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The holidays at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are packed with magic, and you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy them! From festive crafts and caroling to exploring unique holiday decor, there’s something for everyone to love—many activities are surprisingly affordable or even free. Resort guests get access to even more seasonal fun with exclusive onsite experiences.

Want to keep the holiday cheer under $10 with family and friends? Discover our favorite budget-friendly activities that bring big magic for a small price!

Walt Disney World Resort

Holiday Crafts for the Whole Family

Get creative and make magical memories! During your Walt Disney World vacation, enjoy crafting activities that are fun for all ages. Whether it’s colorful art projects or unique crafts, these activities are perfect for bringing home a special holiday keepsake.

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can join in on a variety of arts and crafts led by cast members. From coloring pages to extraordinary experiences like mosaic-making with real ostrich eggs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, there’s something for everyone—young or young at heart!

Discover the Magic of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll!

Head to Disney Springs this holiday season to take in the stunning Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Stroll through a winter wonderland of beautifully themed Christmas trees inspired by your favorite Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars characters.

New this year, MagicBand+ adds a touch of interactive magic! Keep an eye out for surprises at select trees and window displays marked with special signs. It’s a fun, festive way to bring your holiday spirit to life! Don’t miss this enchanting experience perfect for the whole family.

Experience Holiday Magic at Disney Springs

Looking for festive fun this holiday season? Disney Springs has something for everyone! Enjoy live music performances by local artists or the cheerful sounds of the holiday brass band in Town Center. For something unique, be amazed by the Toy Soldier and Icicle stilt performers as they bring holiday magic to life.

Want an even more whimsical experience? Meet Douglas Fir, the roaming talking tree, and enjoy a charming conversation you won’t forget!

And yes, it may be Florida, but that doesn’t stop the snow. Head to the large Christmas tree in Town Center at night for a magical snowfall experience that’s perfect for the whole family.

Discover Disney’s Magical Gingerbread Creations!

Don’t miss the magical gingerbread displays at Disney Resort hotels! These stunning creations are a beloved holiday tradition, carefully crafted by the talented bakery teams. Months of dedication go into bringing these edible works of art to life, inviting guests to experience the magic firsthand.

From a life-size baby gingerbread giraffe and baby zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to a holiday carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort that actually spins, the creativity and effort put into these displays are unmatched.

Treat Your Favorite Animal Lover to a Memorable Pony Ride

Treat your little ones to a magical pony ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground! At Tri-Circle-D Ranch, junior cowboys and cowgirls can saddle up and enjoy a delightful ride on one of the adorable petite ponies, surrounded by enchanting festive decorations.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Cinderella’s Ponies after the ride—it’s a moment your kids won’t forget! Pony rides are just $10 per person and walk-ins are welcome. A perfect way to add some extra magic to your Disney experience!

Discover The Magic of Coin Press Machines

Turn your Disney trip into a treasure hunt with our coin press machines! Guests can create unique holiday character designs for just $1. These collectible coins are the perfect keepsake and make fantastic stocking stuffers. With machines scattered across Walt Disney World Resort—including the theme parks, Disney Springs, and Resort hotels—you never know where you might discover your next favorite design. Happy hunting!

Disneyland Resort

Experience the Magic of Meeting Santa Claus at Disneyland Resort Hotels

This holiday season, Santa is making special appearances at all Disneyland Resort hotels, bringing festive cheer and photo opportunities for guests of all ages.

Visit him in the main lobby of Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel, or stop by the Great Hall at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Don’t miss your chance to capture magical holiday memories before Santa heads back to the North Pole on December 24!

Indulge in a Holiday Treat While Enjoying the Joyful Songs of Carolers

Celebrate the holidays in style at Disney hotels! At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, enjoy festive treats and drinks from the Great Hall Cart while holiday carolers and handbell performers fill the lobby with seasonal cheer. Don’t miss the stunning gingerbread replica of the hotel, a true holiday masterpiece.

Over at Disneyland Hotel, warm up with a cozy cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee from The Coffee House for just $5. Sit back, sip, and enjoy the sounds of holiday carolers spreading festive joy. Make your Disney holiday visit even more magical!

Explore Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail in the Downtown Disney District

Get ready for holiday fun with Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail at Downtown Disney! Gather the whole family and embark on a festive adventure to find ornaments hidden among beautifully decorated trees and sparkling lights.

For just $9.99 plus tax, grab a map and stickers from select merchandise locations or at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Explore the district as you search for Disney character-themed ornaments, and don’t forget to return your completed map to claim a special holiday keepsake! It’s the perfect way to add a little extra magic to your holiday season.

Experience Live Music and Magical Nightly “Snow” at the Downtown Disney District

Celebrate the holidays at the Downtown Disney District with festive fun for everyone! Groove to live music every night on the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage, featuring seasonal performances from rock and jazz to classic caroling.
Experience the magic of nightly “snowfall” near the stage and lawn, surrounded by dazzling holiday décor.

These special holiday moments will continue through January 6, 2025, so bring your friends and family to soak in the cheerful atmosphere. Don’t miss this enchanting way to celebrate the season!

Create Magical Holiday Memories at Disney Parks

Make this holiday season unforgettable with a visit to Disney Parks! Celebrate festive traditions like the Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT, watch the dazzling Sunset Seasons Greetings on Hollywood Studios’ Tower of Terror, and enjoy the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure. From enchanting decorations to heartwarming entertainment, there’s something magical for everyone to cherish.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort is pure magic—and you don’t need to break the bank to make unforgettable memories. Imagine crafting your own keepsakes, strolling through dazzling gingerbread displays, or enjoying the enchanting sounds of cheerful carolers—all for under $10! From the sparkling Christmas trees at Disney Springs to the playful adventure of Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, these festive activities prove that the best holiday moments come from simple joys. So grab your loved ones, soak in the magic, and let Disney make this holiday season one to remember!