When it comes to decorating for the holidays, Disney’s Hollywood Studios pulls out all the stops! Nearly the whole park transforms into a 1930s-era winter wonderland filled with garland, tinsel, blow mold reindeer, classic Santas, and vintage ornaments everywhere you look. Even Gertie the dinosaur gets in on the fun with her own Santa hat!
Hollywood Studios is full of charm and character all year long, but during the holiday season it somehow feels even more magical! Between the vintage-style decorations and holiday music playing in the background, to the festive shows and evening snowfalls on Sunset Boulevard, this park really knows how to celebrate the season. If you’re visiting between November and December, here’s your go-to guide for experiencing every bit of this wonderful holiday joy at Hollywood Studios.
Disney Jollywood Nights
Debuting in 2023, Disney Jollywood Nights quickly became one of Disney World’s most popular holiday additions, and it’s easy to see why! This separately ticketed event takes place on select nights in November and December at Hollywood Studios. During the party, guests can enjoy holiday-themed stage shows, live music, and exclusive character meet-and-greets. You’ll also find shorter wait times for select attractions, fun photo ops, and limited-edition snacks, drinks, and merchandise created just for the event. It’s like a glamorous holiday party straight out of Tinseltown, with an extra dash of Disney magic! With lighter crowds thanks to limited attendance, Jollywood Nights feels relaxed and intimate, making it easy to soak in every bit of the holiday spirit.
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Holiday Finale
In my opinion, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is never a bad idea, at any time of the year! During this 30-minute, karaoke-style stage show, the Royal Historians of Arendelle hilariously retell Anna and Elsa’s story while inviting the audience to sing along to all the songs from the hit animated film. Their storytelling is filled with clever humor that both kids and adults will enjoy. Plus, there are special appearances from Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and, of course, Olaf!
During the holidays, the show gets an added dose of Frozen fun you won’t see any other time of year. Olaf takes center stage for a special finale featuring songs from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, complete with snow falling over the audience. If you’re traveling with Frozen fans, don’t skip this heartwarming holiday version of A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration!
Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine
Character dining is always a highlight at Disney World, but there’s something extra special about experiencing it during the holidays – especially at Hollywood & Vine. From early November through the start of the new year, you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner here with Minnie Mouse and a few of her best friends, all dressed in their cheerful holiday outfits. Talk about fantastic photo opportunities! The atmosphere is upbeat and full of laughter, and it’s been one of our favorite highlights from past holiday trips. It’s so much fun to see the characters looking so fancy and dressed to impress for the season!
Holiday Fun in Toy Story Land
If you’re a Toy Story fan, be sure to make time for Toy Story Land during the holidays! The whole area gets a fun holiday overlay, complete with oversized decorations throughout the land and cheerful holiday messages from Rex and Jessie that play over the loudspeakers as you enter.
Speaking of characters dressed in their holiday best, the Toy Story crew gets in on the fun, too! Woody and Jessie trade their everyday vests for festive red and green versions embellished with holiday appliqués and peppermint trim, while Buzz Lightyear rocks a Santa hat right on top of his Space Ranger helmet. And don’t miss your chance to ride Alien Swirling Saucers. This adorable ride gets a seasonal twist with upbeat holiday tunes replacing its usual futuristic soundtrack.
The holiday touches here are such a great addition, making an already wonderful land feel even more magical this time of year!
Meet Santa at Walt Disney Presents
It just wouldn’t be the holidays without a visit with Santa Claus himself, and Hollywood Studios has made sure to make that happen! Through Christmas Eve, you’ll find him daily at his meet-and-greet inside Walt Disney Presents. Stop by to chat about your wish list, snap a few photos, and spend some time with the big guy – it’s sure to become a magical memory for little ones (and honestly, for grown-ups too!).
Sunset Seasons Greetings
Every evening throughout the holiday season, Sunset Boulevard is transformed into a magical, snowy wonderland during Sunset Seasons Greetings. After the sun goes down, the Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes the backdrop for a projection show featuring holiday moments with Mickey and Minnie, as well as favorite characters from Frozen, Toy Story, and The Muppets. To add to the holiday spirit, snow falls gently along Sunset Boulevard while the show plays. It’s the perfect way to end an evening at Hollywood Studios!
Hollywood Studios has a way of blending old Hollywood nostalgia with holiday merriment in a way that feels completely its own, and that’s exactly what makes this park so wonderful during the season. Whether you’re singing with Olaf, dining with Minnie, or enjoying the snow fall on Sunset Boulevard, these are the moments that make Disney at Christmastime so unforgettable – and the ones you’ll find yourself smiling about long after your trip is over!
And don’t forget – this is just one park! Be on the lookout for my holiday must-dos at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, coming soon.
Planning Disney vacations isn’t just my job - it’s my passion.
I know how truly special these trips are because I’ve experienced the magic myself. From my first glimpse of Cinderella Castle to the joy of watching my kids meet their favorite characters, these are moments I’ll never forget - and they’re my inspiration for helping other families create their own Disney magic.
The best Disney trips aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re sprinkled with little details that make them yours. That’s where I come in! With expert guidance (and a touch of pixie dust), I’ll make your planning feel easy, exciting, and full of possibility.
