Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, holiday experiences that draw large crowds will be on hiatus this year including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional.
Walt Disney World Resort will try to keep the holiday magic alive with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays returning and character cavalcades that include the toy soldiers, gingerbread men, reindeer and elves at Magic Kingdom, along with some other holiday events across the resort. The holiday events will take place November 6 - December 30, 2020.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return this year, although a little later, starting on November 27. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
World ShowPlace will welcome the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. The Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
Cinderella Castle will have special projection effects to provide a holiday backdrop for your photos including a whimsical Christmas sweater design and an overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. This will unfortunately take the place of the Castle Dream Lights to try to promote safe social distancing.
Character flotillas will continue at Disney's Animal Kingdom, along with the character promenades at EPCOT and motorcades at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom will have character cavalcades on festive floats and will include the gingerbread men, elves, reindeer and the toy soldiers.
Other holiday touches will be coming to Disney Springs, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the resorts.
News & Media Source: Disney Parks Blog