Disney Springs is a great place to visit during the holidays to be surrounded by Disney Magic and Holiday Cheer! From the Disney Springs Christmas Trees to meeting Santa at the Toy Store, this is one Christmas celebration you do not want to miss! Let's explore how Disney Springs makes the Christmas season even more magical!
Meet Santa Claus
From November 10 through December 24, 2023, experience the enchantment of meeting Santa Claus at Once Upon A Toy in Disney Springs! To meet Santa, join the virtual queue system by utilizing the My Disney Experience app to reserve your spot. Once physically at Disney Springs, you can join the virtual queue. Do not worry - you do not need to be at Disney Springs as soon as they open, as there are multiple opportunities to enter the virtual queue throughout the day, including 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 7:00 PM. Upon joining the virtual queue, you will receive an estimated wait time and a phone notification signaling when it is your turn to visit Santa.
Only one member of your group needs to add your entire party (maximum party size of 10 people) to the queue. That individual will receive a digital entry code for easy access when your group's turn arrives. If you encounter issues finding your digital entry code, access it through the app's "Virtual Queues" section under the three-line icon. Moreover, if you cannot figure out how to join the virtual queue, look for stickers labeled "Meet Santa" around Disney Springs with a QR code below. Scanning the QR code will direct you to the virtual queue section of the My Disney Experience app. Alternatively, seek assistance from a cast member or visit Guest Services for further guidance.
Christmas Tree Stroll Scavenger Hunt
Embark on an enchanting adventure while waiting to meet Santa by diving into the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, starting November 10, 2023. Grab a complimentary map and immerse yourself in discovering 19 shimmering trees spread across the different neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Wander through themed trees celebrating beloved Disney tales like Star Wars, Haunted Mansion, Toy Story, and the iconic Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
As you explore, use the included stickers to match each tree with its corresponding icon on the map, unveiling a magical surprise upon completion! On top of the magical surprise, there are exclusive discounts and special offers for select locations around Disney Springs on the back of the Christmas Tree Stroll map. Pick up your free map at one of the map distribution and redemption locations: City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company, The LEGO Store, and Planet Hollywood.
Festive Fun through Live Entertainment
Experience the holiday wonder at Disney Springs with a splendid array of festive entertainment and events. Delight in the sight of Toy Soldier Stiltwalkers and Snowflake Roller Skaters wandering the Town Center, adding a magical touch to the atmosphere. Lose yourself in the melodies of the Holiday Brass Band, spreading cheer throughout the Town Center. Moreover, do not miss the nightly snowfall near the Town Center tree, where "snow flurries" gently fall every half hour beginning at sundown, adding an extra layer of enchantment to this festive wonderland. As night falls, revel in the lively beats spun by the Santa Sleigh DJ across the Marketplace, complemented by dazzling displays that capture the true essence of the holiday spirit.
You can still enjoy the magical synergy of Disney animation and Cirque du Soleil's breathtaking performances in "Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil® & Disney" during the Holidays at Disney Springs. Meanwhile, the House of Blues hosts an eclectic mix of renowned musicians spanning rock, country, R&B, Latin, reggae, metal, hip-hop, and top tribute bands, ensuring an unforgettable entertainment extravaganza at Disney Springs. My favorite live entertainment group at Disney Springs is LaCalle, depicted above in the short clip.
Holiday Season Eats
Satisfy your cravings with Disney Springs' array of festive food and holiday treats available for a limited time. Indulge in the Christmas spirit at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (the holiday overlay of Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar), adorned with sparkling lights and offering delights like the Naughty or Nice Deviled Eggs and O' Ham N' Cheese Trees. Treat your taste buds at Amorette’s Patisserie with the Holiday Sweets Petit Cake, layered with Spice Cake, Cream Cheese Icing, and delightful apple compote.
Additionally, swing by Marketplace Snacks for the charming Olaf Waffle Sundae bursting with vanilla soft-serve and festive toppings. Lastly, experience a yuletide delight at Swirls on the Water with the Christmas Tree Sundae, featuring Pistachio Soft-Serve in a waffle cone bowl adorned with whipped cream, sprinkles, and candy Christmas lights. These are just a few of the holiday treats you can find around Disney Springs - be sure to check online to see what day your favorite treats are available, as some stay until early January while others leave late December.
Christmas Gift Shopping
Discover the perfect gifts for your loved ones (and yourself!) while exploring Disney Springs' shopping wonderland. From the latest merchandise collections at World of Disney to the holiday-themed selections at Disney's Days of Christmas, you will find an array of treasures. Delight in the 2023 Mickey Mouse Holiday Plush, Holiday Countdown Calendar, sleepwear, train sets, throws, mugs, pillows, and many more items from their Christmas Collection! On top of that, there is a Hanukkah Collection featuring must-have items like the Hanukkah Light-Up Ear Headband, Mickey and Minnie Mouse Hanukkah Light-Up Loungefly Backpack, and Mickey Mouse Hanukkah Plush. Moreover, the Town Center is Disney Springs' shopping center filled with well-known and well-loved brands like Columbia, Levi, Pandora, Under Armour, Lululemon, and many more!
Christmas at the Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom
At Magic Kingdom, revel in the delightful holiday atmosphere as beautifully adorned Christmas wreaths, garlands, and life-size toy soldier nutcrackers adorn the park. The colossal Christmas tree gracing Main Street exudes a festive aura surrounded by an array of toys and presents. Witness the captivating Frozen Holiday Surprise show, transforming Cinderella Castle into a frozen palace nightly, featuring beloved characters like Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies. Moreover, the cherished Jungle Cruise takes on a merry makeover for the holiday season with the Jingle Cruise. Experience a festive journey, where the familiar adventure is dressed in yuletide cheer from start to finish!
For an exclusive experience, immerse yourself in the after-hours Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, offering a range of enchanting entertainment options, from Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade to opportunities to capture cherished memories with Disney pals dressed in their holiday best. Indulge in complimentary cookies and cocoa at select locations while enjoying your favorite rides with reduced wait times—an extraordinary way to celebrate the holiday season at Magic Kingdom!
Animal Kingdom
Experience the enchanting holiday offerings at Animal Kingdom, where the magic of nature combines with seasonal delights. Witness Discovery Island spring to life with the Merry Menagerie—artfully sculpted puppets of arctic animals like penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears. As dusk falls, be captivated by the Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition, where the park's iconic tree shimmers and sparkles, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score. Do not miss the chance to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Adventurer's Outpost, both adorned in their holiday attire and explore the park adorned with delightful seasonal decor, adding to the festive ambiance throughout Animal Kingdom.
EPCOT
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, where culinary delights from around the world await at Holiday Kitchens. Immerse yourself in the cultural journey with Holiday Storytellers sharing festive traditions worldwide. Do not miss the awe-inspiring Candlelight Processional featuring celebrity narrators like Neil Patrick Harris, Luis Fonsi, and John Stamos, accompanied by an orchestra and massed choir, as they present the heartfelt story of Christmas. Experience the holiday overlay in Living with the Land, where the greenhouses shine with dazzling lights and enchanting Christmas decorations, adding an extra touch of magic to this EPCOT celebration.
Hollywood Studios
Explore the holiday wonderland at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where magic unfolds with the heartwarming Frozen Sing-Along Celebration starring Olaf, the mesmerizing Sunset Seasons Greetings at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the festive Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine (advanced dining reservation highly encouraged). Encounter Pixar pals in Toy Story Land dressed in their holiday attire, amplifying the festive spirit!
Celebrate Christmas extravagantly at Disney's Hollywood Studios, featuring the premiere of Disney Jollywood Nights, an exclusive ticketed affair radiating holiday splendor with dazzling decor and festive entertainment. Immerse yourself in live bands, a captivating variety show, and the enchanting return of the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacle. Revel in reduced wait times for popular attractions, indulge in delightful specialty drinks and snacks, and bask in nostalgic encounters with beloved Disney characters spreading festive cheer—a truly magical and glittering holiday experience awaits!
Christmas at the Disney Resort Hotels
Immerse yourself in the holiday enchantment at the Disney Resorts! Explore lobbies adorned with stunning Christmas trees and intricate gingerbread displays at select Disney Resort hotels. Indulge in delectable gingerbread treats and specialty menu offerings available at various restaurants within the resorts. Each hotel offers unique Christmas decorations and displays, such as the life-sized gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, a 100th Celebration-themed Castle Display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a new gingerbread Lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, a moving Holiday Carousel gingerbread display at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a gingerbread miniature version of the BoardWalk at the BoardWalk Inn, and charming gingerbread creations featuring giraffes and zebras at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - adding to the festive atmosphere while conveniently placing guests near all the other holiday attractions across the Walt Disney World Resort!
Christmas at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Dive into the festive spirit at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, transformed into a watery winter wonderland from November 16 through December 31. Experience the thrill of daily "snowfall." Capture the perfect holiday moment with Santa until December 24, and thereafter, delight in the presence of Santa Goofy until December 31. Enjoy holiday-themed inner tubes as you lazily drift along the 3,000-foot river and savor the delightful Peppermint Milkshake, embracing the flavors of the season. Engage in a holiday scavenger hunt on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until December 22, continuing daily from December 22 to December 31, promising a flurry of holiday fun!
Have a Magical Holiday Season!
The most wonderful time of the year is here, and the Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to see holiday decorations, sip on some delicious hot chocolate, and enjoy giant Christmas trees throughout Disney property! So, why wait? Let the wonder of Disney whisk you away into a world of holiday delight!
Have you celebrated the Christmas Season at Disney Springs? If so, let us know in the comments below - we would love to know what were your favorite things to do, see, or eat! If you have not gone, are they on your bucket list of places to visit now? Let us know in the comments below, and share this article with the person or people you want to go with! Either way, SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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Love this! Can’t wait to go in a few weeks!