Disney’s Hollywood Studios has introduced another seasonal experience for 2026, this time offering guests a look at the history and behind-the-scenes work that goes into celebrating Christmas at Walt Disney World.
A new version of the Disney Takes a Holiday exhibit has debuted inside Walt Disney Presents, featuring displays dedicated to the resort’s holiday traditions, decorations, entertainment, and seasonal experiences.
The exhibit is accompanied by screenings of three classic Disney animated shorts, giving visitors another holiday attraction to enjoy during their time at Hollywood Studios.
Unlike many of the park’s seasonal offerings, this experience focuses less on Christmas entertainment itself and more on the history and creative work behind it.
A New Focus for the 2026 Holiday Exhibit
Walt Disney Presents has featured holiday displays in previous years, but the 2026 presentation takes a different approach.
While last year’s exhibit emphasized classic Disney holiday films, the new displays focus on how Christmas is celebrated throughout Walt Disney World’s theme parks and resorts.
The exhibit is located near the end of the Walt Disney Presents gallery, just outside the theater.
Its displays explore several aspects of Disney’s holiday celebrations, from Santa Claus appearances to the elaborate decorations installed across the resort.
For guests interested in Disney history, the exhibit provides an opportunity to learn more about traditions they may have experienced during past Christmas vacations.
Santa Claus Traditions Take Center Stage
One section of the exhibit focuses on Santa Claus and his appearances throughout Walt Disney World.
The display includes a festive scene featuring letters to Santa from Disney characters and children.
It also highlights the various ways guests can encounter Santa during the holiday season.
These include character appearances, photo opportunities, and Santa’s participation in seasonal entertainment.
The exhibit also references the special mailboxes that allow guests to send holiday greetings and Christmas wishes from locations including Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs.
Santa has been part of Disney’s holiday celebrations for decades, although the specific locations and experiences have evolved considerably over the years.
The display connects those traditions with the modern holiday offerings guests can experience during the 2026 season.
Disney’s Christmas Decorations Get Their Own Display
Another portion of the exhibit explores the extensive work involved in decorating Walt Disney World for Christmas.
The display includes artwork and photographs illustrating the resort’s seasonal transformation.
It also features decorative elements associated with Disney’s holiday celebrations, including oversized popcorn decorations inspired by the giant Christmas tree at Magic Kingdom.
The exhibit provides information about Disney’s Holiday Services team, which oversees the preparation, installation, and maintenance of seasonal decorations.
According to the exhibit, the team manages a collection of more than 50,000 different decorations.
The resort’s holiday transformation also involves more than 800 specially themed Christmas trees.
These decorations are designed to complement the individual settings in which they appear.
The Christmas trees and garlands found along Main Street, U.S.A., for example, are very different from the decorations used at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or the resort hotels.
Much of the installation work takes place overnight, allowing guests to arrive the following morning to find parks and resorts transformed for the season.
The Exhibit Explains Disney’s Famous Holiday Snow
Another display explores one of Walt Disney World’s most recognizable Christmas effects: artificial snow.
Although Central Florida rarely experiences genuine snowfall, Disney has incorporated simulated snow into its holiday entertainment for years.
The exhibit explains how the effect commonly known as “snoap” is produced.
Rather than using frozen water, Disney creates snow-like flurries using a special mixture that forms lightweight bubbles.
The effect can be seen during seasonal entertainment, including Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom.
Because the bubbles dissolve after landing, Disney can create the appearance of falling snow without covering the streets in actual ice.
For visitors who have watched the parade or experienced snowfall along Main Street, the display offers a look at the technology behind the illusion.
Three Classic Disney Holiday Shorts Return
In addition to the gallery exhibit, Walt Disney Presents is screening three classic animated shorts inside the Walt Disney Theater.
The seasonal lineup includes The Art of Skiing, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and On Ice.
Each short represents a different period of Disney animation history.
On Ice, released in 1935, features Mickey Mouse and several familiar Disney characters enjoying winter activities.
The Art of Skiing, released in 1941, stars Goofy in one of Disney’s classic instructional-style cartoons.
Pluto’s Christmas Tree, released in 1952, features Mickey and Pluto in a Christmas story involving Chip and Dale.
Together, the shorts provide a nostalgic complement to the exhibit’s displays about modern Walt Disney World holiday traditions.
The films are presented continuously throughout the day, giving guests flexibility to visit between other attractions and entertainment.
More Holiday Changes Coming to Walt Disney Presents
Walt Disney Presents is located near the former Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The attraction combines exhibits about Walt Disney’s life and career with displays covering the development of Disney’s theme parks and entertainment.
Its gallery has frequently been used for rotating exhibits, including displays featuring upcoming attractions and Disney productions.
The holiday exhibit is one of several seasonal changes taking place in the building.
Santa Claus is also expected to appear at Walt Disney Presents later in the holiday season.
Preparations for that experience have already affected character operations, with the live-action Ariel meet-and-greet relocated from its previous location.
The new exhibit gives Hollywood Studios visitors another way to experience the holidays while also exploring the history and traditions behind Walt Disney World’s Christmas celebrations.
For guests who enjoy Disney nostalgia, the combination of historical displays, behind-the-scenes information, and classic animated shorts makes Walt Disney Presents a worthwhile addition to a holiday visit.