There is plenty in store this holiday season across Walt Disney World for kids, parents, grandparents and anyone looking to stir up some joyful fun.

Celebrating the holidays, "snow" in Florida and Christmas cheer at Disney World means jolly filled special events like Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It also means exploring traditions from around the world at EPCOT, dancing with the Merry Menagerie and shopping for stocking stuffers at Disney Springs.

From November 13 through January 6, 2027, Walt Disney World comes to life with Christmas decor, themed food and beverage items, characters in festive outfits, special holiday entertainment, new holiday merchandise, fresh deals and discounts and so much more.

Here is everything to know about the 2026 holiday season at Disney World and how to make the most of a cheerful visit.

Discover Nostalgic Holiday Fun at Magic Kingdom

As soon as guests pass through the Magic Kingdom gates and catch a clear view of Cinderella Castle from Main Street, U.S.A., they will know they are in the perfect spot to check a few items off the holiday bucket list.

Catch the Wintry Excitement During "Frozen Holiday Surprise!"

Guests can join "Frozen" friends from Arendelle as Olaf and more than 100 of his snowgie siblings add garlands, ornaments, wreaths and more to Cinderella Castle during "Frozen Holiday Surprise!" With appearances from Anna and Kristoff, plus a magical moment from Elsa as she transforms the castle into a glowing ice palace, this nighttime show is not to be missed.

Elsa and other Disney characters also headline Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a parade offered twice each night (subject to cancellation). Disney Starlight does not run on evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. On those nights, guests can instead enjoy Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, while Disney Starlight continues to light up the park on non-party nights, because the cold never bothered it anyway.

Witness Stunning Holiday Decor Across the Park

Magic Kingdom holds some of the most iconic holiday photo spots in all of Walt Disney World. With jolly trimmings along Main Street, U.S.A. and throughout the park, guests can capture picture perfect moments at Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and beyond.

Take Little Ones on the World Famous Jingle Cruise

The world famous Jingle Cruise returns in 2026 for a festive yet familiar adventure as a trusty skipper navigates guests through treacherous waters. Along the 10 minute, 10,000 mile journey, guests will hear plenty of holiday themed puns and gags, and the fun starts right in the queue, where skippers deck out the loading area with lights, sights and sounds of the season.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

On select nights, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. This separately ticketed event brings festive entertainment, overlays on classic rides, a storybook holiday atmosphere, sweet treats and more.

Explore Holiday Traditions from Around the World at EPCOT

Included with theme park admission, from November 27 through December 30, 2026, guests can travel around EPCOT for the International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. With fan favorite flavors from around the world, cheerful entertainment and beloved attractions, EPCOT makes an ideal stop for families this winter. Bells will be ringing and choirs will be singing, so pack a camera and an appetite.

Celebrate a Cinematic Christmas at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios brings plenty of touching holiday charm to any 2026 visit.

Gaze in Wonder During "Sunset Seasons Greetings"

As night falls, "Sunset Seasons Greetings" returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios with nightly holiday projections. Each evening, holiday magic transforms the Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village straight from Mickey's Christmas Carol.

Sing Along at "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration"

Inside the Hyperion Theater, the Royal Historians of Arendelle recount the frosty story of their enchanted kingdom while thrilling movie moments play onscreen. Guests can cheer as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff lead a singalong, with projected lyrics making it easy for young kids to join in on the celebratory songs and an unforgettable finale featuring everyone's favorite snowman, Olaf.

Snap a Photo with Favorite Friends Dressed for the Season

Vintage holiday decor fills Hollywood Studios, from Echo Lake to Sunset Boulevard. For an up close look at seasonal charm, Toy Story Land offers larger than life decorations and friends dressed for the holidays. Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear are decked out in their holiday best, so it is the perfect spot for a holiday card worthy photo.

See Minnie Mouse and Friends at Minnie's Holiday Dine

Spot Minnie Mouse and friends at Hollywood & Vine during Minnie's Holiday Dine, a festive soiree mixing music, decor and tempting menu items. Selections include oven roasted herbed chicken, carved beef tenderloin, seared salmon, spice rubbed pork loin and a plant based roasted mushroom farro risotto, with showstopping desserts like seasonal bread pudding and Mississippi mud pie. Advance reservations are highly recommended, with same day reservations available on a limited basis.

Revisit Holiday Favorites at Walt Disney Presents

Walt Disney Presents shines for the season with a holiday installation celebrating beloved Disney stories, including festive displays of props and artifacts. The attraction's theater also takes on a seasonal twist with limited time holiday shorts, including Walt Disney's On Ice, Pluto's Christmas Tree and The Art of Skiing starring Goofy.

Discover Wild Seasonal Fun at Disney's Animal Kingdom

For a festive journey on the wild side, guests can careen through snow capped Himalayan peaks while avoiding the mythic Yeti on Expedition Everest, or stick to traditional holiday activities like greeting Disney characters in festive attire. Disney's Animal Kingdom has something for guests of all ages this season.

Spot Polar Puppets During the Merry Menagerie Around Discovery Island

Amid beautiful holiday decor, artisan sculpted puppets of arctic animals come to life around Discovery Island during the Merry Menagerie, including penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears, perfect for a holiday card photo. Original artwork from artist Rob Kaz will also be available at Island Mercantile throughout the season, with Kaz greeting guests in person from November 1 through November 22.

Watch in Awe During the "Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition"

The "Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition" lights up Animal Kingdom with bright colors and animated imagery as the park's centerpiece comes alive each evening after sunset. Paired with wintry tales and a heartwarming musical score, the show runs roughly every 10 minutes until close.

Meet Disney Characters in Adventurous, Holiday Attire

At Adventurers Outpost, guests can meet and pose with world travelers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in their best holiday outfits at their exploration headquarters.

Be Surrounded by Holiday Cheer at Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers classic Disney merchandise, souvenirs and popular brands during the holidays, alongside world class restaurants, casual eateries, family friendly activities and live entertainment.

Spot Snowfall and Take a Walk Around the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs is a top spot for holiday shopping alongside dazzling decorations and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, featuring elaborately themed trees inspired by Disney, Pixar Animation Studios and Star Wars. Guests can also catch magical nightly snowfall in the Town Center, proving even central Florida gets in on the wintry fun.

Sip and Snack at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

According to legend, Indiana Jones and his pilot Jock Lindsey stumbled on Disney Springs in 1938 while chasing a mythology based tip. The spot became a popular stopover for world travelers, and today the Holiday Overlay at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar brings rugged charm with spare airplane parts, salvaged equipment and festive decorations. This winter, the bar serves select seasonal bites, brews and libations, perfect for a stop between shopping at World of Disney and catching a film at AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine In Theatres.

Listen to Live Music and Encounter Holiday Fun

During the holidays, Disney Springs turns into a winter wonderland of festive roaming entertainment. On select nights, a rotating lineup of regional and local bands plays live at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage on first come, first served seating, just steps from grab and go snacks. With a warm Joffrey's coffee in hand and cheesy, melty goodness from The Daily Poutine, it is the place to be on a chilly night. Disney's Days of Christmas and World of Disney also offer a wide range of cheerful holiday collections.

Greet Santa at Disney World

Santa Claus swings by each of the four theme parks to meet guests on the nice list this holiday season, and stops by Disney Springs through December 24 for festive photos and holiday wishes.

Spot Christmas Decorations and More Across the Disney Resorts Collection

With more than 25 hotels in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are plenty of ways to make the season special, from special offers to stunning decor and countless moments of joy.

Look Out for Larger Than Life Holiday Decor

Whether the goal is Instagram worthy photos with Christmas trees or a peaceful spot to exchange gifts to the sound of holiday music, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright, merry decor for guests staying at the resorts or holding valid dining reservations. Many hotels also serve up themed food and beverage items throughout the season, including special holiday treats.

Ready to plan a magical holiday visit to Walt Disney World? Contact a Crazy Imagination Travel advisor to book the perfect 2026 holiday getaway.