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 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! Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas at Hollywood Studios during the holidays! 

Hollywood Studios Christmas Decorations

Ok, 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 to get you into Hollywood Studios. The atmosphere at Hollywood studios at Christmas is kitschy and fun. With retro decor throughout the park, as well as classic Christmas songs, 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. Toy Story Land always has lots of fun decor; and Grand Avenue, formerly Muppets Courtyard, has kitschy fun decorations up as well. 

Hollywood Studios Christmas Snacks

So what did you come to Hollywood Studios for the Holidays for? 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! Be sure to check out all the New Snacks at Walt Disney World for Christmas! 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!

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. 

Hollywood Studios Holiday Dining 

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. And no worries, if Disney character meals aren’t your thing, never fear! The holiday décor carries 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 Seasonal 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 Christmas 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 Merry Motorcade at Hollywood Studios

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 Elves, a few character appearances, reindeer and Santa himself, we were happy to see this on the agenda for the 2022 season.  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! Times can be found in your My Disney Experience app. 

Capella Group called Sleigh

There’s a new group at Hollywood Studios for the holidays! Sleigh can be seen at Center Stage near Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, although this is subject to change. This Capella group sings Christmas songs throughout the day. And although there were no specific times listed when we were there, they could be heard quite a bit during the daylight hours of the Hollywood Studios.

This group reminded us a lot of the entertainment that EPCOT used to have during the holidays, which has us wondering if Disney is testing out popularity of these types of entertainers. 

The Hollywood Holiday Tower at Hollywood Studios

This Flurry of Fun at Hollywood Studios includes three elements of the holidays right on Sunset Boulevard. Sunset Seasons Greetings is a digital show on the Tower of Terror featuring festive holiday projections like the building of a gingerbread house, or tumbling Christmas gifts. Featuring snowy Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” You can also 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. Snow falls nightly on Sunset Boulevard to set the holiday mood. This is a great way to experience “snow” at Disney without adding on the cost of the Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. 

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 definitely a fun one and one of our favorite holiday traditions at Christmastime at Walt Disney World. 

Frozen Holiday Overlay in Hollywood Studios

Olaf’s special Holiday Finale is center stage in the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along as part of the show overlay for the holidays.  This show is 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. 

The Toy Story Land Christmas Overlay

The overlay 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 will also get decorated with popcorn strung around the place in classic Christmas fashion. There is also always a special holiday lunch box tart at Woody’s Lunchbox! These usually end up being some of our favorite snacks. So if you love snacks, this is a good one to try. 

Hollywood Studios for the Holidays

There is so much to do at Hollywood Studios for Christmas that we can’t get enough if the lights, snacks, music, snow, and fun. What do you love at Walt Disney World during the holidays?