Read THIS If You’re Heading to Disney World in December

It’s a busy time to visit Disney World — but that’s what makes it so exciting!

The holiday season is in full swing and that means there is plenty to see and do. If you’re heading to the parks soon and want to know what sort of special events will be happening, we’ve got you covered with the nine biggest things happening in Disney World this December!

All Month Long: EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays has officially kicked off and we were there to celebrate it on opening day. We tried allllll the snacks, checked out all the entertainment, and ate enough cookies to last a lifetime.

It’s time for the Festival of the Holidays!

The festival runs daily in EPCOT from now until December 22nd, and all you need is an EPCOT ticket, park pass reservation, and your appetite to experience one of our favorite festivals of the year. Plus, check out our Best of the Fest link below to see the snacks you can’t miss!

The BEST Eats at the 2022 Festival of the Holidays

All Month Long: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Another event you might need to be prepared for on your December Disney trip is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom. The event is completely sold out, so if you haven’t already purchased tickets you’re out of luck this year, unfortunately.

But, it’s important to know this event is taking place on select nights if you’re planning on visiting Magic Kingdom during your trip as the park closes early to guests who don’t have tickets to the Christmas Party. Make sure you check the event dates before making your park pass reservations so you don’t have to leave Magic Kingdom early if you don’t want to!

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party WORTH IT?

Select Nights in December: Extended Evening Hours

Extended Evening Hours are a great way to get a little extra time in the parks if you can take advantage of them! Deluxe Resort guests can stay in the parks for a few extra hours on select nights.

This month, Magic Kingdom has Extended Evening Hours on December 7, 14, 21, & 28, EPCOT is open late on December 5, 12, 19, & 26th, and Extended Evening Hours return to Hollywood Studios on December 15th and 22nd.

Read About Extended Evening Hours Here

December 1st: Sleigh Rides Return to Fort Wilderness Resort

Did you know you can actually go on a sleigh ride in Disney World?! You can! These horse-drawn carriage rides are located by the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort, and each ride costs $75 for a 25-minute ride at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch Barn near the Settlement Bus Depot. Each “sleigh” fits up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children.

You can book sleigh rides on the Disney World website — click here to check for open reservation times. What better way to experience Disney World during the holidays than with a horse-drawn carriage ride?!

December 8th: Park Ticket Changes Go Into Effect

Disney recently announced a whole host of changes would be coming to tickets, Annual Passes, Park Hopper add-ons, and more. Ticket prices will now vary by park and be subject to surge pricing, Annual Pass prices are getting a price increase, and even Park Hopping will cost you more depending on when you visit.

These updates are scheduled to roll out beginning December 8th, so if you’re heading to the parks after that date keep these changes in mind. If you’re looking for ways you can still save in Disney World, check out all the latest deals and discounts you can find here.

See More About These Ticket Changes Here

December 10th & 11th: Dapper Day

Get ready for the most festive and fanciest holiday event of the year — Dapper Day is returning to Disney World! The next Dapper Day will have a holiday theme, and it will be held in Disney World on December 10th, 2022 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and on December 11th, 2022 in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

And, you can find the Dapper Day Pop-Up Shop in Disney Springs at Tren-D inside the Co-op Marketplace. If you see several people dressed to the nines in the parks, that’s why! Toss on your fanciest vintage holiday garb and join ’em.

Learn More About Dapper Day in Disney World Here

December 23rd through 31st: Christmas Parade Changes Times

You can catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade exclusively during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party from now until December 22nd, but that all changes starting on December 23rd. If you are in Magic Kingdom during the day from December 23rd-31st, you’ll have two chances to catch the Christmas parade — at 12PM and 3PM each day.

After that, it looks like the Christmas Parade will be retiring for the year, so make sure you catch it while it’s running during the day if you want to see it without having a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

December 24th & 25th: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Expect some pretty busy days on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — especially if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom. You’ll also be able to catch the Christmas Day parade and other special entertainment as well.

Just be prepared for long wait times and some pretty packed areas. We recommend using Mobile Order for dining and eating at off-peak times. You might want to pack your patience, too!

Here’s What to Expect on Christmas Day in Disney World

December 31st: New Year’s Eve

If you’re planning on ringing in the New Year at Disney World, you’re not alone as park passes have been sold out on New Year’s Eve for a while now — so hopefully you’ve already got yours booked! Magic Kingdom will be open from 9AM-1AM on December 30th and 31st! This is where you’ll get to see a special New Year’s Eve fireworks show.

And over in EPCOT, on New Year’s Eve, it’s open from 9AM-1AM, so you can ring in the New Year in EPCOT, too! Hollywood Studios will be open from 8:30AM-Midnight on New Year’s Eve.

See All the Park Hours for New Year’s Eve in Disney World Here

That’s it for all the BIG things you don’t want to miss in Disney World this December. There’s always something new going on in Disney World, so be sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest news!