Walt Disney World Christmas 2020: Photo Tour, Decorations, Food, Characters

 

The holiday season begins at Walt Disney World in November which allows for plenty of time for guests to plan a seasonal vacation to one of the Happiest Places on Earth! Typically you can expect the holiday decor to remain up until early January. This year’s holiday season runs from November 6th- December 30th.

This year’s 2020 holiday season will look a bit different than usual but Disney is still dedicated to bringing holiday magic into the parks and we have all the details you need to know.

Read on to find out everything you need to know for enjoying the holiday season at Walt Disney World.

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2020 Holiday Season at Disney WorldSpecial holiday projection effects on Cinderella Castle

This year’s 2020 celebration will look a bit different as Disney aims to bring holiday magic to the parks while also maintaining health and safety standards. Unfortunately, the holiday cancellations this year include: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT Candlelight Processional. Despite this, Disney World is still planning a magical holiday to bring joy to all their guests visiting this season.

The holiday season this year will run from Nov. 6-Dec. 30 for guests to enjoy festive decor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment at Disney World.

Photo Tour of Disney World during the Holidays 2020

We recently returned from a trip to Disney World to experience the holiday season in full swing and we have plenty of magical pictures to share with you to get you in the holiday spirt!

Holiday themed cavalcades

Magic Kingdom- near Cinderella Castle

Magic Kingdom- Main Street USA

Magic Kingdom- Main Street

Animal Kingdom-Discovery River

Hollywood Studios- Echo Lake

Santa Goofy!

Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios- each park has its own decor theme

Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom- the main Christmas tree by the entrance

On certain nights the Tree of Life will do holiday projections

So beautiful!

You’ll even see holiday décor in Pandora

Epcot- United Kingdom

Epcot will have a few gorgeous trees on display

Find this one in the America pavilion

The Paris pavilion was beautifully decorated

I love the Disney nutcrackers

So many great places to take pictures

Beautiful wreaths and lights

Christmas Tree on Main Street

Main Street is decked out

Castle Projections on Cinderella’s Castle

Castle Projections on Cinderella’s Castle

Castle Projections on Cinderella’s Castle

The projections look amazing!

The fountains will change color too.

Don’t forget to stop by the Jingle Cruise!

Lots of holiday touches

Your skipper will have holiday jokes on hand

My personal favorite on the Jingle Cruise

Festive Decor, Character Cavalcades, Holiday Character DiningMinnie Mouse hosting a yuletide gathering at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney continues to be creative in their effort to create magic while also maintaining health and safety standards. Guests will be able to see festive flotillas at Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT, and festive motorcades at Hollywood Studios. The character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom will continue with Christmas floats, characters dressed in their holiday best along with gingerbread men, elves, and reindeer. The Toy Solders will also join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park. Santa Claus will also still be present as he makes surprise appearances at all four theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs.

When night falls guests can view special projection effects on Cinderella Castle in place of the Castle Dream Lights. The castle will be transformed into a rotating series of designs including a Christmas sweater and overlay of green, red, and gold.

There will also be socially distant character dining at Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios beginning Nov. 6th which will include Santa Goofy along with Minnie and other friends dressed in their holiday best.

Disney Springs and Disney Resort HotelsHoliday decorations at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Guests can find Disney Christmas trees all throughout the retail, dining and entertainment locations in Disney Springs. In addition to standard holiday decor, guests can also experience snowfall in the Town Center, West Side and The Landing. Plus guests can still enjoy the Jock Lindsey’s Holiday bar with festive decor and a holiday menu.

Each resort will have its own themed décor

The Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel décor matches the theme of the resort

The Disney Resort hotels will also have plenty of holiday decorations in their lobbies including fabulous Christmas Trees. Unfortunately, due to physical distancing guidelines the gingerbread displays will not be included at the resorts this year.

EPCOT International Festival of the HolidaysAmerican Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will begin at EPCOT November 27 through December 30th featuring the popular Holiday kitchens around the World Showcase promenade. This will include favorite treats such as the American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.

There will also be entertainment to accompany the fantastic food with the returning group JOYFUL! inside the World ShowPlace for guests to enjoy their variations of R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music.

The Voices of Liberty will also perform on the America Gardens Theatre stage for a concert of carols and holiday songs. We will keep updating with menu, entertainment, and tips for visiting the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Guests can also view holiday character calvcades at Epcot including Mickey, Anna & Elsa, Santa, and more!

Holiday Kitchens at EpcotKahlua pork with pineapple, garnished with herbs

Here is the full list of Holiday Kitchens at Epcot to select from at this year’s Festival of the Holidays:

  • American Holiday Table (American Adventure)
    Enjoy a seasonal salute—dig into traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking at the American Adventure Pavilion.
  • Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)
    Willkommen—help yourself to heartwarming holiday dishes and refreshing beverages at the Germany Pavilion.
  • Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
    Toast the holidays with breathtaking beverages that include the Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic).
  • Festival Favorites (World Showplace)
    From blackened bass to duck confit, from frozen s’mores to tropical eggnog—come and get your very own favorites!
  • Holiday Hearth (World Showplace)
    Discover the hearth you’ll call home, with special desserts, milkshakes, hot cocoa and so much more.
  • Holiday Sweets & Treats
    Rock around the Christmas tree with goodies sure to top the “nice” list—at Promenade Refreshments.
  • L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between Morocco and France)
    Propose a toast to life—sink your teeth into classic deli noshes with a side of New York flair.
  • Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France)
    Feast on très magnifique fare, wine and specialty cocktails from the France Pavilion.
  • Mele Kalikimaka (Showcase Plaza)
    Savor the flavor of fabulous, festive food and beverages from the islands of Hawa i‘i.
  • Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)
    Feliz Navidad—celebrate with mariachi dancing and south-of-the-border fare at the Mexican Pavilion!
  • Prost! (World Showplace)
    Spread some holiday cheer with a cool brew from some of the finest regional breweries.
  • Sapphire Holiday Kitchen (Morocco)
    Spice up your life with the exotic flavors of North Africa—visit the Morocco Pavilion for intriguing cuisine!
  • Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)
    Have yourself a merry little meal—tempt taste buds with popular plates and potables from the China Pavilion!
  • Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan)
    Please your palate with an array of festive dishes and drinks served at the Japan Pavilion.
  • Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)
    Mangiare—savor a seasonal take on some of the world’s best-loved food and beverages at the Italy Pavilion!
  • Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)
    Jingle your bells with delightful dishes and libations from the Great White North—at the Canada Pavilion.
  • Funnel Cake
    Satisfy your sweet tooth with a new holiday classic: Sweet Potato Casserole Funnel Cake.
  • Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company®
    Salute the season with the usual selection of coffees, plus the tasty Caramel Tinsel Latte and Donut for the holidays.
  • Refreshment Outpost
    Chow down on this year’s holiday surprise: Warm Brown Sugar Stuffed Pretzel with Soft-Serve Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce. (Sorry, guess it’s not a surprise now.)
  • Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza)
    Savor the flavor of holiday poutine and toast the season with specials like T.G. Lee Eggnog with Spiced Rum.

Cookie StrollA platter of festive Minnie Mouse sugar cookies, shaped with ears, its frosting in a swirl design, along with a polka dot Minnie bow tie

The popular Cookie Stroll will return to Epcot this year! Guests can grab their Festival Passport as they move through the World Showcase to find all the 5 official Holiday Cookie Stroll locations. Each location you can purchase the cookie and stamp your passport. Once you’ve collected all the stamps, bring your Passport to the Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen to receive a complimentary Peppermint Minnie Cookie.

The official cookie stroll locations:

  • Bavaria Holiday Kitchen at the Germany Pavilion
    Linzer Cookie
  • American Holiday Table at the America Pavilion
    Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
  • Yukon Holiday Kitchen at the Canada Pavilion
    Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
  • Festival Favorites at the World Showplace.
    Gingerbread Cookie
  • L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen between the Morocco and France Pavilions
    Black-and-White Cookie

You can also purchase a Holiday Cookie Stroll cookie jar for purchase at one of the marketplace booths.

Seasonal Treats and Shopping

Half of the fun of enjoying a Walt Disney World Christmas is enjoying the delicious food and great seasonal shopping options! Walt Disney World will offer many seasonal themed treats and dishes in all of their theme parks that are worth trying.

Disney Springs has great shopping and snow fall!

Try the Salted Hot Coco Frozen drink in Hollywood Studios!

Belle’s seasonal cake at Gaston’s Tavern is amazing!

In addition to treats, the shopping at Walt Disney world offers many Christmas and seasonal themed items sure to make someone on your Christmas list very happy.

The rest of this guide features highlights from a typical holiday season at Disney World which we will leave below for your reference for our readers planning 2021 holiday vacations!

Holiday Season in Disney World 2021Fireworks at Walt Disney World

We fully expect the regular routine of the Disney World holiday season to return in 2021 so in honor of all the magic Disney can provide in normal circumstances, we’ve left our planning guide for a typical holiday season unaltered below to help you plan your 2021 vacations.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas PartyMickey in front of the Christmas tree

The 2020 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is unfortunately cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will keep the 2019 dates and prices below to help you plan for 2021 when we expect the party to return in full swing.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2019 Dates:

  • November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 and 24
  • December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 and 22

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets range in price from $109 to $139 depending on the date you select.. We recommend buying them in advance not just to save money but they will sell out!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party experience includes entertainment options such as:

  • A Frozen Holiday Wish
  • Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
  • Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
  • Christmas themed firework show
  • A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas
  • VoicePlay
  • Club Tinsel
  • Snowfall on Main Street
  • Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party
    • This is a foodie centered event for an additional cost of $99 per person.

Most popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open during this party and you can expect shorter lines due to many guests enjoying the entertainment options. You can expect to see the Jungle Cruise transformed with holiday decorations into the Jingle Cruise during this party (and all seasonal dates).

During the party you can enjoy meet and greet from classic and popular Disney characters dressed in seasonal fashion along with rare appearances from Santa, Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Scrooge McDuck.

And don’t forget the food options! Complimentary seasonal sweets and beverages will be available all throughout the park. Several holiday treat locations will be open until midnight during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Magic KingdomWalt Disney World Parade

Magic Kingdom is where most of the Christmas magic happens at Walt Disney World. This is the theme park where Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place and so most of the best decorations can be viewed here.

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (and after the party dates end) you can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade that takes place in the evening and features SNOW on Main Street, USA. The parade features a Christmas theme with bright lights and popular characters such as Anna, Elsa, Mickey, and Santa!

Holiday WishesSeason of Light fireworks

The seasonal fireworks that take place in Magic Kingdom are called Holiday Wishes and they are breathtaking. Hosted by Jiminy Cricket, the fireworks include holiday-themed projection effects on Cinderella Castle along with seasonal classics such as:

  • “Sleigh Ride”
  • “Jingle Bells”
  • “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
  • “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
  • “O Christmas Tree”
  • “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”
  • “Spirit of the Season”

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks is the new fireworks show that debuted in the 2019 Christmas season, we’ll see if it returns for 2020!

Collage of ‘Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks’

This new fireworks show is hosted by Minnie Mouse herself and celebrates the magic of Christmas featuring well-known Christmas favorites such as “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls” to “Up on the House Top” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

Jingle CruiseJingle Cruise

This Magic Kingdom attraction gets the seasonal treatment and renaming from Jungle Cruise to Jingle Cruise during the holiday season. Disney describes this holiday overlay as:

Jingle Cruise is again themed as if the Skippers are once again homesick for the holidays and decorated the attraction queue and boathouse with homemade decorations, gifts and items from back home. (If you listen carefully, you may also hear a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background in the queue). The boats have been renamed to receive holiday names and the skippers are getting guests laughing with additional holiday jokes. The jungle has also received new seasonal supplies. Unfortunately, some missed their final destination falling deeper into the jungle.

Make sure that you don’t miss this holiday themed attraction on your visit which is open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and regular park hours.

You can also enjoy new holiday enhancements to favorite attractions, such as Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party!

EpcotChristmas decor in front of epcot

Epcot has plenty to see and do during the holiday season including great food, a candlelight processional, and more!

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays take place through the end of November through December this holiday season. Keep checking back for specific dates as we get closer!

The festival is a celebration of international holiday traditions from around the world. This festival experience includes:

  • An International Yuletide Extravaganza: featuring 11 holiday traditions of the 11 World Showcase nations
  • Holiday Kitchens: featuring seasonal food from around the world at select kiosks around the park- nearly 25 in total!
  • The Holiday Cookie Stroll: sample cookies from around the world including:
    • Bavaria Holiday Kitchen: Linzer Cookie
    • American Holiday Table: Gingerbread Cookie
    • Yukon Holiday Kitchen: Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
    • Feast of the Three Kings: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
    • L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen: Black and White Cookie

You can read the full foodie guide to the Epcot International Festival of Holidays on the Disney World website.

Epcot Candlelight ProcessionalEpcot Candlelight Processional

The Epcot Candlelight Processional is quite popular and due to this Walt Disney World offers dining packages available to help you reserve your spot.

In the Candlelight Processional you will hear the biblical story of Christmas typically told by a celebrity narrator and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir.

Animal KingdomClose up of Christmas tree

At Animal Kingdom you can expect the park to be decked out in breathtaking holiday decor. This year Walt Disney World has made an effort to include a greater amount of things to do and see for the holiday season.

Discovery Island

An artist depiction of park Guests interacting with animal puppets in Discover Island

NEW this year!

This winter celebration at Discovery Island includes life-size, artisan-sculpted animal puppets that include reindeer, foxes, and polar bears. At night the rooftop will be filled with luminous lights and bird lanterns.

DinoLand U.S.A.

Chip and Dale dressed up as dinosaurs stand next to Donald Duck dressed in a safari outfit

NEW this year!

Enjoy holiday fun with Donald Duck and friends during the Donald’s Dino-Bash! In the evening guests can dance with Chip ‘n Dale at the new Holiday Hoopla Dance Party.

Tree of Life Awakenings

The Tree of Life illuminated at night

This is another NEW addition to the holiday fun at Animal Kingdom

The Tree of Life will awaken during the holiday season with a new musical score and feature wintry tales.

Asia and Africa Celebrations

In Asia guests can enjoy glowing flowers, lanterns, and more where residents of Anandapur have decorated the theater district in celebration of Diwali––the festival of lights in India. In Africa, guests can enjoy more decorations in the village of Harambe that blends the style of Western traditions with authentic African celebrations.

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Guests can enjoy seasonal decor and handcrafted materials indigenous to Pandora to celebrate Christmastime at Pongu Pongu.

You can also find characters such as Mickey and Minnie dressed in seasonal attire at the Adventurer’s Outpost. Around the park you can also find characters such as Santa, Goofy, Baloo, King Louie, Donald, Chip and Dale dressed in seasonal clothes.

Hollywood StudiosHollywood Studios at Christmas

There is plenty of entertainment to be found in Hollywood Studios for the holiday season along with fabulous holiday decorations.

Sunset Seasons Greeting’sSunset Seasons Greetings

Sunset Seasons Greeting’s projection show is definitely worth a look as the Hollywood Tower becomes full of light including laser projections and snow!

When evening falls, the billboards transform into real life characters tell a tale of their love for the season.

These holiday scenes include:

  • Mickey and Minnie reminiscing about a hometown Christmas as the scene shifts into a romanticized, Norman Rockwell-inspired town—starting in black and white before slowly changing into color.
  • The Toy Story characters guessing which new toys are coming this Christmas as the scene becomes covered in holiday wrapping paper.
  • The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbling as only he can while the scene turns into giant gingerbread houses.
  • And finally, Olaf pining over his holiday wish as iconic music plays and the scene freezes over into a Frozen winter wonderland—complete with dancing Aurora Borealis lights and projected falling snow.

“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!”A crowd of people near buildings lit up with lights and lasers

This spectacular holiday show includes festive music, special effects, and Disney grade entertainment showing nightly November through December.

Santa’s Gone Missing.

This show centers around searching for Santa in this festive show with celebrity stars leading the entertainment.

Join the festive fun as the stars of ABC’s Prep & Landing search high and low for Kris Kringle. Landing nightly at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a limited time, it’s Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is the reserved viewing and dining package option for this popular show in Hollywood Studios.

Echo Lake Holiday Decorations

Echo Lake gets a merry makeover with extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water. Even Dinosaur Gertie will be festively dressed for the occasion!

Disney does not disappoint with their seasonal decorations so take the time to soak it in and enjoy!

Santa GreetingsLittle girl with Santa

Visit with Santa Claus or meet Santa Goofy!

Minnie’s Holiday Dine

Join Minnie and her friends for a holiday themed dinner party at Hollywood & Vine!

Disney SpringsMultiple families look at decorated Christmas trees that have signs on them that read Little Mermaid and Marry Poppins

Disney Springs is fully decked out in its holiday finest along with the theme parks in early November. You can find seasonal treats and shopping in this Disney district

Disney Springs also features a variety of entertainment for the holiday season such as:

  • Christmas Tree Trail: a walk through wonderland of Disney themed Christmas trees featuring falling snow and holiday music. This tour starts near the fountain outside Once Upon a Toy, once you find the pathway you can look forward to seeing these themed trees:
      1. Walt Disney World Theme Parks
      2. Mickey & Minnie Mouse
      3. Beauty & the Beast
      4. Sleeping Beauty
      5. Aladdin
      6. Frozen
      7. The Princess & The Frog
      8. The Little Mermaid
      9. Mulan
      10. Haunted Mansion
      11. Snow White
      12. Pinocchio
      13. Toy Story
      14. Disney Villains
      15. Dumbo
      16. Cinderella
      17. Robin Hood
      18. Star Wars
      19. Peter Pan
      20. Tangled
      21. The Lion King
      22. Mary Poppins
      23. Fantasia
  • Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt: a scavenger hunt to find all of Stitch’s lost items, if you find them all you receive a prize!
  • Santa’s Chalet: Santa meet and greet options are available at select times.

There are also carolers wandering through Disney Springs along with other roaming varieties of seasonal entertainment.

Holiday Dining Packages and Dessert PartiesA family watches fireworks while eating dessert

The holidays at Walt Disney World also comes with a variety of dining packages and dessert parties to enjoy.

Enjoy the Holiday Fireworks Dessert Party on Tomorrowland Terrace for full reserved viewing of the holiday fireworks, fantastic holiday desserts, and great service.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is the package to book for reserved viewing for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

One great way to ensure guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional is to reserve dining with the Candlelight Processional dining package.

For guests looking to enjoy a guaranteed ride on the Frozen Ever After ride in Epcot and great views for the fireworks show the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot World Showcase dining package.

A yule log decorated with festive flowers and small figurines of gingerbread men and candy canes

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