Where to Find Santa Claus at Disney World | A Complete Guide

The holiday season at Walt Disney World is filled with festive cheer, and a visit with Santa Claus is a memorable highlight for many guests. Here’s your guide to finding Santa’s exact locations across each Disney park and Disney Springs in 2024.

Magic Kingdom Park

• Liberty Square Gazebo: Santa will greet guests at Liberty Square in a charming gazebo, creating a picturesque holiday setting. Here, you’ll have the chance to meet Santa and take photos with Cinderella Castle in the background.
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Santa joins the parade down Main Street, U.S.A., with appearances twice each night on party dates (from November 8 to December 20, 2024). Be sure to catch him as he waves from his sleigh, spreading holiday cheer.

EPCOT

• Odyssey Pavilion (Between Test Track and Mexico Pavilion): As part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, Santa Claus will be greeting guests at the Odyssey Pavilion. This convenient spot offers a warm holiday ambiance and is located between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion. Santa will be available from November 29 through December 24, 2024. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date schedule, as appearance times may vary throughout the day.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• It’s a Wonderful Shop (Grand Avenue): This year, Santa Claus will be greeting guests in his own festive location at “It’s a Wonderful Shop” on Grand Avenue. Starting November 12, 2024, visitors can stop by this cozy, holiday-themed spot to meet Santa. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updated times during your visit, as schedules may vary.
• Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine: For an extra dose of holiday cheer, guests can book a meal at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Here, you’ll meet Santa Goofy, along with Minnie, Mickey, and Pluto, all dressed in their holiday best for a festive dining experience.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Restaurantosaurus Patio (DinoLand U.S.A.): Unique to Animal Kingdom, Santa greets guests at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party. Look for Santa at Restaurantosaurus Patio, where you’ll find holiday decorations and themed dinosaur displays. Santa’s appearances here run from November 12 to December 24, 2024.

Image courtesy Disney

Disney Springs

• Santa’s Marketplace (Near Disney’s Pin Traders): Santa Claus will make his new seasonal home at the former location of the Star Wars Trading Post, now known as Santa’s Marketplace, near Disney’s Pin Traders. This year, guests can meet Santa from November 8 through December 24, 2024, by joining a virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app. The virtual queue will open at multiple times throughout the day—9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.—and guests must be at Disney Springs to join, as there is no standby queue option.

Each location is decked out with seasonal decor, adding an extra touch of magic. Remember to check the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World website for the latest details and exact times as they may vary.