Disney World in December is a great time to visit as it is the heart of the holiday season at Disney World. You can think of the holidays as when Tinkerbell dumps a whole lot of extra pixie dust across every corner of the resort. Everything is decorated and I mean EVERYTHING! Disney World pulls out all the stops and sprinkles their magic at the resorts, parks, and food!
Early December is the optimal time to visit due to the cool weather and lighter crowds before the chaos of Christmas week descends upon central Florida. You can bet on the fact that Christmas and New Years week are going to be wall to wall people. There are even days when the parks will reach max capacity. Yes, that means some people will be denied entrance because the parks are so crowded.
An important new change for this year is that due to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party the Magic Kingdom will close at 6 pm instead of the old 7 pm on the select party nights.
The Weather in Disney World During December
Normal weather is in full swing now that December hits Walt Disney World. The weather on average ranges from the mid-50s to the low 70s. Be warned we have seen unseasonable heat waves in December as well as a freak cold snap that included a hard frost. Needless to say, it’s best to pack at least one pair of shorts in that suitcase along with several sweaters and winter coat if you can squeeze it. Really, unfortunately packing light is harder during this month and you will need to pack for a wide range of weather possibilities.
For more on what to pack check out our FREE: The Ultimate Disney Packing List.
Disney World Events in December
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This is a special separately ticketed event held in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on select nights. For 2018, the party will be held December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21. Tickets for the party are now on sale you can find pricing details here! If you want so tips and tricks for attending the party read Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you are worried if the Christmas party will be worth it give Biggest Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Letdowns a read.
Special Holiday Events
There are so many holiday events happening at every park, the hotels and Disney Springs that we had to move it all over to its own article to give it proper justice. For more read A Complete List of Walt Disney World Holiday Offerings.
Flurry of Fun
This event begins at Hollywood Studios on November 8th. Jingle Bell Jingle Bam returns, (which means no Star Wars fireworks) and the Sunset Seasons Greetings Show on the Tower of Terror is back. The only Holiday additions to Toy Story Land will be new music for the Alien Saucers ride.
Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs
Disney Springs will start it’s Christmas Tree Trail and visits with Santa begin November 8th – January 5th. To see the beauty of the all 27 Christmas trees we have them all covered over here.
Candlelight Processional
November 22nd kicks off this show at Epcot. You can read all about this retelling of the birth of Jesus here. The following is a look at the narrator schedule.
- Chita Rivera, Nov. 22 – 23
- Helen Hunt, Nov. 24-25 – NEW
- Alfonso Ribeiro, Nov. 26-27 – NEW
- Robby Benson, Nov. 28-30
- John Stamos, Dec. 1 – 2
- Neil Patrick Harris, Dec. 3 – 6
- Whoopi Goldberg, Dec. 7 – 9
- Bart Millard, Dec. 10-12 – NEW
- Blair Underwood, Dec. 13 – 14
- Gary Sinise, Dec. 15 – 17
- Pat Sajak, Dec. 18 – 20
- Auli’i Cravalho, Dec. 21-23 – NEW
- Edward James Olmos, Dec. 24 – 25
- Jodi Benson, Dec. 26 – 27
- Cal Ripken Jr., Dec. 28-30
Disney World in December Crowd Calendar for Disney World
For more read our Disney Crowd Calendar.
Visiting Disney in Other Months?
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I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
