Top 5 Free Holiday Activities at Walt Disney World

Christmas at Walt Disney World is magical; from the decorations adorning the buildings of Main Street U.S.A. to the Christmas carols playing in the background at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, everything seems a little bit more special during the holiday season. Walt Disney World offers many wonderful ways to celebrate Christmas without an added price tag! Some of my very favorite holiday activities are included with park admission or don’t require a park ticket, at all! Today, I’m bringing you my top 5 free holiday activities at Walt Disney World.

I am a total theme park lover, don’t get me wrong. But I have to admit, resort hopping is my very favorite thing to do on property during the holidays (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s absolutely cost–free!). I can easily fill up a day wandering from resort to resort, taking in the decorations. Head to the Monorail Loop (the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian), or to the Epcot resort area (including the Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn, Swan, and Dolphin) to check out each resort’s take on Christmas celebrations. Gigantic Christmas trees, larger-than-life gingerbread sculptures, and more adorn these resorts, putting you immediately in the holiday spirit; each resort does a beautiful job theming their decorations, giving you a unique spin on Christmas! You may even bump into Santa Claus! Resorts are typically decorated from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through the New Year. My personal favorites? The gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian (you can even purchase a shingle to snack on!) and the poinsettia tree at the Swan and Dolphin.

I’m very excited to head to Disney Springs this holiday season to experience the new Christmas activities they’ve put together. Holiday-themed dance parties, Santa meet and greets, a nightly tree lighting ceremony, a holiday light show in the sky (using drones!), and more are available for enjoyment November 11 through January 8th. What I’m most looking forward to is the trail of Christmas trees! Beautifully decorated and totally unique trees line a walking trail. Don’t forget your camera!

If you’re looking for something totally unique, head to Fort Wilderness during the holiday season. This little-known secret is a can’t miss experience! Of course, Walt Disney World puts up some beautiful trees and decorations, but what makes this experience so special is the decorations brought by guests! Campers go all out during the holidays, transforming the campgrounds into a true winter wonderland! Check out the many inflatables and Christmas lights studding each and every corner of the grounds; I bet you won’t miss the snow at all!

The World Showcase in Epcot is one of my favorite spots to get into the holiday spirit. Included in your park admission is access to different holiday celebrations at each of the 11 World Showcase nations. Learn about how other countries celebrate during the holidays, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and listen to the many stories of holiday traditions across the globe. While you’re making your way around the world, stop by the America Pavilion for holiday a capella, and be sure to check out the Candlelight Processional at night, narrated by different celebrities throughout the holiday season!

A trip to Walt Disney World just wouldn’t be complete for me if I didn’t catch some fireworks. During the holiday season, there are special seasonal nighttime shows included with park admission that you can’t miss! Head to the

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to enjoy the new lights and fireworks show, Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! From November 14th through December 31st, this show will lighting up the sky every night with special laser lights, fireworks, and Disney animation coming to life. If you’re lucky, you just might see a little snow!