Disney Springs is an underrated spot to celebrate the holidays for a fraction of the cost of a theme-park ticket. Here's what it's like to visit.

Disney Springs is free for everyone to enter.Amanda Krause/Insider

• I spent a weekend at Disney Springs, and found that it's a fun and cheap way to celebrate Christmas.
• There are tons of decorations, free holiday activities, places to do Christmas shopping, and more.

Disney World is often crowded and expensive to visit during the holiday season.

Christmas celebrations typically kick off at Disney theme parks right after Halloween.      Handout/Getty Images

Disney Springs, on the other hand, is free and just as fun to visit. The shopping center is located on Disney World property, and is typically open between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Disney Springs is free for everyone to enter.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I spent a weekend at Disney Springs in early December and found the shopping center to be the perfect place to get a taste of Disney during the holidays without the high cost of a park ticket.

I took this selfie in front of a "Moana"-themed tree at Disney Springs.      Amanda Krause/Insider

My favorite holiday activity at Disney Springs this year is the Christmas Tree Stroll.

A Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse tree at Disney Springs in December 2021.      Amanda Krause/Insider

You can pick up a free map at various stores in Disney Springs, and then place corresponding stickers on it as you find trees throughout the shopping center. Once you've spotted all 20, you're rewarded with a celebratory button.

This map is given to those who wish to find all 20 trees featured in the Stroll.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Some of the trees are decorated with movie decor, while others are inspired by Disney World rides like the Haunted Mansion.

This tree was decorated with famous props from the Haunted Mansion ride.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Along the way, you'll also find sparkling lights, Christmas decorations, and festive window displays.

This window puts a Disney twist on "The Night Before Christmas."      Amanda Krause/Insider

Additionally, many of Disney Springs' iconic restaurants are decked out for the holidays. Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is one of them.

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar was decorated with Christmas lights when I visited.      Amanda Krause/Insider

You can also knock out some of your Christmas shopping at Disney Springs. Places like the M&M store have both candy-themed and Disney-themed gifts.

I found Christmas packages of M&M's, holiday sweaters, and more in this shop.      Amanda Krause/Insider

That's not to mention stores like World of Disney, where you can pick up everything from festive Mickey Mouse ears to Christmas sweaters.

These two jerseys, found at the World of Disney, are new for the 2021 holiday season.      Amanda Krause/Insider

There's also Disney's Days of Christmas store if you need some last-minute decorations like ornaments and stockings.

This store was packed with shoppers searching for Disney-themed Christmas decor.      Amanda Krause/Insider

That's not to mention all of the holiday snacks you can find. Gideon's Bakehouse, for example, has a variety of Christmas cookies and cakes that are worth waiting in line for.

I loved almost every Christmas treat I tried at Gideon's Bakehouse.      Amanda Krause/Insider

You can also find some theme-park Christmas snacks, like Disney World's famous cupcakes and candy apples, at Goofy's Candy Company and Disney's Candy Cauldron.

I found these desserts inside Goofy's Candy Company at Disney Springs.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Overall, I loved the atmosphere Disney Springs provides with its decorations, Christmas music, and shopping, and would highly recommend visiting. It lets you experience Disney World's holiday magic for a fraction of the price of a full vacation.

Disney fans celebrate the holidays together at Disney Springs in December 2021.      Amanda Krause/Insider