Walt Disney World Begins Christmas Earlier Than Ever!

The holiday season at Disney World is one of the most magical times of the year, and fans can’t wait to see the parks transform into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas lights, festive decorations, and joyful music.

For many, it’s the best time to visit Disney, as the parks go all out, creating experiences that capture the spirit of the season. Everywhere you look, there are towering Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and holiday wreaths hung with care. Disney knows how to deliver the magic, and the holiday season is the perfect example.

One of the most popular holiday offerings is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. Guests love this event for the festive parades, exclusive character meet-and-greets, and a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the night sky. Add in a variety of special holiday treats—like Christmas cookies and hot cocoa—and it’s no wonder families make this an annual tradition.

EPCOT also gets in on the holiday action with its International Festival of the Holidays. This unique celebration showcases holiday traditions from around the world through food, drink, and entertainment in the World Showcase.

A favorite part of the festival is the Candlelight Processional, where celebrity narrators retell the Christmas story with the help of a choir and live orchestra, bringing a touch of heartwarming tradition to the season.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the holidays bring snowfall on Sunset Boulevard (yes, in Florida!) and the Sunset Seasons Greetings, which turns the Tower of Terror into a dazzling projection of holiday scenes. In addition, Jollywood Nights will be in full swing. It’s one of those magical moments that guests look forward to each night as the season approaches.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom also embraces the holidays in its own unique way, with seasonal flotillas along Discovery River, festive projections on the Tree of Life, and character sightings in their holiday best.

Even though it’s still the fall season and Halloween is in full swing, Disney is already getting ready for Christmas, and the first signs of the holiday cheer are beginning to pop up. This year, holiday filming kicked off a little earlier than expected, adding an extra layer of excitement for guests in the parks.

Ashley Carter shared on X, “World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT is blocked off tonight as filming is underway for the holidays.”

World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT is blocked off tonight as filming is underway for the holidays. pic.twitter.com/YH14apROn9

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) October 1, 2024

What makes this even crazier is that September 30 marks the earliest we can ever remember filming for Disney’s holiday specials taking place.

Seeing Christmas decorations in September might feel a little jarring, especially when Halloween is still in the air, but that is certainly a treat for those who got to be a part of the filming.

Where else can you stroll through pumpkins and fall decor while hearing Christmas carols in the distance? It’s a magical mix of two seasons coming together, and it gives guests a sneak peek of what’s to come once the full holiday transformation takes place in November.

For those lucky enough to be in the parks while this filming is going on, it’s like getting a backstage pass to the holiday magic before the rest of the world sees it.

The sight of decorated Christmas trees and twinkling lights might feel out of place when it’s still warm outside, but it also reminds guests that the holidays are just around the corner. It’s almost like Disney is letting you in on a little secret—Christmas is coming, and it’s going to be incredible.

The holiday specials that Disney films each year are a big deal, too. They feature live performances by some of the biggest names in music, special appearances by Disney characters, and breathtaking shots of the parks all dressed up for the season.

Watching the magic unfold on TV is a holiday tradition for many families, but seeing it happen in person while you’re walking through the park adds a whole new layer of excitement.

This year, with filming starting earlier than ever, it feels like the holidays are arriving sooner than expected. September 30 is a significant date because it’s the earliest holiday filming we’ve seen at Disney World, giving fans an early taste of the Christmas magic.

It’s a fun reminder that while the Halloween pumpkins and spooky decorations are still up, it won’t be long before the parks are completely decked out in holiday cheer.

So, even though it’s still technically fall, Disney is already letting us in on a little of the magic. Guests at EPCOT got to hear the Christmas songs, see the decorations, and experience that special holiday joy, even if it was just for filming.

For many, the holidays at Disney are the most wonderful time of the year, and this early filming only adds to the excitement. With each new decoration and song, we’re reminded that the magic of the season is on its way!