Even Gertie gets into the holiday spirit!It may only be September, but already we have plenty of details about what to expect for the 2018 Christmas Season at Walt Disney World. Christmas is my favorite time of year in this area. I love the decorations, and there are special things that take place in the parks. The (usually) nice weather is an added bonus! Here is what we know so far about the upcoming Christmas Season at Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a fun way to celebrateThe main celebration at the world’s most popular theme park is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It’s a special ticketed event that takes place on select nights in November and December. Tickets are already available. You’ll want to stop by the Magic Kingdom, even if you aren’t attending the party. The decorations are incredible.
Epcot
There are special holiday treats at EpcotEpcot International Festival of the Holidays is scheduled to begin on November 18, and run through December 30. Formerly called Holidays Around the World, this is an Epcot tradition that you don’t want to miss! Storytellers from the 11 World Showcase Countries tell holiday stories from their homelands. There are special treats sold in Holiday Kitchens.
Candlelight ProcessionalThe Candlelight Processional will take place three times each night from November 22 through December 30. The list so far of celebrity narrators is as follows:
11/22 – 11/23 – Chita Rivera
11/24 – 11/25 – Helen Hunt
11/26 – 11/27 – Alfonso Ribeiro
11/28 – 12/2 – TBA
12/3 – 12/6 – Neil Patrick Harris
12/7 – 12/9 – Whoopi Goldberg
12/10 – 12/12 – Bart Millard
12/13 – 12/14 – Blair Underwood
12/15 – 12/17 – Gary Sinise
12/18 – 12/20 – Pat Sajak
12/21 – 12/23 – Auli’l Cravalho
12/24 – 12/25 – Edward James Olmos
12/26 – 12/27 – Jodi Benson
12/28 – 12/30 – Cal Ripken Jr.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Hollywood Toy HotelJingle Bell, Jingle BAM! returns on November 8 for its third year. It’s a fireworks and projections show that takes place on and around Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Also returning on November 8 is Sunset Seasons Greetings. The Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes the backdrop for holiday related scenes, and “snow” falls in the area. Both will run through January 6, 2019. Santa will greet in the park November 9 through December 24, and then it will be Santa Goofy December 25 through December 31. There will also be increased decorations in and around Echo Lake.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom at ChristmastimeUP! A Great Bird Adventure will have a holiday version for 2018. The story of Diwali, which is an Indian Festival of Lights, will be included. That will begin on November 8. The park will also have extra decorations.
Disney Springs and More
Make the Deluxe Resort lobbies part of your holiday plansThe Christmas Tree Trail is returning to Disney Springs. This popular attraction is a walkway that is filled with Disney-themed Christmas trees. Santa will also greet in Santa’s Chalet. The resorts, especially the Deluxe Resorts, will also be decked out for the holidays.
Holiday Wishes at the Magic KingdomMore details about the 2018 Christmas season are sure to be released over the coming weeks and months. I’ll pass along any important information as soon as I have it.