Most guests think it's all about the parks and resort hotels when it comes to Christmas at Walt Disney World, but Disney Springs can give them all a run for their money (and even top one park as a must-do holiday destination).

Here's why Disney Springs is a top pick for holiday spirit at Walt Disney World (and the fact that it's free for anyone to visit is just a bonus).

The Complete Guide to Disney Springs Christmas 2023

The best things to do at Disney Springs this Christmas holiday season

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (Free)

One of the most underrated traditions at Walt Disney World is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. For 2023 the Christmas Tree Stroll has 19 Disney- decorated trees with themes from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Super Heros. For the first time you can interact with six of the Christmas trees with your DIsneyBand+ (aka MagicBand+). Look for a DisneyBand+ icon to know which trees are active. There's also a Christmas tree map adventure. Get a map of the trees from City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts, Joffrey's Coffee, The LEGO Store or Planet Hollywood. As you see each tree, match a sticker to the location on the map then bring your map to any of these same locations for a special surprise.

Meet Santa at Once Upon a Toy (Free)

You don't have to pay for a Disney Park to meet a Disney Santa. Santa Claus is at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs right up until Christmas Eve, December 24. There is a virtual queue to meet Santa: you cannot just wait in line. Queue spots open daily at 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the My Disney Experience app. You must be at Disney Springs to enter the queue. One person can do it for everyone in your group (up to a max of 10 people)

Photo Memories of a Disney Christmas

Christmas photos are fun memories, especially when they're Disney vacation Christmas photos. The Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Marketplace at Disney Springs has several holiday-themed Disney virtual backdrops perfect for your Christmas card or however else you want to use them. It can be hit and miss with the photographers here, but it's still worth a try.

Disney Snow falling and Holiday Entertainment (Free)

The magic of snow falling on Walt Disney World does just happen in the parks. As sundown nears, head to the the Town Center tree and keep your eyes on the skies for a little holiday magic. Plus, watch for holiday-themed stilt walkers, rollerblading snowflakes, a Santa Sleigh DJ, and more surprises bringing a festive ambiance throughout all of Disney Springs.

Christmas Holidays Means Festive Food and Drink

There are over 60 places at Disney Springs to eat and drink, including Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, which is all spruced up for the holidays. So be sure to grab some cheer while visiting Disney Springs!

Christmas Shopping at Disney Springs

Whether you need a gift someone on your list or something special for yourself, you'll find it all at Disney Springs. You can browse for almost anything here, so leave yourself time if Christmas shopping is on your checklist.

Thank You for Listening to the Disney Travel Podcast

Thank you very much for listening to this episode, Amelia and I hope that you enjoyed it. If you did, we would be very grateful if you could rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes (or on whichever app you choose to listen). A brief review about what you liked most about an episode truly helps to keep the show going by exposing it to new listeners. We look forward to continue producing new episodes each week.

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Contact 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas for future episodes.

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Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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