The “happiest place on Earth” will soon fill with holiday cheer. (Post-Halloween and Oogie Boogie, that is.) Today Disneyland Resort revealed plans for its annual winter holiday celebration, with plenty of new and returning favorite treats for guests.
From November 15 to January 6, park guests can experience attractions like It’s A Small World and Haunted Mansion with their special holiday overlays. They can also meet Santa and visit with Mickey, Minnie, and friends decked out in their new holiday looks. Plus, the holiday season will see the official opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, as well as a new ornament scavenger hunt and cultural performances.
Check out highlights from the holiday season at Disneyland Resort below.
Holiday Decor & Entertainment In The Parks
Here’s a quick breakdown of where to find holiday-themed decor and entertainment in Disneyland Resort.
- “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” musical celebration in Disneyland Park.
- “Believe…In Holiday Magic” firework show, every night in Disneyland Park.
- “World of Color – Season of Light” show with shimmering “snowflakes”, every night in Disney California Adventure Park.
- “Snow” falling nightly along the Rivers of America, near It’s A Small World, and areas of Main Street in Disneyland Park.
- Holiday-themed attraction overlays for It’s A Small World and Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park, and for Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Disney California Adventure Park.
- Santa Claus visits Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park, with cookie decorating, craft making, storytelling, and atmospheric music throughout the day. Santa will also make stops at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel through Dec. 24.
- Holiday decor embellishes both theme parks, as well as the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort Hotels.
NEW: Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail
Guests can also check out an all-new holiday scavenger hunt this season. From November 22 – January 1, head to Downtown Disney to purchase an activity map for Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail at select shopping locations. Then, search for ornaments throughout Downtown Disney. Check in at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders to redeem your map for a special holiday keepsake.
NEW: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Though not itself holiday themed, a long-anticipated attraction will open at Disneyland Park during the holiday season. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (previously Splash Mountain) opens November 15. Guests will join Princess Tiana and her jazz-loving alligator pal Louis on a trip through the bayou, featuring Princess and the Frog characters, original music, and more.
Disney Festival of Holidays & ¡Viva Navidad!
Disney Festival of Holidays returns to California Adventure Park, with a selection of holiday food and beverages, live entertainment, and special festival merchandise. Festive Food Marketplaces return, as well as scannable Sip and Savor Passes. Plus, look out for “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade.
Paradise Gardens will host the returning ¡Viva Navidad! cultural celebration, which includes daily crafts, specialty dishes, and live music and decor inspired by Latin American traditions. On select days, guests can attend a street party with The Three Caballeros accompanied by Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, and Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists. On days the street party isn’t scheduled, guests can meet Mirabel from Encanto or Miguel from Coco. Check the Disneyland app for performance schedules.
Holiday Food & Merch
As always, the holiday season at Disneyland Resort will feature plenty of specialty food and beverage options in both parks, as well as unique novelties and merchandise. Mickey Gingerbread, for one, is set to return. We expect Disney will reveal a full holiday food guide soon, so stay tuned for more updates. We also know the seasonal merch will include a Holiday stainless steel tumbler.
