Travel
Theme Parks Celebrate Diversity with Holiday Festivities
courtesy of thepointsguy.com
In the world of theme parks, the holiday season kicks off as soon as the gates open on Nov. 1. Parks like Walt Disney World undergo a full transformation overnight, while others roll out the trimmings more gradually.
Expanding Holiday Celebrations
One thing most theme parks have in common is that their "holiday" celebrations are predominantly centered around Christmas. That's really no surprise, considering upward of 90% of Americans observe Christmas, according to a 2019 Gallup poll. However, Christmas is far from the only major holiday that is observed this time of year in America and across the world.
In recent years, U.S. theme parks have strengthened their focus on diversity and inclusion, and that effort extends to adding representation for holidays other than Christmas to their festive lineups. Because theme parks stretch out their holiday programming, there's ample time to visit and celebrate the following fall and winter holidays:
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Diwali, India's "festival of lights," is observed by millions of people across many faiths, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Nov. 12, though theme park visitors can experience the festivities through the end of the year.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
In the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, visitors can find yellow and red marigold garlands and more than 50 colorful glowing lanterns hanging from teak poles that were hand-carved in Indonesia. The decorations can be viewed near the Anandapur Theater through the end of the year.
Disney California Adventure
The Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure runs from Nov. 10, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024. Food, decorations and live entertainment represent diverse cultural traditions from around the world, including Diwali. The seasonal Festive Foods Marketplace serves global holiday dishes, including a chicken tikka masala dish and a guava-mango lassi, both inspired by Diwali.
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that marks the recovery of Jerusalem from the Syrian Greeks and the subsequent rededication of the city's holy temple. This year, Hanukkah begins on Dec. 7 and ends on Dec. 15.
courtesy of thepointsguy.com
Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando has eight on-site hotels, and each one has a menorah lighting ceremony in its lobby each night of Hanukkah. The ceremonies begin at sundown each evening.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Returning for the second year, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is hosting a scavenger hunt celebrating winter traditions worldwide, including Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. The scavenger hunt is included with paid admission during Busch Gardens Christmas Town, and guests can pick up a clue sheet in the England area of the park. After finding holiday symbols throughout the park, guests can turn in their clue sheet and redeem it for a sweet treat at the Emporium.
SeaWorld Orlando
From Dec. 18 through Dec. 26, visitors to SeaWorld Orlando can participate in a nightly lighting of a menorah in Sesame Street Land.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World honors many winter holidays and traditions during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. For Hanukkah, a costumed storyteller will hold court in the area between the Morocco and France pavilions of Epcot's World Showcase multiple times daily, recounting tales of the music and traditions of Hanukkah from around the world. Sesame Street resident Baby Bear also celebrates Hanukkah with visitors during the park's Hanukkah celebration.
Kwanzaa: A Celebration of African Culture
Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American and Pan-African culture and community. This year, the weeklong holiday kicks off on Dec. 26 and runs through New Year's Day.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
During the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Epcot visitors can experience the wonder of both Christmas and Kwanzaa with the inspiring gospel, R&B and holiday songs of the Joyful ensemble. Each afternoon during Kwanzaa, favorite Sesame Street characters will share a special Kwanzaa storytime and Kinara lighting.
SeaWorld Orlando
Like Sesame Place, SeaWorld Orlando will hold daily Kwanzaa festivities between Dec. 26, 2023, and Jan. 1, 2024. Head to Sesame Street Land for a time of reflection and celebration of African heritage and a nightly lighting of the Kinara.
courtesy of thepointsguy.com
Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure's Festival of the Holidays allows visitors to immerse themselves in Latin American Christmas traditions all season long. The Viva Navidad Street Party features music, dancing and larger-than-life puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus. On Three Kings Day (Jan. 6, 2024), Disney wraps up its festive holiday season with an event that pays tribute to the three wise men.
Christmas Traditions in Latin America
Like other countries where Christianity is the predominant religion, Christmas is widely celebrated in Latin American countries. Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration between Dec. 16 and Dec. 24 that commemorates the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem. Three Kings Day, which takes place on Jan. 6 annually, marks the day the three wise men found their way to the baby Jesus.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Sundays through Thursdays during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, visitors can participate in a Las Posadas celebration at the Mexico pavilion with dancers, pinatas and fiery performances by popular Epcot band Mariachi Cobre. At the nearby Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen, guests can dine on festive holiday cuisines like barbacoa, tostadas and dulce de leche churros.
Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure's Festival of the Holidays immerses visitors in Latin American Christmas traditions all season long. The Viva Navidad Street Party features music, dancing and larger-than-life puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus. On Three Kings Day, Disney wraps up its festive holiday season with an event that pays tribute to the three wise men.
With theme parks embracing diversity and inclusivity, visitors can now experience the magic of various fall and winter holidays beyond Christmas. From Diwali to Hanukkah to Kwanzaa and more, there's something for everyone to celebrate at these theme park holiday festivities.
Hey there! I’m William Cooper, your go-to guy for all things travel at iMagazineDaily. I’m 39, living the dream in Oshkosh, WI, and I can’t get enough of exploring every corner of this amazing world. I’ve got this awesome gig where I blog about my travel escapades, and let me tell you, it’s never a dull moment! When I’m not busy typing away or editing some cool content, I’m out there in the city, living it up and tasting every crazy delicious thing I can find. Join me on this wild ride of adventures and stories, right here at iMagazineDaily. Trust me, it’s going to be a blast! 🌍✈️🍴
