From Diwali to Hanukkah: How theme parks celebrate holidays around the world
Editor's Note
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.
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.
Related: 3 ways Disney is becoming a more magical, inclusive place to visit and work
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
Diwali, India’s “festival of lights,” is observed by millions of people across many faiths, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which translates to “row of lights.”
In short, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali typically falls in October or November, though the exact date changes each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Nov. 12, though theme park visitors can experience the festivities through the end of the year.
Walt Disney World
In the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll find yellow and red marigold garlands and more than 50 colorful glowing lanterns hanging from teak poles that were hand-carved in Indonesia with Balinese patterns. You can view the decorations near the Anandapur Theater through the end of the year.
Disneyland
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
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, 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. One of the most recognizable symbols of Hanukkah is the nightly menorah lighting, but you can expect to find many other traditions and culinary specialties associated with the holiday. This year, Hanukkah begins on Dec. 7 and ends on Dec. 15.
Universal Orlando Resort
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 you find the holiday symbols throughout the park, you can turn in your 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. This year, the event runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, 2023.
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. In this same area, you’ll find the L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen, which serves up iconic dishes like pastrami on rye sandwiches, black and white cookies and potato latkes.
Sesame Place Philadelphia
Sesame Street resident Baby Bear celebrates Hanukkah with his family and excitedly shares traditions like lighting the menorah and playing a game of dreidel with Sesame Place visitors during the park’s Hanukkah celebration. The event occurs at 4:30 p.m. between Dec. 8 and Dec. 10.
Disneyland
As part of the Disney Festival of the Holidays, you can find Hanukkah festivities and live entertainment. You can also fuel up at the Festive Foods Marketplace — with dishes like lox and everything bagel nachos, loaded latkes or a brisket slider — and shop for Hanukkah merchandise at World of Disney and other souvenir shops.
Kwanzaa
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. Each of the seven nights represents a different community-building principle of African culture.
Walt Disney World
During the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 24 through Dec. 30), Epcot visitors can experience the wonder of both Christmas and Kwanzaa with the inspiring gospel, R&B and holiday songs of the Joyful ensemble. Performances occur at 1:15 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 3:25 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily at the World Showcase Plaza.
Sesame Place Philadelphia
Each afternoon during Kwanzaa at 4:30 p.m., favorite Sesame Street characters will share a special Kwanzaa storytime and Kinara lighting. It will commemorate and educate families about Kwanzaa principles and traditions.
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.
Disneyland
Along with other winter holidays, Disneyland recognizes Kwanzaa with festive musical performances, tasty foods and more during Disney Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure.
Latin American holiday traditions
Like other countries where Christianity is the predominant religion, Christmas is widely celebrated in Latin American countries. There are a number of Christmas traditions unique to this continent.
Las Posadas, which translates to “the inns,” 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.
Walt Disney World
Sundays through Thursdays during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, you 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 in the Mexico Pavilion, you can dine on festive holiday cuisines like barbacoa, tostadas and dulce de leche churros.
Disneyland
Over on the West Coast at Disney California Adventure’s Festival of the Holidays, you can immerse yourself in Latin American Christmas traditions all season long, beginning with the Viva Navidad Street Party, which runs from Nov. 10, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024. This lively street party features music, dancing and larger-than-life puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Of course, Mickey and Minnie make appearances as well. You can also stop by Paradise Garden Grill for specialty dishes like a loaded torta, chocolate cake flan and street-style watermelon.
On Three Kings Day (Jan. 6, 2024), Disney wraps up its festive holiday season with an event at Paradise Gardens Park that pays tribute to the three wise men. You’ll experience traditional decor and a special photo opportunity.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.