As the holiday season approaches, Disney World will be amongst the many places transforming into a winter wonderland of fun and adventure. As soon as the Halloween decorations come down, the Christmas decorations go up and the Magic Kingdom becomes one of the most popular holiday vacation destinations in the world.

There are dozens of amazing activities throughout the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding theme parks to enjoy. Here’s a sneak peak at what you can expect if you visit Disney before the end of the year.

Disney’s Candlelight Processional

[Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJJlS1ycXis]

The candlelight processional, held in Epcot, takes place every evening between November 27^th and December 30^th, with three performances each night. A live orchestra, gigantic choir, and a narrator will work together to tell you the story of Christmas. Held in the America Gardens Theatre, the narrator changes every few days and is always a celebrity. A few you can expect to see this year include Isabella Rossellini, Andy Garcia, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Join the entire Disney gang for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, held on select dates between November 10^th and December 18^th. The party begins each night at 7pm and runs until midnight, with the entire Magic Kingdom closed to anyone without party tickets.

The party includes an extra special holiday parade, complimentary cookies and cocoa, and an extra spectacular fireworks display at the end of the evening. Some of the rides and attractions throughout the park will remain open for party goers as well.

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Expedition

Held daily between November 27^th and January 3^rd, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade in the Animal Kingdom Theme Park is an event you won’t want to miss. The Animal Kingdom park has its own special Christmas tree and is tastefully decorated with a series of wreaths and holiday ornaments but the parade in this park isn’t your standard holiday experience.

You’ll be surrounded by incredible floats filled with moving animal sculptures and human actors dressed up for the holidays. The parade has been described as one of the more intimate and engaging experiences you’ll have in Animal Kingdom and is one you won’t want to miss.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

[Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zn5362gmFI]

Back in 1986, Jennings Osborne asked his daughter what she wished for Christmas. Her response was that she wanted the entire house covered in lights. Osborne tried to make his daughter’s wish come true and every year the family added more and more lights until they eventually purchased the property next door so that they could light that house up, too. The display grew to more than 1 million lights and neighbors started to complain about the display, forcing the local government to bring it to a halt. Today, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the proud home of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights and more than 80% of the lights you see here came from the original Osborne household. The lights will be on display from November 10^th through January 4^th.

Exploring Downtown Disney

The entire Magic Kingdom, including Downtown Disney and Cinderella’s Castle, will be decorated for the holidays. As you stroll the shops in the Downtown area you’ll find dozens of incredible holiday decorations and displays.

Santa Clause will be at the Downtown Disney Marketplace from December 27^th through December 24^th from 12 noon until 10pm each day. You and the kids can have your photograph taken with Santa, using your Disney PhotoPass or your own camera. As you stroll the rest of the downtown area you’ll find intermittent choir performances and musical dance parties throughout the day and evening hours.

Spending the holidays in Disney World doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Make your dinner and event reservations as far in advance as possible to ensure there is space for your entire family. Many of the special holiday events require special tickets, so make sure you check your agenda before your arrival to avoid disappointment. Have a very Merry Christmas with Mickey!