Preparation for the holidays is already in high gear at Walt Disney World as The Most Magical Place On Earth gets ready to celebrate “the most wonderful time of year.” While planning and preliminaries culminate in the fall, many Cast Members spend months – sometimes a full year – getting ready to spread seasonal cheer. Here is a first look at what guests can expect as they celebrate the 2023 holiday season, which begins at Walt Disney World on November 11, 2023.
Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The long anticipated, glam holiday party Disney Jollywood Nights is almost here. This new separately ticketed event is a swanky Hollywood bash filled with merriment, music, and spirited good times. It will take place on select nights beginning November 11 to December 20.
Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also once again present Sunset Seasons Greetings nightly throughout the season. Each evening The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is magically transformed into an array of holiday scenes as snow falls along Sunset Boulevard.
(The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc.)
Fractal Frenzy: NEW Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom Park
At Magic Kingdom Park, “Frozen” friends from Arendelle are conjuring up something remarkable for the holidays. The new Frozen Holiday Surprise brings together Olaf and more than 100 of his Snowgie siblings who attempt to add festive decor to Cinderella Castle. With Anna and Kristoff at her side, Queen Elsa adds sparkling finishing touches, transforming the castle into a shimmering crystallized palace – a look that will remain throughout each evening.
Bringing this new spectacle to life is no small feat, as lighting designers, video technicians, composers, and a full orchestra worked together to create this enchanting new entertainment experience.
Debuting November 7, “Frozen Holiday Surprise” will occur nightly during the holiday season.
Families and kids of all ages can also enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Now in its 40th year, this specially ticketed event has become a holiday tradition for many. Featuring a dazzling parade, fireworks, complimentary sweet treats and so much more, it’s warm-hearted, family-friendly fun at Magic Kingdom on 25 select nights November 9-Dec. 22.
Delicious Doings: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
For an international holiday flavor, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth is the place to be. The stage is set with spectacular decor around every corner, and entertainment fills the air, from celebrity narrators reciting the Christmas story each night to time-honored traditions from countries around the world.
And no holiday celebration would be complete without tasty treats. The festival culinary team has been hard at work for nearly a year, dreaming up the menu and testing new recipes. More than 15 Holiday Kitchens will celebrate the diversity of holiday traditions with comfort foods that inspire warm memories.
Because ensuring a delicious encounter with every bite is top of mind for the team, thorough testing is imperative before massive production begins. How massive? The culinary team has historically baked more than 250,000 cookies in just five weeks for the event’s signature Holiday Cookie Stroll.
This year will bring several “firsts” to the festival. Luminous the Symphony of Us is an all-new fireworks-and-laser spectacular that will debut on December 5, 2023. And, with EPCOT being home to The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary celebration, guests will find beautiful holiday decor at the park entrance commemorating the Disney100 celebration.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins November 24.
