Christmas decorations make the holiday season more vibrant and special. If you’re looking for a place with the best holiday decorations, you can never go wrong with Disney World.
This might leave you asking - when does Disney take down Christmas decorations?
Our team gathered essential information to help you figure out when Walt Disney World Christmas decorations are removed.
Read on before planning your next theme park visit this holiday season.
When Does Walt Disney World Resort Take Down Its Christmas Decors?
In general, there is no specific date when Walt Disney World Christmas decorations are removed [1].
Normally, Disney Christmas decorations are slowly taken down around early January (long after Christmas time).
So if you’re planning to visit Disney World after Christmas, there’s still a chance that some holiday decorations are still up.
However, don't expect Disney parks to be fully decorated if you’re visiting past New Year’s eve.
Read: Popular Christmas Gifts For Students
When Does Disney World Decorate For Christmas?
Although Christmas trees started back in the 16th century, this tradition was adopted by the theme parks of the Walt Disney Company [2].
Around mid-October, Disney starts to decorate for Christmas, and the Magic Kingdom theme park gets a transformation overnight after Halloween.
Around early November, Disney decorate for the Christmas parade special filming. However, note that Disney World Christmas lights don't appear all in one day.
In addition, deluxe resorts get full holiday decorations, like the Gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort.
Aside from the Grand Floridian Gingerbread house, you can experience the holiday magic at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, featuring massive Christmas trees.
How Long Do Christmas Decors Stay Up At Disney World?
Disney World Christmas decors normally stay up to the first week of January. Then, it is slowly removed and lasts up to Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which happens on January 4 to 8.
So even if you’re visiting Disney World theme parks after the Christmas season, you can still feel the holiday magic!
Christmas Events In 2023 To Look Out For
Finding Santa At The Park
Watch out for Santa Goofy on your visit to Disney World, appearing from November 11 up to the end of December!
Santa will pass through Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Hollywood Boulevard riding a red cabriolet. Then, he’ll cruise through Animal Kingdom at Discovery River and hop on a festive float!
Read: Popular Christmas Outfit Ideas
Castle Holiday Projections
Another must-see event is the Castle Holiday Projections, which is a seasonal projection effect returning to Magic Kingdom.
This event takes place throughout the night at Cinderella’s castle, featuring varying designs transitioning around every 15 minutes.
However, this event is alternately offered with the Beacon of Magic transformation on nights Very Merry Christmas Party isn't presented. Learn how to make a Christmas Tree look a lot fuller here.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party At The Magic Kingdom
For a fun-filled day activity, get your tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
This event features holiday festivities that last up to 5 hours, such as themed characters with the finest Christmas outfits and snowfall on Main Street, USA.
Also, don't miss Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks!
Jungle Cruise
Turn your Jungle Cruise into a “Jingle Cruise” at Disney World and enjoy your boat ride adventure with loads of holiday cheer and punky jokes!
This season, go on a Jungle Cruise with your kids and explore the Gift-Wrapping Gorillas, African Reindeer, Hippos, Chimpanzees, Elephants, Holiday Gift Shop, and Santa’s Workshop in a Cambodian-themed temple.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Want to learn more about how different countries celebrate the holidays worldwide? Then, make sure to catch this International Festival of the Holidays.
This event starts on November 25, featuring music and stories about the holiday traditions of countries worldwide.
Additionally, don't miss the chance to taste festive food and drinks as the Holiday Kitchen and Cookie Stroll returns and Candlelight Processional this 2023.
Hollywood Studios Christmas Events
If you want to experience Minnie’s Holiday dine, make sure to visit the Hollywood & Vine from November to December.
You can also catch the return of Sunset Seasons Greetings themes at Tinseltown, including Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Toy Story, Frozen, and Muppets.
The Echo Holiday decor is also a must-see, featuring a giant Christmas tree, ornaments, vibrant garlands, and Gertie the Dinosaur with a Christmas hat.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
This season, make sure to catch Mickey, Minnie, and their friends as the festive flotillas return at Animal Kingdom.
They will cruise down the Discovery River wearing their best holiday outfits and Santa Claus will also make an appearance too! Make sure to catch him before he hops on his sleigh for Christmas Eve.
Furthermore, Discovery Island will come to life this 2022, featuring life-sized winter animal puppets, like polar bears, foxes, penguins, and reindeer.
Disney Springs Holiday Events
Lastly, don't forget to visit Disney Springs, where the quirky Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar gets a holiday transformation.
This area is where all the dining, shopping, and entertainment takes place, so make sure to add it to your Disney holiday tour.
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is also set to return this 2022. This trail features a large Christmas tree inspired by Disney. Find out how to make a Christmas Tree bow topper here.
FAQs
Which Disney park is best at Christmas?
The best and most popular place to celebrate Christmas is Magic Kingdom Park.
Magic Kingdom Christmas decorations are beautifully charming, and a walk down Main Street USA while the snow falls and music plays offer a magical holiday worth remembering.
On the other hand, Hollywood Studios Christmas decorations are impressive.
This park offers one of the best Christmas decorations, from Christmas lights to a Christmas-themed character meal.
What time are the Magic Kingdom fireworks in December?
The Magic Kingdom Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks in December is set to light up at 11:50 pm.
Meanwhile, the Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Season Fireworks will light up the sky at 7:30 pm, the same night, but the date is yet to be announced.
Is Disney World crowded on Christmas Day?
Yes, it is. Disney World is for sure crowded on Christmas Day. It will start getting crowded the weekend before Christmas.
If you want a little less crowded experience, you can visit Walt Disney World around early December or January.
Happy Holidays!
In summary, you can experience the holiday magic at Disney World even after the Christmas season.
So if you want to avoid the big crowd on Christmas Day, you can visit Disney parks after New Year’s Eve.
Also, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for your friends and family, check out the Green Musical Light Up Jingle Bells Adult Ugly Christmas Sweater!
Shop The Toynk Christmas Decor Collection Now
References:
- https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/christmas-decorations-taken-down-magic-kingdom-436390/
- https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-christmas-ornament-3/
