It is difficult to surpass the wonder that is the Boo to You Parade during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – but if anything can, it’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I was saying just the other day that I think I’m related to Buddy the Elf, because of my intense love for all things Christmas-related. Disney knows better than anyone how to amp up the holiday magic for the season.

Just walking into the Magic Kingdom or any of the parks with holiday decorations up and you’ll be in the spirit. However to really create some magical memories, you simply must head over to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This separate ticketed event runs on select nights in November and December and believe me, it is worth the price of admission.

First, you’re able to experience the Magic Kingdom with almost no crowds because it is a special event. You practically have the park to yourself until midnight! You also are able to enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies at various locations throughout the Magic Kingdom. The characters are out in their holiday costumes and you’re able to get pictures of these rare sights. There are special holiday stage shows, like the one in the castle forecourt and the one in Tomorrowland.

In addition, you’ll get to see Holiday Wishes, the special holiday edition of the fireworks spectacular. Finally, there are two separate showings of the special holiday parade – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. I actually missed seeing this parade at the party last year because I was running around to see attractions with my Walt Disney World Moms Panel training buddies. So I was surprised at how absolutely amazing this parade is. They’ve really added to it in recent years and it’s chock full of Christmas magic. The music is contagious, you’ll find yourself singing along in no time. As several of the elaborate floats sail by, you can smell the scents of the season: pine trees, cookies and more. I think my favorite part is the Wooden Soldiers marching by. I swear I don’t remember there being THAT many soldiers and they do even more to entertain as they pass by. Of course don’t forget Santa Claus will close out the parade with his famous face. It truly makes the night.

I’ve put together a slide-show of parade photos but really, it doesn’t begin to do Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party justice. It is an annual tradition for our family, hopefully you’ll make it one for yours too.