Christmas celebrations are picking up across Disney World, and Animal Kingdom has welcomed another festive addition just in time for the holiday season.
Although Magic Kingdom typically draws the biggest crowds for its Christmas entertainment, Animal Kingdom has plenty of seasonal experiences worth exploring. From festive decorations to special character encounters, the park offers a different way to celebrate the holidays.
Now, Disney has introduced a new seasonal experience that gives fans of a popular animated franchise another reason to visit.
The addition features Christmas accessories, colorful decorations, and several familiar details that visitors might recognize from the movies.
A Holiday Surprise Has Officially Arrived
Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Zootopia (2016) have received a Christmas makeover at Disney's Animal Kingdom for the 2026 holiday season.
The two characters are greeting visitors in a newly decorated space filled with festive details inspired by their animated adventures.
Disney has added overhead garland, twinkling lights, colorful flowers, and Christmas ornaments throughout the area. Visitors can also spot starfish among the decorations, giving the display an unusual touch.
But some of the most interesting details are the smaller references hidden throughout the space.
Fans can find Judy's recognizable rabbit ears, Nick's shirt and tie, and pawpsicles tucked into the decorations.
The display also includes Gary De'Snake, a character introduced in Zootopia 2 (2025).
These additions give fans plenty to discover as they explore the greeting area. Visitors who enjoy spotting references to Disney movies may especially appreciate the attention to detail.
Of course, the decorations aren't the only things Disney has changed for Christmas.
Two Popular Characters Show Off Their Festive Looks
Nick and Judy have also received seasonal accessories that give their familiar appearances a holiday twist.
Nick wears a green-and-blue argyle-patterned scarf featuring scattered holly berries. The scarf adds a festive touch without dramatically changing his recognizable outfit.
Judy, meanwhile, sports a pink scarf decorated with repeating rabbit silhouettes. Pink pom-poms hang from the bottom, completing her Christmas look.
The accessories offer families a different photo opportunity than the characters' regular appearances.
Visitors who have already met Nick and Judy can return for a new holiday picture, while first-time visitors can enjoy the festive version of the greeting.
The seasonal makeover also arrives as Animal Kingdom continues offering more experiences connected to the Zootopia franchise.
And visitors won't have to look far to find another one.
More Adventures Are Waiting Nearby
Beyond the holiday character greeting, Disney's Animal Kingdom offers another major experience for fans of Nick and Judy.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! takes place inside the Tree of Life Theater, bringing the animated franchise to life through a 4D attraction.
The experience introduces audiences to a celebration that brings together different animal communities from across Zootopia.
Rather than simply repeating the events of the original movie, the attraction features familiar characters and environments in a different adventure.
Visitors can encounter Nick, Judy, and other recognizable faces throughout the experience.
Disney also offers themed merchandise for fans looking to take home a souvenir. Specific products and availability may change throughout the season.
Together, the attraction, merchandise, and holiday meet-and-greet give families several ways to enjoy Zootopia during their Animal Kingdom visit.
However, there's much more Christmas entertainment waiting throughout the park.
Christmas Fun Extends Across Animal Kingdom
One of Animal Kingdom's most recognizable holiday traditions is Merry Menagerie, which brings handcrafted winter animal puppets to Discovery Island.
Penguins, polar bears, and other winter creatures interact with visitors, creating spontaneous encounters that families can enjoy as they explore the area.
Discovery Island also features seasonal decorations around the Tree of Life, including festive garlands and lights.
Elsewhere, the Asia section features colorful holiday displays that complement the area's detailed architecture.
Families may also find familiar Disney characters wearing seasonal outfits, although appearances, locations, and schedules can vary.
Unlike separately ticketed holiday parties at other Disney World parks, these Animal Kingdom Christmas experiences are included with regular admission.
That gives visitors several ways to celebrate without purchasing an additional ticket for a holiday event.
A Little Extra Holiday Magic for Fans
With the 2026 Christmas season underway, Animal Kingdom continues adding festive touches to its existing entertainment.
The holiday makeover for Nick and Judy gives returning visitors something different to enjoy while offering families another opportunity to meet the popular characters.
Between the seasonal greeting, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, Merry Menagerie, and decorations throughout the park, Animal Kingdom has plenty to offer visitors celebrating Christmas at Disney World.
For Zootopia fans, the new holiday additions make this year's celebration even more special.
