As the holiday season approaches, Disney parks around the world transform into a dazzling winter wonderland. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the most beloved parks at Walt Disney World in Florida, pulls out all the stops each year with incredible Christmas decorations and immersive holiday experiences. Here’s a guide to the best Disney Christmas decorations you’ll find at Hollywood Studios, and why it’s one of the most magical places to celebrate the season.
1. Hollywood Boulevard – The Iconic Entrance
Hollywood Boulevard, the park’s main entrance, welcomes visitors with a nostalgic 1940s and ’50s retro holiday theme. From the moment you step into the park, you’re greeted with vintage-style Christmas decorations inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Garland and tinsel adorn the lampposts, while oversized ornaments and old-fashioned string lights create an inviting, cozy atmosphere. These decorations give you the feeling of stepping back in time to a classic holiday film.
The central focus on Hollywood Boulevard is the towering Christmas tree near Echo Lake. Decorated with classic ornaments and glowing lights, this tree is a picture-perfect symbol of the holiday season. The nearby shops and restaurants join in the festive spirit, with themed window displays and holiday music filling the air, making Hollywood Boulevard the perfect place to begin your holiday adventure.
2. Echo Lake – A Nostalgic Christmas Delight
Echo Lake is one of the most beautifully decorated areas in the park during the holiday season. Anchoring this area is a massive Christmas tree that sparkles at night, standing proudly by the lake’s edge. The surrounding area is adorned with colorful holiday lights and classic decorations, giving the entire lake a warm, festive glow.
One of the most charming touches is the holiday decor on Gertie the Dinosaur, an adorable dinosaur statue in the lake. Each year, Gertie gets a festive holiday scarf and a massive Santa hat, bringing a playful holiday twist to this unique spot. The floating ornaments and glistening reflections in the water add a layer of magic, making Echo Lake a must-visit spot for holiday photos.
3. Sunset Boulevard – Home to the Tower of Terror Holiday Projections
Sunset Boulevard is another area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios that gets the full holiday treatment. The street itself is lined with lights, garlands, and themed holiday decor that glows beautifully as the sun sets. The real show-stopper here, however, is the Tower of Terror, which receives an incredible holiday makeover with projection mapping technology.
Every evening, the Tower of Terror transforms into the “Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel” as part of the Sunset Seasons Greetings experience. The projection show covers the entire building, featuring several animated scenes that showcase beloved Disney characters in festive scenarios. One moment, you’ll see the tower dressed up as a gingerbread house; the next, it may be transformed into a snowy winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy these stunning projections from various angles along Sunset Boulevard, accompanied by a synchronized soundtrack of classic holiday music.
4. Toy Story Land – Festive Fun for Kids and Adults
Toy Story Land, one of the newer additions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, gets a whimsical holiday overlay that’s perfect for families. The decorations here are as playful as the land itself, featuring oversized Christmas lights, colorful baubles, and toys dressed up in holiday attire. Each area of Toy Story Land has a unique festive touch, from giant candy canes to tinsel-lined fences.
One of the standout decorations is a large “holiday card” that features the Toy Story characters decked out for the season. Woody, Buzz, and Jessie are dressed in holiday scarves and hats, adding a festive touch to this much-loved area of the park. At night, the vibrant Christmas lights strung across the land create a warm and cozy glow, making it an ideal spot for families looking to experience some holiday magic.
5. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – A Subtle Holiday Vibe
While Galaxy’s Edge is more subtle with its holiday decorations to keep with the immersive Star Wars theme, you can still find a few festive touches. Decorations are typically understated, with small holiday-themed accessories found around Black Spire Outpost. You might spot a few ornaments and wreaths made from the “scrap” materials common in this outpost of the galaxy.
For those who love Star Wars and the holiday season, Galaxy’s Edge also offers holiday-themed merchandise, including sweaters, mugs, and ornaments. Additionally, if you visit Oga’s Cantina or the marketplace, you’ll find some seasonal treats and beverages inspired by Star Wars that give a nod to the festive season.
6. Seasonal Treats and Merchandising Magic
A Disney holiday visit wouldn’t be complete without indulging in seasonal treats and shopping for exclusive holiday merchandise. Hollywood Studios offers an array of Christmas-inspired snacks that range from delicious cupcakes to peppermint-flavored beverages. Each year, new treats are introduced, so you’ll always find something unique and festive.
In terms of shopping, you can pick up exclusive holiday merchandise, from Christmas ornaments to themed apparel featuring favorite Disney characters. Hollywood Studios’ gift shops showcase limited-edition holiday items, making it easy to bring a bit of Disney holiday magic back home.
7. A Frozen Holiday Wish – Extra Magic for the Young Ones
One of the highlights of visiting Hollywood Studios during the holiday season is experiencing “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” where Elsa, Anna, and Olaf celebrate the magic of the season. While the main show happens at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios offers smaller encounters and festive photo opportunities with Frozen characters. With the park’s snowy, wintry decor, you’ll feel like you’re in the snowy kingdom of Arendelle, adding an extra layer of holiday spirit to your visit.
8. Nighttime Spectaculars – Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
To end your day on a high note, don’t miss the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” nighttime show at Hollywood Studios. This festive nighttime spectacular features fireworks, projections, and lasers set to classic Christmas tunes. The show stars Wayne and Lanny from “Prep & Landing,” a Disney holiday special, as they go on a mission to save Christmas. This high-energy show is perfect for families, with dazzling visuals and upbeat music that leave everyone in a festive spirit.
As the show lights up the night sky with sparkling fireworks, you’ll feel the true magic of the season. The projections on the Chinese Theater building and the accompanying music and pyrotechnics make it a grand finale to a day filled with holiday wonder.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a fantastic destination to experience the magic of Christmas. With its old-Hollywood charm, incredible projection shows, and thoughtful decorations, Hollywood Studios offers a unique blend of nostalgia and Disney magic that appeals to guests of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of classic holiday decor, looking for the best photo ops, or simply hoping to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place to be. This park captures the joy of the season in a way that’s both grand and intimate, making it a memorable part of any Disney holiday trip. So grab your holiday-themed Mickey ears and hot cocoa, and step into the Christmas magic at Hollywood Studios!