Halloween wasn’t even over when I noticed Christmas displays galore popping up at various stores. It was a reminder that one of my favorite holiday traditions is right around the corner, the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs.
From November 8th, 2019 through January 5th, 2020 you can visit Disney Springs and enjoy the beautiful Christmas Tree Trail and more for some free holiday fun!
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is a path filled with 23 Disney-inspired themed Christmas Trees. You can view the path any time from 11 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week. The trail is located near the play fountain outside of Once Upon a Toy in the Marketplace.
We prefer an evening visit so we can see the trees lit up in the dark, however, be aware that this is the most popular time of the day for the trail, other than weekends.
This year’s tree themes include:
- Walt Disney World Theme Parks
- Mickey & Minnie Mouse
- Beauty & the Beast
- Sleeping Beauty
- Aladdin
- Frozen
- The Princess & The Frog
- The Little Mermaid
- Mulan
- Haunted Mansion
- Snow White
- Pinocchio
- Toy Story
- Disney Villains
- Dumbo
- Cinderella
- Robin Hood
- Star Wars
- Peter Pan
- Tangled
- The Lion King
- Mary Poppins
- Fantasia
A Visit with Santa
Christmas trees aren’t the only thing you will find at the Disney Springs Christmas Trail. You can also find Santa himself in his Christmas Tree Trail chalet near the trail. You are free to snap your own pic with Santa, but if you happen to have Disney Photopass, you can get some lovely professional pics too as they are included.
I love that a visit with the Santa at Disney Springs is free of charge. We take a traditional Santa picture every year and most places, especially the mall Santas, make you purchase a picture package.
The other thing I love about visiting this Santa as opposed to our mall Santa is that I don’t have to wait in line for hours. Simply check-in at the podium and you will receive a text message when it is time to meet Santa. Be sure to return to the podium to check-in within 10 minutes. Until then you can shop, dine, walk the trail, and enjoy all of the holiday festivities. There will be a small line when you return, but it moves quickly. It’s kind of like a Disney Santa Fastpass.
One last thing to mention, Santa is available during the same hours the Christmas Tree Trail is open, 11 am to 11 pm, beginning November 8th, but only through December 24th of course.
Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt
We love a scavenger hunt so I am super excited about Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt taking place at Disney Springs this holiday season.
Simply pick up the Holiday Gift Hunt booklet at one of the participating locations and then begin your search to find a hidden Stitch holding up one of his presents. There are a total of 12 hunt stops in all. When you find Stitch, you match your sticker to the corresponding location on the map. Once you have completed your entire booklet you can collect your prize at a redemption center.
Holiday Entertainment
From holiday-themed stilt walkers and the living statues in holiday attire to strolling carolers and other live musical performances, you will find plenty of festive holiday entertainment at Disney Springs.
Also in the Marketplace every evening at 6:00 pm, guests will be able to experience a festive tree lighting ceremony where a family of the day will be chosen to illuminate the Marketplace signature tree in front of the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area.
Guests will also be able to enjoy a holiday-themed DJ dance party, games and activities. Eden and Xen always have a good time here, dancing, playing with hula hoops, and making new friends.
So if you are visiting the area this holiday season and looking for some free holiday fun, be sure to visit Disney Springs. It is a great family outing and will add a little Winter Wonderland to your sunny Florida stay. Be sure to come back and share your experience with us here in the comments below.