The holidays are approaching rapidly and with so many events at Walt Disney World® Resort for the 2008-2009 season, planning ahead will prevent you from missing a major part of the theme park's holiday celebration. Walt Disney World® Resort will be featuring a variety of new and exciting events that promise this year's holiday season to be better than ever. It is important for visitors to understand that in order to take full advantage of the holiday vacations, advanced planning is critical in order to save time and money while maximizing the holiday experience. The key to enjoying all the special events at Walt Disney World® Resort during the 2008-2009 holiday season is to be well-informed about the major events and plan ahead so that once in the park, you do not lose any time and go straight to what you want to experience. This year Walt Disney World® Resort will feature six outstanding and major holiday-themed events. From Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights the variety is unlimited and entertainment will be available for the whole family. Check out the following holiday guide that features descriptions of key events that will take place at Walt Disney World® Resort and will help you plan your holiday vacation in advance. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 10 - December 19, 2008 Celebrate the spirit of the holidays at "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!" This wonderful holiday event takes place at Magic Kingdom® Park on select nights from November 10 to December 19, 2008. The fantastic Mickey's Merry Christmas Party parade features Mickey and Minnie Mouse with their friends having fun with park visitors as they walk through Main Street. Special performances, spectacular holiday wishes fireworks and even falling snow are part of this incredible parade. To stay awake for the grand finale, where Santa makes his debut, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are offered. The cheerful "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" is a great option to explore during your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World® Resort. Holidays Around The World – November 28 - December 30, 2008 What better way to celebrate all around the globe the joyous holiday season than at the "Holidays Around the World" event at Epcot®? Among the shows featured is a nightly Candlelight Processional, where an invited celebrity narrates the Christmas story accompanied by a fine 50-piece orchestra and a fantastic choir. Another excellent show is the " IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," whichshowcases over 1,000 fireworks, an amazing floating Earth Globe that has state-of-the-art LED screens and lots of great music. Holiday stories from all over the world are told by special invitees, including France's Père Noël, Italy's LaBefana and America's Santa Claus. Other not-to-be-missed events at Holidays Around the World are Holiday Storytellers and Lights of Winter. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – November 28, 2008 - January 4, 2008 If you are looking for a different experience where the holiday spirit shines all over the place, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is the perfect event. Millions of blinking, twinkling and colorful lights decorate New York Street at Disney's Hollywood Studios™ while dancing in a choreographed motion to splendid holiday music. Beautiful Christmas trees, heavenly angels, sparkling snowflakes and various three-dimensional and motion-based displays adorn the streets making visitors feel and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season at Walt Disney World® Resort. Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade – November 28, 2008 - January 4, 2008 Mickey's Jingle Jungle is a colorful and lively parade that takes place in Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Mickey Mouse, Donald, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and other friends go for a great jungle adventure while fun performances take place and magnificent holiday music plays. The cheerful and exotic Mickey's Jingle Jungle paradeis known for its outstanding abstract animal images, amazing designs made with natural materials and fabrics, and unique holiday decorations. Festival of the Seasons – November 28 - December 24, 2008 Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney® Area provides a spectacular holiday shopping experience. All the Disney stores are decorated for the holidays and feature a great variety of holiday merchandise. Live entertainment, wonderful light consistent displays, Santa's presence, magnicifinet music and friendly performers make the holiday shopping experience enjoyable and fun. Some of the stores at Downtown Disney® Area are: Once Upon a Toy, Virgin™ Megastore, LEGO® Imagination Center and Disney's Days of Christmas.