Are you ready to celebrate Christmas at Disney Springs?
Starting on November 8, 2024 to December 30, 2024, Christmas at Disney Springs, and all over Disney property, will officially begin!
But what exactly does that mean for this year? What kind of offerings can you expect? How different will it be as compared to years past?
Is it still worth experiencing?
Well ThemeParkHipster, I can’t wait to cover all of this, and more, with you below!
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2024 Disney Springs Christmas Guide at a Glance:
- No admission is required to visit the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney World
- Dates: You can enjoy this event from November 8, 2024 until December 30, 2043 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
- Be sure to wear some festive and holiday-themed clothing to get the best Disney Christmas pictures while you’re here
- Don’t forget to check out the incredible food and entertainment at Disney Springs while you’re there
- Get the Christmas Tree Trail guide map! This will help you find the best trees that people rave about all season long like the Haunted Mansion tree.
Keep reading to get a full guide on the best way to explore this Disney holiday experience like a pro!
What’s New at Disney Springs
While “Downtown Disney,” the original name for the Disney Springs area, debuted in 1975, it’s certainly seen LOTS of changes since then.
From the addition of higher class restaurants to the closure of older clubs and bars, Disney Springs was reimagined in 2013 with one idea in mind: to further Disney’s image of family-friendly fun.
And believe it or not, even though Disney Springs is pretty much unrecognizable as compared to the old Downtown Disney, imagineers are still making changes each and every day!
Below I’ve got the breakdown of all the old and new offerings available during Christmas at Disney Springs in 2024!
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7 Things to Do for Christmas at Disney Springs
1. Do the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail Stroll Scavenger Hunt
Debuting in 2015, the Christmas Tree Trail was an instant hit among guests of all ages.
A guide was provided at the entrance of this trail, behind Earl of Sandwich, to lead you through a winding path of Christmas trees decorated in the themes of various fan favorite films like The Princess and the Frog and Mary Poppins.
But with over 20 evergreen trees packed in a tight little path, will there be a Christmas Tree Trail to look forward to this Christmas at Disney Springs?
Well, I’m happy to tell you that the answer is yes!
Although the trees will not be placed consecutively on a path as in years prior, 20+ gorgeous, creative evergreens will still be on display.
The only difference is this year you can find them spread out all across Disney Springs– which is sure to give the experience a more “scavenger hunt vibe” as you’ll have to scope out all of Disney Springs to find all the themed trees!
My favorite holiday experience by far is doing the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail Stroll.
All you have to do is pick up your Christmas Tree Stroll map from select locations, then you find the spot that has a tree marked on the map.
Once you get to that area, you’ll see what the Christmas tree theme is and add the matching sticker to it.
This year you’ll be able to find the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail Stroll map at the following locations:
- City Works Eatery & Pour House
- The Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
- Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
- Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company
- The LEGO Store
Once you have found all of the Disney Springs Christmas trees, you’ll return to one of the map pickup locations and redeem your free holiday surprise.
A fun little added feature this year are the discounts that you can find on the back of your Christmas Tree Stroll map.
You can enjoy discounts of up to 20% to places such as the House of Blues, Blaze Pizza, Vera Bradley, UGG, City Works, The BOATHOUSE, Morimoto Street Food, Chicken Guy and so much more!
2. Enjoy the Snow!
A fun Yuletide addition offered this year is the magical snowfall that will be happening! And yes, you heard that right…snowfall, in Orlando, FL!
Nothing says Christmas in Florida like the flurries of our “snope.” Although it’s not the real thing, we truly appreciate the effort of bringing a white Christmas to Orlando.
You can enjoy the snow in the Town Center of Disney Springs each evening.
Just like on Main Street in Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade in years past, you can catch snow gently fall in three locations every evening during Christmas at Disney Springs: Town Center.
3. Meet Santa Claus…but only if you’re on the good list.
One entertainment offering you can expect during Christmas at Disney Springs that’s been a crowd favorite from years past is Santa Claus!
You can stop by and give Santa your full Christmas list at the Once Upon a Toy shop in Disney Springs.
2024 Dates & Times to See Santa Claus at Disney Springs
Visit Santa near Disney’s Pin Traders from from November 8, 2024 through December 24, 2024. before he sets off to deliver presents around the world.
There will be multiple opportunities to enter the virtual queue throughout the day, including:
- 9:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 1:00 PM
- 3:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget that there will be a virtual queue for this experience that you can sign up for right here.
4. Party with the DJs
Since you’ll be in Disney Springs, why not enjoy some of the holiday tunes of the live DJ who will be spinning the tunes at the Waterside Stage throughout the day.
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5. Don’t Miss the Holiday Performers
On your evening visit to Disney Springs, be sure to check out at the holiday entertainers who will be in their full toy soldier costumes towering as stilt walkers!
This is something you want to make sure that you don’t miss on your trip out to Disney Springs this Christmas season.
6. Go Christmas Shopping at Disney Springs
Don’t forget to grab your own holiday deals, especially on Black Friday, at one of the many Disney Springs stores.
Be sure to stop by one of my favorite stores (and a hidden gem) in Disney Springs called Sugarboo & Co.
It’s a family-run business that specializes in charming novelty items that are meant to bring a smile to your face and to add some positivity to the world.
While you’re doing your holiday shopping in Disney Springs, be sure to check out all of the Sugarboo & Co. Christmas merchandise for this season!
You can also find incredible gift ideas from places such as:
- The Art of Shaving
- Sephora
- Coach
- Columbia Sportswear
- Disney’s Days of Christmas
- DisneyStyle
- Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories
- Kate Spade New York
- The LEGO® Store
- lululemon®
- M&M’S
- MAC Cosmetics
- World of Disney
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget your personalized Christmas ornaments in Disney Springs in places such as Disney’s Days of Christmas!
7. Participate in the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive
From now through December 24th, you can give a gift to a child through the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive.
The goal of the past year’s drive is to give a donation to Toys for Tots to help provide toys to children this holiday season.
How can you help?
All you have to do is donate a new, unwrapped toy at the designated drop-off locations inside Disney Springs by December 13th such as:
- Marketplace Co-Op
- Star Wars™ Galactic Outpost
- World of Disney
- Disney Springs Welcome Center
3 Easy Tips for Visiting Disney Springs During the Holidays
Now that you know what to expect at Disney Springs for Christmas, let’s go through a few of my best tips just for you!
1. Download the My Disney Experience App and Get Familiar with Disney Genie/Lightning Lane
As always, if you’re the type of ThemeParkHipster who likes to plan ahead, I truly recommend downloading the My Disney Experience App prior to your Disney property visit.
Not only will you have a real time map showing you where in Disney Springs you currently are because trust me, if you haven’t been there before, the 1.8 mile layout can be a little overwhelming.
BUT, you will also have restaurant menus, seasonal entertainment time offerings, and restroom locations all in the palm of your hand!
2. Enjoy the Themed Seasonal Dining Experiences
While of course many eateries will be dressed up to some extent for the holidays, no eatery in Disney Springs can compete with Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar!
Believe it or not, this eatery is COMPLETELY reimagined during the holiday season, including glittery garlands, colorful lights, and a limited time holiday menu.
OH, and did we mention they even rename the eatery for the holiday season: Jock Lindsey’s HOLIDAY Bar.
So clearly, if you want the entirety of your Disney Springs experience to be holiday themed, from appetizer to dessert, look no further than the water facing Hangar Bar for your Christmas at Disney Springs dining reservation.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
3. Take Advantage of Limited Seasonal Food, Drink, and Apparel Offerings (Christmas Food at Disney Springs)
As you may or may not already know, with every season at Disney comes limited time food, drink, and apparel offerings.
So my general recommendation is, if you see something and it looks seasonal… ask! Because the next time you head over to Disney Springs, it might be gone for good!
And because there are so many limited time food, drink, and apparel items to keep track of during Christmas at Disney Springs, I’ve listed some of my favorites here for you!
Best Holiday Food and Drinks at Disney Springs:
- Sven Reindeer Food Waffle Sundae: vanilla and chocolate soft-serve swirl, white and dark chocolate-coated pretzels, M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis, cinnamon cereal, marshmallow sauce, and a white chocolate coin at Marketplace Snacks
- Hot Chocolate Flight: Featuring spiked, spiced caramel hot chocolate, cookies & cream white chocolate hot chocolate and peppermint hot chocolate AND “Naughty or Nice” Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs with sweet or spicy honey-baked ham at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar
- Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Crumb: Thanksgiving Cookie filled with real Pumpkin, the House Pumpkin Spice Blend, a little bit of Chocolate on the inside, and a generous topping of Pumpkin Butter Crumbs at Gideons Bakehouse
- Christmas Tree Sundae: Pistachio soft-serve in a waffle cone bowl with whipped cream, sprinkles, and candy Christmas lights at Swirls on the Water
- Gingerbread Tiramisu: Tiramisu cream with layers of gingerbread cake soaked in three different milks at Vivoli il Gelato
- Mickey Chocolate-covered Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced gingerbread cookies enrobed in milk chocolate and dark 65% chocolate served at The Ganachery
- Peppermint Patty: Peppermint-infused vodka, Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, Tempus Crème de Cacao, and a half-crushed peppermint rim at The Edison
- Christmas Snickerdoodle Cookie Croissant: Croissant dough, snickerdoodle cookie and holiday sprinkle plaque at Amorette’s Patisserie
- Caramel Apple Pie Shake: Vanilla Gelato blended with dark caramel sauce, Granny Smith apple syrup, cinnamon syrup, and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, caramel, and graham cracker crumbs at D-Luxe Burger
- Santa’s “Good List” Boil: Key West Pink Shrimp, Cedar Key Little Necks, PEI Mussels, cornbread, red potatoes, and sweet corn at Paddlefish
Best Christmas Merchandise and Apparel at Disney Springs:
- Matching family Christmas pajamas at World of Disney
- Ugly sweater Mickey Mouse Ears at World of Disney
- Flashing Christmas Tree Light Bulb Necklaces at World of Disney
- Special Holiday Ornament
- Of course a Disney Christmas Loungefly Bag
Below are the following locations where you can also enjoy a delicious meal with a holiday touch this year.
Themed Holiday Dining Experiences in Disney Springs:
You can dine with Santa in a few locations at Disney Springs at places such as:
- Breakfast with Santa in Disney Springs at Maria and Enzo’s: December: 14, 15, 21–24 of 2024
What to Know Before Your Visit to Disney Springs
Now that you know how to enjoy the festivities at Disney Springs, let’s go through some of the most commonly asked questions.
Do I have to pay to park at/for admission to Disney Springs?
Whether you want to visit for Christmas at Disney Springs, or any other day throughout the year, parking is always complimentary in Disney Springs’ multi-level covered garage.
What other Christmas offerings will be happening on Disney Property in 2024?
As usual, the classic Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree will still be erected at the start of Main Street U.S.A.
There’s also Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom, Voices of Liberty will still do their heartwarming holiday sets, and the International Festival of the Holidays will be in full swing at EPCOT starting November 29th.
So as you can see, even though 2024 might look a little different on Disney Property than in years past, there are still plenty of magical ways you can celebrate the holidays!
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When does Christmas at Disney Springs start?
While in typical years past, “Christmas season” on Disney Property was considered to be from mid-November to early January, this year Disney has taken a bit of a different approach.
Disney starts decorating on November 1st; however, all of the decorations, offerings, and events that we’ve notated above will be available on November 12, 2024 to December 30, 2024.
Are the Stores at Disney Springs Open on Christmas Days?
Believe it or not, many of the stores inside Disney Springs are open on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and New Years Day! On Christmas Day Disney Springs will be open from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
So, if you want to start a new holiday tradition, you should consider spending a day at Disney Springs after having a wonderful Christmas morning with family.
My Final Thoughts on Experiencing Christmas at Disney Springs
Like everything else last year and this year, Christmas at Disney Springs will look a little bit different, but I’m still confident it will be heartwarming, fun, and magical for all!
So, definitely give it a try, and be sure to come back here and tell us all about it!
By the way, do you have a favorite Christmas offering on Disney property? Got any Disney Springs tips or tricks you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below; because ThemeParkHipsters explore better, together!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
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About the Author
Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests!
Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!
(Original Article Date: October 30, 2020/Updated by Editor November 8, 2024)