It seems like the Christmas creep comes earlier and earlier each year, whether that’s in stores, on social media, or even in theme parks. But the most wonderful time of the year really is one of the best times to make your way to one of the many theme parks around the country. Take it from me, the FamilyVacationist senior theme park editor who’s visited nearly all of the parks on this list, and absolutely loves Christmastime.
Whether you’re looking for holiday parties with all the glitz and glamor of the 1920s like at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or an old-fashioned Christmas where tradition takes precedence like Silver Dollar City’s holiday event, we’ve got your next theme park holiday getaway covered. Keep reading to learn more about the nine best holiday theme park celebrations and how you can take part in the fun this winter.
Universal Orlando Resort
Dates: November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027
One of the biggest holiday celebrations across Central Florida takes place at Universal Orlando Resort. The destination-wide event takes place across all three theme parks and each resort hotel. One of the most talked-about experiences in the theme parks is Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which spreads through Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe. Each park’s Harry Potter-themed lands are fully decorated and have some festive entertainment.
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My favorite part of Universal Holidays is Grinchmas Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. Inside the colorful world of Dr. Seuss, you can meet The Grinch, watch a live stage show based on the holiday story How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and so much more. And over at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is a cute evening parade complete with larger-than-life balloons, movie-inspired floats, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Dollywood
Dates: November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027
In the South, there’s no theme park more celebrated than Dollywood. And this year, the park is going all out for its Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. The park will be adorned with over six million lights, dozens of Christmas trees, and more. Between the rides and cinnamon bread, your family can take in the festive spirit and walk through the park’s incredibly decorated areas. On weekends, the park closes out the day with a spectacular fireworks display paired with holiday songs.
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Of course, Dollywood is known for its spectacular entertainment, and this holiday season has plenty of great options. One show not to miss is ’Twas The Night Before Christmas, which is performed inside with a full cast of characters. And don’t forget to stop by Santa’s cabin and peek inside to see the jolly old elf at work.
Walt Disney World
Dates: November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027.
One of the longer holiday celebrations in Orlando takes place at Walt Disney World. All four parks get in on the festive spirit, plus every resort is decorated, and even Disney Springs gets some seasonal entertainment. But if you’re looking for the major holiday highlights at Disney World, stick with the two separately ticketed events, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, and Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both parties take place on select nights throughout the season and feature exclusive entertainment, food and drinks, and character meet-and-greets.
At EPCOT, the park’s International Festival of the Holidays starts a little later on November 27, and runs until December 30. Candlelight Processional is the big draw every year. The show brings together an orchestra and choir with a celebrity narrator to retell the biblical Christmas story. I’m most excited to see Jodi Benson, who is the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid.
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During your trip, be sure to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which may be the most underrated but truly special holiday celebration at Disney World. At Discovery Island, you can interact with beautiful animal puppets, and as night falls, the Tree of Life shows off a holiday version of its projection show.
Silver Dollar City
Dates: November 7, 2026 through January 2, 2027
If you love Christmas lights and old-timey nostalgia, you must get to Silver Dollar City this holiday season. In fact, this is my pick for the best theme park holiday trip in 2026. The park’s celebration, dubbed An Old Time Christmas, features more than 6.5 million lights, a stunning Broadway-caliber showing of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, and a tree lighting that can rival the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, which takes place every night. New this year is the Stars, Lights, and Christmas Nights Parade, featuring characters from the animated Christmas classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a float celebrating Santa’s workshop, and a nativity scene.
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What I love most about Silver Dollar City, not just at the holidays but all year, is the focus on American craftspeople who create everything from wood-carved Christmas ornaments to colorful blown-glass vases. These pieces make great presents for loved ones, especially since they are made by hand every day in the park. I’ve been known to pick up a few hand-thrown mugs made at the pottery shop for my loved ones.
Disneyland
Dates: November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027
In Anaheim, California, the Disneyland Resort will celebrate the holidays from mid-November through early 2027. Both theme parks, the Downtown Disney District, and all three Disneyland hotels get in on the festivities. At Disneyland Park, the holiday cheer starts right on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can marvel at a towering Christmas tree and see A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Then head over to New Orleans Square to ride Haunted Mansion Holiday, which is a Nightmare Before Christmas twist on the classic attraction.
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To me, the best of Disneyland’s holiday celebrations is across the esplanade at Disney California Adventure Park. The fountain show, World of Color — Season of Light, is enchanting and worth staying out late for. Then over in Cars Land, the entire land gets a festive overlay with lights, and two rides, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, feature a Christmastime version. The park also hosts Disney Festival of the Holidays, a park-wide celebration of all of the winter holidays, complete with pop-up food booths and spirited entertainment.
Hersheypark
Dates: Select days from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027
This holiday season, Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane will take over the sweet streets of the theme park. Even better, nearly everything is included with your regular admission ticket, so you don’t have to worry about blowing your theme park holiday budget. The park is decked out with over five million lights and candy-themed trees. You’ll also want to make the time to visit Santa, who’s brought all nine of his reindeer for photos.
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Three new experiences will debut during Hersheypark’s holiday celebrations this year too. The first is the Fire and Ice Experience, which is a new nighttime show featuring lights and flames. Two rides get the holiday treatment: Twin Turnpike and Holly Jolly Laff Trakk. And if you’re still not over Halloween, the Estate of Evil Holiday Open House combines Dark Nights (Hersheypark’s Halloween event) flair with some holiday decor.
Carowinds
Dates: November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027
Carowinds celebrates WinterFest through the holiday season, and it’s a good time for everyone in the family. The park’s signature show, Tinker’s Toy Factory, returns to tell the tale of Santa and his elves as they work to bring Christmas cheer to people around the world. Other entertainment around the park includes story time with Mrs. Claus and a tree lighting ceremony. Adults looking for something just for them will also like the Tipsy Reindeer Bar, where tacky sweaters and kitschy holiday everything is welcome.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Dates: November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027
Knott’s Berry Farm is turned into Knott’s Merry Farm every holiday season. The park is fully decorated and features a host of Christmas-themed activities for families to enjoy together. One of my favorite things is the musical revue, Home for the Holidays, which combines Christmas songs, dancing toys, and snow all into one cozy holiday theme park tradition. The ice skating show featuring the Peanuts Gang is also worth seeing. If you’re looking for unique gifts, look no further than the Christmas Crafts Village in Calico, where you can pick up a one-of-a-kind present for that special someone on your list.
Six Flags Over Texas
Dates: Select days from November 22 through December 30, 2026
When you think of Six Flags, your mind likely doesn’t wander to sparkling lights and holiday cheer, but instead to epic coasters. While Six Flags Over Texas has some pretty great thrill rides, the holiday season brings a festive feel to the park that is hard to beat. This winter, the park will celebrate Holiday in the Park. Glittering lights will make the night shine bright, and kids will love seeing Santa himself.
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The park will have nine different holiday shows, including five completely new offerings. One I’m looking forward to is Polar Pop!, a high-energy song and dance program. Of course, no holiday event is complete without treats. At Six Flags Over Texas, there are plenty of options, from roasting your own marshmallows for s’mores to decorating your own Christmas cookies.
