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.
FAQs
- Do I need a park ticket to meet Santa? While Santa does have the most regular hours in the theme parks, he also appears in the hotels.
- Do I need to be a hotel guest to see Santa at a hotel? No. Anyone can walk in an meet Santa at the hotels. If you are looking to stay on-site, you can save money on your hotel stay through Undercover Tourist. Lock in your stay with a refundable $200 deposit.
- Does Santa meet guests after Christmas? Santa is around until Dec. 24. Then he needs a rest. Santa Goofy fills in for the parade starting Dec. 25.
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Overview
There's nothing quite like a picture with Santa to cherish for years to come. It doesn't matter how old you are. Everyone can take a picture with Santa at Disneyland! 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. 14, 2025, to Jan. 7, 2026, with so much to do to celebrate at Disneyland.
If you don't have time to meet Santa, you'll see him in his sleigh at the end of A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland Park. If the parade gets canceled due to rain, you might see him in a Main Street vehicle in the Rainy Day Cavalcade instead.
Santa is a multicultural kind of guy at Disneyland. So you might get to see a Caucasian, Black or Asian Santa in any of the Santa locations. If you were wondering about Mrs. Claus, she's walking in A Christmas Fantasy Parade.
As of Dec. 25, you might see Santa Goofy in the parade, since Santa needs a rest.
Where to Meet Santa at Disneyland Park
Let's take a look at Santa's exciting greeting area inside Disneyland Park.
Fantasyland Theatre (through Dec. 24)
Santa Claus takes over the Fantasyland Theatre for "Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends." The whole area is transformed into a holiday wonderland. You can meet characters and Santa from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll get a free mini candy cane when you meet Santa!
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! Keep an eye out for Chip, Dale, Goofy and Pluto for photos in front of the tree. 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.
There are some other character surprises as well. We saw Clarabelle Cow and Geppetto roaming in the area, ready to dance or take selfies with guests (without the lines) . Geppetto indicated that he's helping Santa with the toy-making this year!
You might also see Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and Elsa! We spotted Jiminy Cricket and Elsa up behind Santa! Jiminy Cricket is a rare character we've never seen before!
Enjoy storytellers on stage while you wait in line to see Santa and his friends. At other times, watch some holiday cartoons. 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 can do crafts. Write a letter to Santa and mail it or color a house. Take photos with photo ops and signs.
You can also purchase holiday potatoes and other treats at Troubadour Tavern.
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 closer to the holidays, you'll sometimes find the Pumpkin King in his Santa suit! Other times he's in his regular clothes. Jack has a new look in 2025, with more of a round head that matches his look in the movie. We saw his new look during Halloween Time and as Sandy Claws sometimes during Holiday Time.
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 can be found at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area Nov. 14 through Dec. 24. 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 5:30 p.m. daily (check the Disneyland app for hours when you visit) 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 free 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. I
n past years, Santa Goofy filled in, but in 2025, he did not return.
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 Santa at the Disneyland Resort hotels from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, 2025.
Storytime
Catch story time 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 (hours subject to change):
- Pixar Place Hotel lobby— 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Disneyland Hotel lobby— 3:30 p.m. - 8:10 p.m.
- Disney's Grand Californian Great Hall — 4 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Where to Meet Santa at Downtown Disney
Enjoy nightly snowfall on the lawn and stage area of Downtown Disney every night starting at 6 p.m. and running about every 40 minutes.
Santa appears at some restaurants in Downtown Disney.
Naples Ristorante
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Naples Ristorante in Downtown Disney on select days from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24, 2025. The breakfast starts at $90 per adult and $35 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 p.m. and comes with a visit and photos with Santa and his elves.
Jazz Kitchen
Attend a gingerbread-making workshop on select dates. Some workshops may include photo opportunities with Santa!
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 2025
