Christmas 2025 at Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom

I know that planning a Walt Disney World holiday vacation might feel like a stretch in the heat of summer, but if Christmas in the magic is on your mind, now is absolutely the time to begin thinking it through. I’m here to help by breaking down holiday must-dos in both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

So grab a cup of hot cocoa, friends. Let’s get down to business.

What’s So Special About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

What would the Christmas season at Walt Disney World be without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

This is a separately ticketed event, meaning that your daytime park ticket won’t gain you entry. All daytime guests are ushered out in the early evening so that Magic Kingdom can transform into a holiday haven just for partygoers.

If you’re planning to attend, know that while the party officially begins at 7 PM, guests with tickets are allowed to enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 PM. While party-exclusive offerings don’t kick off until later, arriving early gives you the chance to knock out a few of those must-do attractions before the festivities begin. And trust me: once the party starts, you’ll want every minute for the party-exclusive fun.

What’s Included With the Party Ticket?

A few of the biggest perks of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025 include:

• Complimentary cookies and holiday-themed drinks (both hot and cold!) throughout the park
• Party-exclusive fireworks: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
• Twice-nightly Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (the second showing is typically easier to snag a good spot for)
• Character sightings, festive photo ops, and so much more

Pro tip: Grab a party map as soon as you enter and locate those cookie stations early. You’ll want to make the rounds (and yes, the snickerdoodle cookies are still as delicious as ever).

You’ll also want to carve out time for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration — a stage show featuring your favorite Disney characters, which runs several times throughout the night.

Can You Still Enjoy the Holidays in Magic Kingdom Without a Party Ticket?

Absolutely.

Even if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom during the day and not attending a party night, there’s still plenty of holiday cheer to soak up:

• Snap a family photo in front of the enormous Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Grab a limited-time seasonal snack (this is one of my favorite holiday traditions!)
• Visit during the week of Christmas and you’ll even get to see the Christmas parade during regular park hours, no extra ticket required.

My #1 Holiday Must-Do in Magic Kingdom

If there’s one thing I urge you not to miss, it’s the Jingle Cruise.

This seasonal overlay of Jungle Cruise transforms the attraction with festive jokes, decked-out scenes, and Skippers wearing their holiday best. It’s punny, it’s charming, and it’s a kitschy good time for the whole family.

Holiday 2025 in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom might not be the first park you think of when it comes to Christmas magic, but I promise you; it deserves a spot on your list.

Before you even make it through the turnstiles, you’ll be greeted by the park’s massive Christmas tree, decked out in earth-toned ornaments and intricate details. I always recommend taking a few extra minutes here to take it all in, and please don’t miss the chance to grab a photo with the nearby PhotoPass photographer.

What Makes Animal Kingdom’s Decorations Unique?

Everything here feels intentional and grounded in nature, from the woven textures to the animal-themed decor. The natural elements throughout the park give the holidays a distinctly earthy and peaceful vibe, and it’s honestly a refreshing contrast to the glitz and glitter of the other parks. Even the most stubborn Scrooge in your group might be won over.

Don’t Miss the Merry Menagerie

One of Animal Kingdom’s most delightful holiday offerings is the Merry Menagerie. These life-sized cold-weather animal puppets come to life in Discovery Island during the day. The adorable creatures interact with guests (kids absolutely love them), while live musicians stroll the area and add to the festive atmosphere. It’s so very light-hearted and fun.

As evening falls, look for the animal-shaped luminarias scattered around Discovery Island. They glow beautifully at dusk and add to the cozy, magical feeling of the park.

What You Need to Know

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a ticketed event with exclusive entertainment, treats, and access.
• Jingle Cruise is a can’t-miss seasonal overlay available to all Magic Kingdom guests.
• Animal Kingdom offers a more nature-inspired take on the holidays, with charming details, live music, and puppet interactions.
• You don’t have to attend a party to feel the holiday magic; daytime offerings are still special!

We’ll continue the holiday series next week with a closer look at Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios and my favorite, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays (no extra ticket needed!).