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Enjoying the Holiday Season at Disneyland California

The Welcome Guide® Staff

Enjoying the Holiday Season at Disneyland California

The holiday season at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is a magical time filled with enchantment and wonder. Here, cherished traditions blend with the joyous spirit of the holidays to create an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From dazzling decorations to festive entertainment, Disneyland transforms into a winter wonderland that captures guests’ hearts. Let’s explore some of the highlights that make this holiday season at Disneyland a genuinely memorable and enchanting experience.

The Best of Disneyland This Holiday Season

Parades: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Disneyland Resort with the enchanting parades that make their way through the parks. A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland Park and Mickey’s Happy Holidays parade at Disney California Adventure Park are not to be missed. These dazzling parades feature festive floats, lively music, and beloved characters, bringing joy and cheer to all. As you stroll through the parks, be sure to catch both parades, as each offers a unique and magical experience. Consult the Disneyland app for parade times and plan your visit to ensure you get all the spectacle of these unforgettable holiday processions.

(Courtesy Disneyland Resort)
The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party will perform on select days, featuring The Three Caballeros accompanied by Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and more at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., during the 2024 holiday season. Guests can check Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app for performance schedules. (Disneyland Resort)

Decorations: Prepare to be amazed by the stunning decorations that adorn every corner of the park. With twinkling lights, giant Christmas trees, and festive ornaments, Disneyland transforms into a winter wonderland that is sure to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone. From the snow-frosted vibes at Sleeping Beauty Castle to the massive Christmas trees at both parks, you’ll want to catch all the fantastic photo spots. They’re all over the parks—including on some rides like Haunted Mansion Holiday (which is all decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas regalia) and It’s a Small World. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical ambiance of Disneyland’s holiday décor, making every step feel like a journey through a storybook winter wonderland.

(Courtesy Disneyland Resort)
During the holiday season, Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., features a merry makeover of the beloved eerie estate. Jack Skellington is behind the mayhem, decorating the mansion with frightfully festive touches inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” (Disneyland Resort)

Character Meet and Greets: Take advantage of the opportunity to meet your favorite Disney characters dressed in winter and holiday attire. From Mickey and Minnie in their cozy sweaters to princesses adorned in elegant gowns, these special meet-and-greets allow you to capture cherished memories with your beloved Disney friends. Strike a pose with Olaf from Frozen or share a hug with Santa Goofy. The character meet and greets during the holiday season add magic to your Disneyland experience. Ensure your cameras are ready to capture these heartwarming encounters and create lasting memories with your favorite characters!

(©Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
New for 2024, Santa Claus and select Disney characters will make appearances and pose for holiday photos at “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif. Families can also enjoy craft making, sing-alongs of holiday classics and atmospheric music at this daily offering. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

Spectacular Specialty Foods: Indulge in the delicious and mouthwatering specialty foods available during the holiday season. From gingerbread treats and peppermint delights to festive-themed meals and drinks, Disneyland offers a delightful array of culinary delights that genuinely capture the essence of the holidays. Savor hot cocoa’s warm and comforting flavors with marshmallows, or enjoy a delectable gingerbread cookie shaped like your favorite Disney character. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air, inviting you to taste this classic holiday treat. Take advantage of holiday-themed churros, peppermint mochas, and festive turkey dinners. Each bite celebrates the season, adding an extra layer of joy to your Disneyland experience.

(Courtesy Disneyland Resort)
2024 Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park – Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron from Favorite Things: Mickey-shaped chocolate macaron filled with vanilla buttercream, date cake and salted toffee sauce (Courtesy Disneyland Resort)

Merchandise: At Disneyland, the magic of the holiday season comes alive not only through enchanting decorations and festive entertainment but also through the exclusive holiday merchandise available. Disneyland takes the holiday spirit to another level by offering the coolest and most unique items that you won’t find any other time of the year, and sometimes nowhere else outside of the resort. From limited-edition apparel and accessories to delightful ornaments and collectibles, these exclusive holiday merchandises add an extra touch of wonder and excitement to your visit, allowing you to bring home a piece of the holiday magic to cherish and enjoy throughout the year.

(Courtesy Disneyland Resort)
During the 2024 holiday season, the Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail pursuit will debut at Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., where guests can search for special ornaments hidden among the holiday trees and shining lights adorning the district. Guests can purchase an activity map at select shopping locations in the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and redeem it for a collectible holiday keepsake at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders. (Disneyland Resort)