The countdown to Christmas at Walt Disney World has officially begun. Disney has shared its first major holiday announcements for 2026, confirming the return of fan-favorite entertainment, seasonal experiences, festive decorations, and limited-time travel offers across the resort.
Running from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, this year's celebration will once again extend from the theme parks to Disney Springs and the Disney Resorts Collection.
Holiday Magic Takes Over Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom will once again serve as the heart of Disney World's Christmas season.
Guests can look forward to the return of Frozen Holiday Surprise, the nighttime castle show that brings Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and dozens of snowgies to Cinderella Castle. The experience ends with Elsa creating a dazzling frozen transformation of the castle.
Disney also confirmed that Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will continue running on non-party evenings throughout the season. On nights when Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place, guests can instead enjoy Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Seasonal decorations will return throughout the park, including Main Street, U.S.A., while Jingle Cruise once again adds holiday humor and festive details to the classic adventure.
Select nights will also feature Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, bringing exclusive entertainment, treats, and holiday-themed experiences to guests.
EPCOT's Global Holiday Celebration Returns
The festivities continue at EPCOT, where the International Festival of the Holidays returns from November 27 through December 30.
Included with regular park admission, the event showcases holiday traditions from around the world while offering seasonal entertainment and specialty food and beverage selections.
Disney has not yet revealed the full culinary lineup, but guests can expect festive flavors and holiday kitchens throughout the park.
The combination of food, entertainment, and cultural traditions continues to make this one of EPCOT's signature seasonal events.
Hollywood Studios Brings Back Seasonal Entertainment
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests will once again find plenty of holiday offerings.
Sunset Seasons Greetings returns to light up the Hollywood Tower Hotel with projection effects inspired by Disney stories and seasonal settings.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will also receive its holiday enhancements, featuring seasonal songs and a special appearance by Olaf.
Toy Story Land will receive festive decorations once again, while Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear greet guests in holiday attire.
The seasonal lineup also includes Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine and a holiday-themed exhibit at Walt Disney Presents featuring props, artifacts, and classic Disney holiday shorts.
Animal Kingdom Celebrates the Season Its Own Way
Animal Kingdom's holiday offerings continue to stand out from the rest of Walt Disney World.
Merry Menagerie returns to Discovery Island with handcrafted animal puppets that create memorable interactions throughout the day.
The Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition will once again illuminate the park icon each evening with colorful projections and seasonal storytelling.
Guests can also meet Mickey and Minnie in festive explorer outfits at Adventurers Outpost. At the same time, artist Rob Kaz will make appearances at Island Mercantile during the first three weeks of November.
Disney Springs and Resort Hotels Get Festive
Holiday fun extends well beyond the parks.
Disney Springs will welcome back the Christmas Tree Stroll, featuring themed trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars favorites, including the returning Toy Story display.
Visitors can also enjoy snowfall in Town Center, seasonal entertainment, Santa Claus visits through December 24, and holiday-themed offerings at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.
At Disney Resort hotels, guests will find seasonal decorations, themed displays, holiday music, and specialty menu items. Disney says resorts across the property will once again offer their own festive touches throughout the season.
Discounts Available for Holiday Travelers
Disney also unveiled several promotions for guests planning holiday vacations.
Eligible Disney+ subscribers enrolled in Disney+ Perks can receive a free Park Hopper add-on and save up to 25% on select vacation packages.
Additional discounts include savings of up to 20% on select resort rooms, up to 25% for Florida residents during eligible dates, and up to 30% for Annual Passholders on qualifying stays through December 24.
Reservations for these offers open June 25.
Nearly Two Months of Holiday Fun
Disney World is once again going all out for Christmas in 2026.
Whether guests are attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, exploring holiday traditions at EPCOT, watching festive entertainment at Hollywood Studios, meeting winter animals at Animal Kingdom, or shopping at Disney Springs, the entire resort will be wrapped in holiday spirit for nearly two months.
