Credit: DisneyAs the holiday season approaches, Walt Disney World has confirmed that Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will take over as the featured nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom during peak Christmas Week this year.
From December 21 through December 29, this festive show will replace the popular Happily Ever After fireworks display, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit with holiday-themed entertainment.
This seasonal shift is part of a beloved Disney tradition, where regular programming at Magic Kingdom is replaced with holiday-themed events and performances, giving guests a uniquely festive experience.
Holiday Fireworks Schedule at Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s holiday fireworks lineup includes multiple themed displays, making each night at the Magic Kingdom feel like a celebration. Here’s a breakdown of what guests can expect throughout December and into the New Year:
- Now – Dec. 18: Happily Ever After fireworks on non-party nights.
- Now – Dec. 20: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks presented exclusively on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights.
- Dec. 21 – Dec. 29: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks presented nightly, replacing Happily Ever After.
- Dec. 30, Dec. 31: Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks, a grand New Year’s Eve celebration open to all guests with park admission.
- Jan. 1: Happily Ever After returns as the nightly fireworks show.
In keeping with holiday traditions, the switch to holiday programming isn’t just about fireworks—Walt Disney World typically adapts other park features as well to enhance the holiday atmosphere for guests.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks: A Festive Spectacle
Debuting in 2019 as part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks has quickly become a favorite. This special holiday show combines breathtaking fireworks with intricate projections on Cinderella Castle, all hosted by Minnie Mouse herself.
The performance offers a heartwarming celebration of Christmas, with classic holiday melodies like “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” creating an enchanting atmosphere.
The show’s music selection is designed to capture both the excitement of Christmas and the coziness of the season, with familiar songs aimed at evoking a sense of warmth, family, and festive joy. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks also features dazzling pyrotechnics that light up the sky in sync with the music, creating a visually stunning display against the backdrop of Cinderella Castle.
You can watch the fireworks below:
Holiday Parades and Daytime Festivities
While the holiday fireworks will take center stage during Christmas Week, Walt Disney World is also making adjustments to its parade schedule. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is expected to begin daytime performances on December 21, replacing the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade until after the holiday season.
This daytime change has become a seasonal tradition, offering guests a chance to see beloved characters dressed in holiday attire, along with festive floats, dancing reindeer, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Although the official parade calendar has yet to be updated to reflect this switch, Disney has indicated that the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will end its run on December 20, making room for the holiday parade through the end of December. The return date for Festival of Fantasy has not been announced, but it’s likely to return after the holiday season in early January.
New Year’s Eve: Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks
In addition to Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Magic Kingdom will also host a two-night New Year’s Eve celebration with Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks on December 30 and 31. This high-energy display is a Disney tradition, filling the skies with bright colors and boisterous music to ring in the New Year.
Unlike the special event Christmas fireworks, Fantasy in the Sky is included with regular park admission, allowing all guests to join in the countdown celebration.
A Holiday Tradition Continues at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom’s holiday programming has become a cherished part of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World, drawing guests from around the world who come to experience the festive transformation. From the colorful projections on Cinderella Castle to the seasonal parades and music, Disney’s holiday lineup embodies the joy and warmth of the Christmas season.
Whether it’s experiencing Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks for the first time or joining the New Year’s Eve countdown, guests will find no shortage of holiday cheer at Magic Kingdom.
With Disney’s attention to detail and commitment to creating magical holiday experiences, this year’s holiday season at Walt Disney World promises to be unforgettable, offering memories for visitors of all ages as they celebrate the spirit of Christmas at the Most Magical Place on Earth.