Disney Springs Christmas tree lighting is Nov. 11, and it’s free

The ceremony runs just 20 minutes, from 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. Wednesday, on the same day Disney Springs starts its holiday season, Santa visits and the Christmas Tree Stroll.

Disney Springs lights its big Christmas tree this week, and you don’t need an invitation to watch.

The tree lighting ceremony is Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 6:30 to 6:50 p.m., Attractions Magazine reported. It’s free. Regular guests can watch from around the edges, while a small area gets roped off for invited media.

The date matches Disney’s own calendar. Disney Springs’ official website lists its holiday event from Nov. 11, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027. Disney hasn’t posted a separate announcement for the ceremony, which Attractions Magazine said “isn’t prominently advertised.”

Last year’s tree stood 45 feet tall, according to Disney’s press site, and a local family helped light it. Disney’s recap dates that ceremony to Nov. 13, 2025, which was also the first day of last year’s holiday season.

What time is the Disney Springs tree lighting?

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and wraps by 6:50 p.m., per Attractions Magazine. Blink and you’ll miss it, so plan to get there early.

The outlet warned that the area gets crowded once the music starts and the stage lights up. Grab dinner after, not before, if you want a good view.

Weather could be a factor. Rain is in the forecast for Wednesday, though the chance of showers is expected to drop by evening, Attractions Magazine said. Outdoor entertainment can be affected, so check the forecast before you head over.

Where is the Christmas tree at Disney Springs?

Attractions Magazine describes the big tree as sitting at the center of The Landing, close to the exact middle of Disney Springs. Disney’s recap of the 2025 ceremony listed Town Center as the location.

Either way, it’s the giant tree with the stage in front of it. Ask a cast member if you get turned around.

What happens at the Disney Springs tree lighting?

Disney hasn’t shared this year’s lineup. Here’s what past ceremonies looked like, according to Disney’s press site:

• 2024: Toy soldier stilt walkers and a brass band performed, and Disney leaders and a Walt Disney World ambassador lit a 45-foot tree on Nov. 8. Disney called it the official start of the Walt Disney World holiday season.

• 2025: Live entertainment, plus a local family who helped light the 45-foot tree.

Attractions Magazine added that a live band played before last year’s lighting, and Disney Springs Vice President Debbie Hart appeared onstage.

Is the Disney Springs tree lighting free?

Yes. Disney Springs doesn’t charge admission, and you don’t need a theme park ticket. Parking in the Disney Springs garages is free, too.

That makes this one of the cheapest holiday nights at Disney World. The only real cost is whatever you spend on cocoa and snacks while you wait.

What else is happening at Disney Springs for the holidays?

A lot of it starts the same day as the lighting.

• Christmas Tree Stroll: Themed trees return Nov. 11 and stay up through Jan. 3, 2027. New this year are Bluey, Monsters, Inc. and Hallmark trees. Grab a free map, find the trees and match stickers to earn a festive surprise. Here’s [our full tree list](https://news.piratesandprincesses.net/p/disney-springs-christmas-tree-stroll-87f).

• Santa Claus: Santa greets families at Santa’s Marketplace, next to Disney’s Pin Traders, from Nov. 11 through Dec. 24. It’s virtual queue only, through the My Disney Experience app, and you have to be at Disney Springs to join. Here’s [how the Santa queue works](https://news.piratesandprincesses.net/p/santa-at-disney-springs-2026-starts).

• Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Shop: In Town Center, open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., per Disney Springs’ website. It sells exclusive Disney holiday items, Laughing Place reported.

• Holiday treats: Attractions Magazine pointed to a Peppermint Affogato at Vivoli il Gelato.

When does the holiday season start at Disney World?

It’s already underway in the parks. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party opened at Magic Kingdom on Sunday, Nov. 8, and Disney Jollywood Nights is already running at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both need a separate event ticket. The Disney Springs lighting is the free version for everybody else.

Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.

Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Hat Tips:

• Attractions Magazine (Nov. 9, 2026), the tip, the date, time, cost, viewing details, weather, 2025 band and treats

• Disney Springs (official website, checked Nov. 9, 2026), the Nov. 11 to Jan. 3 holiday dates and the Hallmark pop-up location and hours

• Walt Disney World Press Room (Nov. 9, 2024, and Nov. 13, 2025), the 45-foot tree, past ceremony details and the 2025 location

• BlogMickey (Oct. 31, 2026), the Christmas Tree Stroll dates and trees

• Laughing Place (Oct. 30, 2026), the Tree Stroll map activity and Hallmark pop-up

AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.