No place quite captures the joy and wonder of the holiday season like Disneyland. From enchanting performances and parades to lavish decor and hit-the-spot holiday treats, Disney does it better than anywhere else. Discover special festivities this year from November 8 through January 6 at both parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Explore themed winter wonderlands and shimmering holiday spectacles, including Sleeping Beauty's famous castle, which shimmers in the evening hours with illuminated lights and icicles. Discover festive fun from around the world and be dazzled by holiday fireworks at the end of the night. Celebrate the holidays at Disneyland and immerse yourself in the magic of the season.
First Things First: Chill Out with Frozen 2
With the follow-up movie to Disney's smash hit Frozen releasing on November 22, you can bet that Elsa and Anna will be everywhere at the parks this season. Disney has promised Frozen-themed activities and adventures - we're hoping for an early "snow" season! Frozen fans will also want to check out Frozen Live at the Hyperion at Disney California Adventure, a dazzling stage show inspired by the music and the magic of the movie. It's a one-hour performance that's just the right amount of time for kids with short attention spans.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade: Reindeer, Toy Soldiers & Santa
Cheer from the sidelines as the entertainment Christmas Fantasy Parade rolls down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park. Twice a day, you'll find a cheerful procession of dancing cookies, decorated floats, and plenty of dancing and singing. Wave to your favorite characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Woody, Buzz, and Disney Princesses including Anna and Elsa (plus Olaf just for fun). Get there early to snag the best seats - and watch for Santa Claus to arrive at the end of the parade!
Haunted Mansion Holiday: Scary-Fun Surprises
Inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, this frighteningly festive attraction has been decked out by the Pumpkin King just in time for the holidays. Enjoy a good scare as you make your way through the haunted holiday home.
Go Global at It's a Small World & Sing-Along
Disney's beloved It's a Small World ride is transformed for the holidays with whimsical decor from around the globe - a world tour of holiday celebrations in every corner of the planet. Listen to the costumed children sing traditional carols from their home countries - and be sure to snap a picture with the beautifully bedecked façade of this iconic Disney attraction. The façade also features a light projection show with holiday colors, images, and music throughout the evening at 30-minute intervals.
Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park
There's plenty of Christmas fun and holiday cheer in store this year at Disney California Adventure Park, too. Disney Festival of Holidays takes over the park for the season, with an international celebration of food, music, and fun for all ages. The park has really stepped up its game in the past few years when it comes to holiday decor, especially in Cars Land. And on beautiful Buena Vista Street, you'll encounter a nostalgic, 1930s Hollywood vibe with a vintage glow and enchanting holiday happenings.
- Buena Vista Street & Tree Lighting - Begin at the winter wonderland of Buena Vista Street, which decked out up and down for the holidays, including a spectacular 50-foot tree. Try to catch the Holiday Tree Lighting, when the massive tree comes to life with thousands of colored lights and shiny ornaments every night. Listen to carolers and soak in the festive ambience.
- Festive Foods Marketplace - Try holiday foods and libations from around the world at 12 different marketplaces around the park. From over-the-top desserts to creative comfort cuisine, these special treats are only available during the Disney Festival of Holidays. You can also savor special holiday fare at Paradise Garden Grill. It's the ultimate Yuletide foodie attraction!
- Disney Viva Navidad - Celebrate Latino culture at an ebullient street party with The Three Caballeros, a fiesta whirlwind of samba music, mariachi, dancing and giant puppets! Mingle with your favorite characters in special costumes and dance in the streets of Disneyland. Then from January 3 to 6, enjoy Three Kings Day in Paradise Garden with magical Latin American traditions.
- Spirited Holiday Rides - Two big rides at Disney California Adventure Park go all-out during the holidays. Mater's Jingle Jamboree features a holiday version of Mater's hoedown party, with Christmas tunes and decor all around. At Luigi's Joy to the World, Luigi's roadsters carouse in a winter playground with holiday music and thousands of lights.
Your Disney Dream Vacation Starts Here: Desert Palms
Wake up refreshed after a good night's sleep, enjoy a delicious breakfast together with your family, and then walk less than a block to Disneyland. Discover an unbeatable location to enjoy the holidays at Disney at Desert Palms Hotel & Suites. Whether you choose a suite with a full kitchen or a cool bunk bed room, you'll find the ideal home base for your Disneyland adventure right here.