Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at Christmas

This week, we are covering all the Christmas offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Walt Disney World goes all out when decking the halls for Christmas, especially at the Disney Resorts!  Guests visiting over the holidays are treated to massive Christmas trees, larger-than-life gingerbread displays, and exquisitely themed ornaments and lights. 

The décor at the resorts is so spectacular, many guests plan a day to simply resort hop to take in the amazing displays.  If this sounds like you, then check out our Top 10 Disney Resorts to Visit During Christmas!

Each resort offers something unique, and Animal Kingdom Lodge is no exception.  Animal Kingdom Lodge tends to fly under the radar, but today we are sharing why this stunning resort is a must-visit during the holidays!

Christmas at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best themed hotels on Disney property, regardless of the time of year.  The resort is designed to resemble an African lodge and houses gorgeous African artwork and artifacts. 

The superior dining (seriously, go eat at Sanaa!), stunning architecture, and beautiful wildlife roaming the savanna are all reasons to pay a visit.

But during the holidays, the exquisite ambiance is heightened with the addition of sparkling Christmas trees, festive garlands and wreaths, and a life-sized gingerbread display.

Towering Christmas Trees

Animal Kingdom Lodge is comprised of two separate buildings: Jambo House and Kidani Village.  Both buildings have stunning lobbies that house beautiful, towering Christmas trees.

Jambo House is the larger of the two and is home to the largest Christmas tree at the resort!

This ‘icon’ tree stands at 45ft and is adorned with traditional African artwork akin to the theming of Animal Kingdom Lodge.

You will also find traditional African masks, like this giraffe mask!

The more time you spend admiring the tree, the more incredible details you will find.

Kidani Village is the smaller DVC portion of the resort, but its size doesn’t mean it’s lacking in festive cheer!

The tree at Kidani Village isn’t quite as towering as the icon tree at Jambo House, but it is just as spectacular to see. 

Here, you will see many large bows alongside African artifacts and craftsmanship adorning the tree.

Can you spot the hidden Mickey?

We had the pleasure of staying at Kidani Village during a Christmastime visit to Walt Disney World.  Heading back to the resort after a busy day in the parks and being greeted by this stunning tree and serene Christmas music got me all warm and cozy every time. 

Despite how many times we walked past the tree, I was always compelled to stop and spend a moment just taking it in.  It was such a 180 from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and one of the highlights of my day!

Wreathes, Garlands, and More Trees!

The Christmas décor at Animal Kingdom Lodge only starts with the trees.  Throughout the resort, you will find wreaths, garlands, and African-inspired Christmas décor in every corner.

Gorgeous wreaths are scattered throughout the lobbies and adorn the exterior entrances.

You will also find several smaller trees located throughout the lobbies and in cozy nooks next to the fireplaces.

Festive garlands greet guests as the enter and exit the resort.

And you will also see garland hanging from the railings that surround the lobby at Jambo House.

Gingerbread Display

Animal Kingdom Lodge even has its own gingerbread display perfectly themed to the resort! 

The display consists of a baby giraffe and baby zebra affectionately known as Ginger-affe and Debra, respectively.  Both figures are made entirely of gingerbread!

While paying Ginger-affe and Debra a visit, keep your eye out for more hidden Mickeys!

And in 2024, a new figure joined the menagerie – Francisco the Flamingo!

Holiday Treats

No holiday visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge would be complete without picking up some exclusive Christmas treats!

I had to try the Gingerbread Martini during our fabulous dinner at Sanaa.

Over at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s quick service restaurant, The Mara, you can snag some adorable Christmas treats like the Mickey Santa Hat tart.

You will also find this adorable cookie inspired by Ginger-affe!

They are the perfect sweet treats to make a Christmas visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge extra jolly.

Final Thoughts

Although Animal Kingdom Lodge is somewhat “out of the way” from the other Disney Resorts, the unique Christmas decorations make it a wonderful destination during the holidays.

To get the full cozy effect, snag a treat and get comfy around one of the fireplaces.  Bask in the soft ambiance of the Christmas lights against the resort’s warm color scheme while the peaceful Christmas music washes over you.  Ahhhh – now I’m wishing I was there right now!  I can’t think of a better way to appreciate the holiday season.

What do you think of the Christmas offerings at Animal Kingdom Lodge?  Will you be staying there over the holidays?  Let us know in the comments!

Looking for other Disney planning articles for the holiday season?  Check out our Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar Review and our Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll Guide!

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