1. The Early Bird Gets the Christmas Spirit
At Disney World, the holiday spirit kicks off early, ensuring that guests can enjoy the magic of Christmas for an extended period. The transformation typically begins in late September to early October, with decorations appearing first in select areas to delight the early visitors and set the festive tone.
Preparation Timeline:
- End of September - Early October: Parks and Resorts start installing decor frames.
- Mid-October: Trees, wreaths, and garlands are put up around the properties.
2. A Collaborative Effort
The installation of Christmas decorations at Disney World is an incredible feat that requires an immense amount of planning and coordination:
- Hundreds of team members work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every detail is perfect.
- Disney Imagineers design unique elements each year, blending tradition with innovation.
3. Special Shows and Parades
The holiday season isn’t just about decorations; it’s also about the exclusive shows and parades. Here’s a peek into what happens:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off in early November, filling the Magic Kingdom with festive cheer, unique entertainment, and special fireworks.
- Special shows like Candlelight Processional at Epcot begin in late November, featuring celebrity narrators recounting the Christmas story.
- The Jingle Bell Jingle BAM show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starts in early December, offering a dynamic, musical spectacular.
4. Iconic Landmarks and Decorations
Disney World is home to some of the most iconic Christmas decorations:
| Landmark | Description | When Decorated |
|---|---|---|
| Cinderella Castle | Transforms into a vision of ice, snow, and lights. | Early November |
| Epcot’s Holiday Trees | Each country in the World Showcase has its own themed Christmas tree. | Mid-November |
| Hollywood Tower Hotel | Featuring wreaths, garlands, and special projections. | Early December |
| Main Street, USA | Adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, garlands, and wreaths. | Early November |
✨ Note: The exact decoration of Cinderella Castle involves thousands of individual lights and reflective materials to create a shimmering effect.
5. The Grand Reveal
The culmination of all this effort comes with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Cinderella Castle, usually around mid-November:
- This event marks the official beginning of the holiday season at Disney World.
- Guests are treated to a magical moment as the tree lights up, often accompanied by fireworks and music.
In the spirit of holiday magic, Disney World in 2019 went above and beyond to create an unforgettable Christmas experience. From the earliest signs of Christmas in September to the grand reveal in November, the park’s transformation into a winter wonderland is both a testament to Disney’s dedication to detail and a source of joy for countless visitors. The blend of festive decorations, special events, and the iconic landmarks draped in holiday splendor creates an atmosphere where the wonder of Christmas is palpable, making every guest feel like they’re part of a fairy tale.
When does Disney World start decorating for Christmas?
+
Disney World usually begins its Christmas decorations in late September to early October, allowing guests an extended period to enjoy the holiday magic.
What are some of the special events during Disney World’s Christmas season?
+
Some special events include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and the Jingle Bell Jingle BAM show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
When is the grand reveal of Cinderella Castle’s Christmas decorations?
+
The grand reveal of Cinderella Castle’s Christmas decorations usually takes place in mid-November, highlighted by a tree lighting event with fireworks and music.
