Credit: DisneyPopcorn buckets have become far more than a place to stash a snack at Disney World. Over the years, they’ve turned into full-blown collectibles, with some designs creating long lines, sellouts, and resale buzz that rivals limited-edition merchandise drops. Holiday popcorn buckets, in particular, tend to spark even more excitement, blending seasonal charm with a tight window of availability.
Right now, several Christmas-themed popcorn buckets and sippers are available across Walt Disney World. What many guests don’t realize is that these festive designs are already approaching their final stretch. Once the holiday season wraps up, these buckets are expected to disappear by January 2026, making the remaining weeks of the season the last realistic chance to grab them.
For collectors, this timing matters. For casual guests, it’s an easy detail to miss until it’s too late.
Why Holiday Popcorn Buckets Always Feel Different
Disney releases popcorn buckets year-round, but holiday versions feel more special for a simple reason: they’re tied directly to a moment in time. Christmas decorations, seasonal entertainment, and limited-time events all create a version of the parks that only exists for a few weeks each year.
Once the garlands come down and the holiday music fades, those designs usually vanish with them. Unlike some standard buckets that linger or rotate back during festivals, Christmas-themed buckets are closely tied to the season itself. That makes them more limited, more nostalgic, and often more desirable down the line.
Magic Kingdom Leads the Holiday Collectible Charge
As expected, Magic Kingdom is where some of the most festive popcorn souvenirs can be found. During the holiday season, the park becomes the emotional center of Christmas at Disney World, and the merchandise reflects that energy.
One of the most sought-after items this year is the Holiday Christmas Tree Truck popcorn bucket. This design leans heavily into classic Disney Christmas imagery, combining a playful vehicle theme with traditional holiday décor. The key detail is its availability: it’s sold exclusively during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Because it’s tied to a ticketed event, availability is limited to party nights, which adds a layer of urgency. In past years, Disney has occasionally sold leftover party-exclusive items during regular park hours, but that’s never guaranteed. Guests attending the party often prioritize grabbing this bucket early in the evening.
Magic Kingdom also offers the Santa Sulley popcorn bucket, which puts a festive spin on a familiar Pixar character. This bucket has broad appeal, especially for guests who want something playful that still feels distinctly holiday-themed. It’s available at select popcorn locations throughout the park, making it easier to find than some event-exclusive items.
Another popular collectible is the Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer sipper. While technically not a popcorn bucket, it lives in the same collectible space and has become a favorite for guests who enjoy seasonal drinkware. Its classic toy soldier design fits seamlessly into Magic Kingdom’s Christmas atmosphere and is available at a handful of quick-service locations.
Holiday Buckets Across the Rest of Disney World
The holiday collectible fun doesn’t stop at Magic Kingdom. Disney has spread festive popcorn buckets and sippers across multiple parks, giving guests more chances to find something special no matter where they’re spending the day.
At EPCOT, the Mickey Elf popcorn bucket is available at various locations throughout the park. This design fits perfectly with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, where seasonal food booths, storytellers, and holiday traditions from around the world take center stage. For many guests, EPCOT’s holiday offerings feel cozy and immersive, and this bucket adds to that atmosphere.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings a slightly different vibe with the Gold Musical Rotating Tin popcorn bucket. This container stands out thanks to its built-in music feature, adding an interactive element that goes beyond simple design. The gold finish gives it a more classic, vintage holiday feel, which appeals to guests who prefer subtler seasonal décor.
Some holiday sippers and collectibles are also available across multiple parks, offering flexibility for guests who may not want to hunt down one specific item in one specific location.
These Buckets Won’t Stick Around Forever
While Disney hasn’t announced an exact removal date for each holiday popcorn bucket, the expectation is that these designs will be phased out by January 2026. Historically, Disney pivots quickly once the holiday season ends, making room for winter festivals and early spring merchandise.
That means availability in late December and early January can be unpredictable. Some designs may sell out sooner than others, especially those tied to special events or limited distributions. For guests visiting closer to the end of the season, finding a specific bucket can feel like a gamble.
What’s Next for Popcorn Bucket Fans
Missing out on holiday buckets doesn’t mean the end of collectible fun. Disney typically rolls straight into new releases once the holiday season ends, especially around EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts in January.
That event is often associated with Figment-themed merchandise, including popcorn buckets that have become legendary among Disney fans. While Disney hasn’t revealed what the 2026 designs will look like yet, past years suggest there will be no shortage of excitement.
Christmas at Disney World Is About the Full Experience
Popcorn buckets may grab attention, but Christmas at Disney World is about much more than merchandise. During the holidays, each park takes on its own seasonal personality.
Magic Kingdom leans into nostalgia with themed parades, special fireworks, and classic holiday music drifting down Main Street, U.S.A. EPCOT offers a more global celebration, showcasing holiday traditions from around the world through food, entertainment, and storytelling. Hollywood Studios adds retro charm to areas like Echo Lake, while Animal Kingdom incorporates subtle seasonal touches that blend into its natural landscapes.
These popcorn buckets become souvenirs tied to those moments — snowfall effects on Main Street, candlelight performances in World Showcase, and that unmistakable warmth that defines Disney during the holidays.
For many guests, grabbing one of these buckets isn’t about the popcorn at all. It’s about taking home a small reminder of a season that always feels too short.