Halloween Season 2026

I know, I know. It is barely even mid-summer. For those of us who love the long days and warm sunshine, we are still firmly holding onto every bit of summer we can get. But the Disney parks operate on their own calendar, and the autumn rollout happens earlier every year. Whether you are ready for a change in the weather or just looking ahead to your next vacation, this year’s official Halloween celebration materializes from August 21 to October 31.

Source: Disneyland Resort

ATTRACTION OVERLAYS

Disneyland

Haunted Mansion: Jack Skellington and his Nightmare Before Christmas crew are back to take over the mansion once again, hosting a delightfully frightening holiday mashup. Because two holidays collide, this fan-favorite overlay will stay up and running straight through January 2027.

Disney California Adventure

Guardians of the Galaxy: Once the sun goes down, the Collector’s Fortress gets a sinister upgrade. You will join Rocket on a high-octane mission to rescue Groot from the creepy creatures running wild.
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: Swing by Cars Land to watch Luigi and his extended family dance to a customized, spooktacular soundtrack.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree: Mater joins the fun by spinning guests around his graveyard to some hauntingly catchy country tunes.

Source: Disneyland Resort

THINGS TO DO – AND EAT!

For me, half the fun of the Halloween celebration is snacking my way through the resort. On top of the festive decor spanning Main Street, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and more, the whole resort rolls out a ton of seasonal treats and specialty drinks available throughout the season. The “foodie guide” usually drops at the end of July, and I’ll be sure to share it on the blog.

In between snacks, you can also catch specialty entertainment included with your park admission:

Main Street Pumpkin Festival: Take a stroll down Main Street to marvel at hundreds of unique jack-o’-lanterns, headlined by the iconic giant Mickey pumpkin in the central plaza.
Día de los Muertos & Plaza de la Familia: Frontierland hosts a beautiful traditional display honoring the Day of the Dead. Over at Disney California Adventure’s Paradise Gardens Park, the Plaza de la Familia celebrates the everlasting bonds of family with the music and characters of Pixar’s Coco from August 21 through November 2.
Mickey’s Trick and Treat: Families with little ones will love this can enjoy this daytime show at Disney California Adventure, which features fan favorite characters.
World of Color: Returning for a limited time starting August 10, the “ONE” edition of this classic nighttime spectacular will run straight through the Halloween season on evenings when the park does not host the after-hours party.
Halloween Screams: Disneyland’s halloween fireworks show, featuring supernatural projections, eerie music, and fireworks on select nights.

For an upgraded experience (as in, extra cost beyond regular park admission), Oogie Boogie Bash is back again. This after-hours party (separate ticket required) includes trick-or-treating, character meet and greets (including rarely seen villains), special fireworks & a parade, plus the chance to ride your favorite attractions with shorter lines. Costumes are strongly encouraged – even for adults! Note for anyone who has attended in years past: The Bash will not include a parade this year, if that factors in your decision to buy tickets. Instead, it will be replaced by a Haunted Mansion themed dance party.

If you’ve never been to a Halloween party, I’ve got an in-depth post explaining the annual entertainment, trick-or-treating, and costume experiences here. Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are on sale now. For more information about party offerings, tickets, and costume rules, visit the event page here.

Source: Disneyland Resort

Don’t skip Villains Grove: If you are attending Oogie Boogie Bash, make this a priority. I passed on it during my first few parties because it sounded simple on paper, but the atmospheric lighting, soundscapes, and projections make it one of the absolute best parts of the night.
Hack your party day to save cash: Your Oogie Boogie Bash ticket gives you up to eight hours of total park time inside California Adventure. The mix-in starts at 3:00 PM, and the party runs from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Because Anaheim is still quite warm in late summer and early fall, you can spend the morning relaxing by your hotel pool or exploring Downtown Disney, saving you from burning a regular park ticket day.
Know the costume rules: Remember, guests aged 14 and older are permitted to wear costumes exclusively during the official after-hours party hours inside California Adventure. If you show up to Disneyland in full costume during normal hours, security will turn you away. Keep accessories safe, make sure capes do not drag as a tripping hazard, and ensure outfits are family-friendly.
Hunt for daytime villains: You can spot rare villains without a party ticket. During the daytime hours of Halloween Time, iconic Disney bad guys freely roam the parks. They are incredible improvisers and make for unforgettable interactions.
Prioritize the treats: The bakeries across both parks and the Downtown Disney District put out a massive array of seasonal items. Make sure to use Mobile Order on the Disneyland app early in the day so you do not miss out on the most popular treats.

Source: Disneyland Resort