Santa Gertie and the Echo Lake Christmas Tree Are Back at Hollywood Studios

The holidays just got a little more dinosaur-sized at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Santa Gertie the dinosaur wearing a Santa hat and holding a red ornament beside the giant Christmas tree at Echo Lake in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Photo by Melisa Kennedy / Four Theme Parks Magazine.

Gertie is ready for her close-up. The giant dinosaur who has watched over Echo Lake since 1989 is back in her Santa hat, gently holding a bright red ornament in her mouth. This year the ornament is red instead of the gold she’s worn in recent seasons, a small but charming change that makes her feel extra festive.

Santa Gertie at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo taken by one of our Magazine Girls ── Nicole Rovi.

Right beside her, the park’s towering Christmas tree has gone up on its little island in the middle of the lake. It’s wrapped in golden garlands and sparkly stars, dressed with classic red, green, and blue baubles, retro-style Santa faces, and candy canes. A dimensional star sits at the very top, waiting for the evening lights.

Colorful ornaments already float across the water — red, green, yellow, blue, and purple — turning the lake into a soft, sparkling holiday scene. The whole picture feels classic Hollywood Studios Christmas: bright, a little retro, and completely joyful.

Our Magazine Girl, Nicole Rovi, at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The tree and Santa Gertie officially returned on November 5, just in time for the start of the holiday season and Disney Jollywood Nights. Holiday decor at Magic Kingdom is also up if you'd like to check that out too!

A great view of Santa Gertie while sipping some Starbucks! Photo by Magazine Girl, Nicole Rovi.

If you’re headed to Hollywood Studios this month, Echo Lake is the first place you’ll want to wander. Santa Gertie and her tree are waiting, and they look especially pretty in the Florida sun.

Be sure to follow Four Theme Parks™ Magazine on Instagram for the latest magazine girl approved and prettiest updates on Walt Disney World and Orlando since 2015.

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