Disney World announces Christmas 2020 holiday celebration

This year’s holiday season will take place from Nov. 6 through Dec. 30, 2020, at Walt Disney World and will include holiday décor and theme merchandise but, will be done without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and any other entertainment that normally draws large crowds.

While there still will be no fireworks, when night falls at the Magic Kingdom special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights.

Here’s what else is coming:

• 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.
• 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.
• Inside World ShowPlace at EPCOT, JOYFUL! will take guests on a musical journey of holiday music. The Voices of Liberty will use their eight-part harmonies to share songs of the season at the America Gardens Theatre.
• Starting on Nov. 27, holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
• At Disney Springs, elaborately decorated Christmas trees will spring up throughout dining,/shopping and entertainment district, 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.

Disney has also stated that more announcements about the 2020 holiday season will be made in the coming weeks.