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 2022, the holidays kick off on November 11 and will run through the end of December, with some of the decorations most likely sticking around into early January.
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.
Last year meeting Santa was even more special, because 2021 marked the first year a black Santa Claus at Disney World (and also Disneyland) appeared for guests to take photos with and to wave to. This is also the case in 2022.
Now, where can you see Santa Claus at Disney World in 2022? Here’s a complete list!
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 returned in 2022 after temporarily being replaced by Disney Very Merriest After Hours in 2021.
Of course, you can spot Santa Claus as he waves hello from his sleigh during the parade.
The parade begins in Frontierland near Splash Mountain and works its way towards the end of Main Street, U.S.A.
During the 2022 MVMCP, Santa meets at the Liberty Square Gazebo. If there’s bad weather, he won’t make appearances.
Typically, this line can get long due to Santa’s popularity, so plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that a Disney PhotoPass Photographer usually takes pictures here, which can make for a nice holiday photo!
Side note: You can also meet Santa Goofy at MVMCP! He usually appears between Barnstormer and Dumbo in Storybook Circus. But, if there’s bad weather, he’ll join the Disney Junior Jingle Jam dance party nearby.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
At the end of December, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will show during regular park hours outside of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
In 2022, the daytime parade times are as follows:
- Dec. 23-31: 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
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 meet Santa at the Liberty Square Gazebo, which is the same location he meets during the 2022 MVMCP.
Typically, he begins making appearances during the day in early December.
Times are posted in the My Disney Experience app. He arrives between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. intermittently.
Epcot
Alongside the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (runs from November 25 through December 30), 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’s done in the past, this year Santa has found a new home inside the Odyssey Pavilion (between Test Track and Mexico).
You’ll be able to say hello to Santa here through December 24.
Santa will be available every day for 60 minute windows at the following times:
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.
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.
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:
Norway Pavilion
In the Norway pavilion, a mischievous magical Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller.
You can find the Barn Santa performing 15-minute shows Sundays through Saturdays:
United Kingdom Pavilion
Father Christmas makes an appearance in the United Kingdom pavilion and shares the traditions of the U.K. and good cheer.
You can find the Father Christmas performing 15-minute shows Sundays through Saturdays:
Animal Kingdom
While there is only one chance to spot Santa Claus at Animal Kingdom, it’s better than nothing!
Santa Claus Festive Flotilla
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 Claus Merry Motorcade
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.
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
Santa meets at Once Upon a Toy (in the Disney Springs Marketplace near Earl of Sandwich) for photos this year from November 11 through December 24.
A Disney PhotoPass Photographer is available to take photos.
Like last year, guests are required to join a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app to meet Santa. A standby queue is not available.
You must be inside Disney Springs to join the virtual queue, which is available at the following times:
One person from your group will receive a push notification on their phone when it’s your turn. This push notification will present a link to a digital entry code.
There is a maximum party size of 10 people.
When it comes to joining the virtual queue, all you have to do is open the My Disney Experience app and then click the 3 lines at the bottom right of the screen.
Then, you’ll select “Virtual Queues” before clicking “Join Virtual Queue.” You’ll want to select the “Disney Springs” tab and follow the onscreen instructions.
In the app, you’ll be able to see the estimated wait time, which groups are being welcomed, and whether or not you’re eligible to join the queue.
Maria & Enzo’s
This is the first time Santa is stopping by Maria & Enzo’s in Disney Springs.
“Breakfast with Santa” allows you to hang with Santa and his elves throughout the holiday season.
What’s included:
- Family-style Italian breakfast feast (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 2022 dates for Breakfast with Santa:
- November: 26, 27
- December: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
You can select from 2 seating categories. There is 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 $30 for children and $50 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.
The experience is 90 minutes. You can make reservations online.
Blizzard Beach
At Blizzard Beach, guests are able to enjoy limited-time holiday offerings through December 31.
Such offerings include the chance to meet Santa dressed in tropical attire. You can find his daily meet and greet times in the My Disney Experience app.
Santa pops up at different locations, including Sonny’s Sleds, Cross Country Creek, and Tike’s Peak.
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 and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
Are character meet and greets back to normal?
Yes, character meet and greets are back to normal and the same can be said for meeting Santa in 2022.
Will Santa sign autographs?
While Santa doesn’t typically sign autographs, you can expect Santa Goofy too! But, more than likely, he’ll just sign “Goofy” not “Santa Goofy”.
Will Cast Members take photos for guests?
If there isn’t a Disney PhotoPass photographer with Santa or a character, more than likely a Cast Member will gladly take your photo for you.
All you have to do is ask!
Read more about Christmas at Disney World
Can’t get enough of the holidays at Walt Disney World? Check out these posts for helpful information and tips!
- All About Christmas at Walt Disney World
- Complete Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Overview of Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays
- Why you should consider purchasing a Candlelight Processional Dining Package
- Christmas at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Christmas at Animal Kingdom
- Where to Find Santa Claus at Walt Disney World
- The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
- Guide to Storytellers at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays
- Every gingerbread house at Disney World
- Disneyland Announces 2022 Holiday Events, Including World of Color – Season of Light
- Disney World Removing 50th Decor, Mickey & Friends Get New Costumes, & More Updates
- 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced
- How to Use Disney World’s Car Locator Feature in the My Disney Experience App
- Disney World Introducing Park-Specific Ticket Pricing, Annual Pass Prices Increasing
