The Holiday Season at Walt Disney World is a time where magic is in the air. The sparkling lights and garland delight guests in the hotel lobby to the parks. Gingerbread and peppermint waft through the air and Christmas carols ring through the warm and cheerful surroundings. This is a place of Christmas tradition for families all around the world. Part of that, of course, is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Santa likes Walt Disney World too and he spends a lot of time there in the weeks leading up to his big night. Here are all the places you can find him.
The 5 Locations Where to Meet Santa At Walt Disney World
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The Magic Kingdom is the best place to experience Christmas at Walt Disney World. The park is filled with the warmth and charm of a decorated Main Street, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square, The Jingle Cruise, and of course Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The biggest Disney party of the holiday season is a must for experiencing both the magic of Christmas and Disney together. Santa Clause is part of the festivities as a featured role of the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. He also meets guests, when he’s not in the parade, in Town Square, near City Hall. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event nights begin on November 8.
Festival of the Holidays
Epcot has the perfect dose of Christmas cheer during the International Festival of the Holidays. As you might guess, Christmas is celebrated around the world and the many different cultures represented at World Showcase, highlight their holiday traditions. Although Father Christmas in his many forms can be found around the lagoon in various countries, the American Pavilion is where to find Santa Claus along with Mrs. Claus. The Festival kicks off on November 29 and runs until December 30.
Once Upon a Time
In Hollywood Studios, you don’t have to stray too far from Seasons Greetings on Sunset Blvd. to meet with Santa Claus. Once Upon a Time is the Movie theater themed shop that resembles the Carthay Circle Theater where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs first premiered. During the holidays, Once Upon a Time is the official place where you can meet Santa Claus and get some photos. The location is decorated to perfection, and Christmas card worthy.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
Although there is no Santa Claus encounter at the Animal Kingdom, you can find him at Disney Springs. This experience at the popular Christmas Tree Trail is so popular, you will need to check-in for the virtual queue. If you are unfamiliar with how virtual suing works, you essentially get put on a waitlist instead of standing in a long line, doing nothing. They text you when some space opens up in the queue to meet Santa. In the meantime, you are free to shop and enjoy yourself.
Santa Goofy
Santa won’t be available on Christmas Eve of course. While he is out working, Santa Goofy steps in to greet the guests of Walt Disney World.
There you have it the 5 places in Walt Disney World that you can indeed meet Santa.
Are you heading to Walt Disney World for Christmas-time to MEet Santa?
Now, share with me in the comments.
Dara says
The virtual queue sounds cool, we’ve never done that!
Janine says
I definitely recommend the virtual queue, Dara if you can use it 🙂
William D Holland says
I’ve never been there, of course, but I would think it would be a fabulous place to spend Christmas!
Wishing you a very happy and productive weekend, Janine.
Janine says
Aw, it really is a wonderful place to spend the holidays at and now wishing you a very happy weekend now 🙂
Meredith Spidel says
20 years ago I was at Disney with my parents at Christmas! Hope some day to be able to take my own kiddos–thanks for this scoop, Janine! 🙂
Janine says
Aw, I hope you can take your kiddos soon, too at this time of the year 🙂
Jen says
I am glad Goofy takes the reigns on Christmas Eve. We all have to help Santa! This is super cool. We are going in Feb. maybe Santa will send us a quick pic of himself and the Mrs. sunning on a beach while we are there? 🙂
Janine says
What a fun pic idea and would kill to see that!! 🙂
Gloria Spagnoli says
I’d love to be there for Christmas! Looks like a fun time. You’ll be there soon….when do you leave?
xxoo
Janine says
Aw, wish you could come with us and we leave in about 3 weeks now. So, very excited to get back there for the holiday season 🙂 xoxo
Seana Turner says
What a fun place to be at the holidays! I have many memories of taking my kids to see Santa, but we never had the privilege of being at Disney at this special time of year. This post makes me smile:)
Janine says
Aw, love the Santa memories here over the years, too. And honestly seeing Santa on Main Street at Disney World has to be one of my favorites by far 😉
Cynthia says
So fun! You going again this year to take the kiddos? You are the Disney Queen, you know. Hehe. Sending you big hugs and wishes for a wonderful week! I can’t believe it’s already November…again! Hehe.
Janine says
Aw, thanks, Cyndi!! And yes we are heading back in less than 3 weeks now. So, definitely getting very excited here. Hugs and wishing you a wonderful week ahead once again now xoxo <3
Tamara says
My friend is there with his two little ones this week and I’m so jealous! Such magic to be had.
Janine says
Aw, one of Emma’s friends and her family are going today and so excited for them. But wishing it was 2 weeks from now when we go, too 😉