Magic Kingdom is stepping into the holiday season with a few exciting changes and festive surprises.
As the park prepares for The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration filming, the Festival of Fantasy Parade will take a short break on November 8 and 9, 2025. In its place, guests will see a special daytime performance of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade on November 8—a rare treat usually reserved for those attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
The Christmastime Parade brings favorite Disney friends like Elsa, marching toy soldiers, gingerbread men, and of course, Santa Claus himself. This special daytime appearance coincides with the start of Disney’s Christmas season, offering daytime guests a chance to experience the magic without the need for a party ticket.
Kicking off on November 7 and continuing through December 21, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party invites guests to step into a holiday celebration filled with cookies, cocoa, and snow drifting down Main Street, U.S.A. The after-hours event includes festive overlays on attractions such as Space Mountain–Holiday Run and Jingle Cruise, plus Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks lighting up the night sky.
As Disney transitions from autumn to winter festivities, the first weekend of November will be filled with music, lights, and cheerful energy. Guests planning a visit during this time may experience higher-than-usual crowds due to the holiday filming, but they’ll also witness Magic Kingdom’s transformation into a Christmas dreamscape.
According to Disney: “Wave to Elsa and other beloved Disney pals as they float by in this yuletide parade. Delight in an entertaining display chock-full of good cheer. Snap memorable photos of dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and beloved Disney Characters as they float by, waving hello. There’s even a special appearance by Santa Claus—riding in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”
With the first flakes of holiday magic drifting down, Magic Kingdom’s Christmas season has officially arrived.
