Ho, ho, hold on, because Santa Claus is officially in town at Walt Disney World. And honestly? He’s been busy. Santa is meeting guests at all four theme parks and at Disney Springs this holiday season, and he even has a brand-new spot this year.
Meeting Santa is one of the most magical holiday traditions, and doing it at Disney World just hits different. So whether you’re a local making your yearly Santa run or a family visiting for the holidays, here’s where you can find the big guy.
Animal Kingdom Has a Brand-New Santa Spot
This is the one everyone’s talking about. Santa has a new home at Animal Kingdom called Santa’s Holiday Grove, and it opened on November 13.
It’s located across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Theater in the Wild. You walk along a little trail with holiday music playing and snow flurries falling. Snow! At Animal Kingdom! We love it.
The whole idea is that Santa is traveling the world and made a stop along the Discovery River. His campsite is filled with handmade toys, sculptures, tools, and even maps he uses to plan his trip. And yes, there’s special food and drinks too, because of course there are.
Santa used to meet guests in DinoLand U.S.A., but that closed back in February 2026 to make way for Tropical Americas.
And here’s a fun bonus. Santa’s last day at the Grove is December 24, but from December 25 through January 3, Goofy dressed as Santa takes over. Goofy Santa? Honestly, iconic.
Hollywood Studios: Santa’s Cozy Toy Shop
At Hollywood Studios, Santa is hanging out at Walt Disney Presents through December 24. The room is set up like his cozy toy shop, with old Disney holiday artwork near the entrance.
There’s also a new holiday display about how Walt Disney World decorates for the season. And while you wait, you can watch classic holiday cartoons like Pluto’s Christmas Tree and The Art of Skiing with Goofy. Great for keeping the kiddos busy in line.
Going to Jollywood Nights? Keep an eye out for Duffy dressed as Santa too.
EPCOT: Santa Arrives for the Festival
Santa shows up at EPCOT on November 27, right when the Festival of the Holidays starts. You’ll find him in a wintry setup inside CommuniCore Hall through December 24. There’s even a Spaceship Earth gingerbread display in there, which sounds amazing.
And Santa’s not the only holiday guest. Goofy dressed as Santa is posing for photos at The Odyssey. Plus, there are holiday storytellers around World Showcase, like Père Noël in France and Barn Santa in Norway.
Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus
At Magic Kingdom, Santa kicks things off on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, in Storybook Circus. He’s there through December 24, and this one is open to everyone, not just people with Christmas party tickets.
Santa also rides his sleigh in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. So you might get two Santa sightings in one night.
Disney Springs: Virtual Queue Only
Santa is also in his workshop near Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs through December 24. But heads up, there’s no regular line. You have to join a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app.
Good news, though. There are multiple times to join throughout the day, so if you miss one, just try again later. And since Disney Springs is free to visit and park, it’s a great pick for locals.
Get Those Photos
PhotoPass photographers are at Santa spots all over the resort, with holiday props and fun Magic Shots. If you’re planning to see more than one Santa, Memory Maker covers all your downloads.
Our Tips
Go early in the season before lines get crazy. Check the app for hours and virtual queue times. Plan around nap time, because a tired toddler and Santa don’t always mix. And if you’ve got the time, make it a Santa tour and visit more than one.
Santa Season Is Here
From snowy trails at Animal Kingdom to cozy toy shops at Hollywood Studios, there are so many ways to meet Santa at Disney World this year.
So, where’s your family visiting Santa?
