Where To Find Santa Claus At Disney World

A big part of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World is meeting Santa Claus! Who doesn’t want to say hello to the big guy himself during the most wonderful time of the year?

But, where exactly can you find Santa Claus at Disney World? That is a very good question! And one that we’re here to answer.

In 2023, the holidays kicked off on November 11 and run through the end of December, with some of the decorations most likely sticking around into early January.

When do the Christmas decorations go up at Disney World?

But when it comes to Santa, you have to act fast because not only is he a fan-favorite to meet, but as soon as December 25 hits, he heads back to the North Pole to prepare for next year’s festivities.

Now, where can you see Santa Claus at Disney World in 2023? Here’s a complete list!

Note: We have not received all the information for where to find Santa at Disney World in 2023. Most of the information below is from 2022, but will be updated with the latest 2023 information as it is released.

In this article

Magic Kingdom

There are several places to see Santa at Magic Kingdom during official park hours and in the evenings when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP), which kicked off on November 9 and runs on 25 select nights through December 22 in 2023.

Of course, you can spot Santa Claus as he waves hello from his sleigh during the parade.

santa mickey's once upon a christmastime parade

The parade begins in Frontierland near Splash Mountain and works its way towards the end of Main Street, U.S.A.

During MVMCP, Santa meets at the Liberty Square Gazebo. If there’s bad weather, he won’t make appearances.

santa claus mickey's very merry christmas party

Typically, this line can get long due to Santa’s popularity, so plan accordingly.

Keep in mind that a Disney PhotoPass Photographer takes pictures here, which can make for a nice holiday photo!

Side note: You can also meet Santa Goofy at MVMCP! He appears inside the Storybook Circus Calliope Tent near Pete’s Silly Sideshow.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

At the end of December, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will usually show during regular park hours outside of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

In 2022, the daytime parade times were as follows (stay tuned for 2023 times):

Dec. 23-31: 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

santa claus mickey's once upon a christmastime parade magic kingdom

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the latest schedule. The parade takes the usual route: starts in Frontierland by Splash Mountain and ends on Main Street, U.S.A. next to the Fire Station.

Liberty Square Gazebo

During the daytime at Magic Kingdom, you can usually meet Santa at the Liberty Square Gazebo, which is the same location he meets during the 2023 MVMCP.

Typically, he begins making appearances during the day in early December. We will let you know if this changes in 2023.

santa meet and greet magic kingdom daytime

Times are posted in the My Disney Experience app. In 2022, he typically arrived between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. intermittently (stay tuned for 2023 times).

Check out our complete guide to the 2023 holiday season at Walt Disney World

Epcot

Alongside the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (runs from November 24 through December 30, 2023), there are plenty of opportunities to see Santa around the World Showcase, including a chance to have a Disney PhotoPass Photographer take your photo with him.

Odyssey Pavilion

Instead of meeting in the American Adventure Pavilion, like he once did in the past, Santa will once again meet inside the Odyssey Pavilion (between Test Track and Mexico). He first started appearing at the Odyssey in 2022.

You’ll be able to say hello to Santa here through December 24.

Santa is typically available every day for 60 minute windows. Here are the times he’ll meet in 2023:

11 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
2 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
5 p.m.
6:30 p.m.

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app to confirm schedules on the day of your visit.

World Showcase Storytellers

What makes Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays so special is the chance to learn about how different cultures celebrate the holidays, including how they view Santa Claus and what he means to them.

santa in france at epcot festival of the holidays

Stationed in the World Showcase pavilions are “Storytellers,” who share holiday traditions from across the globe.

Some of these Storytellers are Santa Claus’ from different countries, including the following. You can find showtimes for each of these Storytellers in the My Disney Experience app and be sure to double check the following showtimes when you’re visiting.

Important: The following times are from 2022. We will update with the 2023 schedule once Disney shares it.

France Pavilion

You can visit with Père Noël in the France pavilion and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child.

You can find Père Noël performing 15-minute shows Sundays through Saturdays:

10 a.m.
11 a.m.
12:10 p.m.
12:50 p.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:15 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m.

Norway Pavilion

In the Norway pavilion, a mischievous magical Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller.

barn santa norway epcot world showcase storyteller

You can find the Barn Santa performing 15-minute shows Sundays through Saturdays:

11:30 a.m.
12:35 p.m.
1:35 p.m.
2:35 p.m.
4:35 p.m.
5:35 p.m.
6:35 p.m.
7:10 p.m.

United Kingdom Pavilion

Father Christmas makes an appearance in the United Kingdom pavilion and shares the traditions of the U.K. and good cheer.

father christmas world showcase storyteller epcot

You can find the Father Christmas performing 15-minute shows Sundays through Saturdays:

10:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:40 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
4 p.m.
5 p.m.
6 p.m.

Be sure to save the following graphic listing locations and schedules for all of the World Showcase Storytellers. We will update with 2023 details once they’re announced.

Animal Kingdom

Even at Animal Kingdom you can spot the one and only Santa Claus!

Santa Claus Festive Flotilla (confirmed for 2023)

Santa Claus floats around in his festive flotilla and waves to guests along the Discovery River. You can’t miss him in his bright red suit!

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app to see exactly when the festive flotilla (alongside the many other seasonal boats) is running.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is yet another park where you can see the actual Santa Claus and a fan-favorite character who dresses up as Santa.

Santa meet and greet

From November 11 through December 24, you can meet Santa at It’s a Wonderful Shop on Grand Avenue in Hollywood Studios.

You can find meet and greet times in the My Disney Experience app.

Santa Claus Merry Motorcade (unconfirmed for 2023)

You can’t miss Santa Claus riding in his bright red motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, along with his elves and reindeer.

This is a very cute cavalcade that you want to make time for. Check the My Disney Experience app for exact motorcade times.

Minnie’s Holiday Dine

If you’re wondering about Santa Goofy, yes, he’s still around at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios.

During Minnie’s Seasonal Dine, aka Minnie’s Holiday Dine, Santa Goofy shows up alongside Minnie, Mickey, and Pluto, who are also all donning festive attire.

If you want more information about this character dining, we have a full review.

Disney Springs

If you happen to be shopping around Disney Springs, you’ll definitely want to take photos with Santa Claus.

Once Upon a Toy

In 2023, Santa will once again meet at Once Upon a Toy (in the Disney Springs Marketplace near Earl of Sandwich) for photos from November 10 through December 24.

A Disney PhotoPass Photographer will be available to take photos.

Guests are required to join a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app to meet Santa. A standby queue is not available.

You have to be inside Disney Springs to join the virtual queue, which is available at the following times:

9 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
2 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
7 p.m.

One person from your group will receive a push notification on their phone when it’s your turn. This push notification presents a link to a digital entry code.

There is usually a maximum party size of 10 people.

When it comes to joining the virtual queue, all you had to do is open the My Disney Experience app and then click the 3 lines at the bottom right of the screen.

Then, you select “Virtual Queues” before clicking “Join Virtual Queue.” You have to select the “Disney Springs” tab and follow the onscreen instructions.

In the app, you’re able to see the estimated wait time, which groups are being welcomed, and whether or not you’re eligible to join the queue.

Check out our complete guide to Christmas at Disney World

Maria & Enzo’s

Last year was the first time Santa stopped by Maria & Enzo’s in Disney Springs. And he’s returning in 2023!

“Breakfast with Santa” allows you to hang with Santa and his elves throughout the holiday season.

What’s included in 2023:

Family-style breakfast (view menu)
Meet and greet with Santa and his elves
Family photo with Santa
Takeaway treats for the kids
Kid-friendly holiday activities
Prosecco Mimosa (adult tickets)

Here are the 2023 dates for Breakfast with Santa:

November: 24, 25, 26, 27
December: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

You can select from 2 seating categories. There’s a Platinum or Gold package, with the former including priority seating at tables with the best views of Lake Buena Vista and the chance to be first in line to meet Santa.

Pricing begins at $45 for children and $69 for adults (plus tax and gratuity) and also varies based on the date, time, and seating category. There Is no charge for children 2 and under.

2023 seating for breakfast with santa at maria and enzo's

2023 Platinum price: $79 per adult (plus tax and gratuity); $45 per child (plus tax and gratuity)
2022 Gold price: $69 per adult (plus tax and gratuity); $45 per child (plus tax and gratuity)

The experience is 90 minutes. You can make reservations online.

Blizzard Beach

At Blizzard Beach, guests are able to enjoy limited-time holiday offerings throughout the season.

Like he did in 2022, you’ll have the chance to meet Santa dressed in his “holiday-finest beachwear.” You should be able to find his daily meet and greet times in the My Disney Experience app.

In 2022, Santa popped up at different locations, including Sonny’s Sleds, Cross Country Creek, and Tike’s Peak. Stay tuned for his 2023 appearance locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow us to answer some questions that may be on your mind!

How long does Santa make appearances?

Typically, Santa will begin making appearances at the beginning of the holiday season through December 24.

Does Santa Goofy still make appearances?

Yes, Santa Goofy still makes appearances, but only during Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, and usually inside the Odyssey Pavilion at Epcot beginning December 25.