Summer is not yet over, but Christmas will soon be upon us. With the recent exciting announcement of November 8 officially being the start of Christmas at Walt Disney World® Resort, now is the perfect time to start planning your magical Christmas vacation.

What can you expect for a Disney Christmas?

This year’s Disney holiday season, ‘Joy to the World!’, will be heavily sprinkled throughout the parks, resorts and more, like fairy dust. Along with the charming festive décor from the moment you arrive and the delicious themed treats, here are the highlights of what you can expect.

Epcot

More than 10 of the World Showcase nations will be wonderfully transformed to coincide with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, which starts November 18. Another great addition to Christmas at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional. For anyone who loves music, this is an absolute must-see show, that includes a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Magic Kingdom

Experience the traditional Disney parade, with a twist. Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade, will include festive elves and dancing gingerbread men. Your family can cheer and wave to your favorite characters as they pass by in their best dressed Christmas outfits. Also, at the Magic Kingdom, you can purchase tickets for the exclusive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Animal Kingdom

As you enter the park you will be greeted by a massive tree, decorated to perfection, which will have you feeling Christmassy in an instant. As a fan of the Disney film UP, you need to visit UP! A Great Bird Adventure. From November 8 the exotic bird show will become a beautiful story celebrating the Hindu Festival of Diwali. You can enjoy this special show until New Year’s Day.

Hollywood Studios

For the ultimate holiday spirit, Hollywood Studios is the park to visit, as it has multiple Christmas themed attractions and events.

One of 2017’s surprise holiday favorites is returning! A Flurry of Fun, featuring Sunset Seasons Greetings, will once again be available in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for what will most likely be another remarkable show. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to see it before, Sunset Seasons Greetings is a nightly show that includes Christmas wishes and stories from the most cherished and adored Disney characters. As you watch the show, which is projected onto the Hollywood Tower of Terror, you will experience what snow is like in Florida, as it gracefully falls from the sky. Unlike last year, this year’s lucky guests will also watch a laser show.

Stay around after Sunset Seasons Greeting, for the nightly firework spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Not only is this show good enough for a king, but also Santa Clause himself. It will include colorful displays of fireworks, sing-a-long Christmas carols, and a laser show.

‘Joy through the World’ is not just about Disney characters. Santa will also be making an appearance. Take your little ones and big ones to see Santa Claus between November 9 and December 24. If you visit after Christmas Eve, Santa Goofy will be available from December 25 to December 31.

What are you waiting for?

Whether you are a wannabe princess, space ranger or even a beast, visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday period is a magical and enchanting event, which you will remember forever.

November thru to January, (Christmas at Disney ends January 6) are busy times for Disney and people start booking way in advance. We don’t want you to miss out! Start planning what will probably become your best holiday ever, today. Then, let the Disney countdown commence.