NEWS: Disney Springs Kicks off the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World with Christmas Tree Lighting

The holiday season is underway at Walt Disney World! Disney Springs held a ceremonial tree lighting on Friday to kick things off. Learn more below!

Disney Springs kicked off the holiday season at the Walt Disney World with a ceremonial tree lighting on Friday.

The 45-foot Christmas tree was illuminated by Walt Disney World senior vice president Katie Stretch, Disney Springs vice president Matt Simon and Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad amid festive holiday entertainment, including toy soldier stilt walkers and a brass band.

This event officially marked the beginning of the many holiday festivities taking place across Walt Disney World, bringing even more magic and joy for guests this season. From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, there are countless ways to revel in the holiday spirit at Walt Disney World.

Guests can also experience seasonal décor, exciting new entertainment, and limited-time holiday treats throughout Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Disney resort hotels.

Another new holiday twist this year is interactive storytelling window displays outside the World of Disney store at Disney Springs. The windows celebrate the classic tradition of writing letters to Santa and feature beloved Disney characters. Guests can tap their MagicBand+ to unlock unique animations and surprises in the new displays.

Additionally, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth showcases 21 trees with Disney-inspired themes such as the movie “Coco,” with vibrant papel picado, “Star Wars,” featuring iconic imagery, and the movie “Toy Story,” adorned with playful ornaments. Most of these trees invite guests to interact using MagicBand+, revealing fun surprises with each tap.

A new Santa Claus greeting location in the marketplace invites families to take festive photos with Santa. The cozy setting, filled with cheerful decorations and holiday music, creates a perfect backdrop for memorable family photos. Guests can join a virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app to meet Santa now through December 24.

The holiday festivities at Disney Springs run through Dec. 30. Click this link for more information.

RELATED ARTICLE:  The 2024 Guide to Holiday Offerings at Disney World

Every year, Walt Disney World transforms into a wonderland for the holiday season. This year, guests of all ages will discover a sleigh-full of Yuletide cheer across the resort, including festive entertainment and dazzling decor, which are available with their regular Walt Disney World theme park admission. As Mickey Mouse and all his pals prepare for the most wonderful time of the year, here’s an overview of the special, daytime experiences, as well as ticked events that guests can enjoy this holiday season.

1 – Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Magic Kingdom Park

Merrymaking comes alive at Magic Kingdom Park starting November 12, with seasonal decorations lining Main Street, U.S.A., and themed food and drink items at select locations throughout the park! There’s plenty of holiday cheer to be spread.

• Join Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” at the castle stage for a “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” During this show, friends from Arendelle ring in the season together and help transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystalized palace – a magical look that remains throughout the evening.
• Jungle Cruise’s transformation into Jingle Cruise is a holiday overlay no one can resist! Guests can experience this wild attraction wrapped with festive jokes and even more fun memories starting November 2.

2 – Celebrate with Mickey at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

For over 40 years, families and kids of all ages have enjoyed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. It features a dazzling parade, fireworks, elaborate stage shows, complimentary sweet treats, shorter wait times for attractions, and much more. It is easy to see why this specially ticketed event is a holiday tradition for many.  This year, the party will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights from November 8 through December 20. Tickets can be purchased by visiting DisneyWorld.com/VeryMerry or by calling 407-934-7639.

3 – Celebrate Global Traditions at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth

This holiday season, EPCOT invites world travelers and foodies alike to come together for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. From November 29 to December 30, 2024, guests can enjoy vibrant decorations and offerings that transform the park into a festive wonderland.

• Listen to lively storytellers as they share holiday legends from around the world. Located throughout World Showcase, these tales of traditions will fill one’s heart with holiday cheer while learning about these amazing cultural celebrations.
• Witness a beautiful tribute to Christmas with Gospel, R&B and holiday songs at “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.”
• Sing along with a glorious mass choir, a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets, and the Voices of Liberty during the Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre. This year, the fan-favorite tradition welcomes new narrators Nico Santos, Ralph Macchio, and Titus Burgess to the stage, plus a variety of award-winning actors, singers, and television personalities.

• Savor festive cuisine from countries near and far as the Holiday Kitchens bring culinary traditions to life across the park.
• Surround yourself with glorious lights at Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, which gets special holiday treatment. Learn about the foods produced in the greenhouses that play a part in the holiday celebrations throughout the resort.

4 – Discover Wild Holiday Adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has everything needed to make your spirits bright this holiday season! From enchanting festive décor throughout the park to a lively, dinosaur-themed carnival brimming with holiday cheer in DinoLand U.S.A., there’s plenty to ensure a wildly festive day of fun!

• New in 2024, Santa is heading to Restaurantosaurus! As the guest of honor at the 75^th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio, Santa invites everyone to join him in this festive new location from November 12 to December 24.
• Capture a moment with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! Snap a picture with the beloved duo in their holiday attire at Adventurers Outpost.

• Gather by the Tree of Life, where Merry Menagerie puppeteers showcase the artisan-sculpted wintry animal puppets, including reindeer, penguins and seals … oh my!

• As night falls, guests are invited to gather for the enchanting Tree of Life Awakening. The whole family will be captivated by a dazzling display of color and light, where animal spirits come to life, weaving together an unforgettable experience perfect for little ones before bedtime.

5 – Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Starting November 12, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms into a dazzling realm where holiday magic and classic Hollywood energy sync in perfect harmony, delivering all the nostalgic holiday feels! This year, exciting new entertainment offerings take center stage.

• Jam out to the Holiday Spirit Band at various performance spots throughout the park. The fun doesn’t stop there; new festive acts, including more holiday musicians and juggling elves, are making their debut.
• In Toy Story Land, families enter a world where toy-sized festive fun is larger than life! Explore Andy’s backyard decked out in dazzling holiday decorations and say howdy to beloved “Toy Story” pals, all dressed up in their holiday finest.

• Catch a showing of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration” with a special festive finale featuring everyone’s favorite snowman Olaf and celebratory songs of the season.
• As night falls, experience the return of Sunset Seasons Greetings, where holiday magic transforms the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol!”

6 – Enjoy Classic Hollywood with Jollywood Nights

This holiday season, Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering a dazzling array of new experiences and festive cheer. This limited-capacity, five-hour event runs on select nights from November 9 through December 21 and invites guests to celebrate the season with immersive holiday décor, exclusive entertainment, delectable seasonal treats, and enchanting surprises throughout the park.

Disney Jollywood Nights promises an unforgettable holiday celebration with a mix of new and returning festivities that make this separately ticketed event a must-attend. Whether you’re a longtime Disney fan or a first-time visitor, the event offers next-level holiday fun for all. To purchase tickets for Disney Jollywood Nights, taking place on select nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, visit DisneyWorld.com/Jollywood or call 407-934-7639.

7 – Enjoy Holiday Bites and Seasonal Shopping at Disney Springs

Disney Springs guests can discover festive fun this holiday season with sweet treats, nightly snowfalls, seasonal merchandise and enchanting entertainment, all wrapped in one magical experience!

• Explore the enchanting Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Featuring beautifully themed trees inspired by Walt Disney Studios, Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars and Superheroes, guests can enjoy stunning displays showcasing “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Coco,” “Lilo and Stitch” and more! Enhance the experience with MagicBand+ to add an extra touch of holiday magic.

• Explore fabulous holiday collections at World of Disney and Disney’s Days of Christmas, guests are sure to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list.
• Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar offers delicious seasonal sips and bites as the family-friendly waterfront outpost transforms into its holiday best this time of year.

8 – Embrace the Spirit of the Season at Disney Resort Collection Hotels

This festive season, holiday experiences at Disney Resorts Collection hotels extend beyond the parks. Guests can immerse themselves in the magic of the season with uniquely transformed resort hotels, each adorned with grand Christmas trees inspired by the resort’s themes and beloved Disney stories – perfect for creating unforgettable family memories.

• Embark on a delightful journey through Disney Resort hotels to explore the many stunning gingerbread displays and amazing smells, a perfect way to celebrate the cherished tradition.
• Indulge in a selection of limited-time holiday treats available at select dining locations and shops throughout the resorts.

9 – Dash Through the Holidays with runDisney

Embrace the holiday spirit with the runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas from December 1 to December 31. Whether at Walt Disney World or in their local neighborhoods, this festive event invites participants to tackle three virtual 4K races.

Each participant will earn a medal that doubles as a holiday ornament, adding a festive flair to the celebrations. Runners will also enjoy customizable digital tools, a cozy long-sleeved hooded shirt, a holiday-themed CORKCICLE mug, and more.

Celebrate the season by staying active and sharing joy with friends and family. For further information, visit www.runDisney.com.

10 – Season’s Eatings at Walt Disney World Resort

Throughout the resort, guests can indulge in a variety of sweet and savory holiday bites that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Check out the links to the holiday foodie guides below:

Click here for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Magic Kingdom holiday menus!

Click here for special holiday treats found at Disney Jollywood Nights!

Click here for special holiday treats found at Disney World Resorts!

Click here for special holiday treats found at Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs!

11 – Santa Claus Sightings this Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by meeting the one and only Santa Claus! While Santa has a busy schedule, there are many opportunities to meet him across the resort this holiday season. Families can visit My Disney Experience for specific times and locations to meet the jolly man himself.

Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

*All entertainment and offerings are subject to change.