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Santa Arrives Early at Hollywood Studios in New Festive Location!
While the official start of the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort is November 14th, guests are already finding a delightful dose of Christmas cheer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Santa Claus has arrived early and is now greeting guests during regular park hours in a brand new location for the 2025 season.
If you’re visiting the park, you can be one of the first to step into his cozy new home. Here’s everything you need to know about where and when to find the jolly old elf!
Related-Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios
Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios: The New Meet & Greet
Santa Claus has set up a spectacular new shop this year inside Walt Disney Presents in the Animation Courtyard.
To begin your holiday journey, look for the entrance under the charming “Meet Friends for the Holidays” sign. The queue will lead you down a cheerful hallway, festively decorated with candy cane-striped columns and classic Disney holiday artwork, building the anticipation for your visit with the big man himself.
Related-Santa Breakfasts & Festive Sips: Holiday Events Arrive at Downtown Disney’s Paseo, Céntrico &…
A Cozier Christmas Setting
Once you reach the front of the line, you’ll find Santa holding court in a wonderfully appointed, vintage Hollywood-style Christmas setting. He’s seated comfortably on a green velvet couch, atop a large circular monogram rug. The set is framed by a fully decorated Christmas tree, his classic red mail bag, and a table piled high with presents, classic toys, and, of course, the Naughty and Nice List.
Santa himself is decked out in his classic red suit and hat with furry white trim, complete with black leather boots, belt, and gloves. His coat features a special metallic gold filigree pattern, adding a touch of Tinseltown glamour to his traditional look!
Location and Meeting Times
- Location: Walt Disney Presents in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This location marks a change from previous years, so be sure to head to the Animation Courtyard!
- Dates: Santa Claus is scheduled to meet guests daily from November 8th through December 24th, 2025, before he heads out for his busiest night of the year.
- Times: Meeting times are subject to change, so the best way to plan your visit is by checking the My Disney Experience app on the day you visit the park. When we visited recently, Santa was listed as appearing from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM ET.
Be sure to check the app early in the day! The virtual queue previously used for this experience may not be in place, so the line is first-come, first-served.
The early arrival of Santa Claus is a wonderful kick-off to the holiday season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering a picture-perfect, classic holiday memory for guests of all ages!
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