Ho, ho, ho! It's that time of year again where spirits are high and good cheer is all around. Maybe your favorite part of Christmas is the lights, the food, the trees, the presents or just having loved ones near. One of our favorite things is how excited our tadpoles get over the man in the sleigh, Santa Claus! If you're anything like us and you're planning a trip to Disneyland this holiday season, you're in luck. There are chances to meet Santa at Disneyland all over the resort. Keep reading for the locations, times and all the ways to say hello and take a picture with Old Saint Nick.
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Overview
There's nothing quite like a picture with Santa to cherish for years to come. Santa Claus can be found in Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, all three Disneyland Resort hotels and in Downtown Disney. The holiday season goes from Nov. 15 to Jan. 6, 2025, with so much to do to celebrate at Disneyland.
Where to Meet Santa at Disneyland Park
Let's take a look at Santa's brand-new greeting area inside Disneyland Park.
Fantasyland Theatre
New this year, Santa Claus takes over the Fantasyland Theatre for "Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends." The whole area is transformed into a holiday wonderland. A queue forms on one side to meet Santa and another on the other side to meet some of our favorite friends in their holiday attire.
You never know who else might be waiting to say hi in the Fantasyland Theatre! Make sure your tadpoles know that the characters switch out very frequently, so although you may have gotten in line for one character, you might end up meeting another one. You could also try asking a cast member when a character will come back out again.
Enjoy storytellers on stage while you wait in line to see Santa and his friends. Or take a break at one of the craft tables for some holiday coloring and letters to Santa. There are a few photo-ops set up around the Fantasyland Theatre and even a mailbox to drop your letters into.
You'll find Santa in Fantasyland Theatre over by Toontown between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Santa Jack at New Orleans Square
One of the coolest characters to meet in the parks is Jack Skellington. He is toadally funny and energetic, and leads every interaction with ease. During Halloween Time, you can meet Jack and Sally. But during the holidays, you'll sometimes find the Pumpkin King in his Santa suit!
You can find these two gearing up for the holidays in New Orleans Square, right next to the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean. If you're a "Nightmare Before Christmas" fan, make sure to check out the Haunted Mansion for its Holiday overlay as well.
Santa Jack and Sally only meet during the mornings, so make sure you get in line nice and early. That way, you don't miss them! Be aware that some days you'll get just Jack without Sally, so make sure to ask a cast member before waiting in line if she is your priority.
Where to Meet Santa at Disney California Adventure
There are a couple different kinds of Santa encounters over at Disney California Adventure.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Over in Disney California Adventure Park, Santa Claus and his mischievous elves can be found at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area. This hidden away spot is located across from Grizzly River Run and next to the Grand Californian Hotel entrance. You'll find Santa here from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to have a quick chat and to take a picture with.
The whole Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is transformed into a holiday playground. There are seasonal games and outdoor activities for tadpoles to enjoy. Pick up a map on your way in to see all of the available games and find all of Santa's presents along the way to solve a puzzle!
Santa Goofy
Once Christmas Eve hits, Santa has to hop on his sleigh and go. So from Dec. 25 to Jan. 6, 2025, you'll find a very familiar face taking his spot: Goofy! Santa Goofy is such a fun character to meet and you can only see him one week a year.
Where to Meet Santa at Disneyland Hotels
Whether you're wanting a dining experience, a story time or just a quick visit, you'll find it all at the Disneyland Resort hotels.
Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus
On select days from Dec. 3 through Dec. 24, 2024, join Santa and Mrs. Claus for Holiday Tea at Hearthstone Lounge. Choose from a selection of teas and enjoy scones, finger foods and desserts as you celebrate the season. Meet with the Claus' and even join them in ringing holiday bells as they stroll through the dining room to their favorite Christmas songs.
There are a few dining options and prices to choose from. The Classic is $84 per person and comes with a choice of tea, scones, finger foods and desserts. The Deluxe is $124 per person and comes with an additional dessert and a choice of "La Cuvée" champagne or a tea-infused cocktail. The Premium is $445 for two comes with a bottle of champagne and an extra dessert. The child's price is $44 per child, age 3 to 9.
Storytime
Catch storytime with Santa at the hotels. Find him at 5 p.m. at the Disneyland Hotel and at 7 p.m. at the Grand Californian.
Frequent Visits
In all three of the Disneyland hotels, Santa makes appearances. But they are relatively quick! Here are the times you might see him:
- Pixar Place Hotel — 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Disneyland Hotel — 3:30 p.m. - 8:10 p.m.
- Disney's Grand Californian — 4 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Where to Meet Santa at Downtown Disney
Naples Ristorante
New this year, enjoy breakfast with Santa at Naples Ristorante in Downtown Disney on select days from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, 2024. The breakfast costs $110 per adult and $50 per child and includes family-style breakfast, bottomless mimosas, take-home treats and a stuffed animal and personalized stocking for tadpoles 10 and under. This experience is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and comes with a visit and photos with Santa and his elves.
Is meeting Santa Claus at Disneyland this holiday season on your wishlist? Undercover Tourist is an authorized ticket seller with a 365-day refund policy. We can help make that wish come true with discount tickets and stays.
Related: Guide to the ~Hoppiest~ Holidays at Disneyland 2024
