Seasonal Guide
Holiday & Christmas Travel Guide
Twinkling lights, festive feasts, and once-a-year holiday magic
The holiday season transforms every destination into something extraordinary. Disney parks glow with millions of lights, cruise ships sail with Santa on board, and all-inclusive resorts host unforgettable New Year's Eve celebrations. Whether you want a white Christmas at sea or a tropical holiday escape, this guide covers it all.
Don't Miss
Signature Events
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World · Select nights Nov - Dec
Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, Once Upon a Christmastime parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks, and rare character sightings in holiday attire.
Read Full GuideEPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
EPCOT, Walt Disney World · Late Nov - Dec
Holiday Kitchens with global seasonal treats, Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators, and Cookie Stroll.
Read Full GuideGrinchmas
Universal Studios Hollywood & Islands of Adventure · Late Nov - Jan 1
Meet the Grinch, watch the tree lighting in Seuss Landing, and enjoy Who-ville performances. A family favorite.
Read Full GuideHoliday Cruises
Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, & more · Late Nov - Jan
Onboard tree lighting, Santa visits, holiday shows, and New Year's Eve deck parties at sea. Very Merrytime sailings on DCL are the gold standard.
Read Full GuideAll-Inclusive Holiday Celebrations
Sandals, Beaches, Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Royalton, Iberostar & More · Dec 20 - Jan 2
Gala dinners, themed parties, beach bonfires, kids' programs with Santa, and a stress-free holiday with zero cooking.
Read Full GuideInsider Tips
Plan Like a Pro
Book 10-12 Months Ahead
Holiday travel is peak season everywhere. The best rooms, sailings, and party dates sell out by spring. Start planning in January for next December.
Consider Thanksgiving Week
Early holiday magic with slightly lower prices than Christmas week. Parks are decorated, events are running, and you beat the peak rush.
Cruise for a Stress-Free Holiday
No cooking, no cleaning, no hosting duties. A holiday cruise lets everyone relax while the ship handles all the festivities.
Layer Like a Pro
Even Florida can dip into the 40s and 50s in December. Bring warm layers that are easy to remove as the day warms up.
Insider Secret
"The week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest of the entire year at Disney parks. If you can shift to the first two weeks of December, you get all the decorations and events with a fraction of the crowds."
Packing Extras for Holiday & Christmas
- Warm layers for evening events (especially December parks)
- Festive outfits for holiday photos
- Portable phone charger (holiday lighting drains batteries fast from photos)
- Small gifts if celebrating Christmas morning at the resort
Best For
- Families creating holiday traditions
- Couples seeking romantic holiday escapes
- Multi-generational gatherings
- Anyone who wants a stress-free holiday
Ready to Book Your Holiday & Christmas Trip?
Your advisor handles everything -- tickets, dining, party reservations, and all the seasonal extras. And it is included with your booking.
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