These are all of the changes at Walt Disney World in December 2025. They are good to be aware of before going on your vacation. This includes holidays, closures, and more.
Holiday Season
The holiday season started at Disney World in November and goes until December 31st. This includes holiday foods, decor on Main Street, Christmas trees in the parks, and more.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is Ending
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is ending this month. The last day to experience it is December 30, 2025.
Candlelight Processional Ends
The Candlelight Processional is part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. The last day to go to this is December 30, 2025.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Is Ending
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is in Magic Kingdom on select nights. The dates for it in December are December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19 and 21.
Jollywood Nights Is Ending
Jollywood Nights is an after dark event in Hollywood Studios park that will have its last event in December. The last day for it is December 22nd.
Closures
Closures at Disney World in December include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, the Walt Disney World Railroad Frontierland station, Kali River Rapids, Animation Courtyard, Blizzard Beach, and Vacation Fun. Read dates and more info on the closures here.
Last Month for Free Water Park Admission
Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels have access to free water park admission on the day of check-in. For the month of December you will have to go Typhoon Lagoon since Blizzard Beach is closed. This is the last month that this is being offered.
Increased Crowds
You can expect to see a big increase in crowds in December. This is because the holiday season is the busiest time of the year, especially the week of Christmas and the week of New Years. New Years Eve is known for being the busiest day of the year at Disney World.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is on Thursday December 25. There will likely be an increase in crowds on this day, especially in the afternoon and evening. These are the park hours for Christmas day- Magic Kingdom: 9 AM to 10 PM, EPCOT: 9 AM to 9:30 PM, Hollywood Studios: 9 AM to 9 PM, and Animal Kingdom: 8 AM to 6 PM.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is the busiest day of the year at Disney World with very very heavy crowds and long wait times for rides. So be prepared for managing that. There will be special New Years firework shows and other entertainment. These are the park hours on December 31st- Magic Kingdom: 9 AM to 10 PM, EPCOT: 9 AM to 9:30 PM, Hollywood Studios: 9 AM to 9 PM, and Animal Kingdom: 8 AM to 6 PM.