Disney World is about to transform… and I could NOT be more excited! I’ve been visiting the “Most Magical Place on Earth” for just about 35 years; my favorite time of year — by far — is the holiday season. Granted, things can be crowded, but the decorations, ride overlays, and FOOD all make it more than worth it for me.
Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree
Suffice to say, I’m excited for the holiday takeover, which literally happens in part OVERNIGHT! Seriously, one of the resort’s most iconic decorations is literally installed while its home park is closed, appearing the next morning like magic. And it’s happening sooner than you may think!
The Magic Kingdom’s massive Christmas tree — which makes its home right in the middle of Town Square — is literally installed overnight, and there’s a time-lapse video to prove it! But be warned: This doesn’t happen after Thanksgiving… This tree will be up to welcome guests on November 1st! It all starts when the last guest exits the park after the Halloween rendition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
And, of course, that’s not the only decoration coming to Disney World for the holidays. In fact, there are SO many more things Disney has to offer! You can follow EVERYTHING coming to Disney World for the Christmas season with our in-depth holiday guide! But for now, let’s take a closer look at what’s to come this holiday season!
There will be THREE major events coming to the resort this holiday season!
- Jollywood Nights, which kicks off November 7th at Hollywood Studios and takes place from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM on select nights through January 5th, offers the Disney Holidays in Hollywood and Nightmare Before Christmas shows, Disney characters sporting their Christmas best, including some rare sightings, the return of the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club at the Tower of Terror, the Glisten! ice skating show, Jazzy Holidays at the Hollywood Brown Derby, decor and merchandise featuring Ollie the Gingerbread Man, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular.
Jollywood Nights
- November 8th will see the 2026 debut of the ever-popular Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. As usual, the event will offer special presentations including Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Club Tinsel, photo opportunities with exclusive characters, festive treats, and tasty cookie and cocoa spots offering complimentary snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the party! Plus, several Magic Kingdom attractions will offer special holiday overlays!
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
- The 2026 International Festival of the Holidays launches on Black Friday, November 27th. One of the most beloved parts of the Festival of the Holidays is the Candlelight Processional. A longtime Disney tradition, the nightly event features celebrity narrators reading the Biblical Christmas story, joined by a 51-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a choir of more than 150 Disney Cast Members and community singers. November’s Candlelight Processional readers include Jordan Fisher on the 27th and 28th, and Gary Sinise on the 29th and 30th.
Candlelight Processional!
On top of that, if you’re looking for the perfect holiday look to attend Very Merry, Jollywood, or the Festival of the Holidays, check out some of our EXCLUSIVE designs!
This Jingle Vibes Tee is Ideal for EPCOT
Happy Holidays!
This tee, featuring a Christmas ornament take on the grand and miraculous Spaceship Earth, is available in several seasonal colors, meaning it will match any and all Holiday outfits.
Looking for Long Sleeves? How About this Holiday Sweatshirt!
Ugly Sweater!
This take on the classic Ugly Christmas Sweater design features “All I Want for Christmas” right above Cinderella Castle, just in case your desire for another Disney trip wasn’t subtle!
This Mug is Ideal for Christmas Eve Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate anyone?
If you’re not at Disney World and instead enjoying your holidays at home, this mug is ideal. It features gingerbread takes on the resort’s icons: Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror, and the Tree of Life!
The holidays are coming to Disney World, in some cases overnight, and we’ve got all the info — and gear — you need! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the Christmas season at the resort!
Once the holidays end, big changes are coming to Disney World next year! Check them out in the video below!
Disney World Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy for 2027
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What’s your favorite part of Christmas at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!
