I can’t believe we’re already talking about Christmas, but I guess it’s time, since Disney has already started announcing all sorts of things about this holiday season at Disney World…and some things are being taken away.

We don’t want you to be met with any surprises during your holiday vacation to Disney World, so we’re letting you know EVERYTHING that’s been canceled this Christmas on property. But don’t worry, there is still SO much to enjoy!

Everything That Has Been Canceled

The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

Earlier this year, Disney announced that the Grand Floridian’s famous gingerbread house (like, literally the size of a house) would not return this year. This tradition began in 1999, so we were devastated to hear that this holiday decoration would not be available for the first time in over 25 years (with the exception of it not being available last year due to construction in the lobby).

The Dreamlights on Cinderella Castle

While it hasn’t been offered since the 2019 holiday season, the Dreamlights on Cinderella Castle was a beloved experience. Disney would drape thousands of tiny lights on the Magic Kingdom icon so it could be lit up at night to look like a shimmering palace! Since its closure in 2019, Disney has been using different projections instead. So, while the original has been canceled, Disney still helps you get in the holiday spirit with the rest of the lighting and decor.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

This holiday offering was less canceled and more… Demolished. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights took place on the Streets of America during the holiday season. Lights would be strung on all of the buildings and would light up in sync as they flashed to holiday music. Its last season was 2015, as the Streets of America closed in April of 2016 for the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

EPCOT’s Lights of Winter

This holiday display became a tradition for many since its debut in 1994. The display featured a HUGE illuminated canopy on the walkway between Future World and World Showcase Plaza. Like the Osborne Lights, there were lights synchronized to music for guests to watch and enjoy. However, there were some operational challenges and aging infrastructure that came with this tradition, which eventually led Disney to retire EPCOT’s Lights of Winter after the 2008 holiday season.

What You Can Still Enjoy

Gingerbread Displays At Other Resorts

While the big gingerbread house may not be available at the Grand Floridian, you can still see smaller displays around several other resorts! The Grand Floridian itself will feature a few smaller displays scattered throughout the hotel, and they will still be made by Disney’s culinary team. Disney has yet to announce what they are doing with the gingerbread displays in other resorts, but we expect displays like the gingerbread carousel…

…and the gingerbread castle to return. We’ll keep you updated with any information released about these holiday displays.

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays

The 2026 festival will run from Friday, November 27th (the day after Thanksgiving) and last through December 30th. During this festival, guests can indulge in many different cuisines from around the world, experience various traditions from a number of cultures, and learn more about what each country does during the holiday via live entertainment and storytelling.

The Candlelight Processional

As a part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, the Candlelight Processional takes place each night at 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM. Each night, a celebrity narrator shares the story of Christmas accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir, which is composed of a Disney Cast Member choir along with an ever-changing group of guest choirs from around the country. Some of the celebrities featured this year include Neil Patrick Harris, Ralph Macchio, Jodi Benson, and more!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This is a separately ticketed event in the Magic Kingdom filled with themed treats, exclusive character meet-and-greets, a Christmas parade and fireworks, complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and eggnog, and more! This year, the Party will take place on select nights from November 8th through December 22nd from 7 PM to 12 AM, but guests with a valid ticket can enter starting at 4 PM.

Jollywood Nights

Jollywood Nights is also a separately ticketed event, but this time in Hollywood Studios. As part of the event, guests can view the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime fireworks and projection spectacular, enjoy exclusive treats, meet OVER 20 rare characters, and more! It will take place on select nights from November 7th, 2026, to January 5th, 2027, from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM, but guests with a valid ticket can get in starting at 5:30 PM.

Now that you know what you can and can’t do during the holidays at Disney World, you can have a smooth and worry-free vacation! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more news, updates, tips, and tricks!

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Are you headed to Disney World for Christmas? Let us know in the comments below!