In addition to a nightly tree lightning ceremony, lots of live entertainment is happening at Disney Springs for the holidays. Every night a family of the day is chosen to light the Christmas tree at 6:00 p.m. at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area.
Throughout the evening a DJ spinning holiday-themed music, snowflake and toy soldiers stilt walkers, and an acapella group take turns to spread holiday cheer.
Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt is a fun-for-the-whole-family scavenger hunt-style activity, that sends guests through all four Disney Springs neighborhoods. Once complete, guests can visit participating locations for a limited-edition completer button.
In a walkway in Marketplace, check out the Christmas Tree Trail. The trail features 15 (7-foot) custom-decorated holiday trees, each capturing a popular Disney character or movie.
The ornaments are clever and certainly inspired me to consider a Disney-themed Christmas tree in the future.
My favorite trees were the Snow White-inspired tree, the Princess and the Frog tree, and the Alice in Wonderland tree.
I think that the Christmas tree trail is really a very good idea, but it needs work. I hope that Disney will further develop this trail. It has potential to become an attractions that guests will look forward to seeing year after year. I say more trees, bigger trees, and special character appearances along the trail.
At Santa’s Chalet, guests can meet the jolly man without standing in long lines. When you arrive at Santa’s Chalet check, in at the podium and you will be handed a pager from one of Santa’s friendly helpers. Once you receive a message to return to the chalet, do so within 10 minutes and take your place in line to meet Santa. Santa’s Chalet is located across from the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, and he meets guests daily from noon till 10:00 p.m. through December 24th. Once Christmas morning arrives, Santa Goofy will take over Santa’s Chalet through December 30th.
There is much musical entertainment throughout Disney Springs, but my favorite is the strolling piano at Town Center.
Don’t miss Starbright Holiday —An Intel Collaboration taking place nightly at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., now through January 8th over Lake Buena Vista. The 5-minute choreographed aerial performance of 300 show drones illuminating the night sky. is set to holiday music with the drones creating holiday images such as a Christmas tree, an angel, and a peace dove.
Disney Springs offers plenty of shopping and a vast array of dining possibilities. Here are my suggestions for a few, reasonably priced, gifts that are sure to delight. I love Basin’s bath bombs and holiday-themed soaps, which are a great deal.
For fun stocking stuffers check out the socks at LittleMissMatched.
Another great store is UNIQLO offering affordable stylish basics for men, women, and kids. Make sure to find out the times of the daily in-store activities which include origami and calligraphy lessons.
If all that shopping makes you hungry, try Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, my favorite over-the-counter eatery. The Green Stripe pizza with pesto drizzle over chicken, red peppers, garlic, mozzarella, and arugula is amazing, and so is the Art Lover pizza with artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, and chopped garlic.
For a sit-down dinner that does not break the bank, I recommend Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming.
The Church Lady Deviled Eggs and Momma’s Mac and Cheese are the best—along with the Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Planning a visit to Walt Disney World? Check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World which covers extensively all the new shopping and entertainment now available at Disney Springs.
What is your favorite activity to experience at Disney Springs during the holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments!