The holiday season has officially arrived at the Disney Parks, bringing with it one of the most anticipated transformations of the year. Today marks the first official day of the festive celebration across Walt Disney World Resort, signaling the start of a whirlwind of seasonal entertainment, decorations, and limited-time offerings that Disney fans wait months to experience. But while both major U.S. resorts welcome the holidays, they won’t be bidding them farewell at the same time: at Disneyland Resort, the holiday season runs through January 7th, while Walt Disney World will end its festive programming noticeably earlier on December 31st.The difference in timelines has already sparked discussion among fans, especially those used to Walt Disney World stretching the season well into the new year. But even with a shorter schedule, the Florida resort is going all-in on holiday magic—transforming its parks, hotels, transportation routes, and even nighttime lineups into a full sensory celebration.Credit: DisneyA Resort-Wide TransformationOvernight, Walt Disney World Resort shifted from autumnal pumpkins and harvest décor to shimmering lights, oversized ornaments, and iconic character touches that instantly signal the most magical time of the year. Each of the resort’s four theme parks, multiple hotels, and even Disney Springs have been meticulously re-themed to reflect the spirit of the season.Magic Kingdom, the crown jewel of the holidays, is once again the heart of the celebration. As guests step onto Main Street, U.S.A., they’re greeted by towering Christmas trees, swags of garland cascading across the buildings, and wreaths adorned with vintage-style ornaments reminiscent of early 20th century Americana. Candy cane stripes, peppermint accents, and glowing lanterns transform the entrance corridor into a full nostalgic winter postcard.Cinderella Castle continues to serve as the backdrop for nighttime entertainment, illuminated by colorful projection sequences designed specifically for the holiday season. Each rotation casts the castle in a different mood—from icy blue frost to warm golden hues—without the return of the former physical “Dream Lights,” but with an equally impressive digital alternative that allows for dynamic storytelling throughout the night.Snowflakes sparkle, laughter’s near, Holiday magic is finally here! With Minnie, Mickey, and friends so dear, Nov 14–Jan 7 at Disneyland Resort, 'tis the season of cheer!#DisneyHolidays pic.twitter.com/cLrCZXymfR— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 14, 2025EPCOT’s Holiday Traditions Around the WorldOver at EPCOT, the holidays mean culture, cuisine, and global celebration. World Showcase is once again populated with storytellers from around the world—each offering insights into how their respective countries celebrate the season. From the joyful drumming in the Japan Pavilion to the classic traditions shared in Germany and Norway, the park becomes a tapestry of international festivities.Seasonal food booths, which blend EPCOT’s signature festival style with holiday comfort dishes, provide guests with global culinary traditions from savory to sweet. The holiday kitchens are back with offerings like slow-roasted meats, festive pastries, warm ciders, and the return of beloved cookies through the Holiday Cookie Stroll.Spaceship Earth, fully lit with its state-of-the-art LED panel system, also receives a festive nighttime sequence, radiating holiday colors across the entire park. The combination of lights, global décor, and seasonal music adds an extra layer of immersion to EPCOT’s holiday transformation.Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Vintage Holidays Meet Modern MagicIn Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the holidays take on a classic mid-century flair. Retro tinsel trees, oversized vintage ornaments, and pastel-hued décor fill Hollywood Boulevard, transporting guests into a 1950s-style holiday postcard. Gertie the Dinosaur once again dons her oversized Santa hat, while Sunset Boulevard becomes the heart of a projection show filled with falling snow, holiday animations, and bursts of light synced to classic songs.Toy Story Land also gets its own holiday overlay, featuring oversized Christmas lights, playful decorations, and seasonal tunes that infuse the area with whimsical charm. Even Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway receives subtle holiday audio touches, seamlessly blending modern animation with timeless festive energy.Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicFestive Details Beyond the ParksThe transformation isn’t limited to the theme parks. Resort hotels across Walt Disney World feature their own elaborate displays—from massive Christmas trees to themed decorations that reflect each hotel’s identity. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa once again hosts its giant life-sized gingerbread house, constructed from real gingerbread shingles and serving as one of the most iconic holiday displays anywhere on property.Disney Springs also becomes a festive hub, with the Christmas Tree Stroll highlighting dozens of uniquely themed trees scattered throughout the shopping and dining district. Live entertainment, seasonal treats, and roaming performers complete the transformation.A Shorter Season in Florida Raises EyebrowsWhile Disneyland Resort extends its holiday festivities through January 7th, Walt Disney World’s decision to end on December 31st stands out as a significant scheduling shift. The early conclusion means guests traveling during the first week of January—traditionally a popular time—will no longer see holiday entertainment, decorations, or overlays at Walt Disney World after New Year’s Eve.Disneyland, historically more flexible in its seasonal extensions, maintains its longer celebration window for locals and returning guests, preserving the vibe of the holidays well into the new year.The Holidays Return—With a TwistDespite the earlier end date, Walt Disney World is still delivering a fully immersive holiday experience across every corner of the resort. The décor is elaborate, the entertainment lineup is packed, and the seasonal offerings carry all the festive charm fans have come to expect. The transformation remains one of the most ambitious and visually impactful changes Disney makes each year.Whether the shorter season is a logistical decision, an operational shift, or a hint at future holiday restructuring remains to be seen, but for now, the parks are sparkling once again—and guests have officially stepped into the merriest time of the year at Walt Disney World.The post Be Warned! Christmas Season To End Early at Walt Disney World appeared first on Inside the Magic.