The Ultimate Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World in 2025 🎄✨
It is officially the most wonderful time of the year at Walt Disney World, and the parks and resorts have rolled out a breathtaking display of holiday cheer. Every corner of the property—from the classic elegance of Magic Kingdom to the international flair of EPCOT—is drenched in festive magic, making this season the absolute best time for a Disney World vacation.
To help you navigate the sheer volume of holiday offerings, I’ve put together my definitive and highly curated list: The Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World for 2025. This countdown includes essential, classic experiences alongside a few underrated, often-missed hidden gems that will make your trip truly unforgettable.
Whether you're a first-time visitor looking for the ultimate Disney Christmas experience or a seasoned Annual Passholder searching for new holiday secrets, this guide is your go-to source. We are starting our countdown with a highly debated, but still essential, choice before moving on to some truly unique and surprising must-dos.
Ready to find out the absolute #1 thing you must do this Christmas season? Then let's dive right into the list!
WATCH THE FULL COUNTDOWN VIDEO NOW!
Before you start planning, make sure to watch the full video version of this list for a visual guide to all the magic and to see exactly why these experiences made the cut!
10. The Quintessential Hard-Ticket Splurge: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
We are kicking off our countdown with a big one, but it lands at number 10 because of its obviousness—and its price tag.
At number 10 is the quintessential holiday event: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
Now, this is a hard-ticket event, meaning you need a separate, and relatively expensive, ticket just for this party, which usually takes place on select nights after Magic Kingdom closes to the general public.
While the cost is significant and requires an investment, if you are willing to splurge, this party delivers the classic, heartwarming, and utterly immersive Disney Christmas experience you’ve always dreamed of.
The party offers a lower crowd capacity than a typical park day, giving you the chance to ride some popular attractions with shorter waits, all while enjoying complimentary cookies and hot cocoa!
But the real highlights are the specialty entertainment that is exclusive to the party:
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: A spectacular procession featuring festive floats, beloved characters in their holiday finest, marching toy soldiers, and Santa Claus himself. It’s a classic Disney parade amplified by the holiday spirit.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show: You absolutely can’t talk about this party without mentioning this incredible spectacle. The fireworks show is choreographed perfectly to a medley of classic holiday tunes, bursting high above Cinderella Castle. The music, the lights, and the atmosphere create a truly emotional moment that is worth staying up late for.
Space Mountain with the Lights On (Well, Christmas Lights!): This is my absolute favorite activity—and I genuinely believe it’s worth the price of admission all by itself! While they don't turn all the lights on, the classic, pitch-black dark ride is transformed by dazzling holiday lighting and rock-and-roll Christmas music. Experiencing this iconic roller coaster with a whole new visual overlay is the best thing ever for fans of this attraction, adding a unique, high-energy twist to a Magic Kingdom staple.
If your vacation budget allows for one major holiday splurge, this party is a fantastic way to capture the spirit of a traditional Disney Christmas.
9. Figment's Festive Fashion: The Cutest Christmas Sweater
Moving on to number 9, we are keeping things focused on our beloved purple little dragon, Figment, over in World Celebration at EPCOT.
The Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride is already a classic for long-time Disney fans, but during the holidays, Figment gets into the festive spirit in the most adorable way.
As you pass through the ride, you'll see him decked out in his best, brightly-colored Christmas sweater! It's a small detail, but the dedicated fanbase of Epcot loves this little bit of seasonal whimsy.
It’s a perfect example of how Disney injects holiday cheer into even the smallest corners of the park.
And here’s a fun little secret I can share with you all: because of the sheer popularity of this small detail, Disney has finally released a merchandise item we were all waiting for—you can purchase a replica of Figment’s festive Christmas sweater!
This piece of holiday apparel has been flying off the shelves and makes for the perfect, slightly niche, and super-cute holiday souvenir.
You can find this must-have sweater and other Figment-themed holiday gear in various locations around Epcot, including the newly opened Communicore Hall, for around $79. It's the ideal way to carry a piece of EPCOT's Imagination with you all season long.
8. The FREE Treat Challenge: The Essential EPCOT Holiday Stroll
Now, while we’re here in EPCOT, let’s move over to an all-day experience that combines culture, food, and fun, and is completely free with your park admission!
At number 8, we have the incredibly immersive and delicious Essential EPCOT Holiday Stroll! This activity is actually two great holiday experiences rolled into one, making for the perfect mid-day break and an educational, heartwarming experience.
The Holiday Storytellers (Culture and Charm)
First, you have the Holiday Storytellers around World Showcase. As you stroll from country to country, you encounter characters and narrators who share the unique holiday traditions and folklore of their native lands.
For example, you might meet Julenissen, the mischievous gnome in Norway; Pere Noel in France, who shares the children's custom of putting shoes out for gifts; or the legendary Christmas donkey, Burro Nativity, in Mexico.
It’s a genuinely educational, heartwarming, and completely unique way to travel the world and learn about global Christmas customs.
The storytellers' appearances are all timed, so you can easily plan your day to go from one cultural celebration to the next without waiting too long. This unique programming really sets EPCOT apart during the holiday season.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll (Food and Fun)
And it’s Epcot, so you can’t stroll without snacks! This brings us to the popular and hugely enjoyable Holiday Cookie Stroll!
This is one of the best holiday food challenges at Disney, and it’s a fun, engaging activity for both adults and kids.
To start, you pick up your complimentary Festival Passport at various locations around World Showcase. This passport has a dedicated page for the Cookie Stroll.
As you purchase and enjoy five designated cookies from the holiday kitchens (outdoor food booths) around the park, a Cast Member gives you a stamp in your passport.
Once you have at least five stamps, you head to the last stop for your complimentary, commemorative prize!
It’s a delicious souvenir, and I have to admit, I haven’t quite finished my stroll yet—it’s tough to stop when Epcot has so many great treats, cookies, pastries, and even this amazing frozen hot chocolate that we picked up at the Odyssey pavilion.
Look out for the cookies shaped like Disney icons, especially the one inspired by Spaceship Earth! This activity is a must-do for foodies and collectors alike.
7. The Overlooked Tradition: The Ultimate Disney Resort Tour
Now, we’re going to step outside of the parks for a bit and check out one of the most beautiful and often underrated holiday traditions: a walk through Disney’s best-decorated resorts!
Coming in at lucky number 7, we have the holiday tradition that doesn't even require a park ticket: The Ultimate Disney Resort Tour!
You absolutely have to carve out a morning or an evening to hop around to a few of the Disney Deluxe Resorts. The resorts' holiday decorations are often even more spectacular than the parks themselves, as they have the space for massive, custom-themed displays.
The Magic Kingdom Loop Resorts
Let's start with my absolute favorite for atmosphere: Wilderness Lodge. Walking into that massive, rustic lobby with the enormous stone fireplace is magical enough, but when you add the towering, 60-foot Christmas tree—adorned with Native American and rustic ornaments—it takes your breath away.
The air smells of pine and woodsmoke, and it truly feels like a cozy mountain Christmas. Don't forget to check out the holiday pop-up shop for resort-exclusive merch!
Next, head over to the stately Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Every year, the massive, classic tree in the center is the main attraction, draped in Victorian elegance.
While the iconic, life-size Gingerbread House may sometimes be absent or replaced by other spectacular creations due to refurbishments or new concepts, the sheer scale and beauty of the lobby and its festive adornments remain a timeless classic.
The recent lobby and bar refurbishments only enhance the luxurious holiday experience.
The EPCOT Area Resorts
Then, we switch gears and head over to the EPCOT-area resorts, which offer completely different, yet equally charming, holiday displays along the famous Boardwalk area.
At the Beach Club Resort, you are greeted by the magnificent Christmas Carousel, built entirely of gingerbread and chocolate.
The craftsmanship is unbelievable. It's colorful, detailed, and hard to believe that it’s entirely edible, often featuring favorite Disney characters like the Fab Five in their festive best.
Right next door, the Yacht Club Resort offers a more subdued, maritime-themed display, which features a detailed, miniature Christmas Village and Train Set that winds through a winter landscape. The detail on the tiny buildings and the moving train is mesmerizing, and I could seriously watch it for hours.
This resort hop is the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere, escape the park crowds for a few hours, and take some incredible photos.
The best way to see it all is to use ride-sharing services like Uber or MinnieVan for maximum efficiency.
6. Seeking the Bride: The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Now that we’ve toured the luxurious resorts, let’s go find the most concentrated, character-themed collection of holiday trees outside of the parks!
Sliding in at number 6 is an activity that has become a genuine highlight for me: The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll for 2025!
This isn't just a handful of trees; it's an entire collection of gorgeous, meticulously themed Christmas trees that celebrate everything Disney.
It’s totally free to experience and is the perfect way to spend an evening exploring the outdoor shopping and dining district of Disney Springs.
You can grab a complimentary Stroll Map or Passport at guest services or many of the retail locations. This passport guides you through the entire area.
Each tree is themed to a different Disney movie, park, or character, and trying to spot all the hidden details and ornaments is half the fun!
But you want to know my absolute, hands-down favorite every single year? It's the Haunted Mansion Tree!
The bride from the attic scene is the creepy and beautiful focal point, complete with her red beating heart—a chilling reference to the original bride.
The garlands look like tattered funeral lace, and there’s always a sly little nod to the infamous Master Gracey somewhere in the branches. It’s dark, it’s funny, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the attraction in a festive way.
Here’s how the Stroll works: As you move from tree to tree, you look for a designated number or symbol, and then you match that to a sticker or stamp location on your passport.
When you collect all of the stickers and complete the entire stroll, you can present your finished passport at a designated location, usually Guest Relations, to receive a small, commemorative prize, often a special holiday-themed pin or a unique postcard.
It’s a fantastic, low-key way to spend an evening and get some amazing, non-park photos.
5. The Hunt for Holiday Exclusives: Disney Springs Christmas Shopping
Plus, when you finish the Stroll, you’re already right there for some world-class shopping, which brings us perfectly to our next must-do!
Landing in the middle of our list at number 5, it's time to talk about the holiday shopping—specifically at Disney Springs. This area is your best bet for finding the largest collection of Disney-themed holiday merchandise.
The two main hubs for all things Disney Christmas are World of Disney at Disney Springs and the always-enchanting Disney's Days of Christmas store (which is open year-round but gets a huge holiday shipment). In these stores, you’ll find everything a Disney fanatic could want:
Ornaments: Beautifully detailed and often highly collectible ornaments featuring everything from classic characters to specific attractions.
Apparel: Holiday-themed Spirit Jerseys, annual collection of dated holiday apparel (tees, hoodies, etc.), and festive loungewear.
Housewares: Festive mugs, cookie jars, kitchen towels, and holiday-themed plush toys.
But let’s talk about the secret shopping locations that are often overlooked: EPCOT World Showcase! If you are looking for unique gifts that have a distinctive, international flair, look no further.
Countries like Germany (for ornaments and cuckoo clocks), Japan (for unique stationary and trinkets), and France (for gourmet chocolate and perfumes) offer items you cannot find anywhere else on property.
It’s the perfect place to find a gift that feels both luxurious and completely one-of-a-kind.
4. Indoor Snowfall: The Hollywood Studios Frozen Finale
We are officially in the top half of our list and moving to a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is included with your park admission!
At number 4, we are making our way to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a chilly, heartwarming surprise: A Chilly Holiday Finale at the 'For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.'
This show is a popular attraction year-round, where the Royal Historians of Arendelle retell the story of Frozen with clips from the movie and encourage the audience to sing along to the classic songs.
But during the holiday season, the entire show gets a wonderful dose of festive cheer!
The biggest change, and the reason it makes this list, is the special holiday finale! After the last note of 'Let It Go,' the stage transforms.
The royal historians come out in their adorable holiday attire, there are special seasonal jokes added to the script, and the whole presentation gets a heartwarming Christmas twist.
At the very end, as you are singing and celebrating, it snows inside the theater! Seeing the “snoap” (soap snow) fall down around you is such a magical, memorable moment, and it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of a Disney Christmas.
It’s a great, seated activity for the whole family, a fun way to get off your feet, and an essential part of the Hollywood Studios holiday experience.
3. Chaotic Cheer: The Magic Kingdom Jingle Cruise
From a chilly stage in Hollywood Studios, we are now going to zip over to the Magic Kingdom to check out a ride overlay that brings both tropical humor and holiday mayhem to the jungle!
Climbing up to number 3 on our list, we are back at Magic Kingdom for a transformation that is equal parts charming and hilariously punny: The Jingle Cruise!
This is the holiday overlay of the classic Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland, and I cannot stress enough how much I love this seasonal takeover.
The Jungle Cruise skippers—who are already experts in delivering groan-worthy puns—crank the holiday cheer, and the jokes, up to eleven.
The narration is completely updated with seasonal references, holiday puns about fruitcake and sleigh rides, and running jokes about the skippers’ dysfunctional holiday parties back at the boathouse. Hearing the famously dry humor applied to Christmas traditions is a true highlight for returning guests.
But it's not just the narration; the entire ride gets a chaotic holiday makeover. The boats are renamed with festive monikers, and the jungle scenes themselves are awkwardly, wonderfully decorated.
Lots of hidden detail, too, for those who look for it—Cast Members spend weeks decorating the scenes with half-wrapped gifts, misplaced reindeer, and even the occasional jungle critter caught up in a strand of lights. This lovable, slightly messy holiday aesthetic is what makes the Jingle Cruise a must-do every year.
2. The Hidden Gem: Winter-Summer-Land MiniGolf
Now, as we leave the chaos of the jungle, we are going to head off-property for one of my favorite, most overlooked activities.
It's the perfect way to spend a warm Florida evening and save a little money!
We are almost at the top of the list! Coming in strong at number 2 is the often-overlooked but absolutely delightful Winter-Summer-Land MiniGolf!
This isn't just any miniature golf course; it is an entirely Christmas-themed experience and a perfect, low-cost way to spend a relaxed evening when the parks are super crowded. Crucially, Disney mini-golf is often cheaper than the off-site, tourist-trap locations.
Disney is rarely cheaper on anything, so take advantage while you can!
This mini-golf spot is located right near the Blizzard Beach Water Park. There are actually two distinct 18-hole courses—the "Winter" course and the "Summer" course—both themed around Santa's off-season summer home, where his elves vacation.
One side is covered in "snow" and icicles, and the other is decked out with beach chairs, flamingos, and holiday decorations.
I highly recommend visiting in the evening, after sunset. The course is fully lit up with holiday lights, festive music is playing over the speakers, and it just feels like you’ve been transported into a little Christmas village. I know the temptation is always to rush to the next park, but trust me, carving out time for this often-forgotten gem is totally worth it.
Just note that getting there is a pain if you don’t have a car, so be prepared to use a ride-sharing service like Uber or MiniVan.
1. The Undisputed Champion: Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
And now, we've made it!
We are at the number one spot on my list—the absolute, non-negotiable, most magical thing you must do at Walt Disney World this holiday season!
The number 1 best way to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World is the incredible, beautiful, must-see, Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses at EPCOT!
A slow-moving boat ride through a working greenhouse? Yes! But believe me, this is becoming everyone’s favorite holiday attraction, and for good reason. It is the definition of understated, unique Disney magic.
You have to ride this attraction at night, when the greenhouses are completely dark. The entire interior of the facility transforms into a mesmerizing tapestry of colorful Christmas lights.
The lights are strung not only around the structure but onto the actual plants and produce! Seeing a string of lights wrapped around a giant zucchini, or a tiny reindeer decoration tucked amongst a bed of lettuce, is just unbelievably charming and inventive.
Yes, the line gets long, sometimes up to an hour, but it moves fast! The boats are constantly loading, and I promise you, it is worth every minute of the wait.
This is my number one because of the level of attention to detail and care the Cast Members put into it. You’ll notice hidden references to EPCOT's history, clever humor in the way the lights are strung, and adorable themed decorations that are unique to each section.
It offers a warmth and uniqueness that the bigger, flashier spectacles sometimes lack.
It truly is the coziest, most unique holiday attraction Disney World has ever created. It is my favorite, and I know you’re going to love it too.
Final Holiday Planning Tips & Call to Action
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is one of the most memorable times you can visit. Remember that everything on this list—from the Jingle Cruise to the EPCOT Cookie Stroll and especially the Living with the Land overlay—is temporary. Don't wait to plan your trip and experience the magic!
Whether you are looking for Disney holiday tips or planning your perfect WDW vacation, this list is your roadmap to the best of the season.
If you enjoyed reading this article and found these Disney World holiday tips helpful, please hit that like button and consider subscribing for more Disney magic and in-depth vacation guides.
And if you want to see all these amazing sights in action and get the full experience, be sure to check out the video that inspired this entire list!
➡️ WATCH THE VIDEO: The Ultimate Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World for 2025 https://youtu.be/cimjXxW5JnA
Happy Holidays, and enjoy your magical Disney World Vacation!
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
Search for more information on my blog.
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Planning a trip? Find the Top 10 Disney World Christmas activities for 2025! We cover everything from the must-do Living with the Land greenhouses to resort tours and the best holiday planning tips for your Walt Disney World Holidays vacation.