Meet Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios: 2026 Dates and Hours

Santa is coming back to Hollywood Studios. Disney has confirmed you can meet Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios again this year, inside Walt Disney Presents, from November 13 through December 24, 2026.

It’s one of the easiest ways to fit a Santa photo into a Walt Disney World trip, and this year there’s even more to see in the same building. A new holiday exhibit and a lineup of classic Disney holiday shorts make Walt Disney Presents a great stop for families this season.

Here are the dates, hours, and tips for meeting Santa, plus what’s changing for Ariel’s meet-and-greet.

Quick Summary

• Santa Claus returns to Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Dates: November 13 through December 24, 2026
• Hours currently appear to be 10am to 5:30pm, but they could change
• Ariel’s meet-and-greet moves to Echo Lake, near 50’s Prime Time Cafe, to make room for Santa
• The new Disney Takes a Holiday exhibit opened inside Walt Disney Presents on November 4
• Classic Disney holiday shorts are playing in the Walt Disney Theater
• Santa lines usually grow closer to Christmas, so visit early in the season or at 10am

Meet Santa Claus at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Details

Santa has set up inside Walt Disney Presents for the past couple of years, and he’s back again for 2026. Here’s the quick rundown:

• Location: Walt Disney Presents, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Dates: November 13 through December 24, 2026
• Hours: 10am to 5:30pm (subject to change)

Disney notes that the hours could change, so check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for the current schedule.

Walt Disney Presents is an indoor, air-conditioned attraction, which is a big plus if you’re visiting on a warm November day in Florida.

Ariel’s Meet-and-Greet Moves to Echo Lake

To make room for Santa, the Ariel meet-and-greet moves to Echo Lake, near 50’s Prime Time Cafe.

If meeting Ariel is on your list, don’t head to Walt Disney Presents looking for her during the holiday season. Check the My Disney Experience app for her current location and times before you go.

The New Disney Takes a Holiday Exhibit

While you’re waiting to see Santa, take some time to explore the new Disney Takes a Holiday exhibit, which opened inside Walt Disney Presents on November 4.

The exhibit includes:

• A Santa’s letters room
• A look at Disney park holiday history
• A 1989 Imagineering plan for the Hollywood Boulevard Christmas tree

Display cases show holiday decorations alongside a Delivering Holiday Magic Walt Disney World poster. It’s a fun stop for Disney history fans, and it gives kids something to look at before their big moment with Santa.

Classic Holiday Shorts in the Walt Disney Theater

Walt Disney Presents is also screening classic Disney holiday shorts in the Walt Disney Theater, including:

• Pluto’s Christmas Tree
• On Ice
• The Art of Skiing

The theater is a great place to sit down, cool off, and enjoy a bit of vintage Disney animation. If your little ones need a break, this is an easy way to rest without leaving the holiday fun.

Tips for Meeting Santa at Hollywood Studios

• Go early in the season. Lines for Santa tend to grow closer to Christmas. Mid-November and early December are usually easier than the week before Christmas.
• Arrive right at 10am. If you’re visiting later in the season, head to Walt Disney Presents when the meet-and-greet opens.
• Check the app. Hours are subject to change, so confirm the schedule in My Disney Experience the morning of your visit.
• Plan your outfits. Holiday sweaters, matching family shirts, or a Santa hat make for great photos.
• Pair it with the exhibit. Plan time to walk through Disney Takes a Holiday and catch a holiday short in the Walt Disney Theater.

Heading to Disney Jollywood Nights?

If you have tickets to Disney Jollywood Nights, keep in mind that Santa’s meet-and-greet hours currently end at 5:30pm. That’s the same time party guests can start entering the park, so plan to meet Santa during a regular park day rather than on your party night.

For more on the party, see our guide to Glisten! and Sunset Seasons Greetings show times and the 2026 Jollywood Nights food and drink menu.

More Holiday Fun at Walt Disney World

Hollywood Studios isn’t the only park celebrating the season. Over at Animal Kingdom, Santa’s Holiday Grove is adding holiday cheer to the park this year. And if you’re planning your snacks, our guide to 2026 Disney World holiday food lists treats across all four parks and Disney Springs.

The Bottom Line

You can meet Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios inside Walt Disney Presents from November 13 through December 24, 2026, with hours currently listed as 10am to 5:30pm. Ariel moves to Echo Lake near 50’s Prime Time Cafe for the season.

Go early in the season or right at opening for the shortest wait, and leave time to explore the new Disney Takes a Holiday exhibit and catch a classic holiday short in the Walt Disney Theater while you’re there.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!