Every Walt Disney World park has its own approach to the holidays, but Disney’s Hollywood Studios consistently takes it to another level. The decorations here feel like something special, like stepping into a perfectly preserved holiday postcard from another era (or your great grandmother’s living room… in the best way). Please, take in a few snapshots from my recent park visit!
Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard shimmer under layers of silver tinsel that wrap around buildings and marquees.
Tinsel wreaths feature vintage figurines or ornaments at the center, while small Christmas trees sit on each lamppost.
Tinsel stars light the way to the Hollywood Tower Hotel. It’s all glamorous without being stuffy; cool, glittering, and unmistakably old Hollywood.
Sunset Boulevard’s holiday music loop is a mix of vintage tracks, including quirky gems like Gayla Peevey’s “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” and Mabel Scott’s “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus”. It pairs perfectly with the mid-century sparkle all around you.
That commitment to mid-century modern and retro kitsch runs throughout the park. Oversized vintage inspired ornaments sit alongside recreations of classic holiday figures, including giant porcelain style pink spaghetti poodles and [creepy] sugar cube Christmas babies — straight from a 1950s living room display.
Echo Lake transforms into a glowing centerpiece of its own with massive floating ornaments reflecting off the water near the 65-foot tall Christmas tree with scalloped trimmings and vintage ornaments.
Gertie the Dinosaur proudly dons her oversized Santa hat. The combination of warm lights, old fashioned design, and the lake’s reflections makes this part of the park feel especially magical, and perhaps the most photogenic.
Look, nothing will ever truly replace The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. I miss them something fierce. But Hollywood Studios still wins the holiday decor game for me. Plus, have you seen this year’s holiday window display featuring figures from the Great Movie Ride?! Talk about nostalgia.
The entire front half of the park glows with a unique combination of familiar nostalgia and Hollywood glam. The sparkling holiday lights bouncing off metallic tinsel combined with Hollywood’s neon simply feels enchanting. I just can’t get enough!
Do you have a favorite section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the holidays? Which park is your favorite for all things Christmas?
