Very Merry Christmas and Candlelight Processional Cancelled as New Holiday Offerings Announced for Walt Disney World

Events Coverage / Theme Park News

Just like the Not-So-Scary special ticketed event for Fall, Walt Disney World has officially cancelled the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event for 2020. There will also be no showings of EPCOT’s popular Candlelight Processional this year.

Instead, Disney has announced some alternate programming for visitors to the resort during the holiday season. Beginning November 6, 2020, the parks will offer decorations, special holiday character cavalcades, and a new projection-based display for Cinderella Castle. Learn more about this year’s holiday offerings below.

The most magical time of year begins Nov. 6 with new entertainment experiences, special dining options and more

A reimagined holiday celebration will begin Nov. 6, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort, with the four theme parks, Disney Springs and Disney resort hotels decked for the season. Through Dec. 30, guests will discover seasonal food and drinks at The Most Magical Place on Earth, as well as special merchandise and enchanting new entertainment experiences.


When night falls at Magic Kingdom Park, projection effects will transform Cinderella Castle with a kaleidoscope of designs, including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. The iconic castle will provide the perfect colorful background for guests seeking a magical holiday portrait.

Highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will begin Nov. 27. Holiday kitchens will return around the World Showcase promenade, offering favorite dishes such as Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing at the American Holiday Table.


Other highlights for the upcoming holiday season at Walt Disney World include:

  • At Magic Kingdom, characters synonymous with the season – including gingerbread men and elves – will join Disney characters in cavalcades through the park. On Main Street, U.S.A., toy soldiers will march with the Main Street Philharmonic as they bring musical cheer for all to hear.
  • Favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest will appear in festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Minnie Mouse will host a yuletide dining experience at Hollywood & Vine, inviting some of her best pals – including Santa Goofy – to join the fun.
  • Inside World ShowPlace at EPCOT, JOYFUL! will take guests on a musical journey of holiday music, while Voices of Liberty will use their eight-part harmonies to share songs of the season at the America Gardens Theatre.
  • Elaborately decorated Christmas trees will spring up throughout Disney Springs, and a magical snowfall will occur within Town Center, West Side and The Landing. In addition, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a limited-time menu of festive favorites.
  • Disney resort hotels will deck their halls for the holidays, including iconic Christmas trees in lobbies and other festive flourishes.
  • Santa Claus will wave to guests as he makes pop-up appearances at each park, as well as Disney Springs. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, he will sail down Discovery River on a special flotilla.

More announcements about the 2020 holiday season will be made in the coming weeks.


Stay tuned for more information on events, cancellations, and announcements related to the Orlando theme parks in the coming months. Subscribe to the news feed to never miss an update or enter your email address below. Photos/Details: Disney

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