When the Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkins come down from the light posts down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom, it can only mean one thing: Christmas. Overnight, The Magic Kingdom and the other Disney parks transition from not-so-scary to very-merry Christmas. We’ve put together everything you need to know about decorations, special events, and the best (and craziest) times to visit. If you’re planning a Christmas trip to The Happiest Place On Earth, these are a few things you should know:

Decorations

Traditionally, most of the Christmas decorations go up after the last Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which is usually the first week in November. The Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are the first parks to get into the holiday spirit, and the other parks follow a few weeks after. Epcot is usually the last park to join in on the Christmas decorating fun. When it comes to Disney’s decorations, did you know….

The Christmas Tree on Main Street USA holds more than 2,365 ornaments and 6,000 LED holiday lights.
1,300 Christmas Wreaths on display throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail has 25 different Disney themed trees in its display.
170 Costumed Performers and 15 floats create the high energy holiday experience at Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas Parade.
When all is said and done, the holiday decorations of Walt Disney World Resort are all packed up into 150 semi-truck trailers to wait until it is all done again next year.

Christmas At The Magic Kingdom

Guests that visit The Magic Kingdom during the holiday season have a unique opportunity to experience some of the most highly anticipated shows, festive dining options, parades and special events of the year.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

One of the most talked-about Christmas events at Disney is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This special-ticketed event takes place on select dates in November and December. The official dates have just been announced and are as follows:

November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22

Tickets range from $99-$139 for adults and $94-$134 for kids, depending on the dates. Your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas ticket allows you to enter the park anytime after 4 pm, and festivities begin at 7 pm. Don’t forget to stick around for the snowfall on Main Street towards the end of the night. Some special events that you can’t miss during the party include:

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

Many families will argue that the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade is the highlight of the entire party! Get into the Christmas spirit as nutcrackers, reindeer, and even Santa dance through the streets.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Fireworks

New to the Christmas lineup this year, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Fireworks involves a bright and colorful display of fireworks set to the tune of classic holiday songs.

Frozen Holiday Wish

This short but dramatic 10-minute show takes place in front of the castle and features Anna, Else and all of their Frozen friends. During the show, Elsa uses her magic powers to transform the iconic castle into a masterpiece of glittering icicles!

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show

Head over to Tomorrowland to laugh your socks off as Stich, Buzz Lightyear, and Mike Wazowski put on a hilarious comedy skit geared towards the younger crowd. The show happens five times a night, so you have plenty of chances to fit it into your part plans.

Some rides, like Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Speedway, will feature special Christmas-themed lighting and music to keep you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas At Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has its own schedule of Christmas events. During the day, make time in your busy schedule for some of the park’s entertaining holiday shows, and a rare opportunity to take pictures with Santa. While decorations and festivities aren’t as elaborate in Hollywood Studios as they are in the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, you still feel the Christmas vibes as you explore the park. When the sun goes down, guests can be wowed by the impressive Jingle Bell Jingle Jam firework show and high-tech projections that make the iconic Tower of Terror come alive.

Christmas At Animal Kingdom

For the first time since its grand opening almost 20 years ago, Animal Kingdom will feature holiday decor and festivities in every land. Starting November 8th, Discovery Island will transform into a wintry wonderland. At night time, the Tree of Life comes alive with holiday tales, accompanied by a classic Christmas soundtrack that will give you goosebumps. Don’t miss Donald’s Dino-Bash in DinoLand, and make sure you get over to Asia to experience the glowing flowers and lanterns and cultural holiday performances from around the world.

Christmas at Epcot

What better way to learn about and experience different Christmas traditions from around the world than visiting 11 different countries in a single day? Epcot allows you to immerse yourself in Christmas traditions from all around the world. Enjoy seasonal food and beverages, sit back and watch dramatic live music performances, and dive into Christmas traditions in the World Showcase. Another iconic event happening in Epcot is the Candlelight Processional. This moving performance combines celebrity narrators and a 50-person choir to tell the story of Christmas. This year, some of the celebrity narrators include Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, and Steven Curtis Chapman.

Keep an eye out for pop-up holiday kitchens throughout the park, serving up seasonal goodies with an international flair. Santa and Mrs. Clause await you in the American Adventure pavilion, And Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree Scavenger Hunt allows kids and adults to explore the park in a brand-new way.

Spend Christmas With Mickey And Friends!

If your trying to do something extra special for your family this holiday season, Christmas at Disney is an experience they will never forget. When you combine Mickey and all of his friends dressed in their Christmas attire, sweet Christmas treats, short lines, holiday-inspired shows, and a dramatic fireworks display at the end of the night, you get a Christmas experience that your whole family will never forget.