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Writer's pictureLaura Slinger

Orlando at Christmas!



Every Christmas in Orlando, each world-famous theme park dawns thousands of twinkle lights and garlands for the world to see. The holiday cheer bursts out of Orlando so much so, even the Grinch's out there will be singing "fa-la-la-la" all the way out of the parks. This holiday season in Orlando whether you want to sing along at the candlelight processional or moan along with the Grinch, there is something for everyone in Orlando at Christmas.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

One of the most popular events in Orlando at Christmas has to be Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party as the Magic Kingdom Park plays host to a holiday party like no other. At an extra price of admission, guests can witness the snow falling over Main Street USA, live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and a special holiday parade with Mickey and Santa. Get cosy with complimentary Christmas cookies and hot chocolate whilst admiring the Cinderella castle glisten with shimmering icicles.

Dates: November 7th, 2016 - December 22nd, 2016

Location: Magic Kingdom

Time: 7pm - 12am on select nights

Admission: Ages 3 - 9: $81-$94; Ages 10 and up: $86-$99

Best Suited For: Families with young kids

Website: here


Disney Parks Parade Taping

Every year down Main Street USA, the cameras come out and the whole country tunes in to watch Mickey and friends make their way down on parade floats. For 2016 however the Parade taping will run a tad differently, instead of a parade there will be a stage show performance at each park that will be filmed. The actual parade will instead be filmed at Disneyland in California. They will air on ABC and Disney Channel throughout December.

Dates: November 9th, 2016 - November 13th, 2016

Location: All four parks

Time: Regular park hours

Admission: No extra admission required

Best suited for: All ages


A Frozen Holiday Wish

What used to be 'Cinderella's Holiday Wish' show is now 'A Frozen Holiday Wish' with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf. However a name change isn't the only difference, they have also added the use of projection mapping technology which is also used for 'Celebrate the Magic'. It takes place in front of the castle where Queen Elsa uses her ice powers to transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace.

Dates: November 2nd, 2016 - December 31st, 2016

Location: Magic Kingdom

Time: 6:15pm & 7:30pm (8:20pm on MVMCP nights)

Admission: No extra admission required

Best suited for: Families with young children


Jingle Cruise

If you weren't a fan of the pun-filled boat ride before, prepare for a new storyline, just for the holidays. There will be all new jokes, new holiday-themed names for the boats and even a holiday-themed radio broadcast to listen to in the background.


Meet Santa Claus

You can get the chance to meet Santa in Magic Kingdom at the Tour Guide Gardens next to City Hall on December 24th. Throughout the Christmas period you can see Santa during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, at Disney Springs, Epcot and many resort lobbies.


Holidays Around the World

One of the highlights about taking a trip to Walt Disney World is the unbeatable food they have to offer, during the holiday period you have the opportunity to experience unique traditions and food from all over the world at Epcot. At the Germany pavilion you can try artisan cheese plates, holiday fruit cake, alcoholic apple and black current apple ciders and not to be missed is the Caramel Kiss made with Werther's Caramel or the signature Gluhwein. If you are looking for a more traditional holiday experience be sure to stop by the American Adventure Pavilion where guests can try a traditional American holiday dinner. From slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce to seared pork tenderloin with roasted potatoes that can be washed down with a drink of Eggnog. These are just examples of what some of the pavilions have to offer during Christmas time, but in order to really know what's on offer you'll have to go and experience it all for yourself!

Pavillions

  • Canada - Musical Tour: 12:25 pm, 1:20 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:10 pm, 4:25 pm, 6:00 pm

  • France - Pere Noel: 11:20 am, 11:55 am, 12:30 pm, 1:20 pm, 2:10 pm, 3:40 pm, 4:25 pm, 5:40 pm

  • China - Lion Dance: 10:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:40 pm

  • Germany - Helga's Christmas Stories: 1:40 pm, 2:40 pm, 3:40 pm, 4:40 pm, 5:25 pm, 6:35 pm, 7:35 pm, 8:30 pm

  • Italy - La Befana: 1:40 pm, 2:35 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:25 pm, 5:45 pm, 6:25 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm

  • Japan - Daruma Doll: 12:00 pm, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:15 pm, 6:10 pm, 6:45 pm

  • Mexico - Fiesta de Navidad - 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm

  • Morocco - The Spice of Life: 12:45 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:50 pm, 3:25 pm, 5:15 pm, 6:10 pm, 7:25 pm

  • Norway - Story of Julenissen: 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45 pm, 5:45 pm

  • United Kingdom - Father Christmas video: 1:05 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:55 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:40 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm

Fountain Stage

  • JOYFUL!: 1:25 pm, 2:25 pm, 3:25 pm, 4:25 pm, 5:45 pm

  • American Music Machine: 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm

Dates: November 25th, 2016 - December 30th, 2016

Location: Epcot

Time: Regular park hours

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: Families with young kids, young couples

Website: here


Candlelight Processional

Each year Epcot hosts the Candlelight Processional, a retelling of the story of Christmas by a celebrity narrator with a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.

  • 11/25-27 – Steven Curtis Chapman

  • 11/28-12/1 – Neil Patrick Harris

  • 12/2-12/3 – Whoopi Goldberg

  • 12/4-12/6 – Edward James Olmos

  • 12/7-12/9 – TBA

  • 12/10-12/12 – Robby Benson

  • 12/13-12/15 – Meredith Vieira

  • 12/16-12/18 – Jim Caviezel

  • 12/19-12/21 – Joe Morton

  • 12/22-12/27 – Ming-Na Wen

  • 12/28-12/30 – Cal Ripken, Jr

Dates: November 25th, 2016 - December 30th, 2016

Location: America Gardens Theatre, Epcot

Time: 5 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 pm

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: Families with young kids

Website: here


Holiday Storytellers

The purpose of Epcot is to learn about countries from all around the world, and that includes their holiday traditions. Each country has it's own theme for the holiday season with storytellers that enlighten guests with tales about their heritage. It is a unique and fascinating way to learn about the many cultures around the world.

  • Santa and Mrs. Claus (1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30pm)

  • Hanukkah (12:15, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15, 4:00, 4:45pm)

  • Kwanzaa (12:00, 12:45, 1:30, 2:15, 3:00, 3:45, 4:30pm)

  • Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers (11:45am, 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45, 3:30, 4:15pm)

Dates: November 28th, 2016 - December 30th, 2016

Location: The America Adventure, Epcot

Time: 11:45 am - 7:30 pm

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: Families with young kids

Website: here


IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

The mind-blowing IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks at Epcot only gets better during the holiday season. It is enhanced for the Christmas period with an additional special Peace on Earth holiday ending.

Dates: November 25th, 2016 - December 30th, 2016

Location: World Showcase Lagoon, Epcot

Time: 9:30 pm (10:30pm between the 24th to the 30th of December)

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: All guests

Website: here


DAK the Halls

You can help DAK the Halls at Disney's Animal Kingdom and view the special animal themed tree that is displayed outside of the entrance. You can also see Mickey and Minnie in their holidays outfits at Adventurer's Outpost for a holiday themed photo op. Another big change for 2016 will be that Animal Kingdom will be open nightly during the Christmas season for the first time ever!

Dates: November 25th, 2016 - December 30th, 2016

Location: Animal Kingdom

Time: During opening hours

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: All guests

Website: here


Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM Holiday Nighttime Spectacular

You may think it would be a dark time to visit Hollywood Studios in 2016 during Christmas as it's the first holiday season since the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights has been retired. However Disney have tried to make up for it by adding Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM to the lineup. The new show will be presented at the Chinese Theater with new projection technology along with special effects, snow, fireworks and a seasonal musical score.

Dates: November 14th, 2016 - December 31st, 2016

Location: Grauman's chinese Theater, Hollywood Studios

Time: TBA

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: All guests

Website: here


Minnie's Holiday Dine

Minnie Mouse will be hosting a festive holiday dinner along with Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy! Hollywood & Vine will be decked out with holiday decor, food, music and activities. Prices are $46.99 for adults and $27.99 for children and reservations can be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Dates: November 7th, 2016 - January 6th, 2017

Location: Hollywood & Vine, Hollywood Studios

Time: Park opening hours

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: Families with kids

Website: here


Grinchmas

During the holiday season, Suess Landing transforms into the world of Grinchmas. Dr Suess fans of all ages can enjoy the festive storybook decor and a meet-and-greet with the Grinch himself!

Dates: December 3rd, 2016 - January 1st, 2017

Location: Suess Landing, Islands of Adventure

Time: Park opening hours

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: Families with kids

Website: here


Macy's Holiday Parade

Watch the streets of Universal Studios come alive with Minions, floats and balloons straight from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in Universal's very own Macy's Holiday Parade.

Dates: December 3rd, 2016 - January 1st, 2017

Location: Universal Studios

Time: Park opening hours

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: All guests

Website: here


SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

During the holiday season SeaWorld Orlando is also getting in on the Christmas celebrations. Guests can experience fun-filled holidays with special shows and attractions including Shamu Christmas Miracles, Winter Wonderland on Ice and the Polar Express Experience.

Dates: November 19th, 2016 - December 31st, 2016

Location: SeaWorld Orlando

Time: Park opening hours

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: All guests

Website: here


Christmas Bricktacular

Legoland is hosting the holiday season with their Christmas Bricktacular event held throughout select dates in December. There will be sights such as a 270,000 brick Christmas tree and festive decorations as well as daily appearances by Santa Claus.

Dates: December 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th - 30th, 2016

Location: Legoland Florida

Time: Park opening hours

Admission: Included with park admission

Best Suited For: Families with kids

Website: here


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