Is there really one great time to visit Disneyland?
Not really, but if we were pressed, we might argue that the holidays are certainly one of the most magical times to visit Disneyland. The holiday decorations in the parks are beautiful and Sleeping Beauty Castle even gets a snowy glow-up. Plus Santa puts in an appearance, and “it’s a small world” gets a charming holiday overlay. Well, we now have even more reason to visit Disneyland this winter.
Disney recently revealed that the 2024 holiday season will arrive in Disneyland on November 15th, 2024, and run through January 6th, 2025. This year’s holiday season will bring some NEW things to Disneyland Park. First, Santa and other select characters will be meeting and greeting people at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland. Fantasyland Theatre will also host cookie decorating, craft making, storytelling, and atmosphere music throughout the day.
Santa will also be returning to the Redcreek Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure. You can also see him Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel through December 24th. Of course, you can also catch him in the finale of Disneyland’s “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”
Mickey and Minnie, along with their friends, will be wearing brand new holiday outfits in Disneyland. Characters will also be making holiday appearances in California Adventure.
A brand-new scavenger hunt is coming to Downtown Disney. From November 22nd, 2024 through January 1st, 2025, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Ornament Trail Pursuit will challenge you with finding special ornaments hidden among the holiday trees and decorations throughout the shopping and dining area. Maps for the scavenger hunt will be available at select shopping locations in Downtown Disney and Disneyland hotels. You’ll be able to redeem your filled map for a collectible holiday souvenir at World of Disney or Pin Traders.
Of course, a TON of holiday-themed eats and drinks will be available throughout Disneyland Resort, including the classic Mickey Gingerbread Cookie.
You’ll also be able to pick up the returning holiday tumbler.
Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel will be transformed into a holiday dining experience with “Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays” starting on November 19th. Also, for the first time ever, Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch will be available at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel featuring seasonal food, decor, and characters in their holiday pajamas. Reservations for both experiences will open later.
Want a sneak peek at some holiday merchandise? Here’s a look at some of the items you’ll be able to grab in stores throughout the resort.
You’ll be able to see holiday decor in both parks, too, as well as enjoy seasonal entertainment. If you take the Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort Guided Tour, you’ll get to hear holiday stories about Walt Disney and his family, as well as get a reserved viewing area for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.” All three hotels will also be getting in on the holiday fun, including a huge gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. In-room celebrations will also be available for purchase at the hotels.
The “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime fireworks show will be performed nightly at Disneyland plus “snow” will fall along the Rivers of America, outside of “it’s a small world” Holiday, on Main Street, U.S.A., and the west end of Downtown Disney.
In California Adventure, “World of Color — Season of Light” presented by Pandora Jewelry will return to bring dancing water fountains to life with festive music and shimmering “snowflakes.”
Of course, seasonal overlays will be coming to select rides, including the return of “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland. Radiator Springs, a.k.a. Cars Land, in California Adventure will be getting in on the holiday action with Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
But wait…there’s MORE! The Disney Festival of Holidays will also return to California Adventure, including holiday food booths, live entertainment, special merchandise, and more. Disney is also bringing “a slate of new cultural performance groups” to the festival. You’ll also get to see “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! will also return, which includes daily crafts, live music, food, and decor inspired by Latin American traditions. This is also where you’ll get to see Mickey, Minnie, The Three Caballeros, and Mirabel. The ¡Viva Navidad! street party will perform on select days, and will feature The Three Caballeros and Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and more.
Of course, November 15th marks another important occasion in Disneyland: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be finally opening! This will also bring two new shops, Ray’s Berets and Louis’ Critter Club, to the park.
That’s why EVERYONE should consider booking a winter trip to Disneyland. The holidays are going to be full of fun and excitement.
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
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I worked at Disney World for 5 years in the ’80s. No way in Hell I’d plan a trip to Disneyland or World during the holidays. In fact, my interest in visiting WDW ever again is at an all time low as they continue to destroy those parks