The holiday season is officially here at Disney Springs. Last night, the shopping and dining district at Walt Disney World kicked off its holiday celebration with a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Town Center, and it was a truly lovely experience. Between the live music, the festive crowd, and the moment the tree finally lit up, it felt like the perfect start to the season.
What makes the Disney Springs tree lighting so special is how welcoming it is. There’s no admission charge, no park ticket required, and parking is free. Families with little ones, couples on a date night, and locals who make it a yearly tradition all gathered together to celebrate. For many Central Florida residents, it’s become one of those holiday moments you just don’t want to miss.
But if you did miss it, don’t be sad. The tree will light up again every night this season. While the nightly lightings won’t have the big, over-the-top production from opening night, the tree will put on a special lighting every hour on the hour, so you can still catch the magic during your visit. Here’s a look at last night’s celebration and everything else that’s new for the holidays at Disney Springs.
Disney Springs Is Decked Out for the Holidays
Holiday decorations now fill Disney Springs from one end to the other. Giant snowflake signs wish guests Season’s Greetings, and lamppost banners feature the district’s iconic water tower wearing a festive Mickey wreath.
It’s one of the easiest places at Walt Disney World to soak up the holiday spirit, and the celebration continues into early January.
A Festive Tree Lighting in Town Center
Last night, a crowd packed the plaza around the towering Christmas tree in Town Center. A small stage was set up at the base of the tree, where Disney executives and hosts dressed in holiday ears and plaid welcomed everyone to the celebration.
A vocal group in their festive best sang holiday songs in front of the tree, getting everyone in the spirit before the big moment.
Then, a family joined two Walt Disney World Ambassadors on stage to help light the tree. As it lit up in warm gold and white lights, the crowd cheered. And just when it seemed like the moment couldn’t get any sweeter, “snow” started drifting through the air.
It was the kind of moment that reminds you why the holidays at Disney feel so special.
Missed It? The Tree Lights Up Every Hour
If you weren’t able to make it to opening night, you can still enjoy the tree. Each night this season, the tree will do a special lighting every hour on the hour.
The nightly lightings won’t include the stage show and full production from opening night, but they still capture that magical moment of seeing the tree come to life.
Disney also says snowfall returns to Town Center every night this holiday season. In past years, the snow has fallen every half hour starting at sundown, so there are plenty of chances to catch it.
The Christmas Tree Stroll Returns With New Trees
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth also returned yesterday. The themed trees will be on display through January 3, 2027, and three of them are brand new this year.
Bluey Tree
The Bluey tree sits outside Level99. It’s wrapped in thick gold tinsel with red and gold ornaments, character ornaments from the show, and a gold star on top.
Monsters, Inc. Tree
Celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary, the Monsters, Inc. tree features a yellow scream canister on top, surrounded by oversized eyeballs, tiny closet doors, and Boo in her purple monster costume.
Hallmark Tree
The Hallmark tree has a gold crown topper, Hallmark ribbon, and candy-striped ribbon. Mickey and Minnie stand on wooden ladders hanging ornaments, with a white Mickey-shaped wreath between them. The tree ties into the Hallmark pop-up shop at Disney Springs and promotes the Hallmark Channel movie Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, which premieres November 28.
Returning Favorites
Fan-favorite trees are back too, including Frozen, Toy Story, Encanto, Moana, Star Wars, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
How the Tree Stroll Works
The Christmas Tree Stroll is a fun, free activity for the whole family. Guests can pick up a free map from brochure racks around Disney Springs or at pickup spots like The LEGO Store and The Polite Pig.
As you find each tree, you match a sticker to it on your map. Once your map is complete, you can bring it to a pickup location to earn a prize.
Santa Is Back at Disney Springs
Santa has returned to Santa’s Marketplace for the holiday season. Visits work through a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app, so be sure to join while you’re at Disney Springs.
Holiday Menu at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Over in The Landing, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is serving a holiday menu through January 11, 2027. Ten of the 12 items are new this year.
New shareable plates include turkey croquettes with a cherry-orange brandy glaze and crispy fried brie with lingonberry marmalade, along with a seafood sampler and short ribs. Returning favorites include A Wreath of Wellington and the Boughs of Holly Deviled Eggs.
For drinks, the Hot Chocolate Around the Globe Flight features three spiked versions of Joffrey’s hot cocoa. Other options include the Frosted Passage Martini, a Cranberry Negroni, and a Cranberry Apple Compass Mule. The non-alcoholic Hangar Holly Jolly is made with apple juice, kiwi syrup, lime, and ginger ale.
A Wonderful Holiday Tradition
The Disney Springs tree lighting is a beautiful way to welcome the season, whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World or live just down the road. With nightly tree lightings, snowfall, the Christmas Tree Stroll, and festive treats, Disney Springs is one of the best free places to celebrate the holidays this year.
Will you be visiting Disney Springs to see the Christmas tree this season?
