The Holidays at Disneyland
Sleeping Beauty Castle with over 80,000 lights
Last year, I decided to surprise my kids with the gift of Christmas at Disneyland (well, it was kinda a surprise). I talked to them about doing a small Christmas at home with a few gifts and going to Disneyland instead of a big Christmas morning. Honestly, my kids have enough stuff; I wanted to have more of an experience with them. They were all in, but of course, they asked if they'd still have presents to open on Christmas Day! I also let them pick out a gift at Disneyland.
We went the week before Christmas and got to experience all the holiday magic the resort offers. My daughter and I had fun trying the festive holiday treats, while my son, being less adventurous, stuck with his favorites—chicken fingers, fries, and pizza.
We spent three days in the parks, with a couple of rest days in between. One day, we went bowling at Splitsville, slept in, and did some extra shopping in Downtown Disney. The only real challenge was the rain—it poured quite a bit that week. Luckily, we had rain gear and rented a locker, even though we were staying on property. That way, I didn’t have to carry a bunch of bulky clothes, and we didn’t have to walk back to the room when we weren’t ready.
It was busy but manageable since the parks were blocked out for Magic Key holders, so there were fewer locals and more tourists. Overall, it was a fantastic holiday trip. This year, I asked my son if he’d like to go for Halloween, but he’s set on Christmas again! So, we’re planning for early December to (hopefully) avoid the rain. Plus, as Magic Key holders, we’ll be blocked out after mid-December.
Here are all the holiday details:
Visiting Disneyland during the holiday season adds an extra layer of magic. The holidays at the resort run from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025. During this time, you can meet Santa at the Fantasyland Theater from November 15 through December 24. Mickey and his friends are all decked out in their festive holiday attire, and there’s a brand new Chip and Dale Ornament Trail in Downtown Disney—a fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt for hidden ornaments on holiday trees! This runs from November 22 to January 1, 2025. At Disney California Adventure (DCA), you’ll find multicultural festivities with Disney Viva Navidad and the Festive Foods Marketplace. Cars Land also gets into the holiday spirit, with Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, both festively decorated with holiday lights and décor.
Returning favorites include the A Christmas Fantasy Parade, with Mickey and Santa, and the beloved It’s a Small World Holiday. The Haunted Mansion Holiday continues through Christmas with the ever-popular Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. The Believe…In Holiday Magic Fireworks show is back, and don’t miss the sprinkling of snow at the end of the fireworks (my favorite). Over at DCA, the World of Color - Season of Light also returns on November 15. Be sure to check the entertainment schedule in the Disneyland app for showtimes.
There’s already snow on Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle (the décor started earlier this year), and by November 15, it will be fully transformed with more snow, over 80,000 lights, and beautiful decorations, which are always the highlight this time of year.
Seasonal Treats:
When it comes to seasonal treats, you won’t want to miss the popular Mickey gingerbread cookie! Disney will release a full holiday food guide soon. You can also find exclusive Christmas merchandise collections, along with the always-popular popcorn buckets and holiday-themed beverage containers.
Storytellers Café is hosting Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch from November 19 through January 1. You’ll enjoy seasonal food, festive décor, and the chance to meet Mickey and friends dressed up in their holiday PJs. Storytellers is also one of the most sensory-friendly character dining options (and our favorite) at the Disneyland Resort, and you don’t need to be staying at the Grand Californian Hotel to dine there.
Extra Magic:
For an extra special touch, I love adding a guided tour to our trip. During the holidays, you can take the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour, which explores holiday stories from Walt Disney’s life, as well as holiday traditions from around the world. The tour is about two hours long and includes reserved viewing for the A Christmas Fantasy Parade, a holiday treat, and a walk-on ride at It’s a Small World Holiday.
While this tour is a lot of fun, it’s important to note that it involves a good amount of walking. It might not be ideal for younger kids or those who struggle with standing for long periods or staying focused. I’d recommend it for older kids, around 12 and up, especially if they’re interested in learning more about Disneyland’s holiday history.
Sensory Considerations:
Visiting Disneyland during the holidays is magical, but it can also bring sensory challenges. From Thanksgiving through mid-December, the crowds grow significantly, and the bright lights, festive decorations, and holiday atmosphere filled with music and all things Christmas can feel overwhelming.
Here are a few things that have helped make the experience more comfortable for my son:
What to Bring:
Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs: These are essential for softening or reducing the sounds of music, crowds, and parades.
Comfort items and fidget toys: Keeping hands busy can provide comfort during overstimulating moments.
Extra layers and rain gear: Cooler temperatures and the chance of rain mean packing jackets, ponchos, and rain shoes is a smart move. (Bring ponchos from home; they are very expensive in the parks.)
Break Spots:
When the crowds become too much, here are a few spots to recharge:
Tom Sawyer Island: A great place for kids to explore and burn off energy while escaping the crowds (weather permitting).
Disneyland Railroad: Hop on for a relaxing ride around the park, perfect during parade times. Just keep in mind there are periods of darkness and some flashing lights in the Grand Canyon section.
Mark Twain Riverboat: A peaceful 20-minute ride around the Rivers of America with limited seating available.
The Golden Horseshoe or Plaza Inn: Indoor seating where you can take a breather over a snack or meal.
Alien Pizza Planet seating area: A favorite spot for my son to enjoy pizza and take an extended break, but it can get loud at times.
Disneyland’s weather can be unpredictable during this time of year, so dressing in layers is key. I recommend renting a locker on Main Street for easy access to extra clothes without carrying a bulky bag.
By planning ahead with breaks, sensory tools, and proper clothing, you can enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere at Disneyland without feeling overwhelmed. Remember to check in with your party or child often, consider taking more breaks, and allow for slower transitions between rides. Don't forget about some of the non-ride activities, like walking through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, which can provide a nice break.
Ready to make Disneyland part of your holiday plans? Whether you’re picturing a winter wonderland at Disneyland this Christmas or planning a magical family gift for 2025, you’ll find all the holiday details on my holiday guide page. Start planning with a FREE quote today!
