to stop and listen to the storytellers in each country! They are sharing the holiday customs of their nations and it’s a fun way to learn even more about the Most Magical Time of the Year.

Christmas Tree Trail

Did you know Walt Disney World is home to over 1,500 unique Christmas trees this time of the year? While it may seem impossible to catch them all on your visit, you can check out 27 of them all in one place! At Disney Spring’s Christmas Tree Trail guests get to explore a forrest of festive firs all themed to different Disney characters and movies. Looking to meet Santa Clause? You can visit with Old Saint Nick daily at Santa’s Chalet! To make things even more magical, you’ll get to experience special snowfall while you walk through the tree trail.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an extra layer of fun for your time at Disney Springs, be sure to participate in Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt! There are clues hidden all over (including the Christmas Tree Trail) and there’s no better way to see all of the holiday decor around the Disney shopping and dining district.

Walt Disney World goes all out for the holidays! If you’re planning on spending time here this holiday season, be sure to keep these must do’s in mind.

Have you ever visited Walt Disney World for the holidays?