Disney’s 9 Biggest Special Events You Should Experience in 2025

Walt Disney World is magical all year, but its seasonal events make it even more special. Whether you’re a foodie, festival-goer, or love themed celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Some events are included with park admission, while others require separate tickets.

Here’s a look at the top 9 special events at Walt Disney World that every visitor should experience in 2025.

9. EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Held in January and February, this vibrant festival celebrates creativity in all its forms. Guests can enjoy visual arts, such as interactive murals and live exhibits, and performing arts, including Broadway-style concerts and dance performances.

Food lovers can explore themed food studios with beautifully plated dishes. This festival is included with regular EPCOT admission, making it an excellent addition to your visit.

8. runDisney Race Weekends

For fitness enthusiasts, runDisney race weekends offer a unique way to experience the parks. Races take place throughout the year, including:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 8-12, 2025)
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 20-23, 2025)
• Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 3-6, 2025)
• Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November 6-9, 2025)

Each event features themed medals, character meet-and-greets, and scenic routes through the parks. Registration is required, and spots fill up fast!

7. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Springtime at EPCOT brings breathtaking floral displays, creative topiaries, and fresh flavors. This festival is known for its intricate Disney character topiaries and outdoor kitchens serving garden-inspired dishes.

Guests can also attend gardening workshops and educational exhibits. Regular EPCOT admission covers this event, so there’s no extra charge to experience the beauty.

6. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

If you love Halloween, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is a must. This separately ticketed event, held on select nights from August through October 2025, features trick-or-treating, exclusive character meet-and-greets, and a spooky parade.

Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up and enjoy themed fireworks and entertainment throughout the park.

5. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

A dream for foodies, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival celebrates global flavors from August through November 2025. Highlights include global marketplaces with regional dishes, celebrity chef demonstrations, and live music from the Eat to the Beat concert series.

This festival is included with regular EPCOT admission, though food and beverage purchases are separate.

4. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Step into a winter wonderland at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a limited-ticket event held in November and December 2025 at Magic Kingdom. Guests can experience snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., a magical Christmas parade, and festive fireworks.

Complimentary holiday treats like cookies and cocoa make the evening even more special. Many visitors wear holiday sweaters or pajamas for extra coziness.

3. Candlelight Processional at EPCOT

A cherished holiday tradition, the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT tells the story of Christmas through a celebrity narrator, full orchestra, and choir.

Performances take place three times each night at The American Adventure pavilion. This event is included in EPCOT admission, though dining packages are available for reserved seating.

2. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT’s World Showcase transforms into a global holiday celebration during the holiday season. Guests can enjoy seasonal food booths, festive entertainment, and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and other holiday icons.

 

The event is included in EPCOT admission, making it a fantastic way to experience cultural holiday traditions.

1. Destination D23 2025: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney

Held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida., this event offers fans a unique opportunity to connect, celebrate, and immerse themselves in all things Disney. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new member of the Disney community, Destination D23 2025 promises to be the ultimate Disney experience.

• See Disney archivists, historians, Imagineers, cast members, filmmakers, Disney Legends and luminaries in two days of programming spanning all the worlds of Disney!
• Enjoy panels celebrating the attractions, entertainment and experiences that define Disney theme parks and cruise ships.
• Discover exciting upcoming projects from creators and storytellers at The Walt Disney Studio!
• Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives, featuring interstitial programming focusing on Disney’s vast connections and history to locales around the globe. This includes a special 80th anniversary celebration of all things south of the border with The Three Caballeros!
• Go down the rabbit hole to discover the “Disney you didn’t know” as the Walt Disney Archives shares more of the most astonishing Disney discoveries, connections, and little-known facts that will change everything—or at least some things—you thought you knew about the Disney universe. In this all-new and updated outing, you’ll never guess where we’ll end up next!

Buckle in for a sneak peek at the company’s boundless future, be among the first to access exclusive shopping opportunities, and experience plenty of surprises at this fan-favorite event!

Plan Your Visit!

With so many incredible events at Walt Disney World, there’s always something new and exciting to experience. Whether you’re planning around a favorite festival or looking to enhance your trip with a special ticketed event, these seasonal offerings add extra magic.