What's Happening at Disney World for Christmas 2026? Your Complete Guide to the Holidays at Walt Disney World (Dates, Parties, Candlelight and Tips)
Second Star Wishes is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency, and this is your complete guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World in 2026. It covers the holiday season dates, what's included in every park, the two separately ticketed Christmas parties, the Candlelight Processional narrators, crowds, deals, and what Disney hasn't announced yet...so you can plan the whole trip from one page.
By Andrea Napiontek, Founder and CEO | Last Updated: October 2026 | Dates, shows, narrators, and party prices checked against the Disney Parks Blog holiday announcements (October 6, 2026) and Disney's 2026 party pricing on October 12, 2026
Get Our Disney and Cruise Tips First on Google
In This Guide
When Is the Candlelight Processional, and Who Are the 2026 Narrators?
When Is the Least Crowded Time to Visit Disney World at Christmas?
Are There Disney World Holiday Deals or Price Changes to Know About?
What Mistakes Do Families Make at Disney World at Christmas?
How Can a Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist Plan Your Disney World Christmas Trip?
When Is Christmas at Disney World in 2026?
The 2026 holiday season at Walt Disney World runs November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027. That's when the decorations, holiday shows, and seasonal treats are in all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the Disney Resort hotels.
Feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out which Christmas event is which? You're not alone. Some holiday fun is included with your regular park ticket, and some needs a separate ticket. Here are the big dates in one spot:
Holiday season (all parks): November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027
Ride holiday overlays at Hollywood Studios: start November 4, 2026
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom, separate ticket): 25 nights, November 8 to December 22, 2026
Disney Jollywood Nights (Hollywood Studios, separate ticket): 15 nights, November 7, 2026 to January 5, 2027
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (included with EPCOT admission): November 27 to December 30, 2026
Candlelight Processional (EPCOT, included): nightly November 27 to December 30, 2026
Candlelight dining packages: booking opens October 14, 2026
Disney World Christmas Quick Facts
Do I need a special ticket to see Christmas at Disney World? No. Decorations, holiday shows, and the EPCOT festival are included with regular park admission. Only the two Christmas parties need a separate ticket.
What's the best week for lighter crowds? Right after Thanksgiving, roughly November 28 to December 6.
When do Candlelight Processional dining packages open? October 14, 2026.
Jump to: Christmas parties | Candlelight narrators | Crowds
What's Happening at Magic Kingdom for Christmas?
Magic Kingdom dresses up Main Street, U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle for the season, and you can see most of it with a regular park ticket.
A Frozen Holiday Surprise: Olaf, Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, and over 100 snowgies turn Cinderella Castle into a glowing ice palace with projections.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away: the nighttime parade runs twice nightly on regular nights. On Christmas party nights it's replaced by Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, which is for party guests only.
Jingle Cruise: the Jungle Cruise gets its holiday makeover again, with new jokes and a decorated queue.
Holiday photo spots: Main Street, U.S.A., Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion.
Santa: he visits all four parks. Check the My Disney Experience app for times.
What's NOT back: the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights (the icicle lights that used to cover the castle) are not returning in 2026. Projection effects replace them.
TIP: on Christmas party nights, Magic Kingdom closes to regular guests at 6 p.m. That usually makes the daytime a little lighter, so it can be a smart day to start at Magic Kingdom and hop to another park in the late afternoon. Our guide to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party has every party date and price.
What's at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs November 27 to December 30, 2026, and it's included with your EPCOT admission. Think holiday food booths, storytellers from around the world, and the Candlelight Processional.
Holiday Kitchens and the Holiday Cookie Stroll
Holiday Kitchens are festival food and drink booths around World Showcase, each with dishes from that country's holiday traditions. Disney hasn't released the 2026 menus yet. For the Holiday Cookie Stroll, you buy five qualifying cookies from select Holiday Kitchens, get a stamp in your Festival Passport for each one, and trade the full passport for a special treat.
Holiday Storytellers
Each storyteller shares how their country celebrates, several times a day. Check the app for times.
Mexico: Las Posadas Celebration
Norway: a mischievous Barn Santa
China: Chinese Lion Dancer and Si-Zhu Trio
Germany: Adventskalender
Italy: La Befana
Japan: Daruma Storyteller
Between Morocco and France: Hanukkah Storyteller
France: Père Noël
United Kingdom: Father Christmas
Canada: Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
More festival fun
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: a gospel, jazz, and R&B show celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa.
Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers: EPCOT's a cappella group in Victorian costume.
Olaf's Holiday Tradition Expedition: a scavenger hunt. Buy the map at select shops and turn it in for a prize.
Gingerbread Spaceship Earth: a gingerbread display that lights up every 15 minutes.
Glimmering Greenhouses: Living with the Land gets holiday lights. Last year waits hit 2 hours at times, so ride early or use Lightning Lane.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind holiday soundtrack: November 25, 2026 to January 6, 2027. You'll hear one of three holiday songs, like "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."
Here's the part that trips people up: EPCOT's hours are posted to close at 9 p.m. during the festival this year, earlier than its usual 9:30 p.m., with Luminous fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Check the app for your exact dates before you plan a late dinner.
When Is the Candlelight Processional, and Who Are the 2026 Narrators?
The Candlelight Processional runs nightly from November 27 to December 30, 2026 at the America Gardens Theatre in EPCOT, with shows at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. A celebrity narrator reads the Christmas story with a 51-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a choir of more than 150 voices. It's included with EPCOT admission.
It's one of our favorite things Disney does all year. If your family loves Christmas music, or you want a moment that's about the real reason for the season, put this on your list.
2026 celebrity narrators (from Disney's official list):
November 27 and 28: to be announced
November 29 to December 1: Gary Sinise
December 2 and 3: Benjamin Bratt (new)
December 4 and 5: Whoopi Goldberg
December 6 and 7: Robin Roberts (new)
December 8 and 9: Jason Kelce (new)
December 10 to 12: Neil Patrick Harris
December 13 and 14: Josh Groban (new)
December 15 and 16: Lauren Daigle
December 17 to 19: Ralph Macchio
December 20 and 21: Henry Winkler
December 22 and 23: Lacey Chabert (new)
December 24 and 25: Jodi Benson
December 26 and 27: Simu Liu
December 28 to 30: Eva Longoria
How do you get a seat?
Regular seating is first come, first served, and lines often fill well before showtime. The sure way in is a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. It includes a meal at a select EPCOT restaurant (entrée and dessert or a buffet, plus a drink) and a reserved seat badge for one of that night's shows. Packages open for booking October 14, 2026, and popular narrator nights go fast.
TIP: even with a dining package, arrive early. The package guarantees a seat in the reserved section, not a specific seat. Narrators can change, so check Disney's official narrator list close to your date.
What's Happening at Hollywood Studios for the Holidays?
Hollywood Studios gets two ride holiday overlays starting November 4, plus nightly projections on the Tower of Terror, all included with a regular park ticket.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets holiday overlay (November 4 to January 6): a Muppet Christmas Carol pre-show with Gonzo and Rizzo, and one of four holiday songs on the ride, including "Holiday Road" and "Little Saint Nick."
Alien Swirling Saucers: Lilypad's Jams (November 4 to January 6): a holiday playlist with songs like "Deck the Halls" and "Joy to the Swirl."
Sunset Seasons Greetings: nightly projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel themed to a Muppets gingerbread house, Toy Story, Arendelle, and Mickey's Christmas Carol, with snow flurries on Sunset Boulevard.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: at the Hyperion Theater.
Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine: a holiday character buffet with dishes like carved beef tenderloin, herb-roasted chicken, and seasonal bread pudding. Book ahead...same-day spots are rare.
Walt Disney Presents: a holiday display plus classic shorts like Pluto's Christmas Tree.
Toy Story Land: Woody, Jessie, and Buzz in their holiday outfits.
On select nights, Hollywood Studios also hosts Disney Jollywood Nights, a separately ticketed party. More on that in the party comparison below.
What's Happening at Animal Kingdom for the Holidays?
Animal Kingdom keeps it cozy and nature-themed, and the big new thing this year is Santa's Holiday Grove, opening November 13 near Theater in the Wild.
Santa's Holiday Grove: Santa meet and greets, snow flurries, and specialty food and drinks. It replaces the old DinoLand Santa spot.
Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition: holiday projections on the Tree of Life after sunset, about every 10 minutes until close.
Merry Menagerie: life-size puppet penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears around Discovery Island.
The ECO-RHYTHMiCS: a holiday percussion band.
Mickey and Minnie: in holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost.
Artist Rob Kaz: meets guests at Island Mercantile November 1 to 22.
Which Disney World Christmas Party Should You Pick?
Pick Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party if you want the classic holiday parade, fireworks, and free cookies at Magic Kingdom. Pick Disney Jollywood Nights if your crew loves shows, music, and a dressier night-out feel at Hollywood Studios. Both need a separate ticket, and neither is included in a regular park ticket or vacation package.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)
Nights: 25 nights, November 8 to December 22, 2026
Hours: 7 p.m. to midnight, with entry from 4 p.m.
Price: $189 to $229 per person plus tax, depending on the night (kids ages 3 to 9 pay a little less)
Highlights: Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, snow on Main Street, holiday ride overlays, and complimentary cookies and cocoa
Full dates, prices, and tips are in our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party guide.
Disney Jollywood Nights (Hollywood Studios)
Nights: 15 nights. November 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28; December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23; January 3 and 5, 2027. It runs into January for the first time.
Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with entry from 5:30 p.m.
Price: $169 to $199 per person plus tax, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members save $10.
Highlights: the Disney Holidays in Hollywood stage show (with a brand-new song from Tiana), the Glisten! ice show (now with Donald, Daisy, and Genie), a Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along, the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! fireworks, and character meets including George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc. for the first time.
New lounge: Checkin' It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard, with a live DJ and specialty drinks.
Heads up: opening night (November 7) was already reported sold out in early October. If a party is on your wish list, grab tickets as soon as you know your dates.
Bottom line: if your kids are little and you only pick one, most families pick the Magic Kingdom party. If you have teens or it's a grown-up trip, Jollywood Nights is a lot of fun.
What About Disney Springs and the Disney Resort Hotels?
Disney Springs is free to visit (no park ticket needed), and it's one of the easiest places to soak up Christmas without a park day.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll: trees themed to Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars, including a Toy Story tree this year.
Nightly snowfall: in Town Center.
Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar holiday overlay: seasonal bites and drinks.
Santa: at Disney Springs through December 24.
Hallmark holiday pop-up shop: with merchandise from Hallmark's Disney World Christmas movie, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.
Resort hotel decorations
The Disney Resort hotels decorate for the season, and many add holiday treats. One big change: the life-size gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian lobby is retired for good. Disney usually shares its resort gingerbread lineup in late October or early November, and we'll update this post when it does. Want something extra? The holiday carriage ride at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is bookable through Disney's Enchanting Extras.
When Is the Least Crowded Time to Visit Disney World at Christmas?
The least crowded stretch is usually right after Thanksgiving, about November 28 to December 6. The last 10 days of December are the busiest of the whole year.
November 28 to December 6: lightest crowds of the season. Our favorite time to go.
December 7 to 13: still moderate.
December 14 to 20: busier, especially toward the weekend before Christmas.
December 21 to New Year's: the busiest week of the year. Expect long waits and full parks, especially Magic Kingdom.
Weather: Florida in December usually ranges from the mid-50s to the low 70s, but it can swing from 80 degrees to a frosty morning in the same week. Pack layers.
TIP: if you're going the week of Christmas, a Lightning Lane plan isn't optional. Our guide to booking Lightning Lane walks you through Multi Pass and Single Pass step by step.
Are There Disney World Holiday Deals or Price Changes to Know About?
Yes. Disney has room discounts for select holiday dates, and a few prices are going up!
Holiday room offers
Disney+ subscriber offer: up to 25% off rooms plus a free Park Hopper add-on with a 4-night, 4-day room and ticket package. Holiday stays: November 15 to 28 and December 13 to 24, 2026.
Up to 20% off select rooms: most Sunday to Thursday nights October 4 to November 19, and most nights November 22 to December 24, 2026.
Florida residents: up to 25% off select rooms on select nights through December 24, 2026.
Annual Passholders: up to 30% off select rooms through December 24, 2026.
Room counts are limited, and the best resorts go first. Your Travel Specialist can check every offer for your exact dates.
What's going up
In October 2026, Disney announced that peak Lightning Lane Premier Pass prices (the pass that skips the regular line once at most rides in one park) will go up $50 at every park, topping out around $499 per person per day at Magic Kingdom. Disney hasn't said exactly when the new prices start. Lightning Lane Multi Pass prices didn't change. See our Lightning Lane Premier Pass guide to decide if it's worth it for your trip.
What Hasn't Disney Announced Yet?
A few holiday details aren't out yet. Here's what we're still waiting on, and we'll update this post when Disney shares them:
Candlelight Processional narrator for November 27 and 28.
Holiday Kitchens menus and the Holiday Cookie Stroll prize.
Resort gingerbread displays for 2026.
Jollywood Nights food and drink menus.
Holiday treats in each park.
What Mistakes Do Families Make at Disney World at Christmas?
The biggest mistake we see is assuming the Christmas party is part of a regular park ticket. It isn't. Here are a few more common slip-ups:
Waiting too long on Candlelight dining. Packages open October 14 and the popular narrator nights go first.
Planning EPCOT dinner at 9 p.m. EPCOT is set to close earlier this holiday season, so check hours before you book.
Skipping the Magic Kingdom party-night trick. On party nights, Magic Kingdom closes early for day guests, which can mean a lighter morning.
Packing for summer. Christmas nights in Orlando can be chilly, especially at a midnight party.
Booking Christmas week without a plan. It's the busiest week of the year. A ride-by-ride plan and Lightning Lane strategy make a huge difference.
Planning Disney and Universal on the same trip? Our Universal Orlando holidays guide and Grinch breakfast guide cover the other side of town.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disney World at Christmas
When does Disney World decorate for Christmas in 2026?
The official holiday season starts November 13, 2026. Some holiday ride overlays at Hollywood Studios start earlier, on November 4, and the Christmas parties begin November 7 and 8.
When does Disney World take down Christmas decorations?
The holiday season runs through January 6, 2027, and most holiday overlays end that day.
Is the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays included with a park ticket?
Yes. The festival, including the Candlelight Processional, is included with EPCOT admission. Food, drinks, and the scavenger hunt map cost extra.
What time is the Candlelight Processional?
Three shows nightly at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. from November 27 to December 30, 2026.
Do I need a separate ticket for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?
Yes. It's a separate ticket for one night, $189 to $229 per person plus tax for 2026. You don't need a regular park ticket that day to attend.
Is Disney World open on Christmas Day?
Yes. All four parks are open on Christmas Day, but it's one of the busiest days of the year, so expect big crowds.
Where can I see Santa at Disney World?
Santa visits all four theme parks during the season, including the new Santa's Holiday Grove at Animal Kingdom. He's also at Disney Springs through December 24. Check the My Disney Experience app for times.
Is the Grand Floridian gingerbread house back in 2026?
No. The life-size gingerbread house is retired. Disney hasn't announced its 2026 resort gingerbread lineup yet.
Meeting Santa or other holiday characters? Our tips for meeting Disney characters help every meet feel magical, not rushed.
Want to know the exact morning your dining reservations open? Try our free Disney Dining Reservation Calculator. Just enter your trip dates.
How Can a Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist Plan Your Disney World Christmas Trip?
We plan Christmas at Disney World every year, so we know which nights, parks, and dining times actually work for families. Your Travel Specialist can pick the right party night, book Candlelight dining the day it opens, check every holiday room offer, and build a day-by-day plan around crowds and showtimes.
Looking for a Disney World travel agent? That's us. Your Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist plans Walt Disney World Christmas trips for families everywhere from our home base in Daphne, Alabama, on the Gulf Coast.
Disney's package prices are the same whether you book direct or through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Some of our Travel Specialists also offer a Concierge Planning Package for families who want extra hands-on help, like dining and Lightning Lane booking and a custom day-by-day plan. Ask your Travel Specialist what's included. Curious what that help looks like? Here's what a Disney vacation planner does.
Tell us your dates, who's coming, and the one holiday moment you don't want to miss. All you'll have to do is show up and enjoy it.
Let us turn your Disney Christmas wishes into reality!
📧 info@secondstarwishes.com
☎️ 800-365-3130
About the Author: Andrea Napiontek, CTA
Andrea is the founding owner and CEO of Second Star Wishes, a boutique travel agency she started in 2015 in Daphne, Alabama. She's a Certified Travel Associate (CTA), a Magellan Award recipient, and an ASTA member and mentor, with specialist training in Disney destinations, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Before travel, she worked in education and counseling, which is why every plan starts with really listening. Home base is the Gulf Coast with her husband and three kids...when she's not off on a new adventure. Second Star Wishes is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency.
Meet Andrea | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn
Get Our Disney and Cruise Tips First on Google
Add Second Star Wishes as a preferred source, and Google will show our newest Disney and cruise updates higher in your search results.