Celebrate the holidays at Disney
Holiday events at other Disney Destinations
While I’ve spent the most holiday time at Walt Disney World in Florida, I want to make sure you know about all the other amazing ways you can celebrate the holidays at other Disney Destinations. I am personally a huge fan of gifting experiences over “stuff” and what better experience is there than a magical vacation? You spend quality time together, escape the hustle and bustle of the season, and make memories together that will last a lifetime. I highly encourage you to consider the gift of travel for your next holiday — remember, spending money on a family vacation is always a good investment!
Christmastime at Disneyland Resort
You can celebrate the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort in California with your Pixar pals, Avengers, Cars, and more. Join Mater in Cars Land for a Jingle Jamboree. If you remember from our Halloween at Disney post, the Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas transformation continues from September through the new year. Its a Small World also gets adorned with a gorgeous Christmas light display.
Not to be missed are the evening spectaculars! World of Color at Disney’s California Adventure Park turns into a Season of Light show. The fireworks spectacular is “Believe…In Holiday Magic.” You can also meet Santa, view the decor around the parks and resorts, and enjoy the Wintertime lights on Sleeping Beauty Castle. It truly is the most magical time of the year!
Very Merry-Time Cruise
As you probably know, I’m a big fan of the Disney Cruise Line vacations. I could barely trim down my list of favorite things to a top 10 list of reasons to go on a Disney Cruise! But if you’re looking for all the magic of the holiday season, without the need for heavy coats and ugly sweaters, consider spending the holidays on the high seas!
Copyright Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line offers select Very Merry-Time themed cruises in November and December. You’ll get everything that is normally included on a Disney Cruise Line vacation, plus extra on-board fun. Imagine seeing a 24-foot Christmas tree on the ship! Disney spares no detail when it comes to holiday decor - from lights to poinsettias to garlands and more, there will surly be plenty of photo opportunities for your next Christmas card. Plus you can see characters in their holiday finest, a Santa sighting, enjoy holiday crafts and themed treats, plus festive fireworks at sea.
I will be researching this in November 2023 and will have more to add about all the activities, decorations, and festive fun aboard the Disney Fantasy’s Very Merry-Time sailing!
Adventures by Disney Christmas Markets
If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind Christmas experience, I recommend considering a Rhine or Danube River Cruise with Adventures by Disney. These award-winning sailings will take you through the heart of Europe and an unforgettable journey.
On the Danube River Cruise: Christmas Markets itinerary, you’ll stop in Germany for a tour of St Stephen's Cathedral, learn to make marzipan, then visit the Passau Christmas market all before enjoying Austria’s Christmas Market in Salzburg, a dinner and holiday party on board the ship, and The Sound of Music Karaoke. This itinerary has so much more in store for you with ice skating in Vienna, tours in Budapest, plus plenty of holiday food and activities.
The Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets itinerary takes you from Switzerland to France where you can enjoy an excursion to Riquewihr’s Christmas Market near one of the most beautiful villages in France, that is surrounded by a variety of landscapes ranging from Alsatian vineyards to the Vosges Mountains. After dinner that night you can also wander through Strasbourg’s holiday lit streets to explore their festive Christmas Market. Then you’ll head to Germany to enjoy a number of exclusive wine tastings and castle tours. Finally, you’ll end in Amsterdam highlighting Rijksmuseum, The Rembrandt House, and Van Gogh Museum.
Christmas at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Sing with me… Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say, on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day. It has always been a dream of mine to wake up on Christmas morning in Hawaii; enjoying white sand instead of white snow! Disney Resorts do a great job of decorating and celebrating the holidays, and Aulani is no different — just with a dash of Hawaii style.
In addition to decking the halls, Mickey and his pals are dressed in holiday vacation attire for photo opportunities throughout your stay. Santa Goofy may even make an appearance and do activities like cookie decorating with the kids.
You may hear carolers performing in the Maka‘ala Lobby and Waikolohe Valley and on select evening you can catch holiday films as part of the “movies under the stars.”
Plus you’re sure to find festive food & beverage, cocoa, and more to help it feel like the holidays at Aualni, a Disney Resort and Spa.
If you’re interested in spending the holidays at any one of these spectacular Disney Destinations, please contact me today to get planning! Because of the limited dates for holiday itineraries, availability can go quickly.
