Happily Adventures After | Home of HAA Disney

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

Welcome to this week’s Happily Adventures After feature, part of our weekly “HAA Disney: Top 10” series! 

Every week, we bring you a new Top 10 focused on Walt Disney World, covering everything from must-visit attractions and dining to seasonal events and insider travel tips. Our goal is to create a podcast-style discussion that serves as a personal guide to help you get the most out of your Disney experience, especially as Disney World continues to add magical new features—like the “Hey Disney” Alexa overlay in Walt Disney World Resorts. This service acts as a room concierge, letting you order more towels, learn park facts, and enjoy interactive Disney games right from your resort room!

Our HAA Disney: Top 10 series will explore unique aspects of every Walt Disney World park, seasonal events, and Disney’s best dining experiences, among many other fun topics. And this week, we’re diving into a favourite of ours: Top 10 Things to Do for the Holidays at Walt Disney World!

The Magic of the Holidays at Walt Disney World

The holiday season at Walt Disney World is pure magic, transforming every corner of the resort into a breathtaking winter wonderland, even with Florida’s warm weather. Stepping into Disney’s parks during the holidays feels like entering a storybook filled with festive charm. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the joy of the season, Disney’s holiday displays, shows, and treats create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

For me, Christmas is a personal favourite, and Disney World’s incredible holiday transformation is something I look forward to every year. From the grand Christmas trees with unique Disney ornaments to glistening holiday lights and themed treats, Disney’s approach to the holidays is a full sensory experience. Walking into the parks and resorts feels like stepping into a holiday dream, with seasonal scents, glowing decorations, and immersive touches that bring the festive spirit to life.

What’s wonderful is that Disney’s holiday celebrations are designed to be enjoyed by everyone, no matter your tradition. It’s about celebrating the season of joy and wonder in a way that feels inclusive and special. The unity of the holiday season comes alive here, with every small detail—from elaborate gingerbread houses to merry parades and fireworks—bringing people together.

Holidays at Walt Disney World

1. Enjoy Holiday Decorations in All Parks and Resorts
Disney’s holiday transformation is truly magical, with each park and resort creating its own festive experience. Magic Kingdom becomes a winter wonderland, draped in garlands and wreaths along Main Street, U.S.A., while EPCOT decorates each World Showcase country with holiday touches reflecting global traditions. Animal Kingdom embraces nature-inspired decorations, and Hollywood Studios goes retro with vintage holiday charm. Even the Disney resorts join in, adding themed decor, like a tropical holiday twist at the Polynesian Village Resort. I love how Disney combines its signature theming with festive details, letting you experience the spirit of the season in multiple ways. Plus, exploring these decorated spaces is free, making it an ideal way to get into the holiday spirit at Disney World.

2. Visit the Gingerbread Displays at Disney Resorts
The gingerbread displays at Disney resorts are a holiday must-see. The Grand Floridian showcases a life-size gingerbread house selling treats, while the Contemporary and Beach Club create unique displays like gingerbread carousels and castles. These culinary masterpieces, crafted from thousands of pounds of gingerbread and icing, look almost too beautiful to be real. I love the nostalgic charm they bring, like stepping into a holiday storybook, and visiting the resorts to see these displays is a free, peaceful way to enjoy the holiday magic without the crowds.

3. See the Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition (Animal Kingdom)
The Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom becomes even more magical during the holidays with the Tree of Life Awakenings, featuring festive projections and seasonal music that light up the tree in stunning ways. I love how this show blends the park’s focus on nature with holiday charm, making it a mesmerizing and peaceful moment to enjoy with loved ones. It’s the perfect way to slow down and take in the beauty of the season while exploring the park after dark.

4. Catch the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT
The Candlelight Processional at EPCOT is a moving retelling of the Christmas story, featuring a celebrity narrator, a full orchestra, and a choir of cast members and high school students. With famous narrators like Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg, each performance feels special. I love how it combines music, tradition, and storytelling, creating a sense of community as guests from all backgrounds come together to celebrate the season. It’s a beautiful, emotional reminder of the holiday spirit and one of Disney’s most meaningful holiday events.

5. Watch Holiday-themed Fireworks and Shows (Magic Kingdom)
Magic Kingdom transforms during the holidays with festive projections on Cinderella Castle, seasonal music, and even snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. The castle lights up with holiday colors, and fireworks add to the magical atmosphere, making any night feel like a celebration. I love the feeling of being immersed in a winter fairytale as I watch the castle come alive with holiday charm—it’s a truly unforgettable Disney moment that doesn’t require any extra cost beyond park admission.

6. Stroll through the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates global holiday traditions with unique decorations, foods, and performances from each country in the World Showcase. From storytellers like Père Noël in France to La Befana in Italy, the festival offers a rich cultural experience. I love how this event turns the holiday season into a cultural journey, blending fun and education while offering free entertainment and decor—making it a perfect way to enjoy the holidays at EPCOT on a budget.

7. Take Photos with Santa Claus at Disney Springs
Disney Springs brings holiday cheer with a chance to meet Santa Claus, offering photo opportunities and a virtual queue to avoid long waits. While you wait, enjoy festive shopping, dining, and entertainment, creating a full holiday experience. I love how meeting Santa is hassle-free, and the festive atmosphere at Disney Springs adds a magical touch to the season, all in a family-friendly setting.

8. Walk the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
The Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs is a self-guided tour featuring beautifully decorated trees inspired by Disney characters and attractions. With maps available, it’s a festive scavenger hunt that’s both fun and free. I love how each tree showcases Disney’s creativity, adding holiday spirit to my trip without any extra cost.

9. Catch the Holiday Toy Soldiers and Seasonal Parade Floats (Magic Kingdom)
Magic Kingdom’s daily parade often includes holiday-themed elements like toy soldiers, reindeer, and festive music, bringing a touch of holiday magic to Main Street, U.S.A. While the full holiday parade is part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can still enjoy the seasonal cheer during regular parades. I love the nostalgic charm the toy soldiers bring, adding a storybook feel that enhances the holiday spirit without any extra cost.

10. Experience the Merry Menagerie (Animal Kingdom)
Animal Kingdom’s Merry Menagerie features life-sized animal puppets like penguins, polar bears, and reindeer, brought to life by talented puppeteers interacting with guests in Discovery Island. I love how these charming, artistic puppets add a gentle, heartwarming touch to the holiday season, creating a unique and personal holiday experience that feels perfectly in tune with the park’s spirit.

As we wrap up our HAA Disney: Top 10 for the Holidays at Walt Disney World, it’s clear that Disney’s holiday magic has something for everyone—whether it’s festive atmosphere, holiday treats, or seasonal entertainment. At Happily Adventures After, we’re all about helping you discover the hidden festive gems and cozy traditions that make your Disney visit unforgettable. From snowfall on Main Street to holiday parades and enchanting décor, our tips help you embrace every magical moment. Share your favourite Disney holiday traditions and join the conversation on our blog and podcast. Stay tuned for more holiday tips and Disney cheer on Happily Adventures After!

Have a warm, blessed and wonderful holiday season,
London