We have been experiencing and dealing with a lot of changes this year. While we do have Disney World open here in Orlando Florida the parks look very different compared to the past. While much of Halloween was canceled we were curious to see what will be in store for the holiday season this year. Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog we now know what to expect for Christmas at Disney World in 2020.
When Will Christmas Decorations go up at Disney World
Starting November 6th and lasting until December 30th, you can enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings, and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and also at Disney Springs. Plus Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.
Special Holiday Happenings in the Parks
Be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And, my personal favorite, the Toy Soldiers, will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for our guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights.
Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed by guests and cast members alike, but we’re glad to be able to bring holiday magic in other creative ways.
Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting November 6th. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.
Starting a bit later in the season, on November 27th, celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season. There are plenty more details about this festival to come, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog.
Holiday Festivities at Disney Springs
Shifting gears to Disney Springs, guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination.
In the evening, guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side, and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Resort Hotels Christmas Decorations
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that our gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While we know they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, we’re not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.
We will be checking out the new festivies as they debut so be sure to stay tuned for more information. We love that Disney has been hard at work to introduce unique ways to enjoy the season together. So, make your list – and check it twice – because there’s a lot of holiday fun to see and do here at Walt Disney World Resort! Let us know in the comments below what you are looking forward to most.
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!
