Disney World is gearing up for the holidays.

It may only be November, but just like Halloween, the holiday season starts early in Disney World. While seasonal offerings don’t officially begin until November 12th, Magic Kingdom will host the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on November 8th, and the following day, Hollywood Studios will host the first Jollywood Nights of the season on November 9th. As we get closer and closer to the holiday season, we can expect crowd levels to grow as people travel to Disney World during the upcoming holiday breaks. While all the parks will have holiday offerings, trust us, you are going to want to avoid EPCOT at the end of November.
Currently, EPCOT is hosting the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which runs until November 23rd. But don’t worry, EPCOT won’t be festival-less for too long because six days later, on November 29th, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return!

This festival is full of holiday fun, including Holiday Kitchens, holiday decorations, holiday storytellers, merchandise, and, of course, the Candlelight Processional.
14 Celebrity Narrators ANNOUNCED for 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Candlelight Processional

This festival is only around for a very limited time, as it ends on December 30th. Just like any festival, the first weekend is always crowded, especially on the first day. This year, the festival starts the day after Thanksgiving, which means that it will be packed with visitors wanting to check it out before heading back home over the weekend.

Trust us, if you can, save yourself the trouble and plan on checking out the festival another day. The first day is usually met with some kinks and long lines at the Holiday Kitchens as people want to be the first ones to try all the new food offerings.

Save yourself the trouble of fighting the crowds and enjoy some of the other holiday offerings around the resort. This year, Animal Kingdom will be welcoming back the popular Merry Menagerie. For the first time, you will be able to meet Santa Claus during the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio at Restaurantosaurus from November 12th to December 24th.

At Hollywood Studios, there will be tons of new entertainment offerings, including the Juggling Elves, who will show off their juggling and comedy skills. The Holiday Spirit Band will perform jolly tunes, and the Seasons Jukebox, a marching band, will bring the holiday spirit to life with horns, drummers, and dancers.

The resorts will be decked out this year as well, and this year, you can check out different gingerbread displays at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Plus, EPCOT will be home to a brand new Spaceship Earth gingerbread display located in Communicore Hall starting on November 29th. Still, as we mentioned, you will want to check it out another day, as the 29th is the start of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.

There is so much to see and do this holiday season at Disney World, but remember to avoid EPCOT on November 29th to avoid the crowds on the first day of the festival! For more tips and Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with AllEars!
🎄 A TON of NEW Holiday Snacks Are Coming to Disney World 🎄
Info on ALL the Holiday Happenings in Disney World
- Learn ALL About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World
- Get the Details on the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
- Check Out the Latest Info About Jollywood Nights -- A Holiday Party at Hollywood Studios
- Learn About Disney World's ONLY Breakfast with Santa
- Check Out Some EPIC Disney Ornaments on Amazon
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