There is so much to do during the holidays at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort to make the season extra magical while spending less. From crafts to culture to carols to creatures, there is truly something for everyone – especially if guests are staying at one of our Resort hotels that offer so many onsite activities to enjoy. Check out our top 10 holiday activities that are $10 or less…or even free!
Walt Disney World Resort
1. Create Crafts with the Whole Family
Break out those crafting skills! Guests can bring home a one-of-a-kind holiday souvenir from their Walt Disney World vacation by making fun crafts.
If they are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, cast members will provide a variety of fun arts and crafts, ranging from coloring pages to creating a mosaic out of ostrich eggs (an activity exclusive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) — perfect for our youngest guests and the young at heart. Ask a cast member at the Disney Resort hotel about available activities.
2. Admire the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth
Hop over to Disney Springs to gaze at gorgeous holiday decorations and the fan-favorite Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Enjoy a festive jaunt as guests encounter elaborately themed Christmas trees celebrating some Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and character favorites.
Plus, new this year, guests can experience some extra festive fun with MagicBand+! Use MagicBand+ and look for surprises at trees or window displays with the special sign.
3. Enjoy Live Performances, Snowfall and a Talking Tree
While at Disney Springs, don’t miss out on the nightly entertainment. For music lovers of all ages, check out live performances by local artists on the stages all around Disney Springs or the holiday brass band in Town Center. If guests are looking for something more out-of-the-box, Toy Soldier and Icicle stilt performers are here to delight.
Or, if guests fancy a conversation with a tree, Douglas Fir – the roaming talking tree – is more than happy to strike up a conversation.
And, of course, no holiday season is complete without a little snowfall…even in Florida. Stop by the large Christmas tree in Town Center for some nighttime “winter” magic, perfect for the whole family. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes to see it all!
4. Awe at Larger-Than-Life Gingerbread Displays
While staying at a Disney Resort hotel, guests have got to check out the incredible gingerbread displays at several of our resorts! They’re a cherished tradition brought to life by the talented bakery teams following months of hard work and artistry.
From a life-size baby gingerbread giraffe and baby zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to a holiday carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort that actually spins, the creativity and effort put into these displays are unmatched.
5. Gift a Pony Ride to your Favorite Animal Enthusiast
While guests may not be able to ride one of Santa’s reindeer, they can introduce their junior cowboy or cowgirl to our four-legged equine friends with a good old-fashioned pony ride.
If they are staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, guests can bring their pint-sized cowpokes to climb aboard the petite ponies at Tri-Circle-D Ranch to enjoy a merry ride surrounded by festive decorations. Afterward, they may even get to see Cinderella’s Ponies! Pony rides are $10 per person and available for walk-ins only.
6. Discover Coin Press Machines
With our coin press machines, guests can collect special holiday character designs starting at just $1. With dozens of machines across Walt Disney World Resort, you never know where you might find them…and they make great stocking stuffers! Keep a look-out while exploring the theme parks, Disney Springs, and even our Resort hotels!
Disneyland Resort
7. Meet Santa Claus at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Guests of all ages can enjoy merry moments with Santa Claus, as he makes stops at each Disneyland Resort hotel for photos.
Make sure to catch this greeting opportunity in the main lobby of Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel, or in the Great Hall at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa before Santa returns to the North Pole after December 24.
8. Have a Holiday Treat and Listen to the Melodies of Holiday Carolers
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, grab a seasonally inspired snack or beverage from the Grand Californian Great Hall Cart and, at select times, listen as holiday and handbell carolers fill the air with joyful melodies while a gingerbread replica of the hotel graces the hotel lobby.
Similarly, at Disneyland Hotel, you can grab a hot chocolate, hot tea or hot coffee for approximately $5 from The Coffee House and enjoy holiday carolers at select times.
9. Hunt for Ornaments at Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail in the Downtown Disney District
New this year, the whole family can spend time together searching for ornaments that are hidden among the holiday trees and shining lights adorning the Downtown Disney District during Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail.
For $9.99 plus tax, guests can pick up their own map and stickers at select merchandise locations in the district and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort before starting your Disney character-themed ornament search. Make sure to return your map to a redemption location and receive a collectible holiday keepsake!
10. Enjoy Live Music and Nightly “Snow” at the Downtown Disney District
Enjoy complimentary, seasonal live music each night at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn, with featured acts covering genres such as rock, jazz and classic caroling.
In addition to the free musical fun and holiday décor throughout the district, nightly “snow” also falls in the area near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn through January 6, 2025. Don’t miss out on these festivities throughout the Downtown Disney District during the holidays!
While these festive experiences can make your season bright, this is only the beginning of all there is to see and do at Disney Parks!
And don’t forget, while in the theme parks with family this holiday season, guests can create some of their most cherished memories enjoying all the merriment, including the Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT, watching Hollywood Studios’ Tower of Terror as part of the nightly Sunset Seasons Greetings, Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park, and so much more!
