All the details on Christmas and the holidays at Walt Disney World in 2023

It’s halfway to the holidays, so Disney has dropped all the details on what’s happening for Christmas and the winter holidays at Walt Disney World.

Also new is “Frozen Holiday Surprise” at Magic Kingdom. For the first time in forever, guests will be able to join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle. This brand new “Frozen”–inspired entertainment experience will illuminate the castle in a whole new way. We have confirmed with Disney that there will not be any physical lights on the castle. It will all be projections. The show can be seen during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

On 25 select nights, Nov. 9-Dec. 22, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will welcome guests at Magic Kingdom theme park. Festive favorites return like the stage show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks”, and “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”

Guests can also look forward to enjoying some of their favorite attractions, including the new Tron Lightcycle / Run, which will use a virtual queue during the event. 

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and can be purchased online beginning July 6, 2023. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can begin purchasing tickets as early as June 29, 2023 on DisneyWorld.com.  Ticket prices will range from $159-$199 per adult and $149-$189 per child, ages 3-9. 

Party dates are Nov. 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30, and Dec. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Besides the Jollywood Nights extra-ticket event, Hollywood Studios will once again present Sunset Seasons Greetings as projection effects magically transform the park icon into an array of holiday scenes as snow falls along Sunset Boulevard. In Toy Story Land, guests can spot Woody, Jessie and Buzz sporting their holiday best. Guests can see Minnie Mouse and her pals during an oh-so-merry meal at Hollywood & Vine restaurant.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Amidst holiday decor, a Merry Menagerie of winter animals returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the form of artisan-sculpted puppets. Guests can also experience the Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition, and meet Mickey and Minnie in their Holiday attire.

Magic Kingdom

Besides Mickey’s Very Merry Party and lots of decorations, the Jungle Cruise will undergo a yuletide transformation. It’s a festive-yet-familiar adventure from stem to stern, the Jingle Cruise!

Epcot

Epcot will celebrate with the return of Candlelight Processional as part of the International Festival of the Holidays Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, 2023. Other traditions including storytellers from around the world, joyful musical acts, and Holiday Kitchens return to World Showcase for the festival. Guests can also meet Santa Claus at the Odyssey Pavilion in his snow-covered sleigh Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, 2023. Living With the Land’s greenhouses will also be Merry and Bright with holiday lights.

Disney Springs

Shoppers can enjoying decor and live entertainment, and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll invites guests to discover 20 Christmas trees on display throughout the dining, entertainment and retail complex. Visitors can also be on the lookout for snowfall each evening in the Town Center. Decked out for the season, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar offers festive décor and holiday-inspired menu items.

Meet Santa

Guests can say hello to Santa Claus as he makes special appearances in all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and even at Blizzard Beach water park, where you’ll find him dressed in his tropical holiday beachwear.