11/4 First Christmas Castle Lighting for 2011 – Cinderella’s Holiday Wish Dream Lights

Last night was the first Christmas Castle lighting of the season! We'd run over from Discovery Cove (after taking advantage of a $59 Platinum Passholder special there), and just made it to enjoy Cinderella's Holiday Wish, which ends with the lighting of Cinderella Castle.

We had read that "The Magic, The Memories and You" would have a special holiday segment yesterday, but it looks like that starts next week. Cinderella Castle wasn't lit for too long last night – the park closed at 9, and there were two "The Magic, the Memories and You" shows and one Wishes Fireworks in between the lighting at 7:15 P.M. and the end of the night.

Next week, we'll have hundreds of photos from Christmas at the Magic Kingdom, as well as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! My 2010 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party photos are here to enjoy.

I've photographed the first Castle Lighting of the season for all 5 years now, and this was the busiest I ever remember it! My favorite lighting was the first year, when Cinderella Castle was lit at dusk for at least the first few days. The sky was gorgeous before dark! Check out those photos here from 2007.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy join Cinderella, Prince Charming and The Fairy Godmother in a castle show that ends with the lighting. We have the full video here!