Disney World Drops Four Beloved Christmas Traditions
Walt Disney World is preparing for its 55th Christmas season without four familiar traditions. The holiday celebrations will still bring decorations, entertainment, and special events to the parks and resorts, but some beloved elements have been retired.
The Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle Dream Lights are gone after a final appearance in 2019. While projections and other effects now transform the castle for the holidays, the physical lights that covered the castle were a defining feature of Christmas at Disney World for many years.
The closure of DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom has also taken away the Santa Claus meet-and-greet experience. The area was permanently closed in February 2026 as part of Disney's plans to transform it into Tropical Americas.
The Muppets Courtyard, which brought a unique blend of Christmas and Muppet personality to Hollywood Studios, is no longer available due to its permanent closure on June 8, 2025. The area will eventually become Monstropolis as part of the Monsters, Inc. land. However, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has also bid farewell to its large gingerbread house after over two decades.