Hi Cecy, and welcome to planDisney!
Visiting the
Most Magical Place on Earth during, or just after, the holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year to visit. My family has been fortunate enough to visit around the same time you’re planning, and I can confidently say that you’ll still catch plenty of Christmas decorations during your early January stay. There’s something really special about starting a new year surrounded by holiday lights and the spirit of the season.
While there’s no official date when the Christmas decorations come down, they typically begin to be removed in the days following the first week of January. Historically, most of the holiday décor remains up through the
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which takes place this year from January 7–11. That timing has held true for years, and I actually remember my first Marathon Weekend vividly, running through
Magic Kingdom early in the morning with the enormous Christmas tree still standing tall on Main Street, U.S.A., and wreaths still hanging from the lampposts. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.
Even if a few decorations start to come down toward the end of your trip, there will still be plenty of festive touches across the parks and resorts. If you’re looking for a slower day outside the parks, I highly recommend doing a little resort hopping. The lobbies of
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are among my favorites.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is stunning during the holidays, however, with the amount of pixie dust being added to the lobby, you’ll have to plan another visit in the future to enjoy the giant gingerbread house. The Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are also personal favorites, especially with their incredible holiday displays and model train setups.
Cecy, I hope you and your family get to experience plenty of holiday cheer during your January visit. You’re arriving at a perfect time. Cooler weather, lighter crowds, and just enough cheer left from the holidays to make your trip feel extra special.
See you real soon,
Brent