Our Holiday Adventure at Disney Springs
If you’ve ever visited Disney during the holiday season, you know how the entire resort transforms into a bright, magical holiday experience. The parks sparkle with lights, the resorts take on festive themes, and even Disney Springs turns into a winter wonderland full of surprises. On our recent trip with our friend Lanie from Castles and Cruises, we set out to enjoy every detail of this season’s magic. And our first stop? One of my favorite holiday traditions: the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll.
I’ve always loved spending time at Disney Springs, especially when it comes to holiday shopping. But what so many people don’t realize is that there’s so much more to do than shop and the Christmas Tree Stroll proves exactly that. It’s fun, it’s festive, and best of all… it’s completely free.
What Is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll?
The Christmas Tree Stroll is a self-guided holiday scavenger hunt. Here, guests explore Disney Springs and discover beautifully themed Christmas trees. Each tree is inspired by Disney movies, attractions, or characters. I love it because it’s relaxing and magical. Plus, it’s perfect for families, teens, or anyone who wants Disney holiday fun without needing a park ticket.
How the Christmas Tree Stroll Works
Participating in the Stroll is simple, fun, and great for all ages:
- Pick up your free map and sticker sheet from the Disney Springs Welcome Center or select shops.
- Use the map to find 19 themed Christmas trees around the outdoor shopping area.
- As you find each tree, place the matching sticker on your map.
- When your map is complete, bring it to a redemption location to receive a free holiday prize.
We did the Stroll with our teenagers, and they loved the adventure of finding each tree. It became a fun challenge and a great way for them to explore between visiting stores during our shopping adventure.
Themed Christmas Trees You’ll Discover
The creativity Disney puts into each tree is incredible. These are some of the trees included for the 2025 stroll:
- Toy Story
- Star Wars
- Haunted Mansion
- Encanto
- Coco
- Mickey & Minnie Classic
- Frozen
- Princess-Themed Trees
Each tree at Disney Springs is full of lights, colors, and charming details that makes each tree unique and fun.
My favorite has to be the Haunted Mansion tree! There’s something about its spooky, haunting charm that features Madame Leota. It’s perfectly “Disney,” mixing classic ride themes with a lot of holiday cheer.
No matter which tree catches your eye, each one has its own Disney story, its own sparkle, and a way of reminding us how magical Disney can be during the holiday season.
Why Families and Teens Love the Christmas Tree Stroll
This holiday activity checks every family-friendly box:
- Free for everyone
- Relaxing and low-pressure experience
- Great for all ages
- Perfect for teens who want independence (as a group of course)
- A fun break from crowds and shopping
- Lots of Disney magic without needing a park ticket
This was our first time doing the Christmas Tree Stroll, and we absolutely loved it! We had so much fun figuring out which sticker matched each tree and making sure to place it in the right spot on the map, following the flow from one location to the next. It made exploring the trees feel extra magical and festive!
Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Stroll
These are my go-to tips from our visits:
- Visit in the late afternoon: It’s cooler, the lighting is perfect, and you’ll catch the trees glowing as the sun sets.
- Grab snacks before you start: A hot cocoa or churro makes everything feel extra festive.
- Teens love the challenge: It gives them something fun to do and turns the outing into an adventure.
- Use the stroll as a shopping break: Perfect for recharging or keeping the kids busy while you shop.
- Don’t forget your prize: It’s a fun keepsake, and the kids love turning in their map.
Best Snacks Under $10 at Disney Springs: Perfect for the Stroll!
Disney Springs has some great and affordable bites to enjoy while exploring, including:
- Hot cocoa
- Churros
- Seasonal holiday cookies
- Popcorn
- Festive limited-time treats
Want more ideas? Check out my full list for snacking in the Disney Parks: Best Disney Snacks Under $10 .
When to Visit for the Best Experience
We visited in mid-November and the crowds were wonderfully low. If you’re planning your visit, the Christmas Tree Stroll usually opens in early November and runs through the entire holiday season. The best times to go are:
- Weekday afternoons
- Early evenings (for the lights + fewer crowds)
- Earlier in the season if you want to avoid peak holiday traffic
FAQ: Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Is the Christmas Tree Stroll free?
Yes! It’s 100% free and open to all guests visiting Disney Springs.
Do I need a park ticket?
No ticket needed because Disney Springs is not inside the parks. You can see all the magic at Disney Springs for the holidays.
How long does it take?
Most families spend 45–90 minutes enjoying it at a relaxed pace.
Are maps always available?
Usually, but they can run out on very busy days. Grab one early if you can.
If you love discovering all the little magical details at Disney World like I do, keep following along at Budget the Magic! I’ll share all my favorite festive tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes finds so your holiday visits can be just as special as mine.
