Where to See Santa at Disney During the Holidays

Where to See Santa at Disney During the Holidays

If you’re visiting Disney during the holiday season, you’re in luck—Santa Claus himself makes several appearances throughout the parks. Whether you're looking for a personal meet-and-greet or a festive sighting during a parade, here’s your guide to catching jolly old St. Nick at the Magic Kingdom and beyond.

Santa Meet-and-Greets at the Magic Kingdom

Santa sets up shop in the Storybook Circus area of Magic Kingdom, offering a chance for guests to meet him and snap that perfect holiday photo. To plan your visit, check the My Disney Experience app for daily updates on his schedule. Typically, Santa meets guests:

Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Afternoon Session: 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Be sure to arrive early as lines can get long, especially as Christmas approaches. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your holiday wishes directly with Santa and enjoy a magical moment in a whimsical setting.

Santa in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Parade

If you’re attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can spot Santa at the grand finale of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. The parade is a highlight of the event, featuring festive floats, beloved Disney characters in holiday attire, and, of course, Santa bringing the holiday cheer as the last float.

This party is a separately ticketed event, so make sure to secure your spot early. The parade times vary, but it’s usually scheduled twice during the evening. For the best view, stake out a spot on Main Street, U.S.A. where the Christmas lights and snow add an extra layer of magic.

In 2024, guests could experience the magic of Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at the enchanting hours of 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM. This beloved holiday tradition brings to life the spirit of the season with festive floats, cheerful music, and beloved Disney characters celebrating Christmas in style. Join Mickey and friends as they spread holiday cheer through the streets, creating unforgettable memories for families and friends alike during this joyful time of year. Don't miss out on this special nighttime spectacle that captures the essence of Disney magic!

Santa in the Christmas Parade (December 21–31)

From December 21st through December 31st, the Christmas Parade from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party replaces the regular daytime parade at Magic Kingdom. This gives all park guests the chance to experience the holiday magic without needing a party ticket. The Christmas Parade runs at:

Noon
3:00 p.m.

This is another chance to see Santa waving from his sleigh, surrounded by reindeer, toy soldiers, and all the festive fun Disney is known for.

Santa Meet-and-Greets at Epcot

Epcot offers a variety of unique ways to experience Santa and other holiday traditions during the Festival of the Holidays (November 29–December 30). Here are the highlights:

World Showcase Storytellers: Around the World Showcase, storytellers share holiday traditions from their respective countries. You can meet:
- Barn Santa in Norway
- La Befana in Italy
- Father Christmas in the UK
- Pierre Noel in France
Each storyteller tells their story and meets guests for approximately 15 minutes. Check the My Disney Experience app for the full entertainment schedule at each pavilion.
Santa at the Odyssey Pavilion: Santa also meets guests at the Odyssey Pavilion, located between Test Track and Mexico. He typically has 60-minute meet-and-greet sessions throughout the day, running from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Santa Meet-and-Greets at Animal Kingdom

At Animal Kingdom, Santa can be found in Dinoland U.S.A. across from the Dinosaur ride. He’s part of the "Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party" and meets on the patio at Restaurantosaurus. Note that Santa’s last day to meet at Animal Kingdom is December 24th.

This year's Santa meet at Disney truly exceeded all expectations, solidifying it as my favorite experience yet. The Holiday Party vibe enveloped the space with a warm, joyful energy, making everyone feel instantly festive. From the twinkling lights to the enchanting decorations, every detail contributed to an unforgettable atmosphere. Santa himself was gracious and engaging, taking the time to interact with each guest, which added a personal touch to the experience. The combination of the spirited ambiance and the meticulous attention to detail made this Santa meet a magical highlight of the season.

Santa Meet-and-Greets at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios offers two festive ways to see Santa:

Santa on Grand Avenue: Santa meets guests on Grand Avenue from mid-November through December 24th.
Santa Goofy: For a fun twist, Santa Goofy greets guests at Hollywood & Vine, where you can enjoy a meal with a side of holiday cheer.
Santa Stitch: During Jollywood Nights, you can meet Santa Stitch for a unique holiday interaction.

Santa Stitch was a great meet and greet experience. However, be prepared for a bit of a wait, as we waited about 50 minutes to meet him. This was during the Jingle Bam event, which may have affected the line length.
It's worth noting that this is usually the area where you can meet Olaf, but during the holiday season, Stitch takes his place. The photo opportunity is also different; instead of a cast member capturing the moment for you, the picture is taken at a photobox. Overall, if you're a fan of Stitch, the encounter is enjoyable, but plan accordingly for potential wait times.

If you want to know more about Jollywood Nights, check out our YouTube episode.

Santa Meet-and-Greets at Disney Springs

Santa also visits Disney Springs at Santa’s Marketplace, near Disney’s Pin Traders. From mid-November through December 24th, you can join a virtual queue (with a maximum group size of 10) to meet him. He is available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tips for Seeing Santa at Disney Springs

Check the app: Santa’s schedule can change, especially as Christmas Day approaches. Use the My Disney Experience app for real-time updates.
Arrive early: Whether you’re meeting Santa or watching the parade, arriving early ensures you get a prime spot.
Stay festive: Embrace the holiday spirit with themed attire or accessories to make your Disney holiday experience even more memorable.

From magical meet-and-greets to festive parade appearances, Santa is a big part of the holiday magic at Disney. Plan your visit wisely, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and maybe even a little extra holiday cheer!