Here’s How to Celebrate Every Day in December at Walt Disney World

Ahh, the magical, merry month of December has arrived. Packed with well-known and long-anticipated holidays and seasonal observances, it may be the best time to visit The World. There’s joy around every corner!

And to add a little extra to your visit, here’s our suggestions about how to add more ways to celebrate your days while at WDW!

December 1 – National Christmas Lights Day
Let’s start the month in the Magic Kingdom, where you should enjoy holiday light displays including Cinderella Castle Holiday Projections and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Over at EPCOT, the new holiday show of lights on Spaceship Earth are also incredible. For a more traditional set of Christmas lights, make sure you swing through Living with the Land, too!

December 2 – Business of Popping Corn Day
It’s a day to remember the invention of the corn-popping machine. And what better way to remember than by enjoying some of the world-famous Disney Popcorn!

December 3 – National Green Bean Casserole Day
Sounds like a day for dinner at the 50’s Prime Time Café.

December 4 – National Cookie Day
Have a cookie! Have two cookies! Have ALL the cookies!! And you know where to find the best of them at WDW? EVERYWHERE!!!

December 5 – National Bathtub Party Day
Celebrate by setting aside some time for a soak. And if your room doesn’t have a tub, visit the hot tub at your pool. And if that’s too full for comfort, you could take a swim!

December 6 – Walt Disney Day
Even though Walt was born on December 5^th, his day is observed on the first Monday of December. It’s a chance to recognize the man, his vision, and his continuing quest to push the boundaries of what was possible, changing our world in the process. Thanks for everything, Walt!

December 7 – National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance
A good day to watch the Flag Retreat on Main Street, remembering all who have given the ultimate sacrifice – making it possible for you to be here today.

December 8 – Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day 
You don’t have to pretend if you ride the Carousel of Progress! You WILL be a time traveler!

December 9 – National Pastry Day
Enjoy your favorite without any guilt – especially by visiting the French Pavilion in EPCOT.

December 10 – Nobel Prize Day
Know who should have won a Nobel Prize? Walt. Nuff said.

December 11 – International Mountain Day
Take your pick or ride them all today: Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Everest, Big Thunder Mountain…

December 12 – Gingerbread House Day
Make a tour of all the great Gingerbread displays across the World, but make sure you end up at the greatest of all in the Grand Floridian lobby.

December 13 – National Candle Lighting Day
Even if you haven’t made plans or reservations for the Candlelight Processional, you can always stand outside the American Gardens Theatre and watch the pageantry.

December 14 – Roast Chestnuts Day
Stop by the new Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen in EPCOT during the International Festival of the Holidays for fire-roasted chestnuts (or even cinnamon-glazed almonds and cashews).

December 15 – National Cupcake Day
Who doesn’t love a good cupcake? And if you’re gluten-free (like my lovely wife) visit Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Disney Springs for gluten-free treats galore!

December 16 – National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
So, enjoy something that’s already covered in chocolate, or cover something in chocolate yourself – either way, CHOCOLATE!

December 17 – National Wright Brothers Day
You know which brothers were always (w)right? That’s (w)right: Walt and Roy.

December 18 – National Twin Day
A good time to recall that Mickey’s nephews Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse are twins as are Minnie’s nieces Millie and Melody Mouse. (Did you even know Minnie had nieces? Be honest.)

December 19 – National Hard Candy Day
Stop into the Big Top Souvenirs Shop in the Magic Kingdom and treat yourself! It’s one of our favorite places and never as crowded as Main Street Confectionary.

 

December 20 – Go Caroling Day
In your hotel hallways, in the elevators, even in lines for attractions, start singing your favorite carol and encourage others to join in the fun.

December 21 – National Hamburger Day
In my view, the Kona Café in the Polynesian serves one of the best burgers in the World. Treat yourself!

December 22 – National Short Persons Day
It’s a fact that Jiminy Cricket is the shortest well-known Disney character. But we’re guessing he has one of the biggest hearts. (Who are you if you don’t tear up when you hear “When You Wish Upon a Star”?)

December 23 – National Christmas Movie Marathon Day
Stay in your hotel room, ignore the crowds, stock up on snacks and tune in Disney+ to watch Noelle; Nightmare Before Christmas, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, and of course, The Muppets Christmas Carol. (Also, today’s the day Festivus is observed…)

December 24 – National Eggnog Day
Captain Cook’s at the Poly features the Holiday “Elf” Dome: Vanilla cake with eggnog filling, white chocolate glaçage, and buttercream décor!

December 25 – No “L” Day (Get it? Noel?)
Leave the letter “L” out of every word you say. Wave to P’uto and Dona’d as they go by in a cava’cade. Visit Disney Ho’’ywood Studios or Anima’ Kingdom. Have ‘unch at Co’umbia Harbour House in ‘iberty Square or Pecos Bi’’ Ta’ Ta’e Inn.

December 26 – National Candy Cane Day
OK, here’s the thing: you’ll have to go to Disneyland to get candy canes. Hand-pulled, authentic, old-fashioned candy canes. But honest, it’s worth the trip.

December 27 – National Visit the Zoo Day
Spend your time at Animal Kingdom, but remember to keep your arms, legs, hands and feet inside the jeep at Kilimanjaro Safaris (and don’t be like my granddaughter who turned to me and asked, “But what about my head?”).

December 28 – National Short Film Day
Put on your 3D glasses and take in the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival at EPCOT – and enjoy the magic!

December 29 – Still Need to Do Day
Ride all the attractions you need to before you leave for home; eat all the special treats you can only find at WDW! In other words, do everything that was on your list before time runs out!

December 30 – National Bacon Day
While the Bacon of Doom at Jock Lindsay’s Hanger Bar in Disney Springs gets all the press, Kona Island in the Poly has a variety of chocolate covered bacon flavors to try (Dark Chocolate Chili is a fave.) Or just order bacon with breakfast…you can’t go wrong with bacon.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Here’s to 2022: may it bring peace, hope, happiness and health to you and all you care for. (And here’s to visiting WDW in the new year!)

Special thanks to Bob for these wonderful monthly recaps to help bring smiles in 2021!