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Walt Disney World is bringing holiday cheer to new heights this season as Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks returns to Magic Kingdom for peak Christmas Week, offering a spectacular seasonal alternative to the beloved Happily Ever After fireworks show.
Credit: Disney
From December 21 through December 29, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will take over as Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show, replacing Happily Ever After and giving guests a magical holiday experience filled with festive lights, classic carols, and the charm of Minnie Mouse herself.
As a long-standing Disney tradition, holiday programming has become a central part of the season at Magic Kingdom, where Disney pulls out all the stops to immerse guests in the holiday spirit. Here’s a detailed look at the 2024 holiday schedule for fireworks and parades at Magic Kingdom:
Magic Kingdom’s Holiday Fireworks Schedule
Magic Kingdom’s holiday fireworks schedule includes multiple changes as the park prepares for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Here’s what guests can expect from now through the start of 2025:
- Now – Dec. 18: Happily Ever After presented on non-party nights
- Now – Dec. 20: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks shown exclusively on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights
- Dec. 21 – Dec. 29: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks replaces Happily Ever After as the nightly fireworks show
- Dec. 30 – Dec. 31: Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks lights up New Year’s Eve for a two-night celebration (included with regular park admission)
- Jan. 1: Happily Ever After resumes as the standard nightly fireworks display
This seasonal lineup allows guests to experience the magic of Christmas and the excitement of New Year’s in true Disney style, with special shows designed to evoke the holiday spirit.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks: A Holiday Celebration Like No Other
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show made its debut in 2019 as a fresh holiday offering for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Hosted by Minnie Mouse, the show has quickly become a fan favorite for its festive atmosphere and enchanting combination of pyrotechnics and projections on Cinderella Castle. With holiday classics like “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” filling the air, the show captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season, celebrating themes of family, togetherness, and festive fun.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks not only features dazzling fireworks but also uses stunning projections on Cinderella Castle to add depth to the display. Guests are treated to a visual journey through holiday scenes, each one syncing perfectly with the music to create an immersive experience that Disney is known for.
Parade Changes at Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Takes the Stage
In addition to holiday fireworks, Walt Disney World is making seasonal changes to its parade schedule at Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet updated its parade calendar, but the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is expected to take its final run for the season on December 20. Beginning December 21, guests can look forward to Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during daytime hours, replacing Festival of Fantasy through the end of the holiday season.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade offers a delightful holiday experience, featuring Disney characters in festive attire, holiday-themed floats, dancing reindeer, and Santa Claus himself. This parade has become a must-see holiday tradition at Magic Kingdom, bringing the magic of the season to life as it makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A.
Ringing in the New Year with Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks
On December 30 and 31, Magic Kingdom will switch things up once again with Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks, a spectacular display that has become a New Year’s Eve tradition at Disney. Open to all guests with park admission, Fantasy in the Sky features brilliant pyrotechnics, iconic Disney music, and a countdown to midnight that brings the whole park together in celebration. For guests who want to end the year with a magical memory, this New Year’s show promises a stunning start to 2025.
A Holiday Season Full of Disney Magic
Credit: Disney
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is always special, but this year’s programming at Magic Kingdom brings a uniquely festive twist. From the whimsical Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show to the charming Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, guests can enjoy a fully immersive holiday experience filled with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Christmas. Each element—from the seasonal parades to the special New Year’s fireworks—has been thoughtfully designed to evoke the warmth and joy of the season.
With Disney’s commitment to delivering holiday magic at every turn, Magic Kingdom becomes an enchanting wonderland for visitors of all ages. Whether it’s the cozy charm of Minnie’s holiday fireworks or the high-energy countdown on New Year’s Eve, Walt Disney World continues to make the holiday season a time to remember for all who visit.
