Disney Springs Holiday Moment Kicks off the Season at Disney World

The holiday season is now officially underway at Walt Disney World Resort. They began this enchanting time of year on Thursday night with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Disney Springs.

If you couldn't be there, you can catch up on all the details from this special event and explore the various ways you and your families can enjoy the winter festivities at Walt Disney World!

Kick off the Holiday Season at Disney Springs

Visitors at Disney Springs enjoyed a delightful holiday surprise as they watched the countdown to the Christmas tree lighting! A fortunate family from the crowd was selected to sprinkle pixie dust onto the tree, illuminating it with sparkling lights and officially kicking off the holiday season throughout Disney World.

The ambiance captured the essence of holiday magic at Disney, featuring spectacular entertainment moments and the inaugural night of our nightly snowfall in Town Center at Disney Springs. 

Experience the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth returns this holiday season! You can grab a Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll Guide and explore more than 19 themed trees around Disney Springs.

As you wander, you can use the guide's stickers to match each icon to the corresponding tree and take it to a redemption location for a special surprise (you should visit soon as supplies are limited).

This year, the trees feature themes from beloved movies and characters like Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana, and my favorite, The Princess and the Frog. Additionally, you should bring your MagicBand+, as some trees are interactive!

Catch Artist Showcases at the New Disney Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery

This holiday season, Disney Springs introduces the Disney Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery! You can purchase original art, prints, and other artworks from 11 featured artists, most of whom are Florida natives. The collection includes a wide variety of art styles, painting techniques, and items ranging from original pieces to canvas wraps.

Each artist presents their creative skills, blending personal inspiration with their passion for Disney. The featured artwork will highlight beloved Disney films and characters like Mickey and Minnie, Alice in Wonderland, and Beauty and the Beast. Be sure to check the schedule for artist signing events!

Snack and Sip on Festive Sips and Bites

Hidden beneath spare airplane parts, salvaged equipment, and a rugged holiday charm, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar has elevated holiday decorating with festive décor adorning the walls, all from Jock’s collection.

For a delightful cocktail and a satisfying bite, guests should visit Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar for a holiday-themed menu available through January 4, featuring classic drinks and new dishes like A Wreath of Wellington and the Boughs of Holly Deviled Eggs.

Those craving something sweeter can indulge in a delicious North Pole Bar at Amorette’s Patisserie, the Mickey Chocolate-covered Gingerbread Cookies at The Ganachery, or visit Marketplace Snacks for the Sven Reindeer Food Waffle Sundae.

For a complete list of this year’s top bites and beverages throughout Disney Springs, check out our 2025 holiday foodie guide.

Meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs and More Holiday Entertainment

The excitement doesn't end there! As you wander through the Marketplace at Disney Springs, you'll encounter DJ Sleigh playing festive tunes, featuring seven new tracks from the Jonas Brothers' Christmas movie soundtrack, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, available on Disney+ and Hulu.

Additionally, you can look forward to entertainment from the Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers and Drummers, the Holiday Skaters, and the ever-popular Douglas Fir during your holiday shopping adventure at Disney Springs!

While exploring, you can pick up top items from their Christmas List at World of Disney and enjoy the holiday-themed window displays.

Before heading out to enjoy the nighttime holiday entertainment at Magic Kingdom or the festive menu items at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, you should visit Santa Claus at Santa’s Marketplace for a final review of their Christmas wish list before sending it off to the North Pole (and don't forget to use the My Disney Experience app to join the virtual queue!).

Disney Springs is the ideal destination for holiday fun in 2025, offering something for everyone on each visit! Plan holiday trips now so you can stock up on favorite items before January 4 for a merry Disney experience!