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.

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?!
Read More About the Sleigh Rides Here
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.
Read More About This Change Here
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!
Info on ALL the Holiday Happenings in Disney World
- Learn ALL About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World
- Get the Details on the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
- Check Out the Latest Info About Jollywood Nights -- A Holiday Party at Hollywood Studios
- Learn About Disney World's ONLY Breakfast with Santa
- Check Out Some EPIC Disney Ornaments on Amazon
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
Are you visiting Disney World this December? Let us know in the comments!
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