Celebrate the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027! Discover festive attraction overlays, sparkling décor, beloved parades and nighttime spectaculars, holiday character encounters, Disney Festival of Holidays, Disney ¡Viva Navidad! and seasonal magic throughout Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, the resort hotels and Downtown Disney. Plus, enjoy plenty of limited-time treats, drinks and holiday dining experiences along the way.

There is something extra magical about visiting the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season. Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkles with thousands of lights, snow falls along Main Street, U.S.A., Cars Land receives a wonderfully creative Christmas makeover and limited-time entertainment fills both theme parks.

From classic Disneyland traditions to celebrations inspired by cultures from around the world, the resort offers far more than decorated trees and seasonal treats. Guests can enjoy holiday attraction overlays, parades, fireworks, nighttime spectaculars, character appearances, live music and plenty of festive food and drinks.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will take place from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Most of the seasonal entertainment and experiences are included with regular theme park admission, although valid admission and a park reservation are required to enter a theme park.

Holiday Magic at Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is filled with classic Christmas charm during the holidays. Main Street, U.S.A. is decorated with garlands, wreaths and glowing lights, while a magnificent 60-foot Christmas tree welcomes guests near Town Square.

Throughout the park, familiar lands receive seasonal decorations that complement their individual themes. Even if you have visited Disneyland before, the atmosphere feels completely different during the holidays.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle

Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, covered in shimmering icicles, snow-capped details, festive wreaths and more than 80,000 twinkling lights.

During the evening, guests can experience Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle as the castle comes to life with music and sparkling lights. A gentle snowfall also appears in parts of Main Street, U.S.A. and other locations around Disneyland.

The castle is beautiful throughout the day, but it becomes especially spectacular after sunset. Make time to see it in both daylight and at night.

A Christmas Fantasy Parade

One of Disneyland’s most beloved holiday traditions is A Christmas Fantasy Parade.

The parade features Disney characters, dancing gingerbread cookies, toy soldiers, snowmen, reindeer and plenty of festive music. Santa Claus traditionally appears in the grand finale, making this an especially memorable experience for families with young children.

Parade viewing areas can begin filling well before showtime, particularly along Main Street, U.S.A. Check the Disneyland app for performance times and find your preferred viewing location early during busier dates.

“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks

Disneyland’s holiday nighttime spectacular, “Believe…In Holiday Magic,” combines fireworks, festive projections and seasonal music.

One of the most magical moments happens during the finale when snow begins falling in select areas of the park. Snowfall can usually be experienced around Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Rivers of America and “it’s a small world” Holiday.

Because fireworks depend on weather conditions, including wind at higher elevations, try to see the show earlier in your vacation rather than saving it for your final night.

“it’s a small world” Holiday

During “it’s a small world” Holiday, the classic attraction is transformed with colourful decorations representing holiday traditions from around the globe. Guests hear the familiar attraction song mixed with seasonal favourites such as “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”

The attraction’s exterior is covered with approximately 400,000 lights, creating one of the most impressive holiday displays at the resort. The illuminated façade is also a beautiful place for nighttime photos.

Don’t rush away after riding. The exterior lighting sequence is an experience of its own and can be enjoyed without entering the attraction.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Halloween and Christmas collide inside Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Jack Skellington takes over the mansion and attempts to create his own unusual version of the holidays. Guests will encounter familiar characters including Sally, Zero and Oogie Boogie as classic Haunted Mansion scenes receive a merry and macabre makeover.

A highlight of the overlay is the enormous gingerbread house created for the ballroom scene. The design changes each year, and the 2026 creation celebrates 25 years of the attraction’s elaborate holiday gingerbread displays with a monstrous music-box design.

Meet Disney Characters in Holiday Attire

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and several of their friends will debut new holiday outfits in 2026. Their seasonal fashions are inspired by holiday travel and a wintry alpine gathering.

Look for Mickey and friends around Town Square and Main Street, U.S.A. Character locations and appearance times can vary, so check the Disneyland app throughout your visit.

Families can also visit Bluey’s Best Day Ever! at Fantasyland Theatre, where Bluey and Bingo continue making appearances with music, dancing and interactive fun.

Visit Santa Claus in Mickey’s Toontown

From November 13 through December 24, 2026, guests can visit Santa Claus at his new Disneyland location inside the Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn, near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.

Children can share their Christmas wishes and take a holiday photo with Santa. His appearance ends on Christmas Eve, even though the rest of the Disneyland Resort holiday celebration continues into January.

Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour

Guests interested in learning more about Disneyland’s holiday history can book the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour for an additional cost.

The tour shares stories about Walt Disney, his family and holiday traditions from around the world. It also includes reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy Parade and other seasonal elements determined by Disney.

Availability is limited, so advance reservations are recommended once booking opens.

Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park

Disney California Adventure offers a completely different holiday experience. The park combines Disney entertainment with cultural celebrations, festive marketplaces and some of the resort’s most creative decorations.

Disney Festival of Holidays

The Disney Festival of Holidays celebrates Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day through music, dancing, storytelling and food.

The festival takes place throughout Disney California Adventure from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Guests can enjoy live bands, cultural performers and seasonal dishes representing different traditions.

The Paradise Garden Bandstand hosts a rotating schedule of musicians and cultural groups throughout the season, so entertainment can vary depending on the day you visit.

“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” Cavalcade

During “Mickey’s Happy Holidays,” Mickey Mouse and his friends dance through the park alongside the energetic Holiday Toy Drummers.

The cavalcade travels between Paradise Gardens Park and Hollywood Land at select times. It is shorter and more spontaneous than a traditional parade, making it a fun experience to catch while exploring the festival.

Holiday Toy Drummers

The Holiday Toy Drummers bring energetic rhythms and playful choreography to Paradise Gardens Park.

Their performances combine impressive drumming with plenty of personality and humour. They also participate in “Mickey’s Happy Holidays,” so there may be several opportunities to see them during the day.

“Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season”

On select days, Mirabel and her friends celebrate family and the holidays during “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” at Paradise Gardens Park.

The live show features music from Disney’s Encanto and focuses on the gifts that make each person and family special.

“A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!”

Miguel from Pixar’s Coco joins Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland for bilingual versions of beloved holiday songs during “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!”

The performance takes place on Buena Vista Street on select days and brings together beautiful mariachi music, familiar seasonal songs and the heart of Coco.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! celebrates holiday traditions from across Latin America with colourful decorations, live music, dancing, character appearances and seasonal food.

On select days, the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party features The Three Caballeros, Mexican folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, drummers and appearances by Mickey and Minnie.

Guests may also encounter Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and The Three Caballeros wearing festive outfits around Paradise Gardens Park.

World of Color – Season of Light

World of Color – Season of Light returns to Paradise Bay with enormous fountains, colourful projections, lasers, mist screens and holiday music.

The nighttime spectacular features scenes from Disney and Pixar films, including Beauty and the Beast and Inside Out, set to classic and contemporary seasonal songs.

Check the Disneyland app for performance times and virtual queue information. Dining packages may also be offered for select dates and can provide access to a reserved viewing area.

Cars Land at Christmas

Cars Land has one of the most detailed and imaginative holiday transformations at the entire resort.

Each Cars character decorates Radiator Springs in a way that reflects their personality. The result includes automotive wreaths, hubcap ornaments, traffic-cone trees and plenty of clever vehicle-inspired details.

Visit during the day to appreciate the decorations, then return around sunset for the nightly “Sh-boom” lighting moment, when the neon signs and holiday lights illuminate the land.

Two attractions also receive seasonal overlays:

• Mater’s Jingle Jamboree features holiday music and a festive version of Mater’s square-dance adventure.
• Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl adds seasonal songs and Christmas cheer to Luigi’s dancing roadsters.

Santa’s Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail becomes a festive outdoor playground for Santa’s Holiday Visit.

Families can explore seasonal activities and games before visiting Santa Claus. This location provides a woodsy, rustic backdrop that feels very different from his new Mickey’s Toontown location.

Santa is scheduled to appear through December 24, while some additional seasonal activities may continue after Christmas.

What to Eat During the Holidays

Food is a fun part of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, but with hundreds of seasonal items available across the parks, hotels and Downtown Disney, it can quickly become overwhelming.

Rather than trying to eat everything, choose a few favourites that fit naturally into your park day. Most holiday items are available from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, although individual dates and availability vary.

Seasonal Favourites at Disneyland Park

Some of the most appealing holiday options at Disneyland include:

• Thanks-mas Sandwich at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: Turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce on sourdough bread
• Holiday Matterhorn Macaroon at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: The classic coconut treat dipped in white chocolate and holiday sprinkles
• Mickey Gingerbread: A soft Mickey-shaped gingerbread cookie available at select locations
• Turkey Pot Pie Soup at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe: Turkey, potatoes, peas and carrots topped with pieces of pie crust
• French Toast Cold Brew at Red Rose Taverne: Cold brew with brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon cream and cinnamon cereal
• Christmas Stuff at Red Rose Taverne: Green mousse with brown sugar cake, lingonberry jam and holiday decorations
• Peppermint S’mores Hot Chocolate at Café Daisy: Hot chocolate with peppermint, toasted marshmallow syrup, whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs
• Holiday Matterhorn treats and seasonal churro dips: Available from select Fantasyland snack locations
• Merry Cranberry Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Galactic Grill: Crispy chicken with cranberry-orange barbecue sauce, provolone, onion rings and arugula
• Alien Reindeer Macarooooon at Alien Pizza Planet: A festive macaron filled with salted caramel buttercream, chocolate ganache and brownie pieces

The Mickey Gingerbread can be extremely popular, so purchase it when you see it rather than assuming it will remain available later in the day.

Seasonal Favourites at Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure has holiday items throughout the park, including:

• Holiday Leftover Burrito at Studio Catering Co.: Turkey, stuffing, sweet potato bites and cranberry sauce with gravy
• “Don’t Forget the Milk & Cookies” Fried Cookies at Award Wieners: Fried chocolate sandwich cookies with chocolate drizzle, whipped topping and crushed peppermint
• French Dip Grilled Cheese at Pym Test Kitchen: Prime rib, mozzarella, caramelized onions and onion mayonnaise with beef jus
• Jerry’s Junk Truck Cone at Cozy Cone Motel: Fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy and cheese inside a bread cone
• Cars-mas Tree Cone: Peppermint soft serve decorated with holiday sprinkles
• Pumpkin Spice Mickey-shaped Waffles at Schmoozies!: Waffles filled with pumpkin-spice cream cheese icing
• Mickey Elf Shake at Schmoozies!: A mint and chocolate cookie shake with green whipped topping and peppermint candy
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup at Aunt Cass Café: Creamy chicken pot pie soup served in a sourdough bread bowl
• Santa Baymax Macaron at Lucky Fortune Cookery: A festive Baymax-shaped macaron with peppermint buttercream and chocolate ganache
• Caramel Cheesecake Churro near Goofy’s Sky School: A classic churro with caramel cheesecake icing and chocolate drizzle

Many quick-service locations offer mobile ordering through the Disneyland app. Popular arrival windows can disappear during busy meal periods, so place your order before you become hungry.

Disney Festival of Holidays Marketplaces

Six Festive Food Marketplaces will operate around Disney California Adventure during the festival, serving small plates, desserts and drinks inspired by holiday celebrations from different cultures.

Guests who want to sample several dishes can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass. The pass includes six digital coupons that can be redeemed for eligible food and nonalcoholic drinks at participating marketplaces and select dining locations.

The pass can be shared, so families and couples do not necessarily need to purchase one for every person. Compare the prices of the dishes you want before redeeming a coupon, as using coupons for higher-priced eligible items generally provides better value.

Holiday Candy and Souvenirs

Seasonal candy can be found at locations including Candy Palace, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets.

The 2026 collection includes treats such as:

• Mickey Ornament Caramel Apple
• Santa Mickey and Santa Minnie Caramel Apples
• Mickey Wreath Cereal Treat
• Mickey Snowglobe Marshmallow Pop
• Minnie Present Vanilla Cake Pop
• Peppermint Patties
• Holiday Marshmallow Wands

Disney will also offer collectible novelties, including the Mickey Train Light-Up Popcorn Bucket and Holiday Stitch Christmas Tree Sipper, while supplies last.

Holiday Magic at the Disneyland Resort Hotels

You do not need to spend every moment inside the parks to enjoy the holidays. The Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa all feature seasonal decorations and special experiences.

Santa Claus will make appearances at select times at all three Disneyland Resort hotels.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The Great Hall at Disney’s Grand Californian is one of the most beautiful places to relax during the season. Its towering Christmas tree, Craftsman-style decorations and warm fireplace create a cosy holiday atmosphere.

The lobby will also feature a seven-foot-tall gingerbread display inspired by the hotel’s distinctive architecture.

Guests can book Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party for breakfast and brunch at Storytellers Cafe or enjoy Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast during dinner. Seasonal treatments will also be available at Tenaya Stone Spa.

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel combines nostalgic Disney details with colourful holiday decorations.

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! offers a seasonal character dining experience with a festive buffet and character appearances. Holiday treats and drinks will also be available at select hotel dining locations, including Broken Spell Lounge.

Pixar Place Hotel

Pixar Place Hotel will feature its own holiday decorations and scheduled Santa appearances, giving Pixar fans another fun place to explore during their resort stay.

Holiday character meals are popular and require separate reservations. Reservations are highly recommended once dining dates become available.

Christmas at Downtown Disney District

Downtown Disney District continues the celebration with decorated storefronts, holiday shopping, seasonal dining and live entertainment.

The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage will feature nightly snowfall along with live bands and DJs performing holiday music.

Families can also participate in Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail. Purchase an activity map, search for hidden ornaments around Downtown Disney and return the completed map to receive a festive keepsake.

Downtown Disney does not require theme park admission, making it a great option for an arrival day, departure day or evening outside the parks.

Tips for Visiting Disneyland During the Holidays

The holiday season is one of the most popular times to visit the Disneyland Resort, especially around American Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

A little planning can make a major difference:

• Purchase theme park tickets and make park reservations in advance.
• Arrive before the scheduled park opening to enjoy popular attractions early.
• Use the Disneyland app to check entertainment times, attraction waits and character appearances.
• Book table-service dining and holiday character meals as early as possible.
• Mobile order quick-service meals before peak dining times.
• Watch the fireworks earlier in your vacation in case weather causes a cancellation.
• Visit Cars Land, “it’s a small world” Holiday and Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle after dark.
• Check the daily schedule because some Festival of Holidays performances only occur on select days.
• Meet Santa before December 24.
• Build time into your plans to enjoy the decorations without rushing between attractions.
• Consider at least three park days so you can experience both parks without sacrificing the seasonal entertainment.

Is the Holiday Season a Good Time to Visit?

The Disneyland Resort is always magical, but the holidays bring together some of its best entertainment, most elaborate decorations and most beloved seasonal traditions.

Disneyland Park delivers the nostalgic Christmas atmosphere with its sparkling castle, classic parade, fireworks and attraction overlays. Disney California Adventure adds multicultural celebrations, live entertainment, Cars Land decorations and the Festival of Holidays. The hotels and Downtown Disney extend the experience beyond the parks, making the entire resort feel part of the celebration.

For families, couples and Disney fans who love Christmas, it is easily one of the most memorable times of year to visit.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Entertainment, attraction overlays, menus, character appearances and operating schedules may change, so check the Disneyland app during your vacation for the latest information.

Ready to experience the happiest holidays at The Happiest Place on Earth? Magical Moments Travel can help you choose the right hotel, purchase your park tickets and create a personalized Disneyland Resort vacation plan filled with holiday magic.