The holiday season is almost upon us, and Walt Disney World has just revealed its exciting lineup of holiday offerings for 2024! As always, the parks are getting ready to transform into a winter wonderland, offering guests a magical experience filled with festive cheer, entertainment, and unforgettable holiday moments. Here’s what’s in store this year!
EPCOT’s Cultural Holiday Experience
One of the most beloved events, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, is returning this year from November 29 through December 30, 2024. EPCOT’s World Showcase will once again come alive with cultural traditions from around the globe. Visitors will hear enchanting holiday stories from countries such as Mexico and Japan, while sampling seasonal dishes from the park’s popular Holiday Kitchens.
Of course, the Candlelight Processional is always a can’t-miss event, featuring celebrity narrators telling the story of Christmas accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. New narrators this year, including Ralph Macchio and Titus Burgess, are sure to bring their own special flair to this timeless show.
Magic Kingdom: Decked Out for the Holidays
Magic Kingdom will be spreading the holiday spirit all across the park, from the festive decor along Main Street, U.S.A. to the shimmering transformation of Cinderella Castle in the Frozen Holiday Surprise stage show. As guests gather in front of the castle, characters from Frozen will join Olaf to light up the night with sparkling ice magic that will stay throughout the evening.
Another fan favorite making its return is the Jingle Cruise, where the classic Jungle Cruise ride gets a holiday makeover. Expect festive fun, holiday-themed jokes, and plenty of photo opportunities as you sail through the decorated scenes.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Where Wild Meets Festive
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday magic takes on a unique twist. Starting November 12, 2024, guests can interact with life-sized puppets of animals like reindeer and seals during the Merry Menagerie at the Tree of Life. Don’t miss the Tree of Life Awakening, which lights up the night with a dazzling holiday-themed show.
And for the first time ever, Santa Claus will make an appearance at DinoLand U.S.A., welcoming families to the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party. This fun, new location is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Hollywood Studios: Holiday Cheer with a Hollywood Twist
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will transform into a glamorous holiday celebration starting November 12. Guests can groove along with the Holiday Spirit Band, take in the festive atmosphere of Toy Story Land, and enjoy a special holiday-themed finale during the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
The Sunset Seasons Greetings show returns, turning the Hollywood Tower Hotel into a rotating display of holiday magic featuring beloved Disney characters. Whether it’s a gingerbread creation or a scene from Toy Story, each projection brings a new festive surprise.
Disney Springs and Resort Hotels: More Than Just Parks
Don’t forget to stop by Disney Springs for the annual Christmas Tree Stroll, where themed trees celebrating The Lion King, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more will be on display. There will also be nightly snowfall to make your shopping experience even more magical.
The holiday magic extends to Disney Resort Hotels, too. Each resort will be decked out with giant Christmas trees and intricate gingerbread displays, creating the perfect backdrop for a family photo.
With so much to see and do, Walt Disney World is ready to make the 2024 holiday season its most magical one yet. Whether you’re looking for new experiences or returning favorites, this year’s holiday lineup has something for everyone!