November 13th marked this year’s arrival of the holiday season to the Disneyland Resort!

To kick it off, the ceremonial lighting of “it’s a small world” took place, presided over by the Gallardo Family. Their daughter Maya had battled acute myelogenous leukemia when she was 16 months old, but was ultimately cured by a stem cell transplant from her older brother Aaron.

Afterwards, the family was joined by their Pediatric Hematologist, Dr. Rosenthal.

Later, the “A Christmas Fantasy” parade ran for its 20th year, celebrating its anniversary with the addition of “Frozen” princesses Anna and Elsa.

Finally, over at Disney California Adventure, a newly-reworked version of last year’s “World of Color – Winter Dreams” opened with an increased “Frozen” presence, as the songs “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Love is an Open Door” were added into the spectacle.

In addition to these holiday offerings, there is a plethora of returning entertainment around the two parks:

Disneyland
–Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Big Thunder Ranch
–Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
–“Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks
–Haunted Mansion Holiday
–Jingle Cruise
–“Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort” guided tour

Disney California Adventure
–“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!”
–Classic department store Santa at Elias & Co.
–Holiday version of “Mad T Party”
–Seasonal makeovers to Cars Land, “a bug’s land,” and Buena Vista Street

Downtown Disney
–“Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink”
–Downtown Disney Winter Village
–Gingerbread House in the Grand Californian

Happy Holidays!