Holiday Season 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I personally LOVE the holiday season, as much as I appreciate Disneyland’s halloween celebration. This year’s festivities start next week, running from November 15 through January 6.

Source: Disneyland Resort

THE BEST DECOR SPOTS

Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney all bring out the shiny decor for the season, though some lands do it better than others. While virtually every land across the resort has something added for the holidays, these are the areas with the biggest celebrations:

Disneyland

California Adventure

Downtown Disney & Resort Hotels

Grand Californian

ATTRACTION THAT GET INTO THE SPIRIT

Across the resort, five attractions transform with special holiday overlays:

Haunted Mansion Holiday– This one carries over from Halloween. Jack Skellington & his friends have taken over the mansion, storing presents and prepping for Sandy Claws’ frightfully fun Christmas Eve journey.
It’s A Small World Holiday– The whole world has reason to celebrate this holiday season. Take a cruise through a global celebration and enjoy the attraction’s beautiful holiday lighting and décor on the façade.
Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl– Bon Natale! Cars Land’s resident Italian celebrates Christmas in style. Join Luigi for special dances, to some of his favorite car-sung covers of holiday classics.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree– Mater agrees; it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy his festive soundtrack and a few worn decorations in his junkyard.
World of Color– Bright lights, cheery music. Join Mickey and his friends as they celebrate the season of light with a spectacular nighttime show.

Source: Disneyland Resort

FUN AND GAMES TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING

In addition to the overlays and tinsel hung around the resort, both parks host special entertainment throughout the season. These events happen during normal park hours, and do not require any additional reservations/purchase aside from your regular park ticket.

Festival of the Holidays – a food festival including live performances, character meet and greets, and activity stations.
Meet Santa – Santa will have several meet and greet opportunities throughout the resort until December 24, before he has to hurry back to North Pole for his big night.
Viva Navidad – a street party in Paradise Gardens Park with folklórico and samba dancers and a special celebration on Three Kings Day (January 6).
Christmas Fantasy parade – Dance alongside reindeer, toy soldiers, the princesses, Mickey, Minnie, and Santa as they parade down Main Street.
Believe…in Holiday Magic fireworks – The fireworks you know and love…with 80,000 twinkling lights and magical snowfall.
Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail – A scavenger hunt to find special ornaments on trees throughout Downtown Disney. Find them all and get a prize!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Given how beautiful the holiday decor is, I always find myself spending extra time just walking around and admiring the park’s little details. Here are a few of my favorite things to see/do during the season:

Magic snow – Head over to Grizzly Peak, along the walkway by the entrance to the Grizzly River Run. Stay close to the lanterns – they periodically (I believe every 30 minutes or so?) release mini flurries of magical snow.
Trader Sam’s – Everyone’s favorite tiki bar usually has a few special holiday drinks to try! Definitely a must-do for anyone that likes peppermint.
Hidden path to Fantasyland – This walkway is always one of my favorites, but it’s extra special when you get a close-up view of the castle’s spectacular decorations.

Source: Disneyland Resort