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Walt Disney World Releases Details for 2021 Holiday Celebration

Walt Disney World - Mickey and Minnie Holidays

Holidays at Walt Disney World are usually filled with a variety of seasonal events and more, but this being the 50th Anniversary, wait until you hear everything planned for the 2021 Holiday Celebrations!


DISNEY VERY MERRIEST AFTER HOURS AT MAGIC KINGDOM

The holiday festivities kick off at Magic Kingdom, with “Disney Very Merriest After Hours,” a separately ticketed event taking place on 24 select nights from November 8 through December 21, 2021.

The event will feature a new stage show called “Mickey & Minnie’s Very Merry Memories,” which will take place on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. It will feature nods to classic Magic Kingdom holiday stage shows, including “Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Celebrate the Season,” and “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.”

Walt Disney World - Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

After Hours attendees can also enjoy the return of “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.” Other entertainment will include Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland, and The Reindeer Wranglers holiday hoedown in Frontierland.

Select attractions including Jungle Cruise and Monster Inc. Laugh Floor will be receiving special holiday-themed touches during the event, and wait times will be reduced for all attractions.

Plus enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages. Specialty holiday food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

Tickets are on sale, and start at $169 plus tax per person. Purchase at disneyworld.disney.go.com.


Neil Patrick Harris - Candlelight Processional at EPCOT

TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AT EPCOT

November 26 through December 30, guests are invited to enjoy the seasonal sights, sounds, and flavors of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, where time-honored traditions come alive through music, dance, and the storytelling heritage of the countries of World Showcase.

The Holiday Cookie Stroll is also back, as is the the stirring story of Christmas as told each night by a celebrity narrator at the Candlelight Processional. Disney hasn’t released the list of narrators, yet, or the usual CP dining packages, but as soon as we find out, we’ll let you know!

Park admission and same day reservation required for EPCOT. Candlelight Processional is included with admission, but Holiday food and beverages are additional.


Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

SUNSET GREETINGS AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Sunset Seasons Greetings returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where each evening holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a variety of Disney holiday designs from a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece to a snowy corner of Arendelle.

Speaking of Arendelle, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will once again add a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season.

And during the daytime, enjoy Santa Claus Merry Motorcade as it rolls down Hollywood Boulevard.

These are all included with park admission and same day reservation.


MERRY MENAGERIE AT DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM

THE MERRY MENAGERIE AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

As a part of this year’s yuletide entertainment, Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will spring to life with a “Merry Menagerie” of winter animals, brought to life in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets.

Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a whimsical display and playful atmosphere for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale and other Disney character friends will also bring their own festive flair to the Discovery River, as they jingle through the jungle to the rhythm of the holidays.

And on nights when the park is open after dark, the Tree of Life awakens as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score.

These are all included with park admission and same day reservation.


CHRISTMAS TREE STROLL AT DISNEY SPRINGS

One of my favorite Disney Holiday events, the Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, returns for 2021. This nightly free event has been expanded to feature elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees throughout the Disney Springs neighborhoods.

Festive décor and live holiday performances will also be found throughout Disney Springs, and at night, guests visiting Town Center will experience a magical “snowfall.”

Plus, Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar transforms into the Holiday Bar with festive food and craft cocktails for purchase.


SANTA COMES TO WALT DISNEY WORLD

If you feel it’s not the Holidays without Santa Claus, you’ll find him all over Walt Disney World through December 24 (hey, he’s got a huge job to do that night!).

In addition to the aforementioned Santa Claus Merry Motorcade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, he’ll be at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, voyaging across the Discovery River.

Santa Claus will also pay visits to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Disney Springs, where guests will have individualized time to wave hello and share their Christmas wishes.


Will you be here at Walt Disney World for the 2021 Holidays? Which event are you most excited to experience? Let me know in comments.

2 thoughts on “Walt Disney World Releases Details for 2021 Holiday Celebration”

  1. We’ve been to WDW many times around Christmas but always left by the 23rd to be home by Christmas Eve. Over a year ago we decided to book WDW for longer and covers both Christmas and New Years for our family. Foolishly we thought surely by now Covid would be under control. We’ve decided to go ahead with WDW plans & just wear masks the whole time and enjoy the festivities. So happy they are bringing back so many holiday events. We will be doing all except the after hours Christmas event in MK, just can’t justify the cost with large extended family since we always pay for everyone. Hoping they do as in past and have many of the party features in MK close to Christmas. Either way it should be a fun & festive holiday spent in WDW with family.
    Thankyou for all the updated info on festivities so I can plan accordingly. Im really looking forward to the animal kingdom and Epcot holiday events. We also have enjoyed the tree trail in the past. Most looking forward to entire family seeing the candlelight processional on Christmas Eve. Not everyone has been able to come in last and this is such a heart warming holiday special event. College sophomore bringing boyfriend who has never been to WDW before, she is excited to be showing him everything possible.

  2. Over a year ago we decided to book WDW for longer and covers both Christmas and New Years for our family. Foolishly we thought surely by now Covid would be under control. We’ve decided to go ahead with WDW plans & just wear masks the whole time and enjoy the festivities. So happy they are bringing back so many holiday events. We will be doing all except the after hours Christmas event in MK, just can’t justify the cost with large extended family since we always pay for everyone. Hoping they do as in past and have many of the party features in MK close to Christmas. Either way it should be a fun & festive holiday spent in WDW with family.
    Thankyou for all the updated info on festivities so I can plan accordingly. Im really looking forward to the animal kingdom and Epcot holiday events. We also have enjoyed the tree trail in the past. Most looking forward to entire family seeing the candlelight processional on Christmas Eve. Not everyone has been able to come in last and this is such a heart warming holiday special event. College sophomore bringing boyfriend who has never been to WDW before, she is excited to be showing him everything possible.

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