Disney Hotels Won at Christmas, so Everyone Else Can Go Home Now

Carlye Wisel

There’s no need to miss out on yuletide fun just because you can’t make it to Disney this winter. We have captured every Disney hotel’s festive display, down to the gorgeous wreaths, celebratory train sets, and candy-coated sights — including an all-chocolate Santa Claus!

Related: The Cheapest Month to Visit Disney World

From towering Christmas trees at Walt Disney World to stunning gingerbread displays at Disneyland, here is how Disney does Christmas.

Start Slideshow

1 of 52

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Carlye Wisel

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts one of the largest trees on property, filling the hotel’s six-story lobby.

2 of 52

Ornaments

Carlye Wisel

Each of the carefully selected ornaments references traditional African patterns and crafts, which are featured heavily throughout the resort’s art collection.

3 of 52

Art of Animation Resort

Carlye Wisel

At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, ornaments of all shapes, sizes and colors turn its glimmering white tree into a festive artist's palette.

4 of 52

The Lion King

Carlye Wisel

Sketch drawings of "The Lion King" characters adorn the tree, and an animation chandelier hangs above it.

5 of 52

Gingerbread

Carlye Wisel

The gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort fills the lobby with the sweet scent of chocolate from its handmade horses.

6 of 52

'Lilo & Stitch'

Carlye Wisel

This year’s display took on a "Lilo & Stitch" theme, with chocolate statuettes of popular characters.

7 of 52

Chocolate

Carlye Wisel

Stitch proves to be a mischievous menace even when he’s made of chocolate.

8 of 52

Garlands

Carlye Wisel

The garlands adorning the lobby and fireplace within Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are filled with seaside accoutrements from tiny carousel horses to antique toys.

9 of 52

Gingerbread House

Carlye Wisel

The famed gingerbread house, which changes every year, is a replica of Disney’s Boardwalk complete with the shops, stores and bars featured just outside the resort.

10 of 52

Caribbean Beach Resort

Carlye Wisel

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort highlights the region’s colorful culture with a vibrant tree filled with flowers, shells and handmade ornaments shaped like friendly sea creatures.

11 of 52

Cinderella Castle

Carlye Wisel

A replica of Cinderella Castle made from 1,400 gingerbread pieces stands tall in the lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with the all-white background behind Prince Charming and Cinderella serving as a nod to the "It’s a Small World" attraction at Magic Kingdom.

12 of 52

Outdoor Tree

Carlye Wisel

Unlike other resorts, the Contemporary houses its large-scale tree outside, allowing all who pass it to take a gander at the 70-foot-tall sight.

13 of 52

Flowery Display

Carlye Wisel

Garlands and garden baskets filled with white poinsettias line the entrance to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

14 of 52

Tree at Coronado Springs Resort

Carlye Wisel

Inside, the lobby opens up to display a behemoth tree topped by a gilded angel and filled with ornaments honoring Mexico’s culture.

15 of 52

Festive Decorations

Carlye Wisel

Coronado Springs provides plenty of charm and festivity, starting with wreaths on the front door.

16 of 52

Classic Tree

Carlye Wisel

Disney’s Fort Wilderness hosts a traditional tree in classic Christmas colors.

17 of 52

Pioneer Hall

Carlye Wisel

Red poinsettias and garlands can be seen lining shops and the famed Pioneer Hall, filling the resort with Yuletide cheer.

18 of 52

Guest Decor

Carlye Wisel

Still, the best decorations at the sprawling resort are from the guests themselves. Many of the campsites and RV parks throughout Fort Wilderness are filled with homespun festivities, adding a community sensibility to the resort.

19 of 52

Holiday Spirit

Carlye Wisel

The spirit of the season is alive at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where the walls are lined with silvery wreaths and gilded decor.

20 of 52

Lobby Display

Carlye Wisel

A grand tree sparkles beneath the center lobby chandelier.

21 of 52

Gold Accents

Carlye Wisel

Glimmering ribbons and gold-dusted leaves truly make this tree shine.

22 of 52

Victorian Style

Carlye Wisel

Standing tall in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian is a stunning tree — one of Walt Disney World’s finest — adorned with Victorian-era influence.

23 of 52

Vintage Feel

Carlye Wisel

The ornaments, ribbons and other delicate details match the pristine pink resort with the perfect amount of vintage flair.

24 of 52

Gingerbread House Centerpiece

Carlye Wisel

Still, the main draw is the Grand Floridian’s massive 16-foot-tall Gingerbread House. Made completely of confectionary delights, the structure even hosts a bake shop selling seasonal treats inside.

25 of 52

Beachy Themes

Carlye Wisel

At Disney’s Old Key West Resort, a lobby tree is lined with an array of beachy ornaments, including these humorous happy-go-lucky fish.

26 of 52

Seaside Garlands

Carlye Wisel

Garlands and wreaths also adorn the main walkways all season long.

27 of 52

Floral Vibes

Carlye Wisel

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a select set of smaller Christmas trees, but this all-floral display is easily its best.

28 of 52

Pop Century Resort

Carlye Wisel

A towering tree fills the lobby atrium of Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

29 of 52

Christmas Memories

Carlye Wisel

Like the hotel, its ornaments reference Christmas from throughout the years, including vintage cutouts, old-school baubles, homemade decor and, yes, even a few Elves on Shelves.

30 of 52

Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Carlye Wisel

At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, the glass atrium is filled with seasonal decor including poinsettias, wreaths and four beautifully decorated trees.

31 of 52

Mardi Gras

Carlye Wisel

The garlands even feature nods to Mardi Gras with beads, bold colors and masks.

32 of 52

Port Orleans Resort — Riverside

Carlye Wisel

The festivities continue at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, where subtle garlands line the hotel entrance.

33 of 52

Suitcase Tree Skirt

Carlye Wisel

Port Orleans' lobby tree is more traditional than that of its sister hotel, save for its inventive tree skirt covering made from stacks of vintage suitcases.

34 of 52

All-Star Movies Resort

Carlye Wisel

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort brings the glam and glitz of Hollywood to its holiday display.

Your Profile

Disney Hotels Won at Christmas, so Everyone Else Can Go Home Now

1 of 52

Animal Kingdom Lodge

1 of 52

2 of 52

Ornaments

2 of 52

3 of 52

Art of Animation Resort

3 of 52

4 of 52

The Lion King

4 of 52

5 of 52

Gingerbread

5 of 52

6 of 52

'Lilo & Stitch'

6 of 52

7 of 52

Chocolate

7 of 52

8 of 52

Garlands

8 of 52

9 of 52

Gingerbread House

9 of 52

10 of 52

Caribbean Beach Resort

10 of 52

11 of 52

Cinderella Castle

11 of 52

12 of 52

Outdoor Tree

12 of 52

13 of 52

Flowery Display

13 of 52

14 of 52

Tree at Coronado Springs Resort

14 of 52

15 of 52

Festive Decorations

15 of 52

16 of 52

Classic Tree

16 of 52

17 of 52

Pioneer Hall

17 of 52

18 of 52

Guest Decor

18 of 52

19 of 52

Holiday Spirit

19 of 52

20 of 52

Lobby Display

20 of 52

21 of 52

Gold Accents

21 of 52

22 of 52

Victorian Style

22 of 52

23 of 52

Vintage Feel

23 of 52

24 of 52

Gingerbread House Centerpiece

24 of 52

25 of 52

Beachy Themes

25 of 52

26 of 52

Seaside Garlands

26 of 52