There is nothing quite like visiting the Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This exclusive event requires separate park tickets and occurs over 19 select nights from November 7 — December 19 at the Magic Kingdom. It’s a fun and fabulous way to get the whole family into the holiday spirit.

Todd Anderson, photographer
The entire park is swathed in holiday décor, right down to the light posts adorned with holiday wreaths in the shapes of — what else — mouse ears. Stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., and check out the holiday window displays as faux snow flurries fall from above during select times. Besides the decorations and holiday music piping in throughout the park during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, there are stage shows and dance parties with holiday themes. Free cookies and cocoa are also at select checkpoints throughout the park (noted on park maps made specifically for the event).

Charlie Champagne, photographer
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade features Santa and all the usual Disney friends, with special Frozen stars Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf also making an appearance. If you’re not a diehard fan of parades, it’s the perfect opportunity to ride your favorite rides, especially those that usually have long lines. My son and I rode Thunder Mountain Railroad three times in a row while listening to the faint sounds of the parade on the other side of Frontierland.
One thing you won’t want to miss is the special holiday “Celebrate the Magic” castle projection show and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular. For tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, go to WaltDisneyWorld.com or call 407-WDW-7679.