The holidays are a magical time of year. Most folks are in a merry mood, and the decorations, music, and activities are all geared toward glad tidings and good cheer. Goodness knows we could all use some good cheer this year! Check out my complete guide to Christmas at Disney World in 2022.
Complete Guide to Christmas at Disney World
While visiting Disney World during the Covid-19 pandemic has altered many typical experiences, there is a plethora of holiday cheer to be found in 2022. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has finally RETURNED for this holiday season!
Don’t wait to make your Disney holiday! The holiday season begins November 11, 2022, which gives you plenty of time to plan your trip. I hope my guide to Christmas at Disney World helps you and your family make the most of this magical time together!
Christmas in the Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the premiere Christmas event at Disney World, is officially sold out for 2022. However, I have heard stories of guests being able to purchase “day of” party tickets in the past. It’s worth a monorail or bus ride to the Magic Kingdom to see if you can get in!
Ticket prices range from $149 to $199 for adults, and children ages 3-9 are $10 less. Passholders and DVC members can save $10 on ticket costs.
Party ticket holders may enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 pm on the day of their party. However, the party officially begins at 7 pm and lasts until midnight.
Christmas in Epcot
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will take place November 25-December 30. Voices of Liberty will perform as well as storytellers in each country sharing the cultural traditions and stories of the holiday season. Recently announced is the line-up of the beloved Epcot Candlelight Processional! It will take place on the same dates as the Festival of the Holidays. The celebrity narrator schedule is as follows:
- Simu Liu
November 25 and 26, 2022 - Chita Rivera
November 27 through 29, 2022 - Raul Esparza
November 30 and December 1, 2022 - Whoopi Goldberg
December 2 and December 3, 2022 - Isabella Rossellini
December 4 through December 6, 2022 - Daymond John
December 7 through December 9, 2022 - Josh Gad
December 10 through December 12, 2022 - Gloria Estefan
December 13 and December 14, 2022 - Neil Patrick Harris
December 15 through December 18, 2022 - Mariska Hargitay
December 19 and December 20, 2022 - Cal Ripken Jr.
December 21 through December 23, 2022 - Marie Osmond
December 24 through December 26, 2022 - Courtney Vance
December 27 and December 28, 2022 - Angela Bassett
December 29 and December 30, 2022
Festival kitchens will allow you to sip and savor your way around the World Showcase. The Holiday Cookie Stroll will return this year, and so will the complimentary cookie for completing the stroll.
“Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition” returns to delight guests of all ages. It is similar to other hide-and-seek experiences at EPCOT. Guests purchase a map to search for Olaf and the holiday traditions he has gathered and receive a prize upon completion of their quest!
Hollywood Studios Christmas Events
Minnie will once again host a yuletide gathering for guests who dine at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios. Appearances by Minnie and friends in their holiday best will also include Santa Goofy!
Sunset Seasons Greetings will also return to Hollywood Studios. The Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel will have projection effects that transform it into a Toy Story hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and more.
Holiday Experiences at Animal Kingdom
Seasonal décor and festive character flotillas will sail down Discover River at Animal Kingdom, including Santa himself. The Tree of Life will display a holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakenings. It will also become a Beacon of Magic during most nights of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney World.
The Merry Menagerie is back with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals such as penguins, reindeer, and polar bears!
Christmas Outside the Parks
Be wary of staying busy enjoying holidays in the parks and forget to visit the resort holiday displays. Don’t make that mistake! The resorts are decorated spectacularly!
Traditionally, resort lobbies showcase elaborate gingerbread displays, and massive trees adorned with festive decor. Here’s where you can find the gingerbread displays:
- A life-size gingerbread house will be displayed in the Grand Floridian Lobby beginning November 9.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge will house a life-size baby gingerbread giraffe and baby zebra beginning November 23.
- The life-size spinning carousel made of gingerbread will be displayed at the Beach Club on November 17.
- Across the way, the Boardwalk Inn will display a mini recreation of the Boardwalk Deli beginning November 17.
- Finally, the Contemporary Hotel will display a Mary Blair-inspired Cinderella Gingerbread Castle starting November 11.
At Disney Springs, the Christmas Tree Trail will feature trees spaced throughout the property, much like in 2021. Look out for a magical snowfall in the evening hours that will be sure to delight every guest!
Holiday Character Experiences
Character hugs and up-close meet-and-greets are back this holiday season. Additionally, “pop-up” appearances continue throughout the season, as do character cavalcades that include Santa Claus.
Mickey and Minnie will be meeting guests in their holiday best at the Magic Kingdom. Special characters like Jack “Sandy Claws” Skellington and Sally only meet guests during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Additionally, Santa will be featured once again in the “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” only available during the Christmas party.
Look for Santa Claus during the day at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Guests can also see a sixty-minute performance featuring Santa in the Odyssey Pavilion in Epcot.
However you choose to spend the holidays at Disney World, there will be no shortage of festive fun!