The Disneyworld Resort is a special place to visit no matter what the time of year, but visiting during the holidays gives guests from all over the world the opportunity to take part in a special kind of Disney magic starting in late November and continuing through December. With ceremonial tree lightings, dazzling entertainment and even a sprinkling of snow, the Disneyworld Resort transforms itself from a warm family getaway into a holiday spectacular!

Up Next: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features holiday splendor, lively stage shows and holiday traditions that take place after the park closes at 7pm. This year's festivities will see an all new Castle Light Show that coats Cinderella's iconic home in white lights. Naturally they'll be decked out in their holiday outfits, making for perfect holiday memories during character meet and greets.
Tickets are $47.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $40.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 (but with advance purchase, guests can save $7 per ticket for select dates).

Up Next: Fireworks

"Holiday Wishes—Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" is this year's holiday fireworks display, choreographed to classic holiday music. It may not be a Silent Night, but it will be a beautiful one!



Up Next: Parade

Then there's the thousands of lights that take part in Mickey's "Once Upon a Christmastime Parade", which showcases all the great things about the holidays. But the best part? A fresh snowfall blankets Main Street U.S.A. as a grand finale. And just in case you get cold, there's complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.


Up Next: Holidays Around the World

Have you ever met France's Pare Noel or Italy's La Befana? You can at Holidays Around The World, which features each country's respective holiday traditions and legends, including Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs. In the evening, guests can watch The Lights of Winter (a synchronized light show that brightens up the World Showcase breezeway bridge) and, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (a laser, lights and fireworks blowout). They're a sight to behold!

More Disney Christmas

Up Next: Sparkling Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional features an incredible musical performance featuring a mass choir and full orchestra. Celebrity narrators join in on the fun, helping to retell the story of Christmas. (This season's scheduled guests include John O'Hurley, Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise and Marlee Matlin, among many others!) Though it's included in the regular park price, families who want to make a memory to last a lifetime have the option to book a Candlelight Processional dinner package at an extra charge.

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Up Next: Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The Spectacle of Dancing Lights take over the Streets of America backlot, featuring millions of holiday lights dancing to appropriately-themed music. How did this tradition come to be? When Arkansas family the Osbornes found their annual holiday light spectacular was taking over their home, Disney-MGM Studios transported the entire thing to the park in 1995... and it's only grown bigger and more spectacular since then! With three-dimensional and motion-based displays featuring flying angels and Santa Claus light designs, it's a holiday must.

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Up Next: Jingle Jungle Parade

Disney's Animal Kingdom might be all about safaris, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to do it up holiday style! Witness the Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade as a perfect example, as Mickey and friends celebrate the season with traditional holiday music featuring a world-beat twist. Meanwhile, Camp Minnie Mickey hosts character meet and greets among holiday carolers singing all the classics. Make sure you pack extra batteries for your camera!

More Disney Christmas

Up Next: More Holiday Travel

Location: Baltimore

Where To Party: Baltimore's Inner Harbor is the backdrop for a spectacular, musically-choreographed midnight fireworks display. There's live music at the Harborplace Amphitheater, ice skating, and even a masquerade parade for the kids. For a real treat, take in the party from the deck of the USS Constellation -- the historic ship offers a deck party complete with champagne, mulled cider and local ales, not to mention the best view of the fireworks.


Up Next:

It's tempting to fill your days with activities and such, but few things feel as fabulous as finding a patch of deck somewhere away from the mel?e of other vacationers and soaking up some sun. Bonus points if you fall asleep ... just don't forget your sunscreen!


Up Next: Don't Do Everything

There's a ton of things to do on a cruise ship, from events and activities to stage shows to contests ... it can leave your mind reeling, especially if you try and cram it all into one trip. And if you try to do that, what will you do on your next cruise?


Up Next: Repeat Trip

Because really, you will want to do another one so you can repeat all the things you loved doing on your first trip and try all the things you didn't get the chance to on your second. Some people love cruising so much they don't ever get off the boat! A bonus? Sometimes if you book when you're on the trip or shortly thereafter, you can score some deals for being a repeat customer!

Find inspiration and get great getaway ideas on AOL Travel.

• Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers
• Holiday Travel Deals
• Holiday Travel Tips
  
  
• Confessions of a Pilot
• Confessions of a Flight Attendant

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