If you have an early November Disney World trip planned you may be wondering when you will see the Disney Christmas decorations go up around the parks and resorts. We know this because we have been hearing from you and you want to know, “when can I see Christmas at Disney World?” This is something that does vary from year to year and is largely based on the filming of the Christmas Day parade.
The first thing to consider is that you can’t start Christmas celebrations until you take down your Halloween decorations. The Halloween decorations must stay up at the Magic Kingdom until the last Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. The last Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is on Monday, October 31, 2021. It’s pretty magical, typically the next morning after the last party we find just about all the Halloween decor is gone.
Christmas Starting at the Magic Kingdom
This year we get the first Christmas festivities early! At the Magic Kingdom, the first castle lighting will be on Sunday, November 3rd, 2021. I would expect that the majority of the decorations should be up for this castle lighting as well. November 8th, 2022 marks the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and we know all the Christmas decorations will be up in the Magic Kingdom by then.
Disney’s Christmas Day Parade which airs on ABC plus other Disney Parks holiday specials to air on ABC and Disney Channel will be taping at various locations throughout Disney World in early November. The official dates for 2021 have yet to be announced but we know it always falls early on in the month.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is unfortunately not happening this year, instead, it was replaced with a Christmas After Hours Event.
Hollywood Studios
The holiday season officially begins on November 8th, 2022. This means the rollout of around the park decorations. One of my favorites from last year is pictured above. Toy Story Land gets a fun holiday makeover as all the characters get into the festive spirit. As well, the main front area of the park gets covered with beautiful vintage holiday decor.
Holiday Celebration at the Animal Kingdom
Over at the Animal Kingdom, I am thrilled to see for the first time a full Christmas takeover of the park. Let’s break down all the happens by sections of the park.
Discovery Island
A whimsical winter celebration awaits you at Discovery Island. By day, look for life-size, artisan-sculpted animal puppets! The puppets including a Merry Menagerie of reindeer, foxes and polar bears. And at night, colorful rooftop luminaries and bird lanterns light up the sky. At the center of it all, the Tree of Life awakens each night with wintry tales sure to delight.
DinoLand U.S.A.
Get in the holiday spirit when you party down amid festive decor at Donald’s Dino-Bash! Plus, pose for a photo with Donald and some of his favorite pals dressed in their holiday best.
Asia
Take in the glowing flowers, lanterns, and more in Anandapur, where residents have decorated the theater district in celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights in India.
Africa
In the village of Harambe, you’ll be welcomed by a cheerful presentation that blends the inspiration and style of Western traditions with the colors and textiles of authentic African celebrations.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
The ex-pats living and working on this marvelous moon have brought a little Christmastime excitement to their alien home! At Pongu Pongu, discover a display of kitschy décor that combines vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.
Epcot for the Holidays
Epcot is a little behind on the festivities this year due to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival ending so late. The Festival of the Holidays is starting on November 25, 2022. Additionally, you will be able to catch my favorite holiday show the Candlelight Processional.
Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations
- You can find a life-size holiday gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This elaborate 10-foot-wide,15-foot-long and 14-foot-tall structure is covered with more than 10,000 pieces of gingerbread and is the perfect place to pick up holiday sweets and treats.
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic gingerbread Cinderella Castle. This 18-foot-tall display is crafted from more than 5,000 gingerbread shingles, 47 pounds of rolled fondant, 38 pounds of modeling chocolate and much more!
- This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Holiday Carousel gingerbread display at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This life-size spinning carousel features 20 “Hidden Mickeys,” 5 Peter Pan-themed horses and handcrafted gingerbread shingles.
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to the tallest Christmas tree at Walt Disney World. This 70-foot-tall tree is adorned with 16,000 lights and more than 200 custom ornaments.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to a 45-foot-tall tree featuring authentic African décor and reproductions of traditional African masks.
We hope this helps you get a better idea of, When Does Disney World Switch from Halloween to Christmas. While the Christmas decorations would be nice to stay year-round Disney does take them down. This typically happens right after RunDisney’s Marathon Weekend in January.
What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comment section below!
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!