Where to Find Santa at Disney World This Holiday Season
Santa’s 2025 Schedule: Where to Find Him at Walt Disney World
The holiday magic at Walt Disney World Resort is brighter than ever in 2025! From sparkling lights to festive parades, there’s no mistaking the arrival of the most jolly guest of all—Santa Claus! He’ll be popping up across all four theme parks and Disney Springs from mid-November through Christmas Eve, spreading cheer and posing for memorable photos.
Here’s where to catch Santa at the Most Magical Place on Earth this season:
🎬 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Where: Walt Disney Presents
When: Now through December 24
Step into a nostalgic winter wonderland inspired by Disney holiday classics like The Santa Clause, Babes in Toyland, and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Themed like Santa’s cozy toy shop and inspired by the 1932 short Santa’s Workshop, this spot offers heartwarming holiday magic and whimsical Disney decor. Don’t miss the “Holiday Shorts” in the theater, and keep an eye out for Duffy dressed as Santa during Jollywood Nights!
🦕 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Where: Restaurantosaurus, DinoLand U.S.A.
When: November 14 to December 24
Santa’s set up shop on the Parasaurolophus Porch, surrounded by dinosaur-themed holiday fun. The décor includes stockings, ornaments, and even parachuting dino toys overhead! A must-visit for families looking for festive flair with a prehistoric twist.
🌍 EPCOT
Where: CommuniCore Hall
When: November 28 to December 24
As part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, Santa welcomes guests in a snowy, twinkling corner of CommuniCore Hall—right next to a jaw-dropping gingerbread version of Spaceship Earth. Over at The Odyssey, Santa Goofy is also ready to pose for playful holiday snapshots.
🎄 Magic Kingdom Park
Where: Storybook Circus
When: Starting Thanksgiving Day
This year, Santa takes up residence in Storybook Circus, newly decorated with whimsical holiday charm! Guests can also spot him in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. And for even more holiday cheer, ride the pun-packed Jingle Cruise through a jungle of tacky tinsel and festive fun.
🛍️ Disney Springs
Where: Near Disney’s Pin Traders
When: Now through December 24
Santa’s workshop in Disney Springs offers one of the most popular photo spots of the season. To skip the wait, guests can join a virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app. Note: there’s no standby line, so check in early for your best chance!
Behind the Magic: Making Santa Feel at Home
A team of talented cast members and Disney Live Entertainment creatives help bring Santa’s surroundings to life. From nostalgic holiday cards lining the halls to lovingly crafted decor, each meet-and-greet location is designed with detail and heart.
As Steve, Senior Art Director, puts it, “My favorite part is how each space builds a sense of warmth and joyful anticipation before guests meet Santa Claus himself.”
Capture the Magic with Disney PhotoPass
Whether it’s a classic pose with Santa or a twinkling nighttime castle backdrop, Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed throughout the parks and Disney Springs. Use Memory Maker to download all your seasonal photos—ideal for keepsakes or next year’s holiday card!
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