Magic Kingdom

Christmas Day at Disney: Important Update on Guest Access

Planning to celebrate Christmas Day at Disney World? Unfortunately, we have some news that might dampen your holiday spirit.

Disney World is a year-round beacon for millions, attracting families and thrill-seekers to its enchanting attractions and unforgettable experiences. Yet, Christmas Day is one of the resort’s busiest days, especially at the iconic Magic Kingdom.

A vibrant street scene at night on main street featuring a cinema with a lit-up marquee and multiple christmas trees adorned with colorful lights. visitors stroll along, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Credit: Becky Burkett

As the world’s most-visited theme park, Magic Kingdom pulls out all the stops for the holiday season. Throughout November and December, the park hosts select nights for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event filled with festive fun. However, the magic doesn’t end there; the park transforms into a holiday wonderland during the day, featuring dazzling decorations, special merchandise, and delightful seasonal treats that spread holiday cheer.

Crowds can be overwhelming in December, especially as schools break for the holidays. As Christmas approaches, lines become longer and the atmosphere grows more electric. For the weeks of Christmas and New Year, Magic Kingdom offers Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade as a daytime attraction, a treat usually reserved for party-goers.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in the Christmas parade
Credit: Disney

While guests no longer need to secure park reservations with dated tickets, Annual Passholders are still required to book most of their visits, excluding “Good to Go” days. Securing a spot for Christmas Day can be particularly competitive, with reservations filling up rapidly.

As of now, Magic Kingdom is officially fully booked for December 25.

A joyful scene of a woman and two children enjoying a festive moment at night. Dressed in red and white holiday attire, with the woman wearing silver mouse ears, they smile and look up in delight as snow falls around them, colorful lights in the background—and for this annual passholder family, it's pure magic at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

However, there’s still hope for those eager to experience the holiday magic. Although Christmas Day is fully booked for Annual Passholders, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom still have reservations available. Additionally, guests staying at Disney resorts or holding standard theme park tickets can still claim their place at Magic Kingdom.

It’s worth noting that additional reservations may open up as the date approaches. Annual Passholders may also have the chance to park hop on Christmas Day, allowing them to experience popular attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (if it’s running, of course), Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and TRON Lightcycle / Run after 2 p.m.

A woman and two children pose with a person in a Donald Duck costume in front of a decorated Christmas tree. The children are wearing festive Minnie Mouse headbands. All are smiling and appear to be enjoying a holiday-themed setting.
Credit: Disney

As a heads-up, New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024) is also fully booked for Magic Kingdom, often leading to even larger crowds as guests gather to enjoy the midnight fireworks.

Even if you don’t visit the parks, there’s plenty to do at Walt Disney World Resort around Christmas. The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll features elaborately decorated trees inspired by popular Disney stories, while Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa boasts an impressively detailed gingerbread house every year – plus the largest indoor Christmas trees you’ll find anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort.

Are you planning to visit Disney World on Christmas Day?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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