Things to do for Christmas at Disney World Outside the Parks

If you’re heading to Orlando for the holidays, but don’t want to break the bank for a Disney World Park Ticket, never fear! You can still enjoy tons of Things to Do at Disney World for Christmas, without ever stepping foot into the parks. From snacks to decorations, they’ve thought of it all. Since the holiday season at Disney is the MOST EXPENSIVE time to visit, we thought it about time to round up a list of fun things to do for Christmas at Disney World without a park ticket, to help save you some money.

From visiting resorts, to browsing the shops, to trying holiday meals and snacks, and even playing a round of golf with Santa, there is plenty to do for Christmas at Disney World. No Park Ticket Required.

Wondering how to add more Disney to your holiday season? Why not add a Disney Non-Park Ticket Day on your next trip to Florida? We’ve rounded up everything you can do at Walt Disney World during Christmas on the blog, because while going to the Disney parks during the holiday season is pretty special, it can also get really expensive. And that’s not including if you want to add Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to the lineup. Luckily, between the things you can do inside Disney World Parks for Christmas, and everything here, you will have plenty to do for the holiday season. Another reason we love this list? Because these activities can be combined with your other family vacation activities too. For instance, if you’re heading to Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and only have a day to add some Disney to your trip, then check out this list for all our favorites. 

Visit the Disney Resorts for Christmas

Every Disney Resort has a Christmas Tree, decorations and loads of Disney Christmas Snacks. And if you’re visiting the Disney Deluxe Resorts you can even find Gingerbread Displays featuring holiday details, and gingerbread treats to buy. Visiting the Disney Resorts at Christmas is actually one of our favorite things to do. From the grand tree at Coronado Springs to the camping decorations at Fort Wilderness, there is plenty to see. The festive atmosphere, the holiday music, and the scents of holiday baked goods in the air. It’s absolutely amazing. If you’re looking for ways to add a little more Disney to your Christmas season, take some time at the resorts. Want to find the best trees? Head to Disney Deluxe Resorts for multi story legacy trees, themed to each resort. 

As a strategy, we most like visiting the resorts that area along the same transportation route. The Disney Monorail Resorts are some of the best, as both the Grand Floridian and Disney’s Contemporary have gingerbread displays. The Skyliner Resorts are also fun, as it gets you beach time at Caribbean Beach Resort, and the amazing holiday snacks at Le Petite Cafe in Disney’s Riviera Resort. Of course, trips to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are also well worth the trip, even if they’re easiest to visit by Disney Bus. 

See the Disney Gingerbread Houses at the Resorts

While Disney World has Gingerbread displays, at select resorts and at EPCOT for Christmas, the ones at the resorts are some of the best you’ll see. By far one of the best things to do for Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket, these displays are must-do! Found at the Disney Deluxe Resorts, you can see the Victorian Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian, and the Gingerbread Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

See the Gingerbread Displays on the Disney Boardwalk

Once you’re done at the monorail resorts, head to Disney’s Boardwalk for Christmas displays worth seeing. The Gingerbread Carousel at Beach Club changes themes everywhere, and has done so for more than twenty years. And Disney’s Boardwalk Resorts also include Gingerbread displays, with a lighthouse at the Yacht Club, and a Boardwalk replica at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Be sure to see them all! 

Head to Animal Kingdom Lodge for Christmas

One of our favorite resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge at Christmastime is simply beautiful. With a multi story tree, Christmas crafts in the lobby, As one of the newer additions to the gingerbread tradition, you can even see a giant Gingerbread giraffe and zebra display here. Plus, get gingerbread cookies at the nearby snack cart too! Then, head out to the terrace or balconies to see the animals roam the savanna. No matter what you do here, your day will feel festive, fun and relaxing.

See the Christmas Display at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Did you know that in addition to the Disney’s Yacht Club gingerbread Lighthouse you can also see a little train village set up in the lobby? Just grab a Disney Bus ( from Disney Springs) and head to the Yacht Club on Disney’s Boardwalk. This little train village is inspired by the elaborate little German villages of old, and you can see an array of little buildings, and people all set up and ready for festive fun. 

Browse the Christmas Trees at Disney Springs

One of the best things to do for Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket is the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs. Featuring beautifully decorated, themed Christmas trees, you can find these beauties scattered throughout Disney Springs. The stroll even has an activity map that you check off as you go along. And once you’ve completed the stroll you can turn it into the Welcome Center, to receive a prize!

Play in the Snow at Disney Springs

And while you’re enjoying the trees, be sure to stop by Town Center for magical falling “snow” throughout the season- typically Friday through Sunday. Check out all the things you can do for Christmas at Disney Springs.

Listen to the Holiday Music at Disney Springs

Live entertainment at Disney Springs happens throughout the holiday season, but mostly in the evenings and on the weekends. Just head to the AdventHealth Waterside Stage to see performances, local bands, choirs and gospel groups get into the spirit of the season. Check the My Disney Experience App for times, and to make dining reservations if you’re spending the day. 

Play Mini Golf at Disney’s Winter Summerland

Another one of our favorite things to do at Walt Disney World for Christmas without a Park Ticket is playing a round of miniature golf  at Disney World. Head to the mini golf courses outside of the parks offers the chance to take it easy. At Disney World there are three courses; Fairways and Fantasia Gardens are near the Disney BoardWalk.

And Winter Summerland Miniature Golf is near Blizzard Beach Water Park. All of them offer free parking options, and you’re able to get to them via Disney Bus too! If you’re heading to Fairways and Fantasia Gardens you can grab the Disney Bus to the Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts. Fantasia Gardens golf courses are right across from the Swan Reserve Hotel. 

And if you’re heading to Winter Summerland you can simply grab the Disney Bus to Blizzard Beach Water Park. The golf course is right next to the water park. Better still, at the Winter Summerland mini golf course, it’s always Christmas! Although this isn’t technically an activity specific to Christmastime, it is holiday-themed and we think it’s a perfect way to spend Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket. It’s also very affordable, which makes it even more appealing. At $19 per adult and $12 per child, this is a much more budget-friendly activity than say spending the day in the parks. And it’s usually not too crowded, which is an added bonus. Plus, if you’re staying at a Resort on Walt Disney World property, your package often comes with 4 free tickets to mini-golf as part of the Magical Extras included in your stay. 

Watch the Disney Fireworks Without Going into the Parks

Want to see the holiday fireworks at Magic Kingdom, but don’t have a Park ticket? Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party get pricey! Or maybe you just don’t want to fight the crowds? There are plenty of places to see the Disney fireworks without going into a Parks! We love the views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach of the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort 4th floor balcony. Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort also gives you some distant views of the fireworks you can watch from the beach and listen to the music piped in over the loudspeaker. And if you want to add dinner to the mix, you can’t beat California Grill for rooftop views! Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks can be seen on dates of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Happily Ever After Fireworks can be viewed all other nights. 

Meet Santa in Disney Springs

Did you know you can meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs? Yes, this is one of the Free Things to Do at Disney World for Christmas! You can find jolly old St, Nick himself throughout the season. And on December 25th, Santa Goofy takes over, since Santa has other things to do. Check out the My Disney Experience App for times and to add yourself to the virtual queue! See all the places you can Meet Santa Claus at Disney World.

Head to the Holiday Bar at Jock Lindseys Hanger Bar

Spruced up for the holiday season you can grab peppermint hot chocolate, white chocolate hot cocoas, and even cookies and cream hot cocoas. Plus, loads of fancy holiday cocktails too. Whether you’re on your own with a bunch of Disney Adults, or heading to Disney Springs with the kids, Jock Lindseys gets all decked out for the season, so be sure to stop in!

Have Breakfast with Santa at Disney Springs

You can also find Santa Claus at Maria and Enzo’s Restaurant for a breakfast filled with classic Italian menu items. One of many places to grab Christmas Meals at Disney World during the season. After enjoying breakfast, guests will get to meet Santa. Children can share their holiday wishes with him and will receive a keepsake photo from their special meet and greet. New this year guests can enhance their holiday celebration by adding indulgent treats, including a delectable double crisp chocolate Santa coal, hot chocolate spoons, hot cocoa bombs with marshmallows, and a limited-edition collectible Christmas tree cup. Book Breakfast with Santa at Disney Springs. 

Take a Holiday Sleigh Ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Another fun activity for Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket are the holiday sleigh rides. Holiday sleigh rides are hosted at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground throughout the holiday season. At $75 for each ride you do need a reservation, but you don’t need a Park ticket to enjoy this fun, festive activity at Walt Disney World. And while you’re there, you can check out all Fort Wilderness has to offer during the holidays. It’s such a fun and unique experience! To make a reservation, call (407)WDW-PLAY. Be sure to add this to your Fort Wilderness Resort for Christmas fun, on a day when you go to see the lights and displays that cover the campground. 

Try all the Disney Christmas Snacks

Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket just wouldn’t be the same without sweet holiday treats. Walt Disney World rolls out so many new Disney Christmas snacks for the holiday season, that many can be found outside of the parks! Disney Springs is a great place to hunt down holiday snacks. Amorette’s, and The Ganachery are some of our favorites. But you can find Christmas snacks scattered all throughout Disney Springs. The resorts are also a great place to find some of the best holiday snacks. If you’re staying on Disney property, be sure to check out your resort’s food court.  Almost all deluxe resorts have specialty snacks for Christmas at Walt Disney World, and you can find them listed in our Christmas Snacks at Walt Disney World post!

Things to Do at Disney World for Christmas

There is so much to do at Walt Disney World during the holidays, even without a Park ticket! Even if you just need to fill that half day on Disney Arrival Day or Disney Departure Day, we love that there are so many options. So what did we miss? What do you love doing for Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket? We would love to hear your favorites!