Disney Reveals Santa’s Schedule for the Holiday Season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The holiday season is officially in full swing at Walt Disney World. Decorations are going up across the parks, festive treats are popping up on menus, and this weekend marks the start of two of the most anticipated holiday events of the year. Disney Jollywood Nights kicks off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins at Magic Kingdom. If you’ve been waiting for that magical holiday feeling, it’s finally here.

And now, there’s one more reason to celebrate. Disney has announced the dates and hours for Santa Claus at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The jolly man in red will be taking a break from his busy workshop to meet guests every day this holiday season. For families traveling with little ones, meeting Santa at Disney World can be one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip.

Whether your kids are bringing a carefully written wish list or just want to give Santa a big hug, this is one experience you’ll definitely want to add to your plans. Here’s everything you need to know about meeting Santa at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including where to find him, when he’ll be there, and some tips for keeping wait times short.

Where to Meet Santa Claus

Santa will be meeting guests at Walt Disney Presents, located in Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney Presents is usually home to a different character meet-and-greet, but for the holidays, Santa is taking over the space.

Santa’s Dates and Hours

Here’s when you can find Santa this season:

• Dates: November 13 through December 24
• Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily

Hours are subject to change, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit.

With Santa available every day from mid-November through Christmas Eve, families have plenty of chances to fit a visit into their trip.

What Happened to Ariel?

If you’re used to meeting Ariel inside Walt Disney Presents, don’t worry. She isn’t going anywhere; she’s just moving for the season.

The live-action Ariel meet-and-greet has shifted to Echo Lake for the holidays. You’ll find her near 50’s Prime Time Café.

Things to See While You Wait

Waiting in line is a lot easier when there’s something fun to look at, and Walt Disney Presents has you covered.

Inside, guests can check out a special “Disney Takes a Holiday” exhibit. There are also classic winter-themed short films playing, which can help keep little ones entertained while you wait to meet Santa.

Santa Duffy During Jollywood Nights

If you’re attending Disney Jollywood Nights, the separately ticketed holiday party at Hollywood Studios, things will look a little different during event hours.

Instead of Santa Claus, Santa Duffy will be greeting guests inside Walt Disney Presents during the party. It’s a fun, festive twist for party guests and a great photo opportunity for Duffy fans.

Why This Is Great for Families With Small Kids

For young children, meeting Santa can be pure magic. Seeing him in person, sharing a wish, and getting a photo together is something many families treasure for years.

Meeting Santa at Disney World adds an extra layer of excitement. Kids get to experience the holiday magic while on vacation, and parents get a memorable photo in a festive setting.

Since Santa is available during regular park hours, you don’t need a special party ticket to meet him. That makes it an easy addition to any day at Hollywood Studios.

Tips for Meeting Santa

Lines to meet Santa can grow long, especially as Christmas gets closer. Here are some tips to help keep your wait short:

• Visit early in the season. Lines tend to be shorter in November than in late December.
• Go right at 10:00 AM. Heading over as soon as the meet-and-greet opens can help you avoid a long wait.
• Check the app. Look at wait times and hours in My Disney Experience.
• Prepare your kids. Talk about what they want to say to Santa ahead of time.
• Have your camera ready. Disney PhotoPass photographers may be available, but it’s always good to have your phone ready too.
• Plan around nap times. For little ones, a well-rested visit can make all the difference.

More Holiday Fun at Walt Disney World

Santa is just one part of the holiday magic happening across Walt Disney World this season. This weekend, Disney Jollywood Nights opens at Hollywood Studios, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins at Magic Kingdom.

Between holiday parties, festive decorations, seasonal snacks, and character meet-and-greets, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

Add Santa to Your Holiday Plans

If you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios between November 13 and December 24, especially with smaller kids, meeting Santa is a must. With daily hours, a fun holiday exhibit, and festive short films to enjoy while you wait, it’s an easy and memorable way to add some Christmas magic to your trip.

Will your family be meeting Santa at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year?