Disney World, Florida and its magical Christmas Celebrations

The countdown to Christmas has begun. Now is the right time to plan a fun family vacation before Christmas. One of the most spectacular and fun places to visit during late November and early December is Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The dazzling decorations of Christmas lights, parades and various events make Disney World look like an enchanted land. Giant gingerbread houses, tower sized Christmas trees sparkling with tinkles and jingles and Santa Claus are some of the many spectacular aspects of Disney World in December.

During December, the resorts, the theme parks and water parks are brimming with Disney characters adorning their festive outfits. Don’t forget to snag a few photographs with your family and Mickey, Minnie or Goofy.

There are various events organized to celebrate Christmas with sheer joy.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey sprinkles Disney World with fairy dust of magnificent lights, Christmas carols, snow flurries, holiday treats and fireworks. It is celebrated in the Magic Kingdom with Holiday Wishes fireworks orchestrated to holiday jingles, Mickey’s once upon a Christmastime Parade, snow flurries on Main Street, holiday treats including cookies, gingerbreads, hot cocoa and apple juice, unlimited rides in the Magic Kingdom theme park and Castle Dream Lights decorating the Cinderella’s Castle. This year, the Magic Kingdom will be open until midnight on selective dates in Nov and Dec. Starting with the 7th of Nov, the Magic Kingdom will be full with merriment on Nov 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30 and Dec 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19 for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
 
Holidays Around the World (Epcot)
Holidays around the World celebrated from November 28 to December 29, 2014 at Epcot is a yuletide extravaganza as the guests come across Christmas festivities of various countries. During the Epcot World Showcase, you will come across storytellers who represent the cultural idols of their respective countries. A perfect ending to the day begins with tree lighting ceremony at World Showcase Plaza. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is yet another show you don’t want to miss. It is a kaleidoscope of fireworks, lights, lasers and music. The holiday festivities usually include:

American Adventure
Santa and Mrs. Claus listen to your Christmas wishes from November 29 – December 24. The Liberty Dickens Carolers sing a unique repertoire of songs for the holiday season. You will also experience the traditions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Canada
Explore the festive traditions of the Great White North on a musical tour with Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.

China
The Monkey King will celebrate Chinese New Year with you in a humorous fashion as he weaves his tall tale of hope, redemption and enlightenment with twists and turns.

France
Père Noël recreates the Christmas magic by reading a letter from a young girl and shares stories of Christmas in France which also include people leaving their shoes for Père Noël to get a gift.

Germany
In the Germany pavilion, Helga shares the festivities of her country including the history of the first Christmas tannenbaum tree and the Nutcracker soldier.

Italy
The generous witch, La Befana gives gifts to good children and lumps of coal to bad children on the evening of Epiphany.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
Initially started in Little Rock, Arkansas as an annual family tradition in the 1980s, this display of dazzling lights synchronized with the holiday music is among the most popular events during Christmas in Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. From November 7, 2014 to January 4, 2015, five million glittering lights transform the studio into a winter wonderland. The most spectacular designs include twirling carousels of angels, spinning Earth, dazzling trees, toy soldiers and Santa with his reindeer.

Candlelight Processional (Epcot)
Candlelight Processional is one of the most popular Christmas traditions. It is a heartwarming recital of the story of the baby in the manger by a celebrity guest narrator along with a mass choir and a 50-piece orchestra. From November 28 till December 30, 2014, various celebrities including Neil Patrick Harris, Isabella Rossellini, Joe Morton, Jodi Benson, Ana Gasteyer and many more. Each evening, the shows are scheduled for 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre in the American Pavilion. On December 8, 5:00 p.m. show doesn’t happen.

Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
It is hard not to tap your feet to the cheerful world-beat soundtrack during the Mickey’s Jungle Jingle Parade. Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends on a bright and vivid caravan crossing through Disney's Animal Kingdom. The parade has it all from Giant Puppets to whimsical floats.