Nov 17-23 or Dec 15-21?

[lvcourtneyy]

We're trying to plan a trip with the primary interest of seeing all the Christmas stuff. I'm trying to decide which week would be better in terms of crowds. I appreciate all opinions!

 

[GATORinaZ28]

My guess would be the November timeframe. I am banking on the lower crowds for my quick trip Nov 16-20. We went from Dec 12-20 last year and it was crowded, but not to a point that I felt like it was too crowded.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Thank you! I'm concerned with the November dates falling so close to Thanksgiving and the December dates falling so close to Christmas. I wish I could book earlier in December with free dining!

 

[Figmentmommy]

If you want to see all of the Christmas festivities I would recommend going in December. While MVMCP and Osborne Lights will be in full swing in November and some of the resorts will start to decorate, the rest of Christmas starts right around or the day after Thanksgiving. If you're looking to see the Candlelight Processional that won't start until the day after Thanksgiving. Also the famous gingerbread houses will not be complete at your November dates, although you will see them in progress. We often visit during the November dates and love the Christmas that is available at that time. Last year we switched it up to December dates and saw everything Christmas which was great too! You will have a great Christmas experience either month, just decide on what you want to see and if you're willing to miss any of it. If you're flexible I would go in November. If you choose December it may feel a little more crowded but it will still be manageable. We traveled 12/13-12/20 and the crowds didn't feel heavy until our check out day.
Have a great Christmas trip!

 

[nkereina]

We've done the November dates before and found it moderately busy. I'd suspect both dates you mention will have about the same crowd level. November may be slightly warmer, but you'll be able to see Candlelight Processional with the December dates.

 

[MrKnight]

If you want to see all the Christmas decorations and festivities I HIGHLY recommend that you visit in December.. Both time periods are considered relatively slow compared to other times of the year so if you are worried about crowds the difference between both periods should be nominal, just keep in mind that the closer you get to Christmas Eve/Day the busier it will get very quickly, try to plan your vacation as early in December as possible..

 

[lovndisney12]

My vote would be December. Most schools will be in session until the 18th or 23rd so the early part of your trip should be pretty quiet. Take advantage and spend more time in the parks these days. As the crowds pick up take time to visit the resort decorations and go at a little slower pace. I believe (but you can double check the dates) the Christmas party will be over so you will get to enjoy the holiday parade and fireworks without paying extra for the MVMCP. Make sure to check the crowd calendar as we have gone during very slow times of the year and very busy times of the year and have experienced both short and long waits during both - the days that were best for both timeframes always seemed to be those that matched the recommended best park. EMH and PH will also be a nice way to avoid crowds too when attendance picks up around the 19th.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

We're trying to plan a trip with the primary interest of seeing all the Christmas stuff. I'm trying to decide which week would be better in terms of crowds. I appreciate all opinions!

Your November dates for sure.

 

[anniemae]

November. My favorite time to go!

 

[Figmentmommy]

I believe (but you can double check the dates) the Christmas party will be over so you will get to enjoy the holiday parade and fireworks without paying extra for the MVMCP.

There will be 3 MVMCP during OP's December dates. The Christmas parade/ fireworks
will not be available to day guests until 12/19.

 

[sharadoc]

We've done both. The Epcot Christmas events start the day after Thanksgiving so if you want the full effect, pick December. 2 years ago we left on 12/21 to come home, and it only started to get busy the day before. Crowds will otherwise be great.

Have you looked at the easywdw.com crowd calendars? That will help you decide too.

 

[disneyseniors]

We're trying to plan a trip with the primary interest of seeing all the Christmas stuff. I'm trying to decide which week would be better in terms of crowds. I appreciate all opinions!

We've gone both times. The last one was Nov about the same dates you are stating. It was a disaster! It got very crowded as it got nearer to TG. I definitely will not go that time of year again. However, TG was earlier last year. Our first day or 2 were okay but then it was terrible. We have gone early Dec. and the dates you mentioned. We loved that time of year, for all the reasons stated by PP's. The Christmas atmosphere was great, low crowds, and good weather

 

[GrumpyDad1974]

Thank you! I'm concerned with the November dates falling so close to Thanksgiving and the December dates falling so close to Christmas. I wish I could book earlier in December with free dining!

We were also hoping for FD earlier in December. Will probably end up 12/12 - 12/18 with no FD... We have done the week leading into Christmas at the end of the week, first half was busy but manageable, second half was crazy.