Christmas at Disney World, Florida

If you’ve had your fill of “White Christmases” then you will never find a more beautiful sight than palm trees in December.  In the heart of tropical Florida, Disney brings its A-game during the Christmas season, catering specifically to seasonal vacationers with holiday-themed attractions.  A Christmas at Disney World can be just what the doctor ordered for the snow-encircled traveler.

For the holidays, Disney goes the extra mile to embellish their parks, boasting simulated snow falls (don’t worry - it isn’t cold), special lighting on many park attractions, and arguably the eighth wonder of the world - the Osborne Family’s Spectacle of Lights.  The Osborne lights are a collection of five million holiday lights spread throughout the Disney Hollywood Studios back lot.

Open during the holiday season as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Osborne Lights are akin to Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation character Clark Griswold owning an entire road of homes.  Whether you marvel at the magnificent presentation or cringe at the thought of its carbon footprint, there is no denying that the Osborne Family’s Spectacle of Lights is a sight to see (from space).

In the weeks approaching Christmas and New Year’s, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” takes over the Magic Kingdom.  On select nights leading up to December 25, the Magic Kingdom remains open only to guests who have purchased tickets to the Christmas event.  The Very Merry Christmas Party includes Christmas parades, live character stage shows, imitation snow, as well as access to most of the park’s regular attractions, plus free hot cocoa and cookies (after spending $40 to $80 per person to get in).  Tickets are available for pre-purchase, and again, these are separate from regular park admission tickets.

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Epcot Center features a “Holidays Around the World” presentation.  Each night, Epcot features a candlelight processional led by a guest minor celebrity narrator and a live orchestra.  Epcot’s holiday festivities also include a special seasonal presentation of its laser-light show, IllumiNations.  IllumiNations creates an extravagant tribute to the cultures of the world through music, lasers, and fireworks.

During a Christmas at Disney World, the biggest downside you will run into is the fact that you didn’t come up with this idea first.  The months of November and December are Disney World’s busiest with long lines and huge crowds coating every attraction.  If you want to beat the worst of the crowds, plan to head to the parks early in the day as they begin to overflow come the afternoon and evening hours.

The late fall to early winter can be the perfect time to visit Florida.  November and December generally have beautiful mild weather with temperatures rarely making it as high as 80 or below 50.  Daytimes often present comfortable t-shirt weather while you will rarely need more than a spring jacket or a sweater during the evenings.

If you’re ready to trade in your real snow and ice scrapers for fake snow and fanny packs, Christmas at Disney World is a great destination.