Quick answer: The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll runs November 11, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and it's free. Santa Claus is back at Santa's Marketplace from November 11 through December 24, but you can only meet him through a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app, with join times at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Disney Springs is one of my favorite holiday stops at Walt Disney World because you don't need a park ticket to enjoy it. Disney shared the 2026 details this week, with a few changes worth knowing.
The Christmas Tree Stroll, presented by AdventHealth, starts November 11, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027. That's two days earlier than last year's start. There's no reservation and no cost.
There are three new trees this year: Bluey, Monsters, Inc. and a Hallmark Christmas Tree. The Monsters, Inc. tree is a fun tie-in with Monstropolis coming to Hollywood Studios, and the Hallmark tree connects to the new movie Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.
Here's the full themed tree list:
You'll also find the Annual Passholder tree, the Disney Cruise Line topiary and three big flagship trees at the Marketplace, Town Center and the Sphere, which make the best family photo backdrops.
My tip: start at the Marketplace end with younger kids. My kids always liked having a "mission," and a sticker map keeps little ones moving without complaints.
Santa is at Santa's Marketplace, in the Marketplace area near Disney's Pin Traders, from November 11 through December 24. There is no standby line this year. Here's how the virtual queue works:
Spots are subject to availability and they went fast last year, so set a phone alarm a minute or two before the time you want. If you miss out, kids can still write a letter to Santa at Once Upon a Toy and mail it to the North Pole.
Disney says the nightly snowfall in Town Center is back, and yes, it's Florida "snow," but kids love it. The Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Shop has Disney holiday items, ornaments and products from the Hallmark movie for a limited time. Jock Lindsey's Holiday Bar is expected back, though Disney hasn't released the menu yet.
Popular restaurants fill up quickly in December, so I'd book ahead. My Disney dining reservations guide covers when and how to book.
Disney Springs works great on an arrival night. Many families pair it with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, which I cover in my Disney World Christmas guide. Staying through the end of the year? Here's my Disney World New Year's Eve 2026 guide. And if you're visiting before the holiday decor goes up, my Disney Springs Halloween guide covers the fall treats that run through November 9.
Staying at Port Orleans or Saratoga Springs? You can take a boat right to Disney Springs. Here's what that ride looks like on my YouTube channel: Sassagoula River Cruise to Disney Springs. For a quick look around, watch my Disney Springs short, and find more park videos on the Fun Park Go YouTube channel.
I'm a College of Disney Knowledge graduate and I've been booking Disney trips since 2010. Holiday weeks book up early, and my planning is free. I can help you fit Disney Springs, the parks and a holiday party into one smooth trip.
Get your free Disney World quote
Prefer to book yourself? Grab Disney World Discount Tickets at Get Away Today (promo code FunParkGo takes $10 off a package, not tickets alone) or book a theme park vacation package with Funjet.
It starts November 11, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027.
Yes. The trees and the sticker map are free, and you don't need a park ticket to visit Disney Springs.
Disney calls it a "festive surprise" and doesn't announce it ahead of time. Turn in your finished map at one of the map pickup locations to get it.
Join the virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app while you're at Disney Springs. Join times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. from November 11 through December 24. There's no standby line.
Yes, there's nightly "snowfall" in Town Center during the holiday season. It's soap-based snow, but it makes for great photos.
Halloween treats run through November 9, and the Christmas trees and Santa arrive November 11. Disney's official holiday season at Walt Disney World runs November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027.
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, including Get Away Today and Funjet. If you book through them, Fun Park Go may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
