Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run from November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027, across Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney District. It starts a few days earlier than last year, which means more time to catch the parade, the snow on Main Street, and the castle lit up for the season.
Most of the season is a lineup of returning favorites, with a few fun new touches. Here's what to see at each park, plus tips for planning your trip.
Holidays at Disneyland Park
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
The classic holiday parade rolls down Main Street, U.S.A. for about 40 minutes of pure holiday cheer. Look for prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, and dancing gingerbread cookies, plus Mickey and Minnie sorting letters to Santa with Chip 'n' Dale. Anna, Elsa, and Olaf make an appearance. Of course, Santa Claus himself closes out the parade. Main Street gets crowded, so try the viewing areas near "it's a small world" Holiday or the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and check the Disneyland app for showtimes.
"Believe... in Holiday Magic" Fireworks
This 15 minute fireworks show is the grand finale of a holiday night at Disneyland. More than 80,000 lights sparkle on Sleeping Beauty Castle as fireworks burst overhead, and the best part is the snow. Real-looking snowflakes fall over parts of Main Street, U.S.A., around "it's a small world" Holiday, and along the Rivers of America. If you want to stand in the snow, pick one of those spots and get there early.
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle
Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes a winter castle for the season, covered in icicles, wreaths, and garland. Each evening as the sun goes down, thousands of lights turn on in stages while music plays and snow falls around it. It only takes a few minutes, but it's one of the most magical moments of the day. Grab a spot at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. around dusk so you don't miss it.
"it's a small world" Holiday
One of Disneyland's most beloved holiday traditions, "it's a small world" Holiday mixes the ride's famous theme song with classic holiday tunes, and every scene gets festive decorations. Outside, the building glows with more than 50,000 lights, and after dark the facade comes alive with projections set to music. Even if you skip the ride, stop by in the evening to watch the show on the building.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Jack Skellington and the rest of the "Nightmare Before Christmas" gang take over Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square, with spooky-meets-festive decorations inside and out. It opens before Halloween and stays through January 6, so it's one of the longest-running holiday overlays at the resort. Lines can get long, so ride early in the day or use Lightning Lane if you have it.
Meet Santa and Mickey's New Holiday Looks
New for 2026, Santa has moved into a new spot at Disneyland Park: the Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, where he'll greet guests through December 24. He also pops up at other locations around the resort, so check the Disneyland app for times. Mickey, Minnie, and friends are debuting brand new holiday outfits this year too, inspired by holiday travel and a cozy alpine getaway. They're a fun new backdrop for family photos.
Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park
World of Color: Season of Light
The holiday version of World of Color is back on Paradise Bay. The fountains dance to holiday music while lights and animated scenes play across the water. It's a great way to end a night at Disney California Adventure. Arrive early for a good spot along the water, since the best viewing areas fill up fast. Showtimes will be posted in the Disneyland app closer to the season.
Cars Land Goes Holiday
Cars Land gets decked out with car-themed holiday decorations, and two rides get a festive makeover. At Mater's Jingle Jamboree, Mater sings classic holiday songs with his own silly lyrics while you spin around his decorated junkyard. Over at Luigi's Joy to the Whirl, Luigi's roadsters dance to the same holiday soundtrack in his festive backyard. Come back after dark when the neon and holiday lights are glowing. It's one of the prettiest spots in either park.
Mickey's Happy Holidays
Mickey and his friends hit the parade route with a lineup of Pixar pals in this upbeat holiday cavalcade. It's shorter than a full parade, which makes it easy to catch between rides. Check the Disneyland app for times and find a spot along the parade route.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
This lively street party celebrates Latino holiday traditions with live musicians and dancers in Paradise Gardens Park. Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito show up in their fiesta best, and you can meet Mirabel and the Madrigal family from "Encanto." On January 6, Three Kings Day is celebrated with special decorations and a photo spot, so it's worth a stop if you're visiting at the end of the season.
Festival of Holidays
Disney California Adventure celebrates holiday traditions from around the world during the Festival of Holidays. Festive Foods Marketplace booths line the walkway between Buena Vista Street and Paradise Gardens Park, serving dishes and drinks inspired by different cultures' celebrations. Near the San Fransokyo bridge, the Holiday Toy Drummers keep the beat dressed as toy soldiers. Don't miss the 50 foot Christmas tree on Buena Vista Street, especially at night.
Tips for Visiting Disneyland During the Holidays
- Go early in the season. Mid-November and early December weekdays tend to be lighter than the weeks around Christmas and New Year's.
- Make your park reservation early. You'll need a valid ticket and a park reservation, and holiday dates can fill up.
- Stay for the evening. The castle lighting, "it's a small world" projections, fireworks, and World of Color all happen after dark. Plan a midday break so you have energy for the night.
- Take a break at the hotel. Staying within walking distance means you can head back for a nap or a swim and return for the nighttime shows.
- Don't skip Downtown Disney. It's decked out with trees and lights, and Chip and Dale's Ornament Trail is a fun scavenger hunt for kids. Maps are sold separately at select shops.
- Pack a layer. Anaheim days are mild, but evenings get chilly during fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Disneyland decorate for Christmas in 2026? Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begin November 13, 2026 and run through January 6, 2027. Haunted Mansion Holiday opens earlier, in late August.
Do I need a special ticket for Disneyland's holiday events? No. The parade, fireworks, World of Color: Season of Light, and holiday ride overlays are all included with regular park admission and a park reservation.
Where can I meet Santa at Disneyland? In 2026, Santa appears at the Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn in Disneyland Park through December 24. He also visits other spots around the resort, so check the Disneyland app for times.
What is the best time to visit Disneyland during the holidays? Weekdays in mid-November and early December are usually less crowded than the weeks around Christmas and New Year's.
Where should I stay for Disneyland at Christmas? Desert Palms Hotel is a 10 minute walk from the Disneyland Resort, with free hot breakfast, spacious suites for families, and holiday kids' crafts in the lobby on select days.
Stay Close to the Holiday Magic
Desert Palms Hotel is a 10 minute walk from the Disneyland Resort and a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel. Start every morning with a free hot breakfast, spread out in a family suite, and on select days, the kids can join in on holiday crafts in the lobby. When the fireworks end, you're just a short walk from bed.