The Holidays at Disneyland

The ultimate guide to the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort

The holiday season begins November 15!

During the holiday season at Disneyland, from November 15, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the parks are transformed into a festive winter wonderland filled with beautiful decorations and fun seasonal experiences. Guests can meet Santa around the resort, stroll through the Chip and Dale Ornament Trail scavenger hunt in Downtown Disney, and enjoy A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland, featuring special appearances by Santa, Mickey, and friends. Over at Disney California Adventure, multicultural celebrations like ¡Viva Navidad! and the Festive Foods Marketplace offer delicious holiday treats, daily entertainment, holiday toy drummers, and visits from Mickey and friends. Don’t miss It’s a Small World Holiday, sparkling with over 50,000 lights, and the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks and snowfall.

Experience the holiday magic at Disneyland this year! It’s not too late to plan your trip. Fill out my quote form to get started!

Seasonal offerings…

  • Meet Santa: Available from November 15 to December 24 at the Fantasyland Theater, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and in the lobbies of the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, and the Grand Hall at the Grand Californian Hotel.

  • A Christmas Fantasy Parade: A festive holiday parade featuring marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and snowmen, Anna and Elsa, Buzz Lightyear, Mickey and friends, and of course, Santa Claus!

  • It’s a Small World Holiday: Returning November 15 with its holiday overlay, this classic ride lights up with thousands of lights outside and is transformed into a holiday wonderland inside. Don’t miss the daily lighting at dusk, and every 30 minutes throughout the night, enjoy a projection show on the exterior of the ride.

  • Believe… In Holiday Magic Fireworks: A dazzling nighttime show with a magical snowfall finale. Projections light up the castle, Main Street, and the exterior of It’s a Small World, with snow falling in those areas, too. Please note: Fireworks are subject to cancellation due to weather.

  • Haunted Mansion Holiday: This seasonal overlay featuring Jack, Sally, and Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas continues from Halloween through the holiday season. Please note: Haunted Mansion is available only via virtual queue.

  • Disney California Adventure: Enjoy multicultural festivities like Disney ¡Viva Navidad! and the Festive Foods Marketplace, featuring daily entertainment, festive decorations, holiday food offerings, Holiday Toy Drummers, and appearances by Mickey and friends.

  • World of Color – Season of Light: Returns to Disney California Adventure starting November 15. Disney and Pixar films come to life on a misty screen, created by hundreds of dancing fountains, accompanied by festive music.

  • Cars Land: Radiator Springs is transformed with festive decorations, featuring holiday overlays for the rides Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.

  • Chip and Dale Ornament Trail: Enjoy a family-friendly fun search for hidden ornaments on holiday trees throughout the Downtown Disney District from November 22 to January 1, 2025.

Treats

Disney typically releases a food guide for the holiday season, but as of October 26, it hasn’t been announced yet. Be sure to try the always-popular Mickey gingerbread cookie sold around the resort, along with a variety of festive desserts, drinks, and other seasonal foods. And don’t forget to mobile order when possible, as some seasonal treats may sell out!

Dining

This holiday season, the Disneyland Resort offers three dining experiences:

Mickey’s Holiday PJ Party Breakfast and Brunch at Storytellers Café: From November 19th to January 1st, Mickey and friends will greet guests in their festive plaid pajamas. Storytellers Café is our favorite character dining option, and the most sensory-friendly atmosphere.

Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Hearthstone Lounge: Join on select weekends from December 3rd to December 24th for a special tea experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Winter Holidays: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Goofy and his pals from November 19th to January 2nd.

Reservations are required for all dining experiences, though a limited number of walk-in spots may be available. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to dine at these restaurants, and Magic Key holder discounts apply.

Let’s get you to Disneyland!

It’s not too late to plan your holiday trip, or give the gift of Disneyland! With huge discounts beginning in early 2025, now is the perfect time to start planning. I can assist you in selecting the right accommodations for your family within your budget, help with dining reservations, guides to navigate the parks, and craft an itinerary tailored to your family’s needs.

Ready to get started? Fill out my quote form, and let’s chat about making your Disneyland dream a reality!