Santa’s Holiday Grove Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2026

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is bringing back Santa Claus for the 2026 holiday season, offering guests a festive experience at Walt Disney World Resort. The event, titled Santa’s Holiday Grove, will run from November 13, 2026, to January 6, 2027, marking the start of the holiday festivities at the park.

Located across from the Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond! attraction, Santa’s Holiday Grove will feature a scenic trail adorned with intermittent snow flurries and, of course, Santa Claus himself. Visitors can enjoy specialty food and beverages, as well as a festive soundtrack to set the holiday mood.

Last year, guests interacted with Santa at Restaurantosaurus in the former DinoLand U.S.A., which has since closed for transformation into Tropical Americas. Disney has not yet released further details about this year’s event, but promises to keep fans updated as more information becomes available.