From festive photo opportunities at Disney Springs to special holiday experiences at all four Disney theme parks, Central Florida families have several ways to celebrate the magic of Christmas.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Christmas season is bringing a little extra magic to Central Florida as Santa Claus makes his annual holiday visits to Walt Disney World Resort, offering families throughout Osceola County opportunities to share their Christmas wishes, capture memorable holiday photos, and celebrate one of the most anticipated times of the year.
With Thanksgiving approaching and Christmas just weeks away, Walt Disney World has announced where families can find Santa throughout the resort, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
For families in Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Poinciana, and surrounding communities planning holiday outings, the seasonal experiences offer several options for spending time together and creating Christmas memories.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Santa’s Holiday Grove
One of the newest holiday experiences this year is Santa’s Holiday Grove at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, located across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! near Theater in the Wild.
Available November 13 through December 24, the festive location features seasonal music, occasional snow flurries, and handcrafted decorations inspired by Santa’s travels around the world.
Following Christmas Eve, Goofy dressed as Santa will greet visitors at the location from December 25 through January 3.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A Festive Visit with Santa
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, families can meet Santa inside Walt Disney Presents through December 24.
The attraction features a holiday-themed setting inspired by Santa’s workshop, complete with festive decorations and Disney holiday artwork. Visitors can also enjoy classic Disney animated holiday shorts as part of the seasonal experience.
EPCOT: Christmas Traditions from Around the World
Beginning November 27, Santa will welcome families inside CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT as the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays gets underway.
Guests can enjoy a winter-inspired setting, a Spaceship Earth gingerbread display, and holiday celebrations representing cultures and traditions from around the world.
Santa will be available through December 24, while Goofy dressed as Santa will also make appearances at The Odyssey.
Magic Kingdom: Christmas Magic at Storybook Circus
Santa will begin greeting families at Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, continuing through Christmas Eve.
Visitors can also experience the park’s holiday decorations, seasonal entertainment, and the popular Jingle Cruise attraction.
Santa will also appear in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, bringing additional Christmas cheer to Main Street, U.S.A.
Disney Springs: A Holiday Experience Without Theme Park Admission
For Osceola County families looking to enjoy the holiday atmosphere without purchasing theme park tickets, Disney Springs offers another opportunity to meet Santa.
Santa’s Workshop, located near Disney’s Pin Traders, welcomes guests through December 24.
Families planning to visit should be aware that meeting Santa at Disney Springs requires joining a virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app. A traditional standby line will not be available, and guests should check the app for opportunities to join throughout the day.
Disney PhotoPass photographers will also be available at Santa greeting locations throughout Walt Disney World to capture holiday memories.
Planning a Holiday Visit
With the holiday season among the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, families are encouraged to plan ahead, check Santa’s appearance schedules, and review admission requirements before heading out.
While admission to Disney Springs is free, valid theme park admission is required to visit Santa inside Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Parking fees may apply.
Whether it’s a child’s first visit with Santa, a family Christmas tradition, or simply an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, Walt Disney World’s holiday experiences offer Central Florida residents another way to celebrate together.
For additional details about Santa’s appearances and holiday activities, visit the official Disney Parks Blog.
Positively Osceola encourages families to explore the many holiday celebrations taking place throughout Osceola County and Central Florida this Christmas season, supporting opportunities that bring families and communities together.
