Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating the Holidays at Disneyland This Year

Nobody does the holidays better than the folks at Disneyland. If you want to get in the spirit, all you need to do is take a trip to Anaheim to get your festive fix. The Disneyland Resort is offering its many classic seasonal experiences—decking out rides like “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion Holiday, A Christmas Fantasy Parade with Santa, “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks (complete with snow), delicious treats, and your favorite characters dressed in festive garb. But this year is an extra special one since the Resort is also in the midst of its 70th anniversary celebrations, so consider it double the fun!

Because this is such a popular time of year to visit Disneyland with everyone wanting to get a taste of the holiday magic, we’re sharing some highlights below so you can strategize your visit. Take a look at what to expect below.

What’s Happening at the Disneyland Resort

• Sleeping Beauty’s castle is decked out in 80,000 twinkling lights, “icicles, and snow-capped turrets. Every night, it’s lit up for a spectacular view.
• Take in the view of the 60-foot-tall Christmas tree that’s adorned with 1,800 Victorian-inspired ornaments and 100 oversized faux candles—it’s located on Main Street.
• Catch Santa and Disney characters at the Fantasyland Theatre.

Disneyland Resort/Christian Thompson

• Enjoy “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” that includes reindeer, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, characters, and an appearance by Santa.
• Ride the Haunted Mansion Holiday—a must for fans of A Nightmare Before Christmas.
• Take in all the lights and seasonal overlay of “it’s a small world Holiday.” It’s the sweetest, most festive ride of the year.

What’s Happening at Disney California Adventure

Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort

• A 50-foot-tall Christmas tree with vintage-ornaments stands over Buena Vista Street—right at the park’s entrance.
• Catch a showing of “World of Color Happiness!” which is part of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
• Don’t forget to walk through Cars Land, which is all decked out for the holidays—a “Snowcar” greets guests at the entrance, and rides like Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree get holiday overlays and transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
• Disney’s Festival of Holidays returns with a daily rotation of performances, celebrating the holiday traditions of different cultures.

Disneyland Resort/David Nguyen

• Also part of the Festival of Holidays, Festive Food Marketplaces are spread across the park offering seasonal eats and drinks, like Braised Pork Belly Adobo, Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese and Al Pastor Mac & Cheese, Barbacoa Tamal de Res, a Holiday Mash Bowl, Sticky Toffee Pudding, a Holiday Hops flight, and an Irish Hot Cocoa Cocktail. If you want to go on a food tour, you can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, which includes six digital coupons you can redeem for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at the marketplaces.