Ho ho ho! The holiday season at Disney is officially here, and one of the most coveted meet and greets is Santa. But where can you find Santa at Disney World?
Here is everywhere Santa appears at Disney’s theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
Update 11-09-2023: Added details about meeting Santa at Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Blizzard Beach in 2023, including the new Virtual Queue opening times.
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ToggleWhen does Santa start appearing at Disney World?
Santa Claus comes to Disney World once the holiday celebration officially begins at the theme parks. (Don’t worry, his elves have things covered at the North Pole).
The holidays at Disney World begin November 10, 2023. Santa will meet with guests through December 24, 2023.
Where to see Santa at Magic Kingdom
Santa both has a meet and greet at Magic Kingdom, and he makes an appearance during Magic Kingdom’s Christmas parade. Here’s where to find Santa at Magic Kingdom.
Santa Meet and Greet In Liberty Square: Santa will be available to meet guests both during regular park hours and during the Christmas party at the Gazebo in Liberty Square, near the Christmas shop.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: Santa is in the grand finale float during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. This parade is part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is a hard ticketed event on select nights in November and December. Magic Kingdom typically runs this parade for regular guests during the day between December 23-December 31.
Where to see Santa at EPCOT
Santa has a meet and greet as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. While Santa used to meet guests at the American Adventure, Santa’s location is different this year at EPCOT.
Santa will have a meet and greet at the Odyssey Pavilion, between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion.
Santa will greet guests in 60 minute increments at the following times: 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM, 5 PM, and 6:30 PM.
Where to see Santa at Hollywood Studios
While Santa used to have a meet and greet on Sunset Boulevard, Santa has recently been only available to see at Hollywood Studios at the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade. Santa rides in a red convertible down Hollywood Boulevard multiple times a day.
Where to see Santa at Animal Kingdom
Like Hollywood Studios, Santa has only been making a parade-like appearance at Animal Kingdom. During the Santa Claus Festive Flotilla, you can see Jolly St. Nick floating down Discovery River, in the middle of the park.
Where to see Santa at Disney Springs
At Disney Springs, Santa has a meet and greet at Once Upon a Toy. This shop is located near Earl of Sandwich.
Once again, Disney will utilize a Virtual Queue for the Disney Springs Santa Meet and Greet in 2023. The Virtual Queue will open at the following times (note, these times are different than last year):
- 9 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 2 PM
- 4:30 PM
- 7 PM
Guests can join via the My Disney Experience app, and you must be in Disney Springs to join the virtual queue. You can join by pressing the menu (☰) button on the bottom right corner and tapping “Virtual Queues.” Then tap Join Queue and Disney Springs. Each party has a maximum size of 10 people. Find out more in our Disney World Virtual Queues guide.
The Disney Springs Santa meet and greet runs from November 10 through December 24. This meet and greet will not have a standby queue, so the virtual queue is your only way to meet Santa at Disney Springs.
Where to see Santa at Blizzard Beach
From November 13 – December 31, tropical Santa will be making appearances at Blizzard Beach. Guests will be able to meet and greet Santa in his summery attire, which will make for a fun and unique photo op.
How to find Santa at Disney World – Summary
Santa meets with guests at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs. Guests can also meet with Santa in tropical garb at Blizzard Beach. Santa will also make appearances in parades and cavalcades at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Let me know in the comments below: Do you have any questions about Santa at Disney World?
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James Grosch
James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror.
James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.