Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are happening right now. Experience the most magical time of the year with celebrations throughout both parks from now until January 7, 2024. We love visiting with characters in their festive costumes, trying all the special treats, riding Small World, and making magical memories. Are you planning a trip soon? Here is my must-see-and-do list for Disneyland this year at Christmas. Let me share with you everything you can't miss this holiday season.
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Visit with characters on Main Street U.S.A and all throughout the park. They are in new outfits this year!
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 3:30 pm and 6:30pm.
Watch the Christmas Fantasy Parade 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.
This is Carter's favorite ride. This year we timed it just right and we were on a boat and watched the lighting! It was magical!!
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 at 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
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.
You can also meet Jack and Sally by the exit to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and Jack is even in his Santa suit!
Meet Santa in Critter Country. Click here to watch our video of meeting Santa in Disneyland and DCA.
Don't miss the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street U.S.A., which happens nightly at 5pm. 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, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and other places around the parks.
Don't forget to try other seasonal foods and treats while you are in the parks. This turkey cranberry sandwich from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe was amazing. It's called the Thank Mas sandwich.
Don't miss The Dapper Dans performing Christmas classics
Check out Toon Town! It is decorated so festive for the holidays!
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!
