Happy New Year’s Eve! For me, 2024 seemed like a really long, wild year – I actually spent some time today reading through the monthly updates from this year, because I couldn’t keep track of everything that happened. The resort is definitely in a phase of change – particularly with Downtown Disney. But with the 70th anniversary on the horizon, I’m hoping 2025 is a year of celebration more than construction, and openings/additions to entertainment instead of closures and cuts.
But before we turn our attention to next year, let’s take a quick look back at December across the resort.
KATHRYN HAHN HOSTS THE CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
Each December, Disneyland and Disney World in Florida both host a fan-favorite holiday event: the Candlelight Processional. This 2-night event features live musicians, light projections, and a reading of the story of Christmas at the train station. And per tradition, the reading is done by a special guest narrator. This year’s Disneyland narrator was none other than the fabulous Agatha Harkness – Kathryn Hahn.
ย Source: Disney Parks
Caroling of some kind has been a staple event at Disneyland since 1955, with the show gradually growing and evolving until Waltโs involvement in some of the 1960 olympic entertainment inspired him to create a larger production. Since the 1960s, the Candlelight Processional as we know it has become a major tradition in the park. I’ve personally never coordinated a December trip to catch one, but it’s on my Disneyland bucket list!
ย Source: OC Register
DISNEYLAND RELEASES THE 2025 EVENT SCHEDULE
Just like last year, Disneyland made 2025 planning a bit easier for guests by releasing the full year’s event schedule in December. The lineup is largely similar to last year’s, including the usual festivals, Disneyland After Dark, and one special addition: the park’s 70th anniversary celebration.
ย Source: Disney Parks Blog
In the coming weeks, I’ll have separate blog posts with details for each event. But in the meantime, you can check out a brief description of each celebration on the Disney Parks Blog.
OTHER UPDATES
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has finally ended its virtual queue system, resuming normal operations with standby or Lightning Lane options.
The Haunted Mansion‘s new shop/carriage house is now open! Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond sells all kinds of Mansion goods, and per its official description, “crosses over into a boundless realm brimming with delightfully dreadful merchandise from regions beyond”.
And finally, I’ll be taking my usual break from posting for the month of January. I hope the new year gets off to a great start for all of you – and I’ll see you in February!
Happy New Year to you, dear Duchess. Thanks for keeping Disneyland in my life during this time when I am unable to travel far from home. It is much appreciated and very much enjoyed. Have a great 2025.
Happy new year to you too, Kerry! ๐