Christmas

[disneydreamerinny]

When does Christmas officially start in the parks? We are looking to book in November but want to make sure it's Christmas time as we have never been at that time of year.
Several years ago (2002?) we went the 2nd week of November and Christmas festivities had not been started yet.

 

[CAS239]

Magic Kingdom decorations start going up right after Halloween. It's an overnight process

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Most Christmas activities aren’t in full force till right around thanksgiving

 

[rwdavis2]

MK is decorated the first week of November with the hotels slowly getting decorated after that. It's not in full force until after Thanksgiving. But November the week before Thanksgiving week is an excellent time to go.

 

[Bete]

Decorations go up starting with early November at resorts and parks.

However, activities like Candlelight Processional starts with Thanksgiving week.

If you want the full feeling it would have to be Thanksgiving week.

 

[siskaren]

If by Christmas festivities you mean Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processional at Epcot, you'll have to wait until after Thanksgiving.

 

[disneydreamerinny]

Thankyou! Yes, I was referring to Christmas parade, Christmas party etc.

 

[siskaren]

Thankyou! Yes, I was referring to Christmas parade, Christmas party etc.

You won't be able to see the Christmas parade unless you attend the Christmas party, unless you plan on going after the last Christmas party, when it then runs during the day.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

Yes, as the others have mentioned, the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT and Holiday Illuminations started the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Christmas Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT started earlier in 2017 (11/19).

The parks and resorts will be decorated before Thanksgiving, however not everything will be up. I know at the BWI and the GF I believe, the gingerbread houses aren't put up until that week.

One thing to keep in mind, other than Thanksgiving week, November is filled with MVMCP nights which, if you are going it's great, but if not, access to the MK at night will be limited. All the other holiday shows have started earlier than Thanksgiving:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/christmas_world.htm

This past December DH and I did the sleigh ride around FW. It was so much fun and the campsite decorations are amazing - followed it up with dinner at WL Artist Point, very festive!