Christmas Time at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

It's the most magical time of the year, and guests of the Walt Disney World Resort know where to find Christmas with a little extra sparkle. The Magic Kingdom is full of holiday cheer and merriment.

Toy Soliders In Town SquareToy Soliders In Town Square


Toy Soldiers are lined up in town square and make for a fun family picture spot down Main Street. Candy Canes and garlands of evergreen boughs decorate the buildings festooning every corner with wintery magic. You may even catch a festive trolley show by the Citizens of Main Street. Millions of red poinsettias and white Impatiens are in full bloom giving the lawns a cheerful dusting of floral beauty to celebrate the season. The Once Upon A Christmas Parade delights guests who line the path to see their favorite characters dance along side gingerbread men, elves, and a grand finale with the main man himself " Santa Claus!

Throughout the park you'll notice small touches of magic, whether it be a red or green dipped Mickey Sugar Cookie, a Peppermint Mocha to keep you warm after dark, or the new jokes being told by the homesick skippers on the "Jingle Cruise."


Poinsetta Trees in Years Gone ByPoinsetta Trees in Years Gone By


Each night after Cinderella's Holiday Wish Show (usually at 6:15 " be sure to check your times guide) guests are treated to a stunning light display as Cinderella Castle is enchanted to become a magical castle of ice, glittering and shining in all of its winters glory. 200,000 twinkling lights down from the very top spire forming beautiful, magical ice crystals.

On select nights the Magic Kingdom closes a little early so that it can play host to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This special hard ticketed event is a seasonal sensation and one of the few times of year that you can be sure to experience snow on Main Street USA. If you're looking for something extra special to do with the family on your Winter Vacation, the Christmas party with it's special holiday fireworks and electrical parade may be just the thing.


Glittering Ice Castle Is Cinderella's WishGlittering Ice Castle Is Cinderella's Wish


If you'll be at Walt Disney World on December 25th and want to spend it in the Magic Kingdom, be sure to get there early and plan on staying for the duration. This is one of the few times of year that the Park regularly reaches capacity and once guests leave there's no guarantee that they will be able to get back in. If you haven't already made dining reservations in the park, many fantastic counter service restaurants will be open. Lines will be long, so try to eat outside of main meal hours, and always wise to carry an extra snack or two in your bag during the day so that you can have a nosh when you need one.

Thanks so much to and Carlos Monzon, Julian Diamond, and Kara Monroe for use of their holiday photos! We hope that all of our readers about to head down for the holidays have a safe and fun winter vacations, and that everyone have a Very Merry Christmas!

Are you headed off for a Disney Winter Vacation? Leave a comment and let us know how many more days you have before you leave!

Dianne wrote on Tue, 12/17/2013 - 00:55:

Dianne's picture

Who wants to be a grown up when in Disney!!!??!? I have been at Christmas and can say that I have never, ever, witnessed anything more spectacular than Cinderella's castle! I just couldn't believe my eyes. You have really out done yourselves with this particular site. Thank you for being a part of my life.

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