Christmas at Hollywood Studios for the Holidays

Christmas at Hollywood Studios

So why should you visit Hollywood Studios for the Holidays? Let’s take a minute to admire the throwback vintage retro-y Christmas decorations that will take you back to the memories of being at Grandma’s for Christmas, shall we? Add in some holiday music to match the vibe and it’s enough to get even the biggest Scrooge to convert to a Christmas fan. These postcard-perfect decorations are just what you need for your family Christmas photo.  Or a swoon-worthy Instagram photo to bring some holiday cheer to your feed.

We think Hollywood Studios is one of the best Parks to visit during the holidays! There is so much to see and do. And even if you’re not a huge Hollywood Studios fan normally, the holiday season has a way of transforming it into a fan favorite! If you’re having a Disney World Hollywood Studios Christmas then you’re in for a treat. Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas at Hollywood Studios during the holidays! 

Does Hollywood Studios Do Anything for Christmas?

YES! Not only does Hollywood Studios get Decorated for the Holidays, but there is also a slew of New Christmas Treats at Hollywood Studios, every year. Plus, an evening show, called Sunset Seasons Greetings, displays festive stories on the billboards along Sunset Boulevard. In addition, the Tower of Terror has digital Christmas projections of Christmas scenes from Mickey’s Christmas Carol, among others. 

Hollywood Studios Christmas Decorations

Okay, so we know you didn’t come all the way from wherever just for Christmas decorations. Though kudos to you if you did, because we are those people. But if you’re not as Christmas-obsessed as we are, then you’re going to need more than holiday music and Christmas photo ops for your Disney Hollywood Studios Christmas day. The atmosphere at Hollywood Studios at Christmas is kitschy and fun and Tinsel Stars and retro decor throughout the park. And of course, there are classic Christmas songs everywhere, so you’re sure to get into the holiday spirit here! We love all the fun little touches you can find this time of year. The best decorations can be found around the front of the Park, on Sunset Blvd, and around Echo Lake. Everyone loves Santa Gertie! 

With the exception of Galaxy’s Edge, though, you can find decor pretty much everywhere at this Park. Christmas Lights in Toy Story Land and even Grand Avenue and Muppets Courtyard, have kitschy fun decorations decking the halls.

In fact, you find old-school holiday icons all over the park. Keep an out for some of the life-sized vintage Christmas decorations throughout the park. Christmas at Hollywood Studios brings back the vibes from Classic Hollywood in the 1930s, so it’s understandable the decorations would match. the Peppermint Girls, the Christmas Tree at Echo Lake, and Vintage Reindeer just outside the 50’s Prime Time Cafe. 

Hollywood Studios Christmas Lights

In addition to all the beautiful decorations around the park during the holidays, you can also find Christmas Lights everywhere at Hollywood Studios! From the ones draped throughout Toy Story Land to the ones covering the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and tucked in the garlands. If you’re hoping for a magical winter wonderland complete with Christmas lights, Hollywood Studios has them. 

Christmas at Hollywood Studios Dining

Wondering if you can make your Christmas at Hollywood Studios trip extra special? Check out some great Restaurants for Christmas at Disney World to get you started. And be sure to stop by the two main ones in the park featuring Holiday fun. 

Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine

One of the biggest deals at Hollywood Studios for the Holidays is grabbing dinner at Hollywood and Vine for Minnie’s Holiday Dine. Not only can you meet some of your favorite characters during this character meal, but you also get to meet them in their HOLIDAY OUTFITS. Did someone say Santa Goofy?? You bet. And we have the perfect Minnie Mouse DIY Sweater you can make to dress for the occasion.

Grandma’s Living Room at the Tune-in Lounge

And no worries, if Disney character meals aren’t your thing, never fear! The holiday décor is carried throughout other restaurants too. Love 1950s Prime Time Café? You can hang out in Grandma’s living room complete with a vintage Christmas tree and holiday family fun.

Christmas at Hollywood Studios Entertainment

Hollywood Studios really shines during the holidays! Especially at night. So, we recommend making time for evening activities even if you don’t plan to stay at Hollywood Studios all day. And if you want to experience “snow” at Disney, but can’t quite justify the cost of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, be sure to add Hollywood Studios to your list. 

Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios

Santa Claus himself can be seen at Hollywood Studios throughout the day with special pop-up appearances as part of Santa’s Merry Motorcade. While the Merry Motorcade isn’t quite a full parade, we do think it’s a fun addition to Hollywood Studios during the holidays. Featuring dancing Elves, a few character appearances, reindeer, and Santa himself. Plus, you can even catch a glimpse of Pluto, wearing his Christmas antlers, ready to help Santa deliver gifts. The motorcade travels down Hollywood Blvd. So, you can either watch it from the sidewalk there or go closer to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway for a more head-on view. 

This show happens several times during the day. So if you happen to see the end of it, never fear. It’ll likely be available to see again! The Santa Claus Motorcade times are 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:50 PM, 3:50 PM, and 5:10 PM. Be sure to double-check the times in your My Disney Experience App, on the day of your visit. 

Sleigh at the Chinese Theater

There’s a new group at Hollywood Studios for the holidays! Sleigh, a new acapella group, can be seen at Center Stage near Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This group sings Christmas songs throughout the day at Hollywood Studios and offers up a daily dose of Christmas Cheer. You can find times for these performances in the My Disney Experience App. Though, this group has not yet been confirmed for 2023. 

Sunset Seasons Greetings at Hollywood Studios

This Christmas Show at Hollywood Studios is part of the Flurry of Fun on Sunset Boulevard and brings Christmas to the Hollywood Tower Hotel. This nightly Christmas Show includes three elements of the holidays right on Sunset Boulevard. Sunset Seasons Greetings is a digital show on the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, or the Tower of Terror ride as some might know it. Featuring festive holiday projections like the building of a gingerbread house, an Arendelle scene, tumbling Toy Story Christmas gifts, and a Dickensian scene, this show plays on a loop every 15 -20 minutes or so. The billboards lining Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios also feature Christmas scenes. Scenes from the Muppets, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and Frozen can be seen among others. 

Our favorite way to take in the show is to grab some cocoa and watch the street side billboards showcase new holiday stories. From classic holiday Mickey cartoons to the Muppets these gigantic billboard televisions will transport you to the good old days. And we couldn’t call it a flurry without a little bit of snow, which falls on Sunset Boulevard during the Sunset Seasons Greetings show. As such, if you’re looking to get a Snow at Disney World experience without adding on the cost of the Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, heading to Hollywood Studios for Christmas is your best bet. 

A lot of people just walk right through Hollywood Blvd during this show, but we highly recommend taking a moment and watching the show! It’s one of the best ways to spend Christmas at Walt Disney World. And definitely one of our favorite holiday traditions for ringing in the Christmas Season. 

Does Hollywood Studios Have Snow for Christmas?

Yes! Snow falls nightly on Sunset Boulevard to set the holiday mood as part of the Sunset Seasons Greetings Show for Christmas at Hollywood Studios. Starting at dusk, this is a great way to experience “snow” at Disney World. And since this show is included as part of the festive activities in the park, this experience is also free. 

Frozen Christmas Ride Overlay for the First Time in Forever Show

Everyone’s favorite Show at Hollywood Studios gets a Christmas overlay as Olaf’s special Holiday Finale takes center stage in the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along. You can hear the real story of Frozen from the Arendelle historians, Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. This holiday version also features Olaf himself, and songs from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. 

This show is an hour long and a great way to take a little break. Whether it be from the weather or the crowds, or if you just need a break to sit! We think this show is so fun, and love the little holiday twist at the end. Take a look at Showtimes for Frozen at Hollywood Studios if you’re hoping to schedule this one into your Christmas activities for the day. 

Hollywood Studios Christmas Characters

One of the best things about any Disney vacation is getting to see the characters in costume. And during the holidays, it gets even better! With Disney Christmas Character meet and greets in every park, you can count on finding your Disney friend in their best holiday attire! 

Christmas Characters at Hollywood Studios include Woody and Jesse in Christmas Tree vests to match their Wild West outfits. Chip and Dale don matching Christmas hats and scarves for the season. And of course, Minnie and Friends can be found over at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at the Hollywood and Vine Restaurant. 

The Toy Story Land Christmas Overlay

The Christmas overlay in Toy Story Land features holiday tunes streaming on Alien Swirling Saucers, Jingle bell sounds on Slinky Dog Dash, and Woody, Buzz, and Jesse in some spruced-up holiday wear.  Be on the lookout! The character lines can get quite long here. If you’re planning to meet these characters in their festive best, be sure to plan ahead and get in line early! 

Toy Story Land is also decorated with popcorn strung around the place in classic Christmas fashion. With Rex in his Christmas Antlers and Giant Sugar Cookie Cutouts, you’ll definitely be able to get into the spirit. There is also always a special holiday lunch box tart at Woody’s Lunchbox as part of the New Christmas Snacks at Walt Disney World. These usually end up being some of our favorite snacks. So if you love snacks, this is a good one to try. 

Can you see Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! at Hollywood Studios?

Once a nightly Christmas Show at Hollywood Studios, you can now ONLY see Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! at the Hollywood Studios Christmas Party Jollywood Nights.

Hollywood Studios Christmas Party Jollywood Nights *NEW*

Offered for 10 select nights between November 11- December 20, 2023, this NEW Disney World Christmas Party at Hollywood Studios has loads of holiday fun at the ready. Much like an After Hours Party, this party has limited capacity. Check out our entire post on the Jollywood Nights Christmas Party at Hollywood Studios. As there is so much to do for Christmas at Hollywood Studios, you have plenty to do without spending your hard earned on this event. But, if you’re looking for something special, here’s the lineup. 

• Tickets: Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can buy tickets starting June 29. Tickets may be purchased by all guests starting July 6 Buy Tickets for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.
• Hours: 8:30 pm- 12:30 pm
• Dates: November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29, December: 4, 6,16,18, 20
• Cost: $159 – $179 per person

Jollywood Nights Christmas Party Activities

Featuring the digital projection show Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM, a sing-along at the Hyperion Theater, exclusive party snacks, and special character meet and greets, this party gets you Disney After Hours Access to Christmas at Hollywood Studios. 

• Disney Jollywood Nights with a DJ spinning a mix of holiday tunes. Commissary Lane comes to life with a lively Latin Street Fair.
• Theater of the Stars with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and some of their Disney friends.  
• Hyperion Theater Spirited Sing-Along
• Limited-capacity entertainment experiences
  • A jazz lounge at The Hollywood Brown Derby
  • A soiree at The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard
• Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime spectacular at Chinese Theater
• Holiday Themed Magic Shots
• 2 New Photopass Opportunities
• Complimentary digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the event are included with the price of your ticket.**
• Special Holiday Character Meet and Greets
  • Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse in holiday attire in Animation Courtyard
  • Powerline Max and Phineas and Ferb at Echo Lake
  • Edna Mode and super friends at Pixar Place.
• After Hours Access to Rides
  • This party gets you access to some of your favorite rides and coasters like Slinky Dog Dash, Rock N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and more. (Star Wars: Rise of Resistance will use a virtual queue* during Disney Jollywood Nights.)
• Specialty Snacks at Jollywood Nights
  • Spicy Korean Chicken on a Mini Funnel Cake, a Christmas Tree Cookie Stack, and classic cocktails and holiday beverages can be enjoyed during the party.

Christmas at Hollywood Studios Snacks

So why did you come to Hollywood Studios for the Holidays? The food? That’s usually our second reason for coming to Walt Disney World. So, it’s possible that it also tops your list. And if so, you’re in luck because Hollywood Studios has lots of goodies and holiday treats throughout the park. All with their own Hollywood Studios Holiday spin! Hollywood Studios tends to have some of the best holiday snacks. And we love trying as many as we can! From festive bundt cakes to peppermint milkshakes, there are plenty of sweet treats to be had, filled with flavors of the season. 

Hollywood Studios has quite a few of them! ABC Commissary usually has some of the best holiday snacks. And we highly recommend mobile ordering here as these lines can get very long! The lunchbox tart at Woody’s Lunchbox never disappoints, and there’s usually a Hot Cocoa Flight available somewhere. Be sure to check out all the New Snacks at Walt Disney World for Christmas!

And if you’re looking for adult beverages, they also have some of these around the Park as well. This year, In Holiday Fashion was really all the rage! And if you like Bourbon, this is a good one to try. Grab a drink, or even a nonalcoholic one, find a bench, and listen to Christmas music while people-watching. It’s a great way to stop and take it all in. We recommend heading to the Brown Derby Lounge, Tune-In Lounge or the Baseline TapHouse for seasonal drinks. 

Disney Christmas Popcorn Bucket

One of the best parts of visiting Hollywood Studios for the Holidays is the Christmas Popcorn Bucket! In classic Disney style, this little bucket changes every year and everyone waits for the reveal of the cute holiday character chosen. These holiday popcorn buckets are an extra budget-friendly souvenir that gets you popcorn refills throughout your stay for an extra 2 bucks- unlimited! We also love how they can double as a purse to add some flair to your holiday outfit.  Check out all the new holiday popcorn buckets in our Disney Christmas Snacks post. 

Hollywood Studios for the Holidays

By far one of our favorite places to be for Christmas is in Hollywood Studios. There is so much to do at Hollywood Studios for Christmas that we can’t get enough of the lights, snacks, music, snow, and fun. What do you love at Walt Disney World during the holidays?