Santa’s Holiday Grove Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Written by Joshua Posted October 6th, 2026

With DinoLand U.S.A. gone and Tropical Americas still behind construction walls, Santa needs a new spot to greet guests at Animal Kingdom. This year, he’s moving into Santa’s Holiday Grove, across from “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond!” at Theater in the Wild.

Disney promises a “magical trail” complete with snow flurries, seasonal food and drinks, and a holiday soundtrack. We’re not sure exactly where the trail will be located. Santa will be available to hear your wish list. Mine includes a rug.

We loved meeting him at the Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the Restaurantosaurus patio the last few years. Santa was great. So was the Dino Institute rug we got to stand on.

Restaurantosaurus is being reimagined as a hacienda-style quick-service restaurant, so Santa might return to his old spot next year. But I think that rug is long gone.

Guests can visit Santa’s Holiday Grove at Animal Kingdom from November 13 through January 6.