Stories and tips to get the most of your
Disney Rewards
The 2022 Ultimate Guide to the Holidays at Disney Parks
Updated March 16, 2023
Originally published November 29, 2021
If your holiday wish is to experience the merriment of Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort, use our guide to the festivities to help you plan a joyous celebration. Here’s what you need to know about important updates and key events. And as you prepare for the holidays, the New Year and all the unforgettable getaways ahead, remember to use your Disney® Visa® Credit Card to take advantage of special vacation financing on select Disney vacation packages.1
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Know Before You Go
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• Make reservations for theme parks and experiences
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Before you can have an enchanting day at the theme parks, you’ll need to book your park visits in advance via Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort’s online reservation systems. You should also plan to make reservations for restaurants, activities and any other experiences that can be scheduled ahead of time to ensure you can maximize all the holiday happenings.
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• It’s best to have a plan
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Make the most of your visit when you download the My Disney Experience app for Walt Disney World® Resort or the official Disneyland® App*. Navigate the parks, place mobile orders, manage your reservations and more.
And check out the Disney Genie service—available at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort—for tips and tricks to help plan your day in the park. Disney Genie features a dynamic itinerary creator and convenient access to planning tools all in one place.
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• Check the Experience Pages for the latest updates
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Bookmark this page for Walt Disney World® Resort and this page for the Disneyland® Resort for easy access to the latest updates, health requirements and information on theme park experiences, dining reservations, hotels, events and tours.
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Holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort
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• The World’s Most Magical Celebration
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Holiday cheer coincides with the Walt Disney World® Resort 50th Anniversary celebration. There’s plenty to revel in, including special touches throughout the theme parks and shimmering EARidescence, an original color created in honor of the Anniversary.
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• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
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Gather your loved ones for this winter tradition that’s sure to make you smile. This special event features spectacular entertainment, including Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration and the grand finale of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show. Immerse yourself in the decor, feast on festive sweets and seasonal treats, encounter Disney Characters and keep an eye out for Santa!
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• Seasonal Lights and Projections
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No one beats Disney when it comes to amazing holiday experiences, and the season just wouldn’t be complete without the classics. Take in the stunning glow of holiday projections on Cinderella Castle, The Hollywood Tower Hotel and the Tree of Life.
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• EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays
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Celebrating traditional tidings from around the world, this spirited fete returns from November 25 through December 30 with wondrous décor, joyous songs, the Candlelight Processional and flavors from 11 World Showcase nations. Don’t miss the Holiday Cookie Stroll (during which Cardmembers can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward trying delicious desserts).2
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• Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Flotillas and Merry Menagerie
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Swing by Discovery River to spot festive flotillas with live appearances from Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse, the Discovery Island Drummers and other friendly faces entertaining you as they glide past. At Discovery Island, you’ll find life-size, artisan-sculpted animal puppets during the day, as well as rooftop luminaries and bird lanterns at night.
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• Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
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This seasonal soiree hosted by Minnie Mouse features celebratory music, whimsical winter decor and popular Disney Characters dressed to impress. If you have a reservation for this delightful holiday dinner, come hungry for a delicious meal and enchanting entertainment.
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• Santa Claus Merry Motorcade on Hollywood Blvd.
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Nothing says “in the spirit” quite like a Merry Motorcade with Santa leading the charge surrounded by an entourage of elves, right? His convertible is a fun (and oh-so-Hollywood) twist on his sleigh.
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• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
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This iconic musical experience is extra spellbinding during the holidays, with a special finale featuring Olaf. You’ll be enchanted by this recounting of Anna and Elsa’s story as told by the Royal Historians of Arendelle.
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Holidays at Disneyland® Resort
• Disney Festival of Holidays
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Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings’ Day are traditions to be treasured during this celebration at Disney California Adventure® Park that’s filled with multicultural music, food and fun. Stop by the Festive Foods Marketplace to try dishes from around the world. Cardmembers, redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward the purchase of a Sip and Savor Pass, which lets you sample eight delicious foods and non-alcoholic beverages (restrictions apply). If you’re feeling generous, you can share your pass with a friend or even use it in multiple visits if you plan to stop by again!2
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• World of Color – Season of Light
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Hundreds of towering water fountains dance to dazzling colors and lights in this returning nighttime spectacular. Watch iconic moments from Disney and Pixar films illuminate a wall of mist, accompanied by a medley of beloved music, from festive favorites to movie tunes you know by heart. A flurry of shimmering snowflakes brings enchantment to this winter wonderland on the water!
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• Special Attraction Overlays
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During the holidays, from November 11, 2022 to January 8, 2023, it’s the perfect time of year to see some favorite attractions in a new light. Some of the most popular attractions are getting their annual merry makeovers—such as Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, presented by Alamo®.
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• Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
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Dazzling décor, colorful papel picados, piñatas and a flurry of festive accents mark this celebration, not to mention authentic international flavors and music, too!
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• A Christmas Fantasy Parade
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With Christmas-themed floats and a catchy soundtrack, this beloved parade down Main Street, U.S.A.,® brings out many favorite Characters, including Mickey Mouse and friends, Anna and Elsa, and many, many more.
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• “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular
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A kaleidoscope of colors, this pyrotechnical display at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle has been a festive favorite for more than 20 years and entices attendees with its brilliant displays and merry music.
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• Seasonal Lights and Projections
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Picture this: Snow falling, lights twinkling, icicles glowing and jubilant music filling the air—it’s all part of the seasonal transformation at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle in Disneyland® Park. And don’t forget the Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting in Disney California Adventure® Park, with the 50-foot tree in all its sparkling glory.
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Holidays Outside the Parks
• Disneyland® Resort and Disney Resort Hotels
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Stay in the magic at a Disney Resort hotel and you’ll not only get to enter the theme parks 30 minutes early every day, but you’ll also experience glitzy decor, festive displays and seasonal menu items. Wondering where to begin? Start by reading our Disney Rewards Dining Perks Guide to map out select dining locations where you can save 10% most days by using your Disney Visa Card.34
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• Disney Springs®
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The spirit of the season is on full display at Disney Springs®, and it’s the perfect complement to your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation. Explore wonderful gifts, sparkling decorations, delicious foods and enchanting entertainment. And make sure to visit the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll to admire the artfully adorned trees.
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• Downtown Disney® District
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Magical merriment is a part of the shopping, dining and entertainment experience in the Downtown Disney® District! Here you’ll find holiday treats, spirited swag, live entertainment and carolers. It’s a fantastic place to find some gifts during your vacation at the Disneyland® Resort.
We’re wishing you and all your loved ones a wonderful winter ahead. If your holiday plans include shopping, remember that you can save 10% on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more when you use your Disney Visa Card at select stores around Walt Disney World® Resort and the Disneyland® Resort.35
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