The festive edition of Tree of Life Awakenings starts at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Friday 13th November 2026 and runs until Sunday 3rd January 2027, so it covers the Christmas school holidays for most English schools. Disney's calendar lists the first festive nights from 6:05pm to 7pm Orlando time.
Article Summary
- Festive start: Friday 13th November 2026 at Animal Kingdom.
- Last night: Sunday 3rd January 2027.
- First showtimes: 6:05pm to 7pm on 13th, 14th and 15th November 2026, repeating approximately every 10 minutes.
- Christmas trips: The festive run covers the English Christmas school holidays and ends the day before many schools go back.
- Cost: Included with your Animal Kingdom park ticket, with nothing to book.
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Read on for the first festive showtimes, how the dates fall against UK school holidays and how to check the show is on during your visit.
When Does The Festive Tree Of Life Awakenings Start?
Friday 13th November 2026. Disney has updated its Tree of Life Awakenings page with the festive dates.
"From November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027, watch festive nighttime projections featuring holiday-themed animated wintery tales set to a special musical score."
- Disney's Tree of Life Awakenings page, 6th November 2026
The standard version of the show came back on 1st November 2026 and runs until Thursday 12th November, so the festive projections take over the following evening. We covered that return, including the two early November nights with no shows at all, in our Tree of Life Awakenings 2026 return article.
Like the standard version, the festive edition plays across the animals carved into the trunk of the Tree of Life on Discovery Island, and only once it's dark. That gives it a 52-day window from 13th November to 3rd January.
Festive Tree Of Life Awakenings Showtimes
When we checked on 6th November 2026, Disney's calendar ran up to Sunday 15th November 2026, and every night listed had the same window. Each time is the period during which the show repeats every 10 minutes or so.
| Date | Showtimes (Orlando time) | UK time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 13th November 2026 | 6:05pm to 7pm | 11:05pm to midnight |
| Saturday 14th November 2026 | 6:05pm to 7pm | 11:05pm to midnight |
| Sunday 15th November 2026 | 6:05pm to 7pm | 11:05pm to midnight |
Times taken from Disney's entertainment calendar on 6th November 2026 and subject to change.
That's a 55-minute window each evening, and with the show repeating approximately every 10 minutes you'll get several chances to see it without giving up your whole evening.
Check Disney World Christmas holiday prices for your dates
Is The Festive Tree Of Life Awakenings On During The Christmas Holidays?
Yes. Most English councils have set the Christmas school holidays for Monday 21st December 2026 to Friday 1st January 2027, and the whole break falls inside the festive run. The last festive night is Sunday 3rd January 2027, the day before many schools go back on Monday 4th January. Term dates vary by council.
If you're planning a Christmas trip, put an Animal Kingdom evening on the list. Disney says the show is "offered seasonally and begins after dusk", and the calendar only showed times up to 15th November when we checked on 6th November 2026, so check Disney's entertainment calendar on the day you're in the park or ask a Cast Member to confirm that evening's times.
The show is included with Animal Kingdom admission. You can compare Walt Disney World ticket prices at FloridaTix, and our Disney World tickets guide for UK guests explains Park Hopper and the other add-ons. It's also worth a look at the latest Disney World offers for Brits before you book.
Find your Disney World Christmas holiday and book here
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Festive Tree Of Life Awakenings 2026: Your Questions Answered
When does the festive Tree of Life Awakenings start?
Friday 13th November 2026 at Animal Kingdom. The Disney calendar lists showtimes from 6:05pm to 7pm that evening.
When does the festive Tree of Life Awakenings end?
Sunday 3rd January 2027.
When does the standard Tree of Life Awakenings run in 2026?
From 1st November to 12th November 2026, before the festive edition takes over on 13th November.
What are the festive Tree of Life Awakenings showtimes?
The Disney calendar lists 6:05pm to 7pm for 13th, 14th and 15th November 2026, with the show repeating approximately every 10 minutes. Times for later dates had not been listed as of 6th November 2026.
What time is the festive Tree of Life Awakenings in UK time?
Add five hours. The 6:05pm to 7pm window in Orlando is 11:05pm to midnight in the UK.
Is the festive Tree of Life Awakenings on during the Christmas school holidays?
Yes. It runs until 3rd January 2027, which covers the Christmas holidays for most English schools. Term dates vary by council.
How can I check Tree of Life Awakenings is on during my visit?
Check the Disney entertainment calendar on the day you are in the park, or ask a Cast Member to confirm that evening.
Does the festive Tree of Life Awakenings cost extra?
No. It is included with your Animal Kingdom park ticket, and there is nothing to book.
