From Diwali to Hanukkah: Celebrating global holidays at theme parks

The holiday season in theme parks begins as soon as the gates swing open on November 1. Some parks, like Walt Disney World, undergo a complete overnight transformation, while others gradually introduce festive decorations.

A common theme among many theme parks is that their "holiday" festivities primarily revolve around Christmas. This is not surprising, as over 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas, according to a 2019 Gallup poll. Nonetheless, Christmas is just one of many significant holidays celebrated during this season, both in America and globally.

In recent years, U.S. theme parks have placed a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, which includes recognizing holidays beyond Christmas in their festive offerings. With the extended holiday programming, visitors have plenty of opportunities to enjoy and celebrate the following fall and winter holidays:

Diwali

Diwali, known as the "festival of lights" in India, is celebrated by millions from various faiths, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The term comes from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," meaning "row of lights."

In essence, Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival usually takes place in October or November, with the specific date varying each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12, but theme park guests can enjoy the festivities throughout the remainder of the year.

Walt Disney World

In the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, you’ll see vibrant yellow and red marigold garlands along with over 50 colorful glowing lanterns suspended from teak poles, intricately carved in Indonesia with Balinese designs. These decorations can be admired near the Anandapur Theater until the year's end.

Disneyland

The Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure runs from November 10, 2023, to January 7, 2024. This celebration features food, decorations, and live performances that showcase diverse cultural traditions from around the globe, including Diwali. The seasonal Festive Foods Marketplace offers international holiday dishes, such as chicken tikka masala and guava-mango lassi, both inspired by Diwali.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah, known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the liberation of Jerusalem from the Syrian Greeks and the rededication of the holy temple. One of the most iconic symbols of Hanukkah is the nightly lighting of the menorah, alongside various other traditions and culinary delights associated with the holiday. This year, Hanukkah will commence on December 7 and conclude on December 15.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando features eight on-site hotels, each hosting a menorah lighting ceremony in their lobbies every night of Hanukkah. The ceremonies commence at sundown each evening.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

For the second consecutive year, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is presenting a scavenger hunt that celebrates winter traditions from around the globe, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. This scavenger hunt is included with paid admission during Busch Gardens Christmas Town, and guests can collect a clue sheet in the England section of the park. After locating the holiday symbols scattered throughout the park, participants can submit their clue sheet for a sweet reward at the Emporium.

SeaWorld Orlando

From December 18 to December 26, guests at SeaWorld Orlando can join in a nightly menorah lighting ceremony in Sesame Street Land.

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World celebrates various winter holidays and traditions during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This year's festival takes place from November 24 to December 30, 2023.

To honor Hanukkah, a costumed storyteller will perform in the area between the Morocco and France pavilions in Epcot's World Showcase several times a day, sharing stories about the music and traditions of Hanukkah from different cultures. In the same vicinity, visitors can enjoy the L'Chaim Holiday Kitchen, which features classic dishes like pastrami on rye sandwiches, black and white cookies, and potato latkes.

Sesame Place Philadelphia

Baby Bear, a beloved character from Sesame Street, celebrates Hanukkah with his family and eagerly shares traditions such as lighting the menorah and playing dreidel with visitors during the park's Hanukkah celebration. This event takes place at 4:30 p.m. from December 8 to December 10.

Disneyland

As part of the Disney Festival of the Holidays, guests can enjoy Hanukkah celebrations and live entertainment. Additionally, you can refuel at the Festive Foods Marketplace, offering delights like lox and everything bagel nachos, loaded latkes, and brisket sliders, as well as shop for Hanukkah-themed merchandise at World of Disney and various souvenir shops.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa celebrates African American and Pan-African culture and community. This year, the weeklong holiday begins on December 26 and concludes on New Year's Day. Each of the seven nights symbolizes a different principle focused on community building from African culture.

Walt Disney World

At the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November 24 to December 30), visitors can enjoy the beauty of both Christmas and Kwanzaa through uplifting gospel, R&B, and holiday music performed by the Joyful ensemble. Shows are held daily at 1:15 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 3:25 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. in the World Showcase Plaza.

Sesame Place Philadelphia

Every afternoon at 4:30 p.m. during Kwanzaa, beloved Sesame Street characters will host a special Kwanzaa storytime and Kinara lighting ceremony, aimed at honoring and teaching families about the principles and traditions of Kwanzaa.

SeaWorld Orlando

Similar to Sesame Place, SeaWorld Orlando will host daily Kwanzaa celebrations from December 26, 2023, to January 1, 2024. Visit Sesame Street Land for a time dedicated to honoring African heritage, which includes a nightly Kinara lighting ceremony.

Disneyland

In addition to other winter celebrations, Disneyland embraces Kwanzaa with vibrant musical performances, delicious food, and more during the Disney Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure.

Latin American holiday traditions

Similar to many countries where Christianity predominates, Christmas is a significant holiday in Latin American nations, with a variety of unique traditions celebrated throughout the continent.

Las Posadas, meaning "the inns," is a nine-day festivity held from December 16 to December 24 that honors the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Three Kings Day, celebrated annually on January 6, signifies the day the three wise men arrived to see the baby Jesus.

Walt Disney World

From Sundays to Thursdays during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, guests can join in the Las Posadas festivities at the Mexico pavilion, featuring lively dancers, piñatas, and vibrant performances by the renowned Epcot band Mariachi Cobre. At the nearby Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen in the Mexico Pavilion, you can enjoy festive dishes such as barbacoa, tostadas, and dulce de leche churros.

Disneyland

At Disney California Adventure's Festival of the Holidays on the West Coast, you can dive into Latin American Christmas traditions throughout the season, starting with the Viva Navidad Street Party, which takes place from November 10, 2023, to January 7, 2024. This vibrant celebration features music, dancing, and oversized puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with appearances by Mickey and Minnie. Be sure to visit Paradise Garden Grill for delicious specialties like a loaded torta, chocolate cake flan, and street-style watermelon.

On Three Kings Day (January 6, 2024), Disney concludes its festive holiday celebrations with an event at Paradise Gardens Park honoring the three wise men. Guests will enjoy traditional decorations and a special photo opportunity.