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, this is one Christmas celebration you do not want to miss!
Let's explore how Disney Springs makes the Christmas season even more magical! At the end of the post, I will also share how you can celebrate at the Disney Parks and Resorts.
Meet Santa Claus
From November 8 through December 24, 2024, experience the enchantment of meeting Santa Claus at Santa's Marketplace near Disney's Pin Traders! 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, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.
Upon joining the virtual queue, you will receive an estimated wait time and a phone notification when it is your turn to visit Santa. Only one person 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, from November 8 through December 30, 2024.
Grab a complimentary map and immerse yourself in discovering 21 shimmering trees spread across the different neighborhoods of Disney Springs.
Some of the beautifully themed trees you will encounter include a:
Star Wars Tree
Lion King Tree
Haunted Mansion Tree
Encanto Tree
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Tree
Disney Annual Passholder Tree
As you explore, use the corresponding sticker to match each tree with the appropriate icon on the tree 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 and completion prize at one of the following locations: City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company, The LEGO Store, and The Luxury of Time by Diamonds International.
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.
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.
Lastly, throughout the year, Disney Springs offers live entertainment every evening. You can enjoy a variety of performances, from pop hits by Drey-C and island music by The Tropicals to country tunes by Jaclyn Hayden and Latin favorites by LaCalle. My personal favorite is LaCalle, who are featured in the short clip above.
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 Christmas Present Petit Cake, which is a Chocolate chiffon with milk chocolate mousse and coconut-pecan filling. Additionally, swing by Marketplace Snacks for the Sven Reindeer Food Waffle Sundae bursting with vanilla and chocolate 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 the World of Disney store to the holiday-themed selections at Disney's Days of Christmas, you will find an array of treasures.
Delight in the Mickey Mouse Snowman Holiday Pajama Set, Red Sherpa Spirit Jersey, Mickey Mouse Icon Joy Mug, Mickey Mouse Icon Snowman Pillow, Mickey Mouse Icon Light-Up Holiday Wreath, 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 Mouse and Minnie Mouse Hanukkah Mug, Hanukkah Throw, and more.
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.
This separately ticketed event offers 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, starting November 12, 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, 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 dressed in their holiday attire, and explore the park adorned with delightful seasonal decor, adding to the festive ambiance throughout Animal Kingdom.
For photo-worthy moments, do not miss the lively, dinosaur-themed carnival in DinoLand U.S.A., now brimming with holiday spirit.
This year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom introduces Santa Claus at Restaurantosaurus as the guest of honor for the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party. Meet Santa on the patio from November 12 to December 24 in this exciting new festive setting.
EPCOT
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, from November 29 to December 30, 2024, 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, Josh Gad, and Whoopi Goldberg, 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, starting December 12, 2024, where magic unfolds with the heartwarming Frozen Sing-Along Celebration starring Olaf, the mesmerizing Sunset Seasons Greetings at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and where you can jam out to the Holiday Spirit Band.
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 second year of Disney Jollywood Nights, an exclusive ticketed event radiating holiday splendor with dazzling decor and festive entertainment.
Immerse yourself in live bands, captivating shows, 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 Disney resort hotel features unique Christmas decorations, including a life-sized gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian and a gingerbread carousel at Disney's Beach Club Resort.
Highlights also include a gingerbread lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, a gingerbread Cinderella's castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and themed creations like giraffes and zebras at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
These festive displays enhance the holiday atmosphere and keep guests close to other seasonal attractions throughout the resort.
Christmas at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Note: The below information for Blizzard Beach is based on 2023 information. There have been no updates for this in 2024.
Dive into the festive spirit at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, transformed into a watery winter wonderland from mid-November through late-December. 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 magic and delight!
Have you celebrated the Christmas Season at Disney Springs? Let me know in the comments below!
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Love this! Can’t wait to go in a few weeks!