Where to find Santa Claus at Walt Disney World

It’s December so of course Santa Claus and his elves are extremely busy. Still, The Big Man always finds time to visit Walt Disney World, so make sure your little one is ready for a heart-to-heart, or at least a photo.

Here are some places you’re likely to find Santa on Disney property, though if he’s called back to the North Pole, his schedule could change:

** Magic Kingdom: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (intermittently) daily in Town Square next to City Hall. The Jolly Old Elf also makes an appearance in Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights.

** Epcot: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4:10 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. daily at The American Adventure. Each country in the World Showcase also features storytellers who describe local holiday traditions. In many countries, the storyteller is a representation of Santa, such as Pere Noel in France and Father Christmas in England. 

** Downtown Disney Marketplace: noon to 10 p.m. daily at Santa’s Chalet in front of World of Disney. (Santa Paws for Pets is not offered this year.)

For hotel guests with children who must see St. Nick before he takes to the skies, he will work his magic and make it to most hotels between 5 and 9 p.m. Dec. 24. Look for him in the lobbies of Disney’s All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, Pop Century, Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village and Saratoga Springs resorts; at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Old Port Royale next to the tree), at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (4th floor) and at Disney’s Old Key West (Papa’s Den).

Santa is also planning to be at Fort Wilderness at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve at the campfire location.