• On Apr 29, 2021
    Stephanie from KS Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are considering a trip for the holidays...when do winter holiday decorations go up? Immediately after Halloween or later? Also, a few years ago, we did Mickey's not so scary Halloween. Is there something comparable for Christmas? Thank you.

    Ho, Ho, Ho, Stephanie!

    Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney with your question about my favorite time at Walt Disney World Resort - the holidays!

    I'm so happy to hear you're planning to visit Walt Disney World during what I consider to be the most magical time of the year - the Christmas season. My family visits every year when the parks are all decked out for the holidays, and we've made so many wonderful memories throughout the years!

    While there isn't a set "start date" for holiday decorations at Walt Disney World Resort, you can expect a bit of a whirlwind pixie-dusting in the overnight hours between October 31st and November 1st. As the pumpkins come down in Magic Kingdom Park, the garland and wreaths go up, creating a winter wonderland that Elsa herself would be proud of! Twinkling lights transform Main Street U.S.A., and giant Christmas trees begin to appear throughout the theme parks and resorts.  

    One of Walt Disney World's four theme parks will be a little late to the holiday party, as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will run through November 20th, 2021. Once the festival ends, holiday decorations will appear throughout World Showcase and Future World, followed by one of my favorite special events, the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Featuring a Holiday Cookie Stroll and amazing Holiday Kitchens, it's a can't-miss event for my family!

    In years past, Guests could celebrate the holidays with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, on select nights in Magic Kingdom Park. A similar celebration to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, like the one you attended, it's a special ticketed event with lots of special holiday happenings and treats for Guests. These holiday events were paused last season, and, at this time, no dates have been announced for Halloween or Christmas parties in Magic Kingdom Park in the fall of 2021. I encourage you to keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for the most up-to-date announcements regarding any special events in the near future. I'll be watching right along with you, with my fingers crossed that these amazing events can come back this fall!

    Thanks again for visiting planDisney - please let us know if you have any questions before your next Walt Disney World vacation - we would love to help a little extra magic to your visit!
    Diane W. 
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Meet the Panelist: Diane, Alabama

"Dream It! Plan It! Do It!" – that's my motto! If you've always dreamed of a magical visit to Walt Disney World Resort, or sailing away with Captain Mickey on a Disney Cruise, I'd love to help you plan and make the most of your vacation. My favorite getaway is a Land and Sea adventure - from Cinderella Castle to sand castles! Learn More About Diane

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