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Photo by Making Magic Vibes

The Christmas season at Walt Disney World is a very special treat. There are so many magical ways to celebrate the season from the carolers to Christmas trees and Disney characters looking spiffy in their best holiday outfits. There’s also special ticketed events like Mickey’s Very Special Christmas Party and Hollywood Studio’s Jollywood Nights that offers guests special access to an exclusive after hours party. If you don’t want to shell more money for special holiday parties though, there are still lots of fun things to do within Disney World and resorts included in your theme park ticket. Below are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the magic of Christmas at the happiest place on earth.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

At the Magic Kingdom the pumpkins of Halloween are turned into Christmas wreaths overnight. Walking down Main Street feels like you’ve jumped into a giant snow globe when the “snowfall” begins to fall. The Frozen Holiday Surprise Stage Show runs nightly at Cinderella’s Castle and expect lots of seasonal treats throughout the park.

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Even some of the attractions get a holiday makeover before Santa comes to town. The Pirates of the Caribbean changes its comedic shtick into the “Jingle Cruise” where the boat skippers take you through a very festive jungle cruise.

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Over at Disney Springs there is so much more than just shopping and dining. You can meet Santa and grab a photo at Santa’s Marketplace through a virtual queue accessible through the My Disney Experience app. You can also have Breakfast with Santa over at Maria & Enzo’s from December 14th – 24th. Cap off the day with the Christmas Tree Stroll that are beautifully trimmed throughout Disney Springs. Stop by the City Works Eatery, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea or the LEGO Store for a free map book of the Christmas Tree Stroll locations with stickers for the kids. The themes celebrate everything Disney and is a fun way to enjoy the holiday feels from November 8th to December 30th.

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Let’s not forget about the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays from November 29th to December 30th. First there’s the Candlelight Processional with a long list of celebrity narrators who come to Epcot to share the story of Christmas alongside a full choir and orchestra.

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The Holiday Cookie Stroll is another fan favorite at Epcot. You can grab a Festival Passport from a couple of different spots around the park. Purchase a cookie from various Festival booths for $3 (or $3.99 at Sunshine Seasons and Connections Cafe). Grab a stamp in your passport for each cookie you buy and once you hit 5 stamps, head over to Holiday Sweets & Treats to claim a prize! And yes you can repeat cookies and you don’t have to buy all the cookies in your stroll in one day.

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If you are looking to get out of the parks, the Disney World Resorts are also beautifully decorated. The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has an unbelievable selection of Gingerbread Houses big and small. The Wilderness Lodge Resort is the perfect place to get cozy in front of a fire under their enormous Christmas tree. Expect lots of hot cocoa bars and maybe some character meet and greets in festive attire.

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BONUS TIP: Did you know that there are 3 days you can see the Christmas Parade at the Magic Kingdom without a ticket to Mickey’s Very special Christmas Party? Those dates are November 10th (filming for the Christmas special), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash