Changeover from Halloween to Christmas?

[KelleyK75]

If memory serves me right the changeover from Halloween to Christmas happens Nov 1, is that correct? Will all parks have Christmas decorations on that day, or does it take a couple days to happen? We were thinking about making a trip this year right before Christmas, but then it dawned on me maybe we could do a trip the last week of October and get to see both Halloween and Christmas decorations. Is this week typically busy or still with the lighter Fall crowds. Any info is appreciated.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I think I saw a special on TV about the Christmas decorating happening in one night. (But I don't know if the Halloween was taken down on a previous night.)

 

[KelleyK75]

I think I saw a special on TV about the Christmas decorating happening in one night. (But I don't know if the Halloween was taken down on a previous night.)

I was thinking the same thing too. So if we could go and get the Halloween stuff at the beginning of the week and Christmas at the end of the week that would be perfect for us.

 

[cassie58]

MK will get switched over after the last MNSSHP which is usually on Nov. 1st. Then it will be decorated for Christmas and Jungle Cruise begins, with first official castle lighting happening on first MVMCP(has been Nov. 7th - 9th), but usually will test it out a few days prior. So technically yes, you can see both as far as MK goes. Other parks and resorts will be started, but if you really want to see everything, you need to wait till later in Nov. - all done by Thanksgiving, but some done by midmonth, like giant gingerbread house at GF, usually done around 14th-16th.

Just an FYI, it is generally a busy week with Wine & Dine Marathon, Jersey Week, Veteran's Day, end of Wine & Dine Festival. You probably would have lighter crowds and see more Christmas decor midmonth or after Thanksgivings, but if you want to see both, just make sure you are well planned to help get a lot done with bigger crowds. We were there this year that week(taking advantage of Jersey Week w/days off since DD in HS now!) and while it was crowded, we did most everything we wanted with a good plan. Also, you might want to make a hotel reservation soon if thinking of staying onsite, as I had a difficult time getting the days we wanted when starting looking in August - had to reserve part of week in Sept., then add the others separately as things opened.

 

[KelleyK75]

MK will get switched over after the last MNSSHP which is usually on Nov. 1st. Then it will be decorated for Christmas and Jungle Cruise begins, with first official castle lighting happening on first MVMCP(has been Nov. 7th - 9th), but usually will test it out a few days prior. So technically yes, you can see both as far as MK goes. Other parks and resorts will be started, but if you really want to see everything, you need to wait till later in Nov. - all done by Thanksgiving, but some done by midmonth, like giant gingerbread house at GF, usually done around 14th-16th.

Just an FYI, it is generally a busy week with Wine & Dine Marathon, Jersey Week, Veteran's Day, end of Wine & Dine Festival. You probably would have lighter crowds and see more Christmas decor midmonth or after Thanksgivings, but if you want to see both, just make sure you are well planned to help get a lot done with bigger crowds. We were there this year that week(taking advantage of Jersey Week w/days off since DD in HS now!) and while it was crowded, we did most everything we wanted with a good plan. Also, you might want to make a hotel reservation soon if thinking of staying onsite, as I had a difficult time getting the days we wanted when starting looking in August - had to reserve part of week in Sept., then add the others separately as things opened.

Thank you for all of the great information! We've done the Halloween events before but never the Christmas so my main priority this time is to see the Christmas decorations. Sounds like I should probably stick to my original plan of December. We are hopefully going to make the reservations soon. Thanks again!

 

[siskaren]

Thank you for all of the great information! We've done the Halloween events before but never the Christmas so my main priority this time is to see the Christmas decorations. Sounds like I should probably stick to my original plan of December. We are hopefully going to make the reservations soon. Thanks again!

If you go the first week of November, the only Christmas stuff you would see would be decorations in MK - for the full Christmas experience you would need to wait until after Thanksgiving.

 

[Stefani P.]

I was there Halloween 2016. Went to the MNSSHP on Halloween and were there til midnight.
When we arrived at parks the next morning, Halloween was gone and it was Christmas in the parks!!!

 

[WitchHazel]

We will be there at the end of October and the first few days of November. We are looking forward to seeing both!!