Credit: DisneyDisney has a way of turning the holidays into something unforgettable, but this year, things are looking a little different. Big changes are coming to the parks, and they might just shake up how you plan your Christmas trip.
If you thought you knew what to expect, think again—three new bombshells will transform Christmas at Walt Disney World in 2025.
Christmas at Magic Kingdom
When most people think of Christmas at Disney World, their minds go straight to Magic Kingdom. The park transforms into a holiday postcard with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party brings it all together, giving guests a chance to sip hot cocoa, watch holiday fireworks, and catch exclusive parades filled with characters dressed in their festive best.
This long-standing event continues to be one of Disney’s most sought-after tickets during the holiday season. Families plan their entire vacations around the party, often using it as the centerpiece of their Christmas celebration. While nothing has been announced to change Mickey’s party this year, the bigger story is how Disney is shaking things up elsewhere across the resort.
Christmas at Hollywood Studios
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the glitz of the season takes center stage with “Jollywood Nights.” This newer holiday event adds a glamorous twist, leaning into retro style with music, décor, and entertainment that harken back to Hollywood’s golden era. Think sparkling lights across Sunset Boulevard, jazzy performances, and themed treats that fit the old-school vibe.
Jollywood Nights was introduced to give Studios its own distinct holiday personality, separate from Magic Kingdom’s classic celebrations. It’s still a relatively fresh event, but guests have already embraced it as a must-do, particularly for those looking for something unique. Still, the biggest shake-ups for this holiday season won’t be happening here either—they’re reserved for EPCOT.
EPCOT and the Festival of the Holidays
EPCOT has always taken a global approach to Christmas, with its Festival of the Holidays showcasing how different cultures celebrate the season. Holiday kitchens serve exceptional food and drinks, while storytellers around World Showcase share seasonal traditions from their respective countries.
And of course, the Candlelight Processional has become a fan favorite, retelling the story of Christmas with celebrity narrators and a massive choir.
This year, however, Disney has confirmed three significant changes that could alter how guests experience the festival. These aren’t minor adjustments either—each one will affect how people plan their visits and what they prioritize once inside the park. Let’s break down the bombshells one by one.
Bombshell #1: Santa Claus Gets a New Home
For years, guests visiting EPCOT during the holidays could meet Santa Claus inside The Odyssey building. But that tradition has officially moved. Starting this season, Santa will greet guests at the newly opened CommuniCore Hall. The change may seem small at first, but it shifts the flow of the park. Instead of trekking over to The Odyssey, families will head straight to CommuniCore for those all-important holiday photos.
This new location also comes with set times for appearances, giving guests more structure in planning their day. With Santa greeting families daily until December 24, it’s clear Disney wants CommuniCore to become the beating heart of holiday festivities.
Bombshell #2: A Brand New Stage
The second shake-up also ties back to CommuniCore. The popular show “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” is shifting locations and will now perform at the CommuniCore Plaza Stage. This vibrant mix of gospel, R&B, and holiday tunes celebrates both Christmas and Kwanzaa, and it has become one of the most uplifting parts of the festival.
The relocation could mean bigger crowds in this new area and possibly even impact other entertainment, like the Encanto-themed show that shares the stage. With daily showtimes scheduled from late November through December, this adjustment signals that Disney sees CommuniCore as the new centerpiece of EPCOT’s festival experience.
Bombshell #3: Price Hike
The third change might not involve a new location, but it will certainly hit guests in the wallet. Olaf’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt, a family-friendly activity where kids (and adults) search World Showcase for hidden Olaf figures, is increasing in price. The cost will rise to $11.99, matching a similar bump seen with Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit earlier this year.
For many families, these scavenger hunts are an affordable way to add fun and keep kids engaged while exploring EPCOT. While the price hike isn’t massive, it’s still something guests will notice, especially if they’re buying multiple maps for larger groups.
What It All Means for Christmas at Disney
Individually, these changes may not sound earth-shattering, but together they paint a clear picture: Disney is transforming CommuniCore into the epicenter of EPCOT’s holiday celebration. From meeting Santa to watching JOYFUL! Even when shopping for Olaf scavenger hunt maps, the action has shifted.
It creates a new rhythm for how guests will experience the Festival of the Holidays, and it’s likely to make CommuniCore one of the busiest spots in the park.
Beyond EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will keep their popular traditions intact, meaning fans of Mickey’s party and Jollywood Nights can rest easy. Still, the EPCOT bombshells are potentially significant enough to change how guests plan their entire holiday trip.
A Christmas Like No Other
So, what do these three holiday bombshells mean for you? If you’re heading to Disney World this Christmas season, be prepared for EPCOT to feel different—livelier, busier, and centered around its newest hub. Santa has a new home, JOYFUL! has a new stage, and Olaf’s scavenger hunt has a new price tag.
Disney has once again proven that no tradition is too sacred to reimagine. These shifts may require you to rethink your strategy, but they also open the door for new memories and experiences. One thing’s for sure: Christmas at Disney in 2025 won’t look quite like it did before, and for many guests, that’s what keeps the magic fresh year after year.