Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are happening right now. Experience the most magical time of the year with celebrations throughout both parks from November 12, 2021 to January 9, 2022! We spent 4 days visiting the happiest place on earth to celebrate the holiday season! We stayed at The Disneyland Hotel, which you can read about HERE. We also attended Disney's Merriest Nites and you can read about it HERE. Let me share with you everything you can't miss this holiday season in Disneyland. You can also watch the video HERE of all the fun we had!
You definitely can't miss the Christmas Fantasy parade. Beloved Disney Characters join Santa Claus for a merry musical celebration, heading your way down Main Street, U.S.A. This parade happens two times per day, at 3pm and 5:30pm. The parade will not perform at 5:30pm on November 30th, December 7th and December 9th (due to Merriest Nites). The parade is 40 minutes long. This parade also shows at Merriest Nites if you have tickets for the after hours Christmas party. Read about the party HERE.
Ring in the Season with prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more. A Christmas Fantasy Parade brings the most magical time of the year to Disneyland Park! Delightful holiday highlights include Mickey and Minnie working with Chip ‘n Dale to organize an avalanche of letters to Santa. Anna, Elsa and Olaf bid you a warm winter welcome from their fantastic Frozen realm. Woody and Buzz give a playful wave from atop giant wooden building blocks. The Disney Princesses dance at the Candlelight Ball. In the grand finale, wave hello to Santa Claus himself. It’s a Christmas fantasy you’ll never forget! Viewing Tips: arrive early to find the best possible viewing spot, especially if you plan to see the show along Main Street, U.S.A. There are also excellent viewing spots near "it’s a small world" Holiday. Watch the video HERE of the parade.
Set sail along a wondrous wintry waterway transformed with whimsical décor. Behold jubilant regional adornments all along your world tour of good cheer. Listen as the costumed chorus of children sings the classic “It’s a Small World (After All)” song and traditional holiday tunes. Listen for the South Sea mermaids who sing “Jingle Shells” and leave a plate of fish for Santa. Do not miss "It's a Small World" Holiday Lighting at 5:15pm.
Believe In Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular. Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets. The show is 15 minutes.
Snow Before You Go! As a special wintry treat, experience a magical snowfall all around you when you head over to “it’s a small world” Holiday and portions of the Main Street, U.S.A. area and celebrate the holiday season in grand style at this joyous jubilee in lights!
Decked Out for the Hallow-Days! Pumpkin King Jack Skellington has been busy decorating the Haunted Mansion with frightfully festive touches inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. From table to top, the 2021 Haunted Mansion Gingerbread creation is the tallest gingerbread design, architecturally. Thank you, “Sandy Claws!” Experience thrilling sights and seasonal surprises created by the citizens of Halloween Town. Sally, Oogie Boogie and other Nightmare nasties will be on hand to wish you “Season’s Screamings!”
Meet Santa in Critter Country
Don't miss the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street U.S.A which happens around sunset. Also make sure you take a photo with the Main Street tree!
Make sure you get your hands on a Mickey Gingerbread cookie. They are amazing. You can find them at Jolly Holiday and Market House (Starbucks on Main Street U.S.A ) in Disneyland. You can find them at Clarabelle's and Fiddler Fifer & Practical Cafe in DCA. You can also find them at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.
Don't forget to try other seasonal foods and treats while you are in the parks. Check out the list HERE. This turkey cranberry sandwich (Holiday Sandwich) from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe was amazing.
Visit with characters on Main Street U.S.A and all throughout the park
Don't miss The Dapper Dans performing Christmas classics
One of the biggest highlights from the trip was being asked to be in the crowd while Gwen Stefani performed Cheer For The Elves. I have always wanted to be part of the audience when they film the Holiday Special for ABC. I was so excited. Blake and the kids decided to go ride rides and I stayed for the performance. I saw No Doubt perform in college at SJSU like a million years ago so this was super fun! I love Gwen Stefani.
Have you ever done the sleeping beauty castle walk thru? It is right in Fantasy Land and it was our first time doing the walk thru. The kids loved it. You can explore darkened corridors and climb secret staircases to see dioramas inspired by Sleeping Beauty. There is also an accessible experience available next to the castle walkway for people who can't climb the stairs. Check out the video HERE.
There is so much to see and do at Christmas time in Disneyland. We love seeing all the beautiful decor around the park, visiting with characters, eating our favorite treats and trying new ones, watching the Christmas tree and Sleeping Beauty castle light up, taking in the snow fall on Main Street U.S.A, watching the Christmas parade, listening to The Dapper Dans perform and seeing Santa! There is nothing like Disneyland at Christmas time!
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