If you’re dreaming of twinkling trees, gingerbread displays, and the cozy magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World — you’re in the right place! Whether you have a park ticket or not, there are SO many festive things to do around the resorts and Disney Springs during the holidays. Below are my favorite experiences that bring major holiday cheer!
✨ 1. Do a Disney Deluxe Resort Lobby Crawl
The Deluxe resorts go all-out for Christmas. Huge themed trees, towering fireplaces, poinsettias, and lobby décor that makes every hotel feel like its own winter wonderland.
Here’s my favorite transportation-friendly route:
Start at Magic Kingdom
• Boat to Wilderness Lodge
• Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Bus to Hollywood Studios
• Skyliner or boat to EPCOT
• Walk to BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club & Beach Club
• Monorail to Contemporary
• Monorail to Grand Floridian
• Monorail to Polynesian
• Boat back to Magic Kingdom
Look for: the Beach Club’s carousel, the Yacht Club’s Christmas Village with train, Wilderness Lodge’s soaring rustic tree, and the Contemporary’s gingerbread display.
🚧 Note:
The Grand Floridian does not have its gingerbread house this year due to construction on the new lobby bar, The Perch. You can read more about The Perch in my full blog post here.
The lobby is still beautifully decorated, and it’s definitely worth a stop — just know that the iconic gingerbread house will be missing this season.
🍫 2. See the Gingerbread Displays
Even without the Grand Floridian’s famous house this year, there are still several gorgeous (and delicious!) gingerbread creations to enjoy.
Must-see displays:
✔ Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display
✔ Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel/Yacht Club Christmas Village with train
And be sure to look for smaller gingerbread accents and pastry details hidden throughout many of the resort lobbies!
🎄 3. Visit the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
Disney Springs fills up with themed Christmas trees — Toy Story, Annual Passholder, Disney+, Princesses, and more. Each tree is packed with clever details.
⭐️ Don’t miss:
• themed trees such as Toy Story, Haunted Mansion, Lion King, Moana & many more!
• Toy-inspired decorations
• Mickey-shaped baubles
• Seasonal photo spots
This is a great evening walk with shopping, dining, and live entertainment nearby.
🛍 4. Explore Holiday Shopping Markets
Disney Springs shops roll out:
🎁 limited-edition ornaments
🎁 holiday mugs and merch
🎁 themed candles
🎁 festive food & drink offerings
Even if you’re not buying, the displays are stunning and fun to browse.
🍪 5. Snack Your Way Around the Resorts
Some of the best seasonal treats aren’t inside the parks!
You’ll find gingerbread cookies, holiday cupcakes, specialty lattes, and peppermint-themed everything in the resort bakeries and cafés.
Try:
• Seasonal cupcakes at Beach Club
• Gingerbread goodies at the Contemporary
• Festive coffees at resorts and Disney Springs
🎆 6. Watch the Fireworks from a Resort
You can watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from:
🌙 Polynesian beach
🌙 Contemporary outdoor decks
🌙 Grand Floridian marina
Add cocoa or a holiday cocktail and it becomes pure Christmas magic.
🕯 7. End the Night with a Resort Lounge Cozy-Up
Holiday evenings hit different when you’re sipping something warm under garland and twinkle lights.
Favorite spots:
• Territory Lounge (Wilderness Lodge)
• Enchanted Rose (Grand Floridian)
• Tambu Lounge (Polynesian)
Perfect for winding down after your resort crawl.
📸 Photo Ideas to Capture the Magic
Don’t forget:
✨ Tree close-ups
✨ Gingerbread designs
✨ Wreaths and garlands
✨ Lobby architecture
✨ Monorail + Christmas lights
✨ Nighttime tree stroll at Disney Springs
These make great memories AND perfect Pinterest content!
Want Even More Disney Holiday Tips?
I can help you plan your Disney trip, find the best resort decorations, map out the perfect crawl, and share more hidden holiday gems around Walt Disney World.
For more Disney Holiday information visit https://disneyparksblog.com/
*Read my latest post on all the NEW UPDATES coming to DISNEY WOLRD in 2026!
And if you do the Christmas Lobby Crawl… tag me! I’d LOVE to see your photos 🎄✨
