Santa Claus is making his list, checking it twice, and spending quite a bit of time at Walt Disney World before Christmas Eve! Disney has confirmed where guests can meet Santa throughout the 2026 holiday season, including a brand-new location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Whether you’re hoping for a family Christmas photo, want to share your wish list, or just enjoy a little extra holiday magic, Santa will visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs this year.
Most locations will welcome Santa through December 24, but opening dates vary. Here’s where to find him, along with a few other festive character experiences worth checking out!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Santa’s Holiday Grove
Dates: November 13 – December 24, 2026
Animal Kingdom has an entirely new home for Santa this Christmas! Guests can visit Santa’s Holiday Grove, located across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! near Theater in the Wild.
The new experience features a festive trail with occasional snow flurries, seasonal music, and specialty food and beverages. Santa has also set up a campsite filled with handcrafted toys, sculptures, tools, maps, and other details inspired by his travels around the world.
James Silson, Show Director at Disney Live Entertainment, shared a little about the new location:
“When guests visit Santa’s campsite, they’ll discover handcrafted toys and sculptures inspired by his travels, along with an assortment of tools he’s using to put the finishing touches on a few more creations.”
After Santa heads off to deliver presents, Santa Goofy will take over the location from December 25 through January 3.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Walt Disney Presents
Dates: Now through December 24, 2026
Santa returns to Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests can meet him inside a cozy holiday setting inspired by Santa’s toy shop.
The attraction also features a seasonal exhibit celebrating Disney’s holiday history, complete with artwork and decorations. The theater will temporarily screen classic Disney animated shorts, including Walt Disney’s On Ice, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and Goofy’s The Art of Skiing.
EPCOT: CommuniCore Hall
Dates: November 27 – December 24, 2026
Santa returns to CommuniCore Hall during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which begins November 27. Guests can meet Santa in a wintry setting and check out the Spaceship Earth gingerbread display nearby.
EPCOT also offers a few other opportunities to enjoy Christmas traditions from around the world. Visit The Odyssey to meet Santa Goofy, or explore World Showcase to find the festival’s Holiday Storytellers.
Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus
Dates: November 26 – December 24, 2026
Beginning Thanksgiving Day, Santa will greet guests in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom. This meet-and-greet takes place during regular park hours, so you won’t need a special event ticket to visit him. You’ll just need valid Magic Kingdom admission.
You can also see Santa riding his sleigh at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Disney Springs: Santa’s Workshop
Dates: Now through December 24, 2026
If you’d rather meet Santa without purchasing a theme park ticket, head to Disney Springs, where he’ll greet guests at his workshop near Disney’s Pin Traders.
This is always a popular holiday photo opportunity; Disney Springs uses a virtual queue for Santa’s meet-and-greet via the My Disney Experience app. Disney will not offer a traditional standby line, so check the app for virtual queue opportunities throughout the day.
A Few Tips for Meeting Santa at Disney World
- Disney PhotoPass photographers will help capture holiday memories at locations throughout the parks and Disney Springs, including seasonal photo opportunities and Magic Shots.
- Santa’s final day at these locations is December 24, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting closer to Christmas. At Animal Kingdom, Santa Goofy will continue meeting guests after Christmas.
- Check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for current character appearance times.
