Epcot or HS - which is more "Festive" at Night in December

[Jo-Anne]

The last time I was at WDW during the Christmas holiday season, the Osborne Lights were at HS and I just loved it - could have stayed all night just looking at the lights and listening to the music! Alas they are no longer, but am wondering if HS or Epcot has a more festive atmosphere at night - lights, music, decorations? We will be spending one night at MK and will see the fireworks and parade there, but would like opinions on where to spend our other evening. Thanks

 

[eeyoresmom]

I was blown away by the holiday decor at HS last year. HS is by far my least favorite park but if you want lights, music and snow, HS is amazing.

 

[djc9699]

HS is very festive at night during Christmas. We were snowed on at HS way more than we were at MK last year and the whole park is decorated. There are videos showing all night and the TOT is animated. We really enjoyed it last year. So much so that we are going back in 32 days!

 

[FastPasser.]

Either one but I prefer the smallness of DHS.

 

[only hope]

HS has far more big decorations. They now do on-going short projections on Sunset Blvd- on the ToT and some signs. It’s on a loop like the lights were, but not nearly as interesting. It doesn’t compare to the Osbourne lights, so keep your expectations realistic. Theres a projection show on the Chinese theater too, heavily featuring Prep and Landing (I think thats the name). That ones about 15mn long. New this year, TSL is decorated too. Epcot doesn’t have much. Some small touches on the shops etc and the huge tree on the edge of the lagoon. The holiday fireworks tag after Reflections is really good though.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I would say Epcot just because this is the last year for illuminations with the holiday tag. That may be the best fireworks display on property. You can also enjoy the storytellers as well. Personally, I feel DHS will be too crowded; whereas, Epcot will better disperse the crowds.

 

[cel_disney]

We LOVED Osborne lights and definitely spent hours there more than once, but we just came back from Disney yesterday and we spent a night at DHS.

I actually talked about it at work today and said something similar to the PP. while it’s born osborne lights, they have done a nice job of making sure that the park is very festive and easy to enjoy for the holiday. We spent 40 min on Sunset Blvd, attended the JBJB Dessert Party and then the show.

We also enjoyed many Christmas themed photos and thought the Santa greeting was fabulous.

 

[Nancyg56]

Keep in mind that I have not been in DS for holidays since Osborne Lights, but I woudl suggest Epcot. I find the decorations throughout the WS lovely, with details that draw you close. At night they are just stunning. I like to stay until park close and take in Illuminations, with teh Holiday Peace layover. I believe this is the last year for Illuminations, so given a choice I would definitely stay in Epcot.

 

[GPC0321]

I never got to experience Osborne Lights, but we went last December and did the JBJB dessert party at HS. It was the most festive atmosphere of the trip for us, and we did MVMCP and Candlelight Processional and IllumiNations w/holiday tag. Loved it all, but JBJB at HS stood out. It started "snowing" at the end of JBJB and snowed on us for the rest of the time we were in the park making the slow walk down Hollywood Blvd.

That said, I truly loved Candlelight Processional and IllumiNations with the holiday tag. Just stunning, both.

But in terms of a festive atmosphere, I think HS wins if you're just looking for a place to go ride rides and have fun with a strong holiday vibe.

 

[Disneylover99]

I prefer the offerings at Epcot, but I think HS is more festive at night.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I think HS is more festive at night. I actually liked it more than MK for Christmas décor and the festive atmosphere.

 

[gharter]

While it isn't the Osborne light show, HS still has better lights around Christmas than EPCOT.
Agree that the lights at HS may be better than MK even.

 

[SaintsManiac]

HS

 

[mi*vida*loca]

DHS also "snows" after JBJM.

 

[mom22boys]

We loved HS last Christmas! So festive! Awesome memories!