The holiday season in Disney World is…well…it’s magical! You’ve got all the festive decor in the parks, giant Christmas trees, gingerbread displays at the hotels, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, and more.
However, there may be one activity you’ll want to do above ALL else during the holidays, and that’s meeting the big guy himself. No, we’re not talking about Mickey. We’re talking about Santa. Well, if you want to have some one-on-one time with the Jolly Old Elf in Disney World, we’re going to tell you where you can do that.
Magic Kingdom
If you want to see Santa in Magic Kingdom, he’ll be appearing at Storybook Circus, starting on the day after Thanksgiving. For the first time, this part of Magic Kingdom has been decked out for the holidays in anticipation of the Santa’s arrival. Santa will have a dedicated spot there to visit families, so be sure to bring your Christmas wish list!
You can also see Santa during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Can’t make it to the party? Well, the Christmas parade can usually be seen during the day in the few days leading up to Christmas.
EPCOT
Santa will join the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays on November 28th through December 24th at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT. He’ll be there in a “wintry setting.” You’ll also be able to see the Spaceship Earth gingerbread display. Santa is moving from The Odyssey Pavilion this year for his first appearance at CommuniCore Hall.
However, if you visit The Odyssey Pavilion at EPCOT, you’ll be able to meet Santa Goofy there!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Over at Walt Disney Presents, you can see displays with props and costumes from movies like Noelle, Babes in Toyland, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Santa Clause. During Jollywood Nights, you can meet Santa Duffy here.
Santa himself is around, too, though. During the day through December 24th, you’ll get to meet Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas at Walt Disney Presents.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Santa will be meeting with guests in Dinoland, U.S.A. for the land’s last ever year in existence. You’ll find him at Restaurantosaurus on Parasaurolophus Porch, surrounded by Santa dino surprises.
Santa will be here through December 24th.
Disney Springs
One of the most popular spots to meet Santa is in his workshop near Disney’s Pin Traders in Disney Springs. There will be a virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app for this meet and greet, and there will not be a standby queue.
You’ll want to keep an eye on the app to see when you can meet Santa when you’re in Disney Springs.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Here’s a Santa meet-and-greet you might NOT know about. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be meeting guests at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin on select nights from 6 PM to 8 PM. This Santa is dressed for a Florida vacation, though!
Here’s Santa and Mrs. Claus’ schedule at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin:
- November 28th-3oth
- December 4th-6th
- December 11th-14th
- December 18th-21st
So if you’re looking for Santa in Disney World this year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see him. Stay tuned to DFB for more.
Don’t Skip This FREE Disney World Holiday Experience!
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC
Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.
It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including:
- The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
- How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
- ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
- And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat!
Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT.
MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!
Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Do you see Santa when you visit Disney World for the holiday season? Where? Let us know in the comments!









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