When Does the Christmas Season Start at Disneyland?

It might seem a little early to start thinking about the holidays, but if you’re planning a Disneyland trip for this fall or winter, you might be wondering if you’ll get to experience the holiday season in the parks.

Well, we’re going to give you a breakdown of what happens during the holiday season in Disneyland, and we’re going to tell you when it starts…and ends.

In 2025, the holiday season begins in Disneyland Resort on November 14th, 2025 and runs through January 7th, 2026. Yes, it begins early and runs past Christmas and New Year’s Day, which means you have extra time to enjoy the season in the parks, at Downtown Disney, and at the hotels.

During that time, you’ll get to see Mickey, Minnie, and their friends dressed in their holiday outfits in Disneyland that also channels Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, which the park is also celebrating.

Sleeping Beauty Castle will get its winter glow-up with Wintertime Enchantment with 80,000 lights that turns the castle into a snowy and sparkling wonderland. You’ll also be able to catch the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks on select nights, as well as experience “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A.

Sleeping Beauty Castle during the holidays

“A Christmas Fantasy Parade” will also return with Disney characters, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, and more. Plus, “it’s a small world” will get its holiday overlay, while Haunted Mansion remains Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Fantasland Theatre transforms into “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends,” with craft-making, holiday sing-alongs, and photo ops with Disney characters and Santa.

In Disney California Adventure, you can enjoy the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade, the “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” show on select days, “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” show, and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Cars Land gets in on the holiday fun with festive decor and holiday overlays for rides, including “Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl” and “Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.”

The Disney California Adventure Festival of Holidays will also bring a variety of outdoor food kitchens to the park with holiday-inspired food.

Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure

The Disneyland hotels will also get decked out with holiday decor. A few seasonal character dining options will also be available, including a NEW character dinner experience called Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Storytellers Cafe will also host Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party for breakfast and brunch.

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! will be happening at the Disneyland Hotel, You can also have Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

In Downtown Disney, you’ll see lots of holiday decor, plus you can listen to live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail will return this year to challenge you to hunt for special ornaments hanging from trees throughout the shopping and dining district.