What to Wear to Disney World in December | Theme Park Guide
December is a magical time to visit Walt Disney World. With temperatures starting to cool off and the plethora of holiday season activities going on, it’s the perfect time to experience the magic of the parks and create memories with your family.
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Visitors in the month of December will enjoy the unique decorations throughout the theme parks and resorts. There are also several special events that take place during the holiday season, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
It should be noted that certain weeks in December may be the absolute busiest time of year at Walt Disney World, so make sure to pack your patience and read ahead to plan accordingly to visit during the holiday season. The week right around Christmas will be the busiest time to visit.
Quick Outfit Ideas for Disney in December
Found in photo:
Peppermint ears / Wreath Shirt / Holiday Loungefly / Holiday Earrings
Christmas Bracelets / Rhinestone Shoes / Magical Time Shirt / Snowflake Ears
If you’re looking for lots more ideas on what to wear, jump below to see what to wear in December during your visit to Walt Disney World!
Why Disney World in December?
Visiting Walt Disney World in December offers a unique and magical experience that you won’t find at other times of the year. With cooler weather, festive decorations, and special events, it’s a great time to visit and make unforgettable memories with your family and friends.
However, it should be noted that December is also one of the busiest times to visit Walt Disney World Resort. Most times the parks, especially Magic Kingdom, may hit capacity levels for the week around Christmas, so make sure that if that is the time you plan to visit you’ve got all of your reservations in order well in advance and you have a plan for the “must dos” during your time at Disney.
If you’re looking for a less busy time to visit during the month of December, earlier in the month tends to be less busy as families with school aged children are finishing up school and work obligations. This can be a great time for families with flexible schedules to visit in the first few weeks of December.
December is an incredibly festive time at Walt Disney World, with holiday-themed decorations, events, and entertainment throughout the parks and resorts. The parks are adorned with holiday lights, ornaments, and other decorations, and there are special holiday shows and parades that you can enjoy. There are lots of great photo opportunities and special holiday treats, which make this a special time to visit.
Don’t forget some festive mouse ears to finish off your outfits to get some fun photos with the holiday decor!
Additionally, December in Central Florida is generally cooler and more comfortable than other times of the year, making it a great time to explore the parks without feeling too hot or humid. One of the water parks is typically still open this time of year and the water is heated so you can still enjoy some water fun.
Currently Blizzard Beach water park is closed for refurbishment in December and Typhoon Lagoon water park is open during the winter months. Typically both water parks open back up for the summer months.
If you love holiday festivities, there are also a number of special events happening at Walt Disney World Resort in December, including EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. Also, don’t forget to build in some time to explore Disney Resorts, both the one you plan to stay at and others that are known for their Christmas decorations.
The gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, holiday displays with some of your favorite characters at the Contemporary, and large interior trees at both Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are worth making a trip around the resorts to see these magnificent decorations.
What to Wear to Disney World in December
December in Disney World can be a bit unpredictable in terms of weather, so it’s important to be prepared for both cooler and warmer temperatures. Download our free Disney packing list to arrive prepared!
December Disney Outfit Inspo
Some of our favorite outfit ideas for celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World in December!
Found in photo:
Holiday Tank Set /Red Cardigan / Buffalo Plaid Skirt / Favorite Things Shirt / Rhinestone Shoes / Gingerbread Loungefly / Holiday Ears
Fun Holiday Disney Tees
There is a huge variety of fun holiday Disney tees to add into your outfit mix as well!
December Glam Outfits
And if you’re planning on attending one of the evening events or a special date night dinner at Disney, here are some glammed up outfit choices for December!
Here are some additional tips on what to wear in December:
1. Layers: Start with a light layer, such as a t-shirt or tank top, and then add a sweater or jacket on top. This way, you can easily adjust your outfit based on the weather throughout the day.
2. Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Disney World, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you’ve broken in before your trip.
3. Sun protection: Even in December, the sun can be strong in Florida. Consider wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin.
4. Warm clothing: December nights can be chilly in Florida, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings. You may also want to bring a pair of pants or leggings to wear on cooler days.
5. Disney-themed clothing: If you want to get in the holiday spirit, consider wearing a festive Disney-themed shirt, sweater, or hat.
The key for your Disney theme park outfit is to dress comfortably and be prepared for any Florida weather conditions that may arise during your visit to Disney World in December. Bring layers that you can add or take off as needed. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before your trip to help you pack accordingly.
Holidays at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, and December is the most magical time of year to visit.
Here are some of the events happening at Walt Disney World throughout the month of December:
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This special ticketed event takes place on select nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom park. Guests can enjoy holiday-themed entertainment, fireworks, and a parade.
2. Festival of the Holidays: This event takes place at EPCOT and celebrates holiday traditions from around the world. Guests can enjoy special food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, and more.
3. Jollywood Nights: This festive nighttime party is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and is a glammed up way to spend your holiday at this special ticketed event.
4. Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail: Guests can stroll through a winter wonderland of Christmas trees inspired by Disney characters at Disney Springs.
5. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Holiday Tower of Terror: This attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets a holiday makeover with special effects and projections.
6. Candlelight Processional: This beloved holiday tradition takes place at EPCOT and features a retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator and a choir.
7. Magic Kingdom Park: Holiday decorations galore in this magical park, enjoy the new Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle and ride on the “Jingle Cruise”, the festive update for the fan favorite Jungle Cruise ride.
8. Disney’s Hollywood Studios: In addition to the holiday decor throughout the park, you can also book a dining reservation for lunch or dinner at Hollywood & Vine to see the characters dressed up in their holiday finest at Minnie’s Holiday Dine. Characters in Toy Story Land are also dressed in holiday attire!
9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Mickey and Minnie are dressed in their holiday attire at the Adventurer’s Outpost and see the Tree of Life lit up for the Awakenings Holiday Edition in the evening.
10. You won’t want to miss Santa Claus! Santa Claus can be found at Disney Springs Marketplace in Once Upon a Toy throughout the holiday season until December 25th. After that, Santa returns home to the North Pole from Walt Disney World Resort to get ready for next year!
There is a virtual queue line to get a time to meet Santa Claus at the Disney Springs Marketplace. You can also spot Santa at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during the parade, and at a meet and greet during the party time at the Liberty Square Gazebo.
Also, if you’ll be extending your trip through the New Year, don’t missed the New Year’s festivities at Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom will have a special fireworks display on December 30th, and on December 31st you’ll want to head to EPCOT for a spectacular celebration of the new year! Each country around the World Showcase lights up as they celebrate their new year in their own respective time zone.
So if you want to celebrate New Year’s not just once, but eleven times (!!!), plan for a New Year’s visit to EPCOT on December 31st.
Weather in December at Walt Disney World
The weather at Walt Disney World in December can vary, but it is generally mild and pleasant. During the day, average temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit (around 17-23 Celsius), but it can feel cooler in the morning and evening. Nighttime temperatures can drop down to the mid-40s to low-50s Fahrenheit (around 7-12 Celsius), so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings and chilly mornings.
December is also one of the drier months in Florida, but there is still always a slight chance of rain in Florida. Winter weather in Florida is typically fairly moderate, and hurricane will just have officially ended on November 30th, so you should be able to anticipate mostly good weather for a Florida winter.
December is also the holiday season in Walt Disney World, and the parks and resorts are decorated with festive lights, ornaments, and other decorations. Special holiday events and entertainment are also offered throughout the month, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Candlelight Processional.
December is typically a great time weather wise to visit Walt Disney World as the weather is generally mild and comfortable, and the holiday festivities add an extra layer of magic to the parks and resorts.
Visiting Disney in December
We love visiting Walt Disney World in December but prefer not to be there at the most crowded time of year, so we typically try to find time to travel earlier in the month. If we can get a few days away before the holiday season is in full swing, that allows us to enjoy the festivities while avoiding the largest crowds.
The good news is that Disney has systems in place to manage crowds, so if you’re only able to visit during those last few weeks of December while there may be long lines, there are ways to make the most of your trip: like using Genie+ to schedule rides, planning dining reservations at 60 days + length of stay so you have them early, and planning your strategy for dealing with crowds before arriving.
If you’re planning to go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you’ll want to get your tickets well in advance because party nights often sell out. Especially as the dates get closer to the peak Christmas season at the end of December.
On days that there are parties if you have an annual pass or park hopper ticket, these can make great days to visit Magic Kingdom earlier in the day before the party starts and then you can hop over to other parks to enjoy the evening if you do not have party tickets.
There are also special experience like Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine that you can reserve for your family to have a fun and festive meal during your trip too!
And don’t forget about the new Jollywood Nights special ticketed event on select nights, a glammed up good time inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All of these options are great ways to experience the most wonderful time of the year at Walt Disney World.
Quick Tips for Visiting Disney World in December
Here are some additional tips for visiting Walt Disney World and having the best time in December:
1. Crowds: December is one of the busiest times to visit Walt Disney World due to the holiday season. Be sure to check the park hours and plan your visit accordingly.
2. Holidays: December is a festive time at Walt Disney World, with several holiday-themed events and decorations throughout the parks and resorts. Be sure to check out the special events and activities happening during your visit.
3. Dining reservations: If you plan on dining at any of the table-service restaurants in the parks or resorts, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially during the holiday season.
4. Plan ahead: With so much to see and do at Walt Disney World, it’s important to plan ahead and prioritize your must-do experiences. Be sure to check the park hours and make a rough itinerary of the attractions, shows, and events you want to see.
5. Stay hydrated: Even though the weather is cooler in December, there are still plenty of warm days. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks as needed.
With a bit of planning, you can make the most of your visit to Walt Disney World in December and have a magical time at the happiest place on earth!
Walt Disney World in December
Walt Disney World is a magical place to visit at any time of year, but especially during the holiday season when it is lit up with all of the extra festive lights and sounds it has a special charm. It is a wonderful month to plan your Walt Disney World vacation and a great option for families that want to enjoy the holidays at Disney World.
You’re sure to have an amazing time in December at the most magical place on Earth! Make sure to double check time calendars on the Disney World website and plan your trip according to how much of a crowd you are prepared to weather, but the holiday time is sure to help your family make special memories during your vacation!
Disclaimer:
** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Let's Get Magical!
Let's Get Magical!
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