40 magical photos of Disney parks during Christmas
- There's no better place to celebrate the most wonderful time of year than at one of the Disney theme parks.
- From fun concerts featuring your favorite Disney characters to extravagant firework displays over Cinderella's Castle, the most magical place on Earth truly comes alive during November and December.
- These photos show why during the holidays is the absolute best time of year to visit one of Disney's many theme parks.
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
It's the most wonderful time of the year at the most magical place on Earth.
Christmas at Disney is just as glittery and gorgeous as you'd think. Classic characters glide on floats during the annual parade, choirs in the shape of Christmas trees sing carols, and the famous Cinderella Castle shines in lights of every hue.
Whether you're walking around the park with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or watching the incredible fireworks displays, you can't go wrong with spending the holidays at one of the Disney parks.
Keep scrolling to see 40 of the most magical photos of the Disney theme parks at Christmas time.
There's no such thing as a Disney Christmas without "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade."
The famous parade is part of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party — a night of fireworks and stage shows at Magic Kingdom in Florida. It runs on select nights in November and December.
Of course, Mickey and Minnie make an appearance.
The parade features a series of elaborate, Christmas-themed floats that ride down Main Street, U.S.A.
Anna and Elsa from "Frozen" ride along, too — and they love the snow flurries.
Mickey's parade is complete with (faux) snow flurries to get spectators into the Christmas spirit — despite being in Florida.
Wreck-It Ralph's gingerbread float practically glows.
Everyone's favorite Disney characters participate in the holiday fun, from Goofy and Donald Duck to Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland.
But Santa is always a crowd favorite.
The parade also happens during the daytime, if you prefer to be tucked up at home come nighttime.
Mickey and his friends love walking down Main Street as confetti shoots through the air.
When the parade isn't going on, Main Street is still a festive place to be.
The streets are lined with lights, holiday decorations, and festive vendors.
Disney offers a delicious lineup of holiday food items, like this frozen eggnog.
Or this Olaf's Frozen Hot Chocolate Cake, available daily at Main Street Bakery.
Over at Epcot, there's a beautiful "Candlelight Processional" ceremony.
The annual ceremony features a celebrity narrator who retells the story of Christmas, accompanied by a choir and 50-piece orchestra.
Last year, Chris Pratt narrated the story of Christmas.
Here's the schedule for this year's list of narrators, from Neil Patrick Harris to Whoopi Goldberg.
The coolest part? The choir is positioned in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Tickets for the show are available in November and December.
Everywhere you look, there's an element that adds to the Christmas ambiance — like this horn player.
And if you can't get tickets to the Processional, the view from Spaceship Earth — Epcot's signature attraction — is just as beautiful.
Epcot's Spaceship Earth — the geometric sphere that serves as the park's landmark and premiere ride — is lit with festive colors and a Christmas tree.
Epcot also highlights various different cultures' celebrations during its "Holidays Around The World" event.
In the Mexico pavilion, la Fiesta de Navidad is brought to life through traditional dances and mariachi music. Other countries at Epcot are featured too, along with storytellers and holiday-themed entertainment unique to each nation.
For instance, under the China pavilion, the Chinese Lion Dance celebrates the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival.
There are countless special events and performances, like the "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" at Hollywood Studios.
This event features spectacular light projections, special effects, and fireworks.
The "Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks, part of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, are also a magical sight to behold.
Special performances from all of your favorite Disney characters are constantly happening.
At Hollywood Studios, audiences can sing along with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf.
"For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" is a live performance featuring "Let It Go," among other "Frozen" classics. This Hollywood Studios fixture also includes songs from Disney's new short, "Olaf's Frozen Adventure." Guests can also enjoy "Frozen" inspired desserts, fireworks, and a ride on the Frozen Ever After attraction at the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot.
At Disney Springs, each neighborhood is transformed into its own "holiday wonderland."
While there, you can stroll along the Christmas Tree Trail — featuring over 25 custom-decorated trees.
The trees are decorated according to Disney characters, films, and themes. New "Star Wars" and "Haunted Mansion" trees were added in 2018, among others.
Feel free to ogle all you want.
Every last bit of Disney Springs seems to be sprinkled with the Christmas spirit.
Even Dinosaur Gertie — Echo Lake's main resident — joins in the merriment.
Even though they're on the waterfront, Disney Springs doesn't let it stop them.
Disney Springs is the spot for shopping, entertainment, and dining at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Florida's palm trees may not be as quintessentially festive as traditional Christmas trees, so Disney turns them red and green for the holidays.
Back on Main Street, glistening wooden soldiers are on parade.
It's like a living, marching Christmas card.
Snow White and her Prince enjoy the festivities in front of a frosty Cinderella Castle.
And Mickey and Minnie lead the way.
Here, the Cinderella Castle turns bright pink to accompany Cinderella in her pumpkin-turned-carriage.
In fact, during the holidays the park's famous castle is decorated with ever-changing lights, colors, and backdrops.
Icicle-like lights adorn the castle, making it sparkle at night.
This candy cane theme is also exceptionally festive.
And this vibrant blue one, which evokes a night sky and Christmas trees.
Disney truly is magical — especially at Christmas.
- Read more:
- Can you correctly identify these 10 Disney movies from their first spoken lines?
- 25 festive places to spend the holidays around the world
- 25 jaw-dropping holiday light displays from around the world
- The 20 most festive places to spend the holidays in the US
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