Walt Disney World is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit during the holidays. All four theme parks and surrounding Disney resorts are decked out with giant trees, over-the-top displays, and enough holiday cheer to last all year. It’s quite magical!
The incredible Christmas decorations are the perfect backdrop for photographs and memories that will last a lifetime! There are so many picture-perfect scenes that we’re narrowing down the most Hallmark-worthy places to snap your holiday family photo!
Magic Kingdom
Main Street, U.S.A
The Magic Kingdom is the most spectacular theme park during the holidays! Main Street, U.S.A., is bursting with Mickey wreaths, poinsettias, and an enormous Christmas tree that rivals Rockefeller Center!
PhotoPass Photographers will usually be lined up along the street to shoot fantastic atmosphere pictures and Magic Shots!
Cinderella Castle
The castle is one of the most photographed structures in the world, and it’s one of the most iconic background scenes that you can choose for your vacation photos. The castle itself is pretty enough for a Christmas card! Add your family to the scene, and you’ve got a beautiful photo that shows you’ve time spent in Disney World!
Pro-Tip: At night, the castle comes alive with Christmas projections. Find a nearby PhotoPass Photographer to capture you and the spectacular display!
Main Street Train Station
Just before you enter Main Street, a gorgeous train station greets you at the gate. Trains are pretty Christmassy on their own, and once you add a few boughs of holly, you’ve got yourself a holiday beauty!
PhotoPass Photographers are usually stationed here to take pictures in front of the Mickey Made entirely of flowers and plants, too!
EPCOT
World Showcase Pavilions
World Showcase hosts the International Festival of the Holidays where each country gets decorated with unique and festive decor. Choose your favorite building, country, display, or topiary for a fantastic picture! Two of our favorite countries for holiday decor are Germany and Norway. Both pavilions are so quaint, you could imagine them being the setting for a Christmas movie.
A trip to Festival of the Holidays means you’ll have access to a ton of holiday goodies, too! Fill up on Linzer Cookies then happily make your way through the pavilions for special photographs.
World Showcase Lagoon
World Showcase offers an expansive view of the gorgeous World Showcase Lagoon. The country pavilions surrounding the lake make this area of the park incredibly picturesque. One of the best times to grab a photo is right at dusk when the sun is setting. The countries are lit up, and the Florida sunset adds a golden glow to the photos.
We recommend standing at the center of the World Showcase between the Mexico and Canada pavilions. This spot offers a wide view of all the countries and the lake. Other good options are the Japanese or Italy Pavilions that will capture Spaceship Earth in the background.
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is much more than a giant golf ball! It’s an iconic structure that is unique to EPCOT. To some, it’s a nostalgic attraction that reminds them of their childhoods. To others, it’s the symbol of their family bonding on vacation. Either way, it’s the perfect place to grab a few photos of your group.
The main entrance to EPCOT is getting a major refurbishment. Once finished, a retro-inspired fountain will welcome guests into the parks. This area is sure to be a great location for family photos, too!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Sunset Boulevard
The boulevard is the perfect setting for retro decorations and glittery holiday lights. The street leading to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is decorated with tinsel stars and lights. It’s the perfect backdrop for a Hollywood themed family photo!
The boulevard leading to the Tower of Terror isn’t the only place for a good picture! Echo Lake is full of Christmas ornaments, and Gertie the Dinosaur is dressed in her Santa hat during the season.
Toy Story Land
The land full of your favorite characters from Toy Story is usually stocked with super cute displays. Rex is rockin’ his reindeer ears, popcorn garland frames Woody’s Lunch Box, and Christmas Hamm makes an appearance! This place is teeming with holiday displays for a fun picture.
We suggest donning your goofiest Christmas sweaters and holiday Minnie Mouse Ears for this area of the park!
The Millennium Falcon
Okay, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge isn’t super Christmassy, but it is super cool! This is the perfect place to get photos if your family is full of Star Wars fans. You can always add a little holiday flair with Baby Yoda Christmas tees and Star Wars sweaters! The Millennium Falcon is a stunning replica of the ship and makes a great backdrop for any picture.
Plus, your Christmas photos would be so unique! Not too many people can brag that they took their holiday photos in front of the fastest hunk o’ junk in the galaxy.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Tree of Life
We have to start with the most beautiful view of Animal Kingdom! The Tree of Life is an enormous tree detailed with tons of animals carved into its massive trunk and roots. It’s truly a sight to behold and a breathtaking scene for your photos!
The Tree of Life lights up at night with beautiful projections of animals and winter elements. It’s framed by light poles decorated with garlands and is a beautiful scene for pics!
Winter Photo Op Walls
Animal Kingdom is dressed up with decorations that are truly unique in comparison to the other four parks. The decor is inspired by nature and different cultures from around the world. The winter animal displays are one of our favorite elements Disney added in recent years. The conceptual design is tied together in the winter wonderland photo op murals.
The painted walls are located near Nomad Lounge. They are an absolute beauty that will be enhance your holiday snaps!
Pandora – The World of Avatar
The Floating Mountains in Pandora are awe-inspiring. Once you step foot into the land, you’ve been transported into a fantastical world with astonishing scenery. The foliage and mountains are perfect for special photos!
Pandora also gets a few unique holiday decorations! Other-worldly trinkets, Santa hats, and string lights dress up the AMP mech suit in the Valley of Mo’ara.
Discover more about visiting Disney World during the holidays here!
There are so many more photo-friendly locations around Disney World. We suggest visiting one of the many decorated resorts for your family pictures as well. (Two of our personal favorites are the incredible lobbies at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!) Can’t decide on a place? Choose a location that means the most to your group! Maybe you fondly remember walking through Fantasyland for the first time or the great time you had on Expedition Everest. The memories are what make the photo perfect!
Disney at Christmas!
- PHOTOS! Disney World Christmas Decorations are Coming Down as We Head into the New Year
- Disney DIY! Find Out How to Create a Handcrafted Holiday Card from a Walt Disney Imagineer!
- NEWS: New Breakfast Options Are Coming to Magic Kingdom for the Holidays!
- TONS of Disney Holiday Shirts Are Available Online (And They’re PERFECT for Your Christmas Zoom Parties!)
- Disney Will Broadcast a Performance by Voices of Liberty LIVE Tomorrow!
- TWO Disney Springs Restaurants Will Offer Dinner and Cocktail Specials on Christmas Day!
- Eight Walt Disney World Cookie Recipes to Win Your Christmas Cookie Exchange
- Give the Gift of Bowling at Disney Springs with Splitsville’s Gift Card Deal!
- Hurry! You’ll Want to Order Your Gifts on shopDisney SOON to Get Them By Christmas!
- The BEST Disney Christmas Movies (According to You!)
What’s your favorite place for Disney World photographs during the holidays? Let us know in the comments!
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