Holiday Season 2018

It’s not Halloween yet, but Disneyland’s most popular holiday season is just two weeks away. The night after Jack Skellington’s favorite holiday, Disneyland immediately begins its holiday transformation. Pumpkins and cobwebs make way for trees and wreaths, and the official holiday season commences November 10. Here’s what to expect during Disneyland’s Holiday Season 2018.

DÉCOR

Disneyland still dominates the holiday landscape at the resort, but each year, California Adventure slowly makes progress. Elsa recently dusted the castle with snow, officially signaling in the new season.

Main Street USA, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and Mickey’s Toontown go all out with decorations. Storefronts display wreaths, garlands, and ornaments, each tailored to fit the aesthetic of its respective land. The other lands have smaller bits of décor here and there, but they don’t transform as dramatically. (Pro tip – the tiny windows of the cottages on the Canal Boat tour have tiny wreaths!)

 Source: Disneyland

Over in California Adventure, Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, and Paradise Gardens Park offer the most décor for the holiday season. Cars Land’s decorations are distinct; each is made from spare car parts.

OVERLAYS

Across both Disneyland and California Adventure, a few attractions transform during the holiday season, taking on limited-time overlays. Some are minor, like those in Cars Land, adding new music and a little tinsel. Other are far more dramatic, like the Haunted Mansion.

• Haunted Mansion Holiday – This overlay technically starts during the Halloween season, but the clashing of two holidays means it lasts through the new year. Jack Skellington and friends move into the mansion, filling the rooms with gifts, gingerbread, and Sandy Claws’ naughty or nice list.
• It’s A Small World Holiday – During the holiday season, join the dolls as they celebrate global holiday traditions, from versions of Christmas to Diwali and more.
• Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl – Luigi’s cousins from Carsoli choreograph special routines for the holiday season. Spin to holiday tracks beneath garlands, wreaths, and special Cars Land décor.
• Mater’s Jingle Jamboree – Like his neighbor Luigi, Mater also decks out his junkyard for the holidays. Swing around the yard with special holiday musical accompaniment, and see if you can spot some of Mater’s DIY holiday decorations.

HOLIDAY SEASON TIPS

• Before you even start your visit, just accept the fact that it’s going to be crowded. Once the holiday decorations go up, Disneyland fans flood the parks. You’ll probably have long lines and crowds on whatever day of the week you go. But if you go in with realistic and fair expectations, you can still have a great trip. Make sure to utilize fast pass and single rider lines, and don’t forget your patience!
• Frustrated by crowds? Take frequent snack breaks. The cafes and dining spots in the resort sell tons of holiday treats worth tasting. If I know I’m headed into a long line, I stop and grab a nearby snack first.
• Even if you’re normally only interested in the E-ticket rides (big rides), try to factor live entertainment into your touring plan. The Dapper Dans, character performers, and parades all change their lineups for the holiday season, and every show is fantastic. This includes fireworks and World of Color, which both have specialty seasonal shows.

For more information about the Disneyland Resort’s holiday season, check out the official page here.