It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Well, almost! Since we’re already halfway to the holiday season, it’s time to start planning for all the merry festivities taking place in the Disney Parks. 

While we’re happy to see more and more normalcy at the parks, this year’s lineup of holiday celebrations is just a bit different than before…


Magic Kingdom

While Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will not be happening this year, Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours Event offers a very similar experience! Taking place select nights after park closing from November 8th through December 21st, Very Merriest After Hours includes Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, holiday attraction overlays, snowfall on Main Street, themed music and décor, Disney characters around the park, holiday treats included, and more. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each After Hours event, offering low attraction wait times for your Magic Kingdom favorites.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021
FIREWORKS BONUS: Very Merriest After Hours guests will be able to enjoy both Disney Enchantment (the all-new 50th-anniversary Magic Kingdom spectacular) AND Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks – two unique shows in one night!

Very Merriest After Hours will take place select nights between November 8th through December 21st, from 9PM to 1AM. Ticketholders can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 7PM. Tickets go on sale on August 20th, while select Walt Disney World resort hotel guests may purchase tickets as early as August 17th. Prices range from $169-$229 per person; Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can save $10 per ticket on select November dates. (Note: After Hours tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Theme Park Reservation.)

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

And beginning November 12th, 2020’s holiday-themed projections will appear most nights on Cinderella Castle, alternating with the 50th anniversary’s Beacons of Magic transformation (Walt Disney World. 50th Anniversary Celebration Details HERE).

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Hollywood Studios

Returning this year at Hollywood Studios is the Sunset Seasons Greetings on Sunset Boulevard with a focus on the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel.  Sunset Boulevard will twinkle while projections transform the hotel into a snowy corner of Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”. The Beacon of Magic show will alternate with the holiday show.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Santa Claus is also coming to visit Hollywood land with a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will be adding the festive finale featuring Olaf.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Over at Hollywood & Vine enjoy a traditional holiday meal with Minnie Mouse and friends in their Holiday best, even Santa Goofy will be making an appearance.

Epcot

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays returns from November 26-December 30.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Our favorite Cookie Stroll returns with the Holiday Kitchens.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

The Voices of Liberty will be performing. Unfortunately, there is no news on the return of the Candlelight Processional.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Animal Kingdom

Not to be missed, Animal Kingdom will be festive with the return of holiday decor and the flotillas cruising around Discovery Island.

Mickey, Minnie and Pluto holiday flotilla at Animal Kingdom

The Tree of Life will feature the holiday version of the Tree of Life Awakenings along with the Beacon of Magic most nights.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Disney Resort Hotels

Possibly what I am most excited about is the return of the gingerbread displays at select Disney resorts. You will also be able to find restaurants offering holiday menus as well as specialty food and drinks.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Disney Springs

The holidays will be tree-rific with the return of the Christmas Tree Stroll. This year some new additions will be inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail tree representing all 4 Disney theme parks.

In addition to shopping for all your holiday needs, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar again transforms for the holidays including a limited-time menu., Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

To celebrate halfway to the holidays, Joffery’s Coffe at the Landing location is serving up some festive drinks. Pick up some jolly java, Peppermint Mocha Latte, or add a special Halfway to the Holidays themed ripple print to select beverages now through July 18.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

And that’s just at Walt Disney World. Disney is teasing details for holiday plans at other parks as well…


Disneyland Holidays

Haunted Mansion Holiday is returning for its 20th season and with that is the return of the gingerbread house in the mansion’s Grand Hall. In celebration, this year’s gingerbread house will include a touch of all the previous houses.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Adding to the celebration is a new merchandise collection debuting September 27 featuring the Haunted Mansion Holiday anniversary.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

Celebrate halfway to the holidays now through July 18 stop by Black Tap Craft & Beer for a Peppermint Classic shake.

French Market and Harbour Galley at Disneyland are offering this Jack Skellington sipper NOW through July 18th.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

That’s all Disneyland has announced so far, but we expect the full holiday decorations in both parks and likely the return of holiday parade and fireworks as well (stay tuned for more).  

Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Cruiseline fleet will be decked out for the holidays from early November through December. The Very Merrytime Cruises will feature holiday decor in the atrium with garlands and shimmering lights.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021
Kent Phillips, photographer

A holiday cruise wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus, and some of your favorite characters in their holiday best.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021
Matt Stroshane, photographer

Castaway Cay will be celebrating the holidays as well with a holiday tree and tropical-themed decorations.

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021
Kent Phillips, photographer

Holiday Merchandise

Let’s take a look at some of the merchandise that will be available for the holidays. It wouldn’t be the holidays if you couldn’t pick up an ornament for your tree. Here are some of the new sketchbook Ornaments that will soon be available. , Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a new set of ears, Loungelfy and Spirit Jersey., Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021
Disneyland will have its own version of this Spirit Jersey.

The Holidays Begin HERE

If you want to visit any of these Disney things, our partners at Get Away Today have worked tirelessly to create the BEST theme park and hotel deals for our readers. You can purchase theme park tickets (that are good through 2022!) HERE and book a hotel/ticket package for your family vacation HERE!

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021

There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including up to 25% off at select rooms at both Disneyland & Walt Disney World, DISCOUNT THEME PARK TICKETS, and more: More details and to get a quote (HERE)


Let’s Hear From You

That’s a lot of holiday happenings, but it’s also just the first wave of announcements. We are expecting to hear a lot more as the holidays approach. Will you be spending the holidays at one of the Disney resorts?

, Magical Details: The Holidays Return to the Disney Parks in 2021
Believe in Holiday Magic

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