Celebrating Soulfully Walt Disney World, The holidays are in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort, where guests are enjoying enchanting experiences, cultural immersions, and general merrymaking that pay tribute to Black heritage and culture through music, food, art, and more.
Guests are โCelebrating Soulfullyโโ during the holidays at Walt Disney World in a variety of ways, including meeting Santa Claus, who represents the spirit of the holiday season and reflects the diversity of the guests who visit The Most Magical Place on Earth. Jolly Old Saint Nick makes appearances across Walt Disney World Resort, greeting guests at select parks and Disney Springs. Thereโs also the popular Candlelight Processional, Disney Jollywood Nights, holiday-themed cuisine, music, art and more โ all with a soulful twist.
Here are just some of the key holiday offerings guests wonโt want to miss:
EPCOT: Music, Cuisine, and Storytelling
At EPCOT, the new nighttime spectacular โLuminous The Symphony of Usโ brings dazzling lights and music to the skies, featuring singer/songwriter Shelea on two original songs: โHeartbeat Symphonyโ and โBeating of Our Hearts.โ This show beautifully showcases diverse voices in a celebration of unity and hope.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs through Dec. 30, offering seasonal food and live performances. This includes the return of the Candlelight Processional, where narrators like Sterling K. Brown, Jordan Fisher, and Audra McDonald add their voices to this cherished tradition.
Also returning is โJOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,โ a vibrant fusion of gospel, jazz, and R&B music that honors both Christmas and Kwanzaa.
Soulful Holiday Flavors
Cultural dishes are featured throughout the parks, such as Hoppinโ John at the American Adventure pavilionโa flavorful combination of black-eyed peas, ham hocks, and kale served over rice with cornbread crumbles. Guests can also enjoy drinks crafted with Black-owned spirits like Sorel Hibiscus Liqueur and Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey at select lounges and resorts. Celebrating Soulfully Walt Disney World
Disney Jollywood Nights and More
At Disneyโs Hollywood Studios, Disney Jollywood Nights includes โDisney Holidays in Hollywood,โ a festive variety show with appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Princess Tiana, and live jazz performers.
Meanwhile, Disney Springs features the annual Christmas Tree Stroll, including a tree themed to โThe Princess and the Frog.โ Guests can also enjoy live Afropop performances by Wassalou, celebrating the traditions of Kwanzaa.
Disney Springs
While shopping and dining, guests can take part in the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. There are 19 Disney-themed trees on display throughout the four โneighborhoodsโ that make up Disney Springs. And this year, guests can feel connected to Princess Tiana with The Princess and the Frog Tree.
In addition, the contemporary Afropop band Wassalou performs throughout the season to celebrate Kwanzaa.
