Things to do for Christmas at Disney World Outside the Parks

Wondering what you can do for the holidays at Walt Disney World without stepping foot into the parks? If you’re looking for ways to add a little Disney to your holiday break, but don’t want to spring for a park ticket we get it. Luckily, we so many things to do at Disney World for Christmas, and the Holiday season, outside of the parks, you can have a budget friendly trip with loads of extra Disney magic. From visiting resorts to see the decorations, 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.

If you have ever been to Disney World, you know the importance of a Disney Non-Park Ticket Day and not just because it saves you some money. Taking a day outside of the parks, and crowds, especially during the holidays is one of the best ways to get the full Disney experience.

And if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World during Christmas you will want a few reasons to slow things down and really enjoy your holiday vacation. 

Of course, we’re all for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and all the things you can do inside Disney World Parks for Christmas but sometimes the holiday season is already so busy as it is, if you’re just passing through Florida or perhaps headed to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter over at Universal Studios instead. If so, consider this list of things to do at Disney for Christmas outside of the parks, your checklist.

Visit the Legacy Christmas Trees | Disney’s Deluxe Resorts

If you’re looking for ways to add a little more Disney to your Christmas season, take some time at the resorts. Every Disney Resort has a Christmas Tree, as such 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. 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. And of course, trips to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness are a must do, from the bus launch at Magic Kingdom. Whereas, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge can be visited by bus, just grab it from the park on your Animal Kingdom day.

See the Gingerbread Displays | Disney Resorts

One of the coolest things to see through the holiday season at Disney World is all the Gingerbread houses and displays across the resorts. From the life-size Gingerbread Carousel at the Beach Club to the life-size Giraffe at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will want to see them all. Primarily 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. Sometimes the Boardwalk Inn has a Boardwalk replica gingerbread display, and sometimes Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs even creates a little display.

Head to The Christmas Tree Stroll | Disney Springs

One of the best things to do for Christmas at Disney World Without a Park Ticket is the the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs. Featuring beautifully decorated, Disney themed Christmas trees, you can find these beauties scattered throughout Disney Springs. Head to the Welcome Center to grab your Christmas Tree Stroll Map.

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 Live Holiday Music and Choirs | 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.

Stop at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Hangar Bar | Disney Springs

Jock Lindsey’s is spruced up for the holiday season. Meaning 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 Lindsey’s gets all decked out for the season, so be sure to stop in!

Meet Santa Claus and Goofy Claus | 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.

Have Breakfast with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s | 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. 

Play Mini Golf at Disney’s Winter Summerland | Near Blizzard Beach

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. 

Take a Holiday Sleigh Ride | Disney’s Fort Wilderness

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 the New Disney Christmas Snacks | Resorts & Disney Springs

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 Disney 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!