Want to get into the holiday spirit? Head to Orlando and the Walt Disney World Parks. We asked Disney local Kelly Stilwell from Food, Fun & Faraway Places to give us the scoop of what to expect at the parks this holiday season.

There’s nothing quite like Disney World Christmas events, and the Parks are in full swing holiday mode! Now through December 30, you can participate in a plethora of Christmas activities. Who wants to try to fit it all in?

Entrance to Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Disney World Christmas Events

You will need at least a couple of days to be able to see and do all that’s in store in the Walt Disney World Parks over the holidays. Choose your most-loved events first and don’t forget to relax and enjoy your family. That’s what the season is all about! Hopefully, these ideas for things to do will take the planning out of your holiday fun. Don’t have your tickets yet? Not to worry! Go ahead and get them now before events sell out.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Start your day in Epcot with the Festival Passport, filled with information about special holiday menus, entertainment, shopping, and more. Check out all the festivities this year:

Holiday Cookie Stroll

New and all the buzz this year is the Holiday Cookie Stroll, where you’ll get a map to locate all five of the delicious treats. Once you complete the stroll, you’ll receive a special complimentary Completer Cookie.

Christmas Cookies at Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Don’t worry if you can’t complete the Stroll in one day — simply bring your Passport back to add the rest of the stickers before December 30. Cookie jars are available for purchase and are adorable for taking home the cookies you couldn’t finish (and a few extras!)

Tastes at Holiday Kitchens

You’ll find holiday dishes at 12 different specialty kitchens around the World Showcase. New items this year include Black Forest Roulade Cake in the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen in Germany and sofrito-marinated beef with sweet plantains and olives and Tres Leches Rice Pudding at the Feast of Three Kings Holiday Kitchen in Mexico.

I have to recommend you visit the Yukon Holiday Kitchen for the Maple Buche de Noel. It’s so delicious and would pair perfectly with the non-alcoholic beverage of milk chocolate gourmet Hot Cocoa with Wondermade Marshmallows at the American Holiday Table. It’s divine.

Dessert at Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

While you’re at the American Holiday Table, try the slow-roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Turkey Dinner at Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

A new pavilion this year is the La Chaim! Holiday Kitchen where you’ll find the most delicious Pastrami on Rye with deli mustard and house-made pickles, Potato Knish with Herb Sour Cream, Chicken and Matzo Ball Soup, and a Black and White Cookie. Try the non-alcoholic delicious Egg Cream, or have a Brooklyn Brewery Lager or a Blue Cosmo Cocktail. Of course, you’ll still find your all-year-long favorites at Epcot, too! It’s a foodie’s paradise!

Black and White Cookies at Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Hanukkah Storyteller

Stop by the Hanukkah Storyteller for shows at select times to hear stories about family memories of Hanukkah celebrations. You’ll find more storytellers throughout the World Showcase, each sharing traditions of the holidays from around the world.

Storyteller at Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Chip ‘n Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree

For fun for the whole family, join Chip ‘n Dale to collect ornaments for their Christmas Tree. Purchase a map and stickers and travel the World Showcase hunting for ornaments. Complete the hunt and get a surprise!

Chip n Dale in Christmas Attire. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Candlelight Processional

Every year Disney fans get excited to see who the celebrity narrators will be for the Candlelight Processional. Each night, the story of the birth of Jesus is told, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. It’s always amazing. The night I was there the narrator was Alfonso Ribiero, the host of America’s Funniest Videos, also known as Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Candlelight Processional with Alfonso Ribiero at Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Illuminations Reflections of Earth

This spectacular nighttime treat is ending in 2019 after the summer season, so don’t miss the holiday finale through December 30. The fireworks and special effects of Illuminations Reflections of Earth are absolutely amazing!

Meet Santa And Mrs. Claus

Get your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, or just stop by and watch the wonder on the faces of the children.

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Epcot. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Magic Kingdom Events

Visit Magic Kingdom and enjoy the beautiful decorations and snowfall on Main Street USA. Yes, it snows in Florida! It’s all part of the Disney Magic! Though you can enjoy all the features of Magic Kingdom in its Christmas glory any day of the week, you have to have a separate ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the party is only on select dates in December. Get your tickets now!

Magic Kingdom holiday decorations. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

What can you expect at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Besides the complimentary treats like cocoa, cookies, soft pretzels, apple cider, and eggnog, you’ll be able to see these events that only happen during the party!

A Frozen Holiday Wish

Frozen fans will love A Frozen Holiday Wish, where Elsa and Anna travel all the way from Arendelle to Orlando’s Magic Kingdom to transform Cinderella’s Castle into a palace of ice! Of course, everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, as well as Kristoff, will be joining in the fun!

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas

An intergalactic music show featuring Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, and Mike Wazowski. Sing along with your favorite Christmas songs at the Rockefeller Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Check the schedule for the a cappella group that will also be performing in Tomorrowland between performances!

Magic Kingdom Park guests participating in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can jet off to Rockettower Plaza Stage to watch Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stitch fight holiday doldrums across the galaxy in a jolly musical revue chock-full of the coolest dance numbers. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

There’s always excitement on the Castle Forecourt Stage, and during the holidays, it’s extra special! Take in the special effects and magical projections along with old and new holiday songs.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

There’s nothing like a Disney parade, and this one is extra magical! You’ll see many of your favorite Disney characters dressed up in their holiday best, as well as elves, reindeer, gingerbread men, and even the big guy himself — Santa Claus!

Toy soldiers parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom during “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

Sweet-and-Savory Party

For the first time ever, there is a Sweet-and-Savory Party on Town Square! Experience a mix of sweet and savory treats including red velvet cakes and more! This event requires an extra ticket and includes beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. You’ll even get special reserved viewing for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!

Holiday Wishes Fireworks

Disney has the best fireworks, and they take it to another level for the holidays! The Holiday Wishes Fireworks is hosted by none other than Jiminy Cricket. Join in for holiday-themed magic and seasonal songs at Cinderella Castle.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party gives Walt Disney World Resort guests the chance to experience special holiday festivities, including the spectacular fireworks extravaganza, “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season.” (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

Club Tinsel

One of my family’s favorite memories is joining in for dancing at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. You never know who you might run into! Dance the night away with holiday friends!

During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, guests can dance with polar bears and gingerbread men at Club Tinsel Character Dance Party held at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun Events

Hollywood Studios has a lot in store this holiday season. Don’t miss the snow on Sunset Boulevard and seeing the Tower of Terror transformed for the holidays! You’ll also find yummy holiday treats like Gingerbread Pops and Straws, Prep & Landing themed cupcakes, lots of delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot chocolate beverages, and Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Tarts.

Toy Story Land

At Toy Story Land, you’ll find new holiday decor, like the oversized cranberry and popcorn garland and 10-foot tall Hamm Sugar Cookie at Woody’s Lunch Box. Woody, Jesse, Buzz, and the rest of the Toy Story characters will be wearing their holiday garb, only seen this time of year.

Beginning November 8, guests visiting Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., can expect to see Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear in festive holiday attire.

A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Olaf joins in the fun with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. You’ll even be treated to a finale from Olaf, singing a few tunes from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure!

Sunset Seasonal Greetings

Enjoy the wintry display and holiday decorations while watching Mickey Mouse, Olaf, and other Disney characters share their favorite holiday stories.

Sunset Seasons Greetings, a new holiday experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season. (David Roark)

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Listen to favorite songs and watch the fireworks and special effects that make Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! so special. Follow along with the animated elves from Disney Prep & Landing as they search for a missing Santa Claus. You’ll be immersed in scenes from a few Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more.

In Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the facade of the Chinese Theater comes alive with state-of-the-art projections, and guests will experience special effects, fireworks and even snow on, above and around the theater. (David Roark, photographer)

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party

This nightly party takes place just before the Jingle Bell, Jingle JAM! show. You’ll delight in special holiday-inspired snacks, desserts, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages and have reserved viewing for the nightly Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show as well as the nightly Disney Movie Magic projection show on the Chinese Theater. You’ll also be treated to a character photo and autograph opportunity. Get your tickets now so you don’t miss this one!

Animal Kingdom Holiday Feature

Be sure to head over to Animal Kingdom, too, and discover the story of Diwali. It’s the holiday festival of lights in India and runs through January 1.

Stop by and see the all new UP! A Great Bird Adventure, running throughout the day. The kids will love learning to be a Wilderness Explorer. Stop by and pick up your Wilderness Explorer Guide and collect all 30 badges! It can easily be done in a day — we’ve done it! Finally, spend some time in Pandora. The Flight of Passage will be your new favorite ride!

Where to Stay in Disney World for the Holidays

With over 25 hotels to choose from when staying at Disney World, it’s easy to find the perfect accommodations for every budget. I’ve personally stayed at quite a few of the resorts, and recently spent a couple of nights at The Dolphin Hotel. The Swan and Dolphin Resorts go all-out for the holidays. It even snows in the lobby!

The Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World. Photo: Kelly Stilwell

Be sure to check out the chocolate Santa sculpture created by the Swan and Dolphin Resort two-time World Pastry Chef at the entrance to the Swan. It’s ALL chocolate! The resort has all kinds of holiday cheer, like visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday shows and movies, cookie decorating, campfire and s’mores, and so much more. Of course, the water taxi and bus transportation to the Parks is always free.

Save this Disney World Christmas info for later on Pinterest!

Which park will you head to first? We’d love to read about what you did at the parks over the holidays. Share in the comments!

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Kelly Stilwell

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