Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. From holiday music to decorations to spending time with family and friends I look forward to Christmas all year round. Last year at this time, I was lucky enough to experience the Christmas season at Walt Disney World when I was a participant in the college program. As someone who is completely and utterly obsessed with all things Christmas and Disney, it was a dream come true. Here are seven reasons why Christmas at Walt Disney World is the best:

1. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

On select nights in the Magic Kingdom, Mickey and his friends put on a Christmas party for all to enjoy! It is one of my favorite Disney events for many reasons. Quick service food locations hand out free cookies and hot chocolate. There are special meet and greets with characters who do not normally come out to play. It snows (snoap - articificial snow) on Main Street USA which is magical. There is a special show in front of the Castle and cast members where special Christmas outfits. Since this is a separate ticket event, the lines for rides are short and there is special merchandise making it a great night for all!

My roommate Laura and I dressed up for the Christmas party!

2. Holiday Wishes

During the Christmas parties, a special version of Wishes, the nightly fireworks show at Walt Disney World, takes place: Holiday Wishes. Set to holiday music, fireworks light up the sky making it quite the sight to see. Wishes is one of my absolute favorite things about Disney and Holiday Wishes does not disappoint!

Watch it here:

3. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Another special holiday treat is Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade which premiers at the holiday parties and then, each day the week of Christmas. I firmly believe no one does parades like Disney and of course, this parade is no exception. Mickey and his friends get in the Christmas spirit and cruise down Main Street USA to Christmas music, dressed to impress for the holidays. It's sure to put a smile on anyone's face!

Watch it here:

4. The Castle Lighting

Every night, Elsa and Anna make their own magic by lighting up Cinderella's Castle for the holidays. The Castle looks absolutely stunning all lit up against the night sky, especially with the Main Street Christmas decorations.

See it here:

5. Osborne Festival of Dancing Lights

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is a huge display of Christmas lights on the Streets of America at Disney's Holiday Studios. Provided by the Osborne family from Arkansas, this beautiful display of lights created a Christmas wonderland complete with snow! The lights dance to the Christmas music that plays. This is my number one favorite thing at Disney, but sadly it is in its last year. I am going to miss it but I am so glad I got to experience it!

A picture from my many trips to see the lights:

6. Christmas Decorations

Disney doesn't do anything half way. There are Christmas decorations everywhere: the parks, resorts, Downtown Disney (now known as Disney Springs) and they are all beautiful. My favorite decorations are at the resorts from life sized Gingerbread Houses (Grand Floridan) to giant trees (any Deluxe hotel - my favorite is the Yacht Club), the decorations are gorgeous.

Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian

Me with the Christmas decorations at the Boardwalk Resort

7. Candlelight Processional at Epcot

Every year, celebrities come to Epcot to tell the story of Christmas. Celebrities vary from year to year (I saw Neil Patrick Harris and almost fainted... but I digress). This very popular event features a celebrity narrator and a choir of cast members singing beautifully. It really is a special event especially if you're a big fan of the narrator.

The night I saw Neil Patrick Harris in 2014

Disney truly goes all out for the holiday season, making it the best (and busiest!) time to go!