The Summer Solstice took place just a couple of days ago, but we’re already looking forward to the winter holiday season at the Disney Parks. Today kicks off the start of Halfway to the Holidays at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and more information has been announced about what’s coming to Disney Parks around the globe this winter. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead for the jolly season…
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This year is the return of a full-scale holiday party, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,” at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Last year was a pared-down event (that still cost quite a bit for what it was), but this year will bring back the festivities. We’re glad to see that the event will be back to its former self.
There will be 24 party nights spanning from November 8 through December 22, and it will be a separately ticketed event. Tickets will become available for purchase starting June 30. We imagine that this event will be popular, so if this is something you’re interested in, make sure to start planning now!
We think the return of holiday parties at Magic Kingdom is a beneficial thing, we do find it interesting to see that no parties have been announced for the original Magic Kingdom, Disneyland. Last year was an inaugural occasion where there was a special holiday party, Disneyland Merriest Nites, where there were characters and special foods at a separately ticketed event. It should be noted that all the nights sold out. However, the party was met with an array of mixed reviews. We’re interested to see if the Disneyland Merriest Nites will be announced closer to the holiday season or if it has been scrapped altogether.
Before moving on, there’s one more bit of WDW holiday news. The resort’s newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, will be getting a special holiday audio overlay. This track will be a mash-up of seasonal jams that result in an “awesome holiday single, set to bring joy to Xandar and Terra.” We absolutely love the new attraction and we can’t wait to see how the new music goes.
Disneyland Nighttime Entertainment
There are two holiday nighttime entertainment staples returning this winter to the Disneyland Resort. At Disneyland, guests will be delighted with the fan-favorite firework show “Believe… In Holiday Magic” which showcases a display of brilliant pyrotechnics and heartwarming carols.
At Disney California Adventure, with the World of Color fountains now working again, the festive show “World of Color – Season of Light” will be coming this holiday season. It’s been several years since this show has played at DCA, it’s last run was the 2019 holiday season. We’re looking forward to seeing this show again. We hope that there have been some updates to the show as a whole, but we’re keeping a realistic outlook that it will likely be unchanged since its last run.
Something that was not included in Disney’s announcement of holiday entertainment was the longstanding A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Although Disney focused mostly on nighttime entertainment in their holiday announcement, A Christmas Fantasy often has one daytime performance and one evening performance. This is a classic parade, but one that is in need of some reimagining. We really hope that there’s something new on the horizon in terms of a holiday parade at Disneyland.
Something that was announced and it’s considered nighttime entertainment by any means was the return of the 7-foot gingerbread house at the Grand Californian Hotel. And the additional confirmation that the resort’s hotels and theme parks will be decked out in holiday décor.
International Disney Parks Holiday
The domestic Disney Parks aren’t the only ones with a festive holiday season lined up. Here’s a quick look at the international Disney Parks holidays.
Disneyland Paris
The magic of the holidays comes to life with Disneyland Paris’ Disney Enchanted Christmas. Their holiday season is set to run from November 12, 2022, through January 8, 2023. Some of the highlights from their holiday season include Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade and the musical show Let’s Sing Christmas at Videopolois in Discoveryland. And of course, there will be seasonal food and merchandise perfect for every parkgoer.
At the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, their holiday season, A Disney Christmas, is set to run from November 2022 to early January 2023. There will be an assortment of Disney characters, magical snowfall, and plenty of festivities to go around. Duffy & Friends will be thrilled to welcome guests into their all-new “Duffy & Friends Winter Wonderland” at Fantasy Garden.
Finally, Tokyo Disney Resort, has their holiday season “Disney Christmas” at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea set to run from November 8 through December 25, 2022. Nothing else has been announced for the holidays at this resort, but we’re sure that more will be coming closer to the start of the holidays.
Holiday Merchandise
Disney also revealed some merry merchandise that guests can look forward to this coming Holiday Time.
Come November, it will finally be long-sleeve weather and that Spirit Jersey purchase will seem more justified. And beyond temperature-related reasons, the seasonal designers are darling! We see here a Pixar film-themed Spirit Jersey joined by a style Disney calls “Mickey Mouse Vintage Christmas.”
And pair of Spirit Jerseys have matching Ear Headbands (sold separately). The Mickey Mouse Vintage Christmas one does indeed call to mind old-timey holiday decorations with the white pompoms and glittery accents. And the Pixar Ear Headband utilizes Toy Story character “ornaments” for the headband’s “ears” with a fittingly colorful bow.
This Loungefly Mini Backpack, which is also part of the Mickey Mouse Vintage Christmas Collection, also leans on the sparkly aspect often seen on retro Christmas decor.
A special thanks to Natalie Kipper with writing the merchandise segment of this article.
Disney Theme Park Ticket & Travel Deals
It’s time to give the family something to look forward to. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you plan a future theme park vacation. There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including 25% off select rooms at Walt Disney World & Disneyland, ticket deals to Disney and Universal theme parks, and special vacation package deals: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
Let’s Hear From You
Are you looking forward to this year’s holiday season at your favorite Disney Park? Is there something you’re still awaiting confirmation for this year? Will you be attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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