Christmas at Disney Springs is back for 2026, bringing festive decorations, themed Christmas trees, seasonal treats, holiday shopping, and even a little snowfall to Central Florida. For Horizon West families, it’s an easy way to enjoy some Disney holiday magic without purchasing a theme park ticket.
This year’s celebration runs November 11, 2026, through January 3, 2027, with the return of the popular Christmas Tree Stroll, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and holiday dining experiences. There are also some new additions for 2026, including a Hallmark holiday pop-up shop and new seasonal dishes at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.
Disney Springs offers complimentary self-parking and does not require theme park admission. That makes it a convenient holiday outing for local families, whether you’re planning an entire evening or stopping by for dinner and a walk through the decorations.
When is Christmas at Disney Springs in 2026?
Christmas at Disney Springs takes place November 11, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The seasonal celebration includes decorated Christmas trees, nightly snowfall, holiday entertainment, festive shopping, and specialty food and drinks. Some experiences have different operating dates, including Santa’s meet-and-greet and the holiday transformation of Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.
| Holiday experience | 2026 dates |
|---|---|
| Holidays at Disney Springs | Nov. 11 – Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Christmas Tree Stroll | Nov. 11 – Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Santa Claus meet-and-greet | Nov. 11 – Dec. 24 |
| Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar | Nov. 10 – Jan. 11, 2027 |
| Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up | Open for the holiday season |
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll 2026
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth returns with a collection of elaborately decorated trees inspired by Disney movies, characters, and stories. The trees are scattered throughout Disney Springs, turning an ordinary shopping trip into a holiday scavenger hunt. It’s free to participate, and there’s no need to reserve a spot.
This year’s lineup includes returning favorites and some new designs. Look for trees inspired by Frozen, Encanto, The Lion King, Moana, Toy Story, Star Wars, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more.
What’s New for the 2026 Christmas Tree Stroll?
New trees for 2026 include designs inspired by Bluey, Monsters, Inc., and Hallmark. They join returning Disney favorites throughout the shopping and entertainment district. Visitors can explore the displays at their own pace, pick up a complimentary Christmas Tree Stroll map, and make a game of finding each tree.
Other trees include Lilo & Stitch, Fantasia, The Princess and the Frog, Disney Villains, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
How Does the Christmas Tree Stroll Scavenger Hunt Work?
Pick up a complimentary Christmas Tree Stroll map at a participating location, then walk through Disney Springs searching for the decorated trees. As you find each tree, match it to the corresponding sticker on your map. Once you’ve completed the activity, return to a participating location to collect a surprise.
Participating map distribution and redemption locations include:
- The LEGO Store
- The Polite Pig
- City Works Eatery & Pour House
- Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
- Havaianas
- Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Local tip: Plan to begin the stroll in the late afternoon. You’ll have time to find trees while it’s still light outside, then enjoy the decorations illuminated after sunset. Wear comfortable shoes because the displays are spread across Disney Springs.
Where can you see snow at Disney Springs?
You can experience nightly holiday snowfall in the Town Center area of Disney Springs during the Christmas celebration. It’s artificial snow, of course, but watching the flurries fall against the sparkling lights and holiday decorations is a fun tradition, especially for younger children who rarely get to experience anything resembling snow in Florida.
The snowfall is included with your visit, and you don’t need a special ticket. Exact show times can vary, so check the entertainment schedule when planning your evening.
Meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs
Santa Claus returns to Disney Springs from November 11 through December 24, 2026, giving families an opportunity to share Christmas wishes and take holiday photos. His meet-and-greet is located in the Marketplace area near Disney’s Pin Traders, making it easy to combine a visit with shopping or the Christmas Tree Stroll.
The reported virtual queue opening times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., subject to availability. One person can join for a party of up to 10 guests. Check the app for current instructions before your visit.
For 2026, visits with Santa use a virtual queue rather than a traditional standby line. Guests can request a spot through the My Disney Experience app while at Disney Springs, with queue opportunities scheduled throughout the day.
While you’re in the Marketplace, keep an eye out for Santa’s Marketplace near Disney’s Pin Traders, featuring milk and cookies, and the opportunity to write a letter to Santa at Once Upon a Toy.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Gets a Christmas makeover
One of the most entertaining holiday dining experiences at Disney Springs returns when Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar transforms into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar. From November 10, 2026, through January 11, 2027, the Indiana Jones-inspired restaurant is filled with Christmas decorations, playful details, and a limited-time menu of seasonal food and drinks.
The 2026 menu includes several new dishes alongside returning favorites.
New holiday food for 2026:
- Holiday Freight Rolls: Egg rolls filled with pork, beef, and sweet potato, served with cranberry sauce.
- Oh Christmas Brie: Crispy Danish brie with lingonberry marmalade and candied black pepper bacon.
- Present Perfect Croquettes: Fried turkey croquettes with a cherry-orange brandy glaze.
- Tinsel and Tender Bites: Cabernet-braised short ribs with cauliflower purée.
- North Pole Catch: A seafood assortment featuring smoked trout dip, salmon pinwheels, and seafood cakes.
Returning favorites include A Wreath of Wellington and Boughs of Holly Deviled Eggs. For drinks, new additions include the Cranberry Apple Compass Mule, Frosted Passage Martini, Holiday Cranberry Negroni, and an adults-only Hot Chocolate Around the Globe Flight. There’s also a new nonalcoholic Hangar Holly Jolly for guests of all ages.
If you love a themed restaurant, this is one of the more distinctive holiday dining experiences at Disney Springs. The decorations are part of the fun, so allow some time to look around rather than rushing through your meal.
Christmas Treats and Special Holiday Food at Disney Springs
Disney Springs has plenty of holiday food to try in 2026, with specialty desserts, seasonal cocktails, and festive meals available at restaurants and snack locations throughout the property. Many holiday menu items arrive in November and remain available into early January, although individual dates vary by location.
Disney’s 2026 holiday food guide includes these highlights:
| Location | Holiday food and drinks | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Amorette’s Patisserie | New Gingerbread Crème Brûlée, Hot Cocoa Mickey, Pluto Reindeer dessert | Nov. 10 – Jan. 11 |
| Swirls on the Water | New Gingerbread Mickey Cone | Nov. 10 – Jan. 11 |
| The Ganachery | Hot Sipping Ganache, holiday chocolate boxes | Nov. 10 – Jan. 11 |
| Earl of Sandwich | Holiday Turkey Sandwich with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy | Available now – Jan. 8 |
| Salt & Straw | Almond Brittle Cake ice cream | Nov. 6 – Dec. 31 |
| The Polite Pig | Open Face Turkey Smash, Polite Coquito | Nov. 11 – Jan. 11 |
| eet by Maneet Chauhan | The Jolly One’s Nachos, Jolly Toffee Pudding | Dec. 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew | Holiday Donut Six-Pack | Nov. 29 – Jan. 3 |
Amorette’s Patisserie is particularly fun for anyone who loves beautifully decorated Disney desserts. Along with the new gingerbread crème brûlée, the holiday collection includes peppermint cheesecake mousse, a Christmas tree-inspired petite cake, and Mickey and Minnie cookie art kits with edible watercolor paints.
For something easy to enjoy while walking around, the Gingerbread Mickey Cone at Swirls on the Water combines gingerbread and vanilla soft serve in a red velvet cone. Or stop by The Ganachery for rich sipping chocolate, which feels especially appropriate when Central Florida finally gets a cool evening.
Disney has even more seasonal food and drinks planned, including holiday cocktails at Raglan Road, Terralina Crafted Italian, and Enzo’s Hideaway. You can browse the complete lineup in the official Disney Eats 2026 Holiday Foodie Guide.
Holiday Dining and Restaurant Experiences
Beyond the specialty snacks, several Disney Springs restaurants are offering limited-time menus and seasonal dining experiences. Some are perfect for a festive date night, while others offer a full holiday meal without the cooking or cleanup.
Breakfast with Santa at Maria & Enzo’s
Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante is offering a festive family-style breakfast with Santa on select dates: December 12, 13, 19, 20, and 24, 2026. This is a separate dining experience from the complimentary Santa meet-and-greet at Disney Springs, so check availability and pricing with the restaurant before making plans.
Holiday menus at restaurants
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ will offer seasonal dishes beginning November 29, including crispy pork belly, seasonal ham steak, and holiday-inspired cocktails. Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s also have festive drink selections planned for December.
For those visiting around Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, look for holiday meals at select restaurants. Raglan Road is planning a Christmas Day turkey dinner on December 25, while City Works, Paddlefish, and Terralina Crafted Italian have Thanksgiving offerings scheduled for November 26.
What’s New at Disney Springs for Christmas 2026?
The Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Shop is a new addition to Disney Springs for the 2026 Christmas season. Located in Town Center, the shop features Hallmark greeting cards, collectible ornaments, seasonal gifts, and merchandise inspired by the Hallmark movie Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.
The Hallmark collection joins the new Christmas Tree Stroll designs and expanded holiday food offerings as some of this year’s additions.
Live Holiday Music and Entertainment
Holiday entertainment adds to the atmosphere at Disney Springs, particularly after dark when the Christmas lights are glowing. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy live music, roaming entertainment, and seasonal performances at locations around the property.
The AdventHealth Waterside Stage, Fountain Stage, and Lakeview Stage host rotating performers, with entertainment schedules changing throughout the week. It’s worth checking the Disney Springs entertainment calendar before visiting to see what’s scheduled that evening.
Tips for Visiting Disney Springs During Christmas
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year at Disney Springs, especially on weekends and during the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. A little planning can make the experience much more enjoyable, particularly if you’re bringing young children.
- Visit on a weekday if possible. Monday through Thursday evenings can be a better option than busy holiday weekends, although crowds vary.
- Arrive before sunset. You’ll have time to explore the Christmas trees before enjoying the nighttime decorations and snowfall.
- Allow extra time for parking. Disney recommends arriving at least 60 minutes before scheduled shows, events, or dining reservations.
- Make dining reservations in advance. Popular restaurants and seasonal dining experiences can fill up quickly.
- Use the My Disney Experience app. Check Santa’s virtual queue, operating hours, and available entertainment information.
- Bring a stroller for little ones. The Christmas Tree Stroll covers a large area, and there’s plenty of walking between shops and restaurants.
- Check the weather. November and December evenings can be surprisingly cool, especially along the waterfront.
- Don’t feel like you need to do everything. Pick a few favorite activities, enjoy the decorations, and save something for another visit.
How Much Does Christmas at Disney Springs Cost?
Christmas at Disney Springs is free to attend, including the Christmas Tree Stroll, seasonal decorations, and nightly snowfall. Complimentary standard self-parking is available, and visitors do not need Walt Disney World theme park tickets. Food, beverages, shopping, and certain special experiences are additional purchases.
For families who want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere without spending much, the Christmas Tree Stroll and snowfall make a great combination. You can spend an evening enjoying the decorations, taking photos, and listening to music without booking a meal or buying anything.
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