The holidays are just around the corner at Walt Disney World! Disney kicks things off a little earlier than most. With the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party beginning November 8, 2024, the holiday season is just a bit extended, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. Of course, everyone has their own traditions. And for some, no holiday season would be complete without a visit with Santa Claus. Read on to find where to meet Santa Claus at Walt Disney World.
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Where to find Santa Claus at Walt Disney World
Over the last few years, meeting Santa at Disneyworld has been a little more of a challenge. Luckily, each year it seems there are more and more opportunities to meet the jolly man in red. Which is good news for those of you who are hoping to add this fun holiday activity to your Disney Christmas trip. We’ve included the full list of everywhere you can see Santa Claus when you’re traveling to Walt Disney World. And will keep this page up to date on changes or any new additions!
As always, it’s best to check the My Disney Experience app for specific times and locations, as things can sometimes change throughout the season.
Meeting Santa in Hollywood Studios
This year, Santa Claus meet and greets are plentiful at Hollywood Studios. We love Christmas at Hollywood Studios, so we are so happy that Santa has been added to the fun in that Park. Guests will have an opportunity to meet a classic Santa as well as one of everyone’s favorite characters dressed as Santa.
It’s a Wonderful Shop in Hollywood Studios
Located in Grand Avenue in Hollywood Studios, It’s a Wonderful Shop will host Santa this year. Starting November 12 and running through December 24, this a great way to get your Santa fix. See the My Disney Experience app for details and meeting times.
Santa Goofy at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood Studios
Minnie’s Holiday Dine is a fun character dining experience located in Hollywood Studios. Taking place at Hollywood and Vine, the theming here changes throughout the season. And if you want to meet Minnie and friends, be sure to book either lunch or dinner. While you won’t find the traditional Santa Claus here, you can meet Santa Goofy during Christmastime at Disney.
Not only can you meet Goofy here, but you can also meet Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Donald in fun holiday attire. You’ll want to make sure you have a dining reservation, so plan to book this one 60 days before your trip.
Where to meet Santa Claus at Magic Kingdom
Though you can see Santa at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, if the party is not in your budget, don’t worry. You have another option to see him at Magic Kingdom.
Meet Santa during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Yes, you can meet Santa during the Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom! He’s stationed at the Liberty Sqaure Gazebo, which you can find behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. PhotoPass photographers are available at this spot, and it’s well lit, so you can be sure to get some great photos with Santa Claus here. These lines can get long, so be sure to plan ahead.
Additionally, you can also meet Santa Goofy during the Christmas Party! Find him in the Storybook Circus Tent near Pete’s Silly Sideshow.
Liberty Square Gazebo at Magic Kingdom
Santa Claus can be visited in Magic Kingdom at the Liberty Square Gazebo during the day as well, outside of Christmas party hours. This meet and greet with Santa usually starts in early December, so be sure to check out the My Disney Experience App for times.
Where to find Santa Claus in Epcot
Thanks to the International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT, there are lots of opportunities to see Santa at this park! Find locations to meet Santa throughout Epcot below.
Meet Santa in Odyssey Pavilion in Epcot
Between Test Track and Mexico, you’ll find the Odyssey pavilion. Not a lot of guests are really familiar with this location by name, but it’s easy to find and in recent years has been home to festival booths and the Epcot Experience. Being indoors is a huge perk with Disney World’s unpredictable weather. Santa can be visited here during the hours of 11am-6:30pm, with breaks scheduled throughout the day. With a fun backdrop, this location makes for a perfect holiday photo.
See Santa in the World Showcase in Epcot during the Festival of Holidays
The International Festival of Holidays at EPCOT begins November 29 for 2024, and runs through December 30. This is the shortest festival held at EPCOT. We always hope for a longer run for this festival because it really is a fun one. But if you’re lucky enough to be at Disney during this time, you’re in for a treat!
Around the world showcase, guests can hear stories from various versions of Santa Claus from different countries. There is usually a quick opportunity at the end of their storytelling for a quick photo opp. But even if you miss out on getting face time with Santa, their stories are often pretty fun. And you can usually learn fun facts about the culture they’re representing!
In France, you’ll find Père Noël. In the UK, have a visit Father Christmas. Head to the Norway Pavilion for the funniest Santa of all, a mischievous Magical Santa. These storytellers are available throughout the day from 10 am-7pm and times vary based on location. You can find the times available in the My Disney Experience app. Or you can stroll by their respective locations and their schedules will be posted there.
Meet Santa Claus in Animal Kingdom
New for 2024, Santa is coming to Animal Kingdom! This is exciting news because in the past, holiday offerings have been a little scarce in Animal Kingdom. Which, thematically, makes sense. But if you’re a die-hard Animal Kingdom fan. the addition of holiday decor and events just makes the season a little more fun.
Meet Santa in Dinoland in Animal Kingdom
New this year in 2024, find Santa on the patio at Restaurantosaurus. He will be greeting guests at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party. And you can plan to meet him from November 12-December 24. Times will be available in the My Disney Experience app.
Where to meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs
Don’t have a park ticket? That’s ok! There is plenty of free Christmas fun at Disneyworld. Which means you can meet Santa without a Park ticket too! And while you’re at Disney Springs, you can also get some holiday shopping in or stop by any of the restaurants for some delicious Christmas treats.
Breakfast with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s in Disney Springs
Looking for a fun meal that includes meeting Santa?! Maria and Enzo’s in Disney Springs is the place to check for a magical morning with the guy in red! Breakfast with Santa in Disney Springs includes a family style breakfast, fun meet and greet with Santa and the Elves along with a photo opportunity, carolers, festive take home treats and a complimentary prosecco-based mimosa for adults 21 and over. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit at Disney!
Breakfast with Santa runs from Dec 14-24, 2024 and prices start at $45 for children and $69 for adults. Reservations are highly recommended. See more information and make your reservation here: Breakfast With Santa – Maria & Enzo’s
Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs
Visiting with Santa Claus at Disney World over the last few years has been a bit trickier. But this location has been a popular one! Though official dates haven’t yet been announced for meeting Santa at the Once Upon A Toy store in Disney Springs, guests can usually start meeting him the second week of November through the end of this holiday season. Traditionally, meeting Santa here has been so popular that the use of a virtual queue has been in place the last few years. And we will keep this section updated as soon as Disney releases official information.
Meet Santa at the former Star Wars Trading Post in Disney Springs
New for 2024, another location has been added to meet Santa Claus at Disney World. The former Star Wars Trading post has been converted into a festive, cozy wonderland for guests to meet Santa. Another location that will likely be popular and require a virtual queue, we will update this space once we have official information from Disney! Set to open in November, keep an eye out for times and exact dates!
So there you have it, everywhere you can meet Santa Claus at Disney World! As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa throughout the Parks and even outside of the Parks.
For a look at all of the festive fun at Disney during the holidays, be sure to check out our Beginners Guide to Christmas at Disney World here. And if you’re looking for travel planning services to help you plan your magical vacation to Disney during the most joyful time of year, you can request a free, no obligation quote here!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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