5 Holiday Activities Outside the Disney Parks

Have a day without park tickets at Disney World during the holidays? No problem! There’s much to see and do outside the parks to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Here are some of our favorite festive things to do around Disney during the holidays:

1. Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a holiday hotspot! You can tackle your gift list at shops like the LEGO Store, Sephora, and World of Disney, then treat yourself to something sweet. Grab a Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks, sip on Ghirardelli’s famous hot cocoa, or pick out a holiday treat at Goofy’s Candy Co.

And, don’t miss the Christmas Tree Trail behind Earl of Sandwich...each tree is themed to a different Disney movie, making it one of the most magical free experiences on property!

Toy Story Tree

2. Fort Wilderness Resort Tour

Fort Wilderness Campground turns into a Christmas wonderland each December. Campers go all out with lights, blow-ups, and music...some even turn decorating into a friendly competition! You can also catch outdoor holiday movies like The Santa Clause or my personal fave: Muppet Christmas Carol by the campfire.

3. Holiday Sleigh Rides

Also at Fort Wilderness, you can hop aboard a real “one-horse open sleigh” for a 25-minute ride through the twinkling campground. Each sleigh is decked in garlands and lights and fits up to four adults (or two adults and three kids). Rides leave every 30 minutes, and reservations are recommended! More Info Here!

4. Resort Hopping

Resort hopping is one of the best free ways to soak up Disney holiday magic in my opinion. Every resort has its own style of decorations, from towering trees to intricate gingerbread displays.



For 2025, guests can look forward to a lineup of gingerbread displays at five Disney resort hotels: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

The Grand Floridian’s life-sized gingerbread house* is a must-see, and the Polynesian and Contemporary sparkle with tropical and modern holiday decor. 

(*not available in 2025, due to construction.)

Wilderness Lodge feels like stepping into a cozy mountain lodge. The Polynesian Village Resort feels like the perfect tropical holiday getaway. 

Yacht Club Resort 

The Beach Club has a spinning gingerbread carousel, the Yacht Club features a candy train village, and the BoardWalk Bakery surprises guests each year with a new gingerbread creation.

Polynesian Animal  Kingdom Lodge has unique, cultural decor and breathtaking themed trees make it worth the visit! 

5. Beyond Disney World

If you have a car (or don’t mind an Uber), there’s even more holiday cheer nearby! The Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are perfect for shopping deals, and the Mall at Milennia has classic mall vibes with festive decor. Santa will return to The Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall for holiday photos and seasonal memories in early November. 

Experience snowfall every night at Now Snowing, a free holiday event located in Celebration. The streets will come alive with holiday decor, strolling carolers, a snowy village and hourly snowfall, plus paid experiences like ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa. Free admission!

You don’t need a park ticket to find Disney holiday magic! Just a little time to explore, sip cocoa, and soak in the sparkle!

Let's get your family Disney Christmas vacation booked. If you missed this year, think ahead and Request a Free Quote for next holiday season!


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