Sing along with us! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

On a recent trip to Animal Kingdom, we noticed that the holiday decor had already started to arrive. And now, the gorgeous lanterns and animal decorations have received even more company as the park continues to get in the holiday spirit!

Parking Entrance

As we drove up to the entrance gate at the parking area for Disney’s Animal Kingdom today we crossed all of our fingers and toes that more holiday decorations would be up around the park, and we were NOT disappointed!

Starting at the parking entrance, we found some festive holiday decorations all around.

Here’s a closer look at one of the beautiful pieces we spotted.

Christmas Tree and Park Entrance

As we got to the entrance of the park, we spotted one of the BEST holiday sights — that GIANT Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree!

Although each of the parks and the Disney hotels have uniquely themed Christmas trees, we’ll fully admit this is one of our favorites and one we consider to be particularly special.

This tree is FULL of unique decorations that all look like they’ve been hand-made, giving it a very natural, earthy look — very appropriate for Animal Kingdom.

But, aside from the lions, moons, baskets, Mickeys, and more that you can spot on the tree itself, there’s lots of Disney characters surrounding it! We spotted Kanga…

…Chip ‘n’ Dale, Rafiki, Jiminy Cricket, Terk…

…Eeyore…

…King Louie…

…Tigger, Pumba, and more!

It’s a basically holiday scavenger hunt!

After we were done admiring this beautiful tree (for now), we made our way toward the entrance to the park.

There were more decorations all along the buildings and overhangs in the entrance area.

Ooo! We could practically smell gingerbread cookies in the air!

Discovery Island

As you approach the Tree of Life there’s more holiday fun to be had with these beautiful decorations wrapped around some of the poles in the Discovery Island Area.

Lots of shops in Discovery Island also got a little festive touch added to them. Now, the lanterns are no longer alone on the roofs — they are surrounded by more wintery decor!

Here’s a look at some of the beautiful decor at Island Mercantile.

But, Discovery Trading Company was not to be left out of the fun! We also spotted some festive garland and more at this spot as well.

Riverside Depot also had some really pretty snowflakes by its entrance.

Even the insides of the stores were feeling the holiday spirit.

And, before you head in to get your Starbucks holiday mug, you can check out the garland on Creature Comforts — covered in ornaments and more!

As we walked out of Discovery Island on to continue our adventure, we spotted some really unique wreaths on the path.

Again, if you love that hand-made feel, Animal Kingdom’s holiday decor is something you really have to come and check out. You could spend hours just admiring the uniqueness of each piece here.

Africa

In the Africa section of the park, we found even more holiday fun. Tamu Tamu Refreshments had some festive touches…

…and there were more wreaths and decorations on this building as well.

As is typical for Animal Kingdom, it’s really about taking the time to explore here when it comes to decorations.

We found this beautiful wreath and more decorations all around.

We especially love the lions on the wreath here. They’re so beautiful.

We couldn’t make it a few steps without discovering some more holiday decor!

As we continued through the park we found more poles with little holiday touches.

Again, the use of the browns and earthy tones here really made it feel like it was “at home” in Animal Kingdom.

Asia

Over in Asia, we found some beautiful hanging decor by the Anandapur Theatre.

DinoLand U.S.A.

Over in DinoLand U.S.A., Santa and his reindeer were hanging out on the roof of Restaurantosaurus! Even Santa must get tired of milk and cookies — looks like it’s time for some burgers instead!

A cute little tree was over near some of the attractions in DinoLand U.S.A. as well.

We also found one holiday gift in a not so hidden spot — a giant bone being gifted from Donald to Pluto! Aww, Donald — how thoughtful!

Our GIANT Santa Dino is back as well!

It’s a bit difficult to see in some of the photos, but our dino is wearing that Santa hat and beard very well! I’m sure Santa himself would love to make him part of the team.

Pandora — The World of Avatar

Pandora — The World of Avatar also got in on the holiday fun!

We spotted some holiday lights…

…and some other decorations draped throughout various spots.

We love the details on some of the decor here, like how you can see a banshee…

…and other animals from Pandora on some of them.

Stopping for some Pineapple Lumpia or a Night Blossom? You can admire the decor at Pongu Pongu while you wait!

We found a Menorah…

…and our buddy the Na’vi nutcracker here!

Basically, we experienced a holiday decoration EXPLOSION over at Animal Kingdom — and we couldn’t be happier about it! We’re making our way all around Disney World, so be sure to check back for more updates about holiday decorations, food, merchandise, and more!

Click here to check out the holiday decorations we’ve spotted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

What is your favorite Disney World park to visit during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!