Winter at Disneyland means sunny, mild days that often reach the 60s and 70s, and evenings that can dip into the 40s and 50s once the sun goes down. The key is layers: a light outfit for the day, plus a warm jacket for parades, fireworks, and World of Color at night.
Yes, Southern California gets cold. Ask anyone who's stood on Main Street waiting for fireworks in a T-shirt. Here's what to pack so you're comfortable from rope drop to the last show.
The Disneyland Winter Packing List
Clothing
- Lightweight layers: T-shirts or long sleeves you can wear alone during the day
- A warm hoodie, fleece, or puffer jacket for evenings
- Comfortable pants or jeans. Shorts are fine midday, but you'll want pants at night.
- Broken-in walking shoes. You'll easily walk 10+ miles a day.
- Extra socks, in case of rain or puddles
- A beanie or ears with a warm headband for nighttime
- Pajamas and a cozy layer for the hotel
- Swimsuit. Yes, really. The heated pool and jacuzzi at Desert Palms are open year-round.
Park Bag Essentials
- Portable phone charger and cable (you'll use the Disneyland app all day)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses. The winter sun is still strong.
- Refillable water bottle
- Lightweight rain poncho, just in case
- Hand warmers for fireworks and World of Color
- Lip balm and lotion for dry, cool air
- Small snacks for lines
For the Kids
- Stroller blanket for evenings
- An extra layer for each kid (they always end up cold first)
- Holiday outfits or matching family shirts for photos
- Autograph book and pen for character meets, including Santa
Holiday Extras
- Festive ears or a holiday sweater for photos
- An empty tote or foldable bag for holiday merch and gifts
- Glow toys or light-up accessories for nighttime parades
What You Can Leave at Home
- Heavy snow gear. A warm jacket is plenty. You won't need snow boots or a parka.
- Too many outfits. Layers you can mix and match go further than a new outfit every day.
- Bulky toiletries and snacks. CVS, Walgreens, and a 7-Eleven are right by Desert Palms, and the hotel has a self-serve market on site.
- Anything Disney doesn't allow. Check Disneyland's park rules for current bag, stroller, and prohibited item policies before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to Disneyland in December? Wear light layers during the day, like a T-shirt with a long-sleeve top or light sweater, and bring a warm jacket for the evening. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
How cold does Disneyland get at night in winter? Evenings in December and January can drop into the 40s. It feels colder when you're standing still for fireworks or parades, so a warm layer and hand warmers help.
Do I need a winter coat for Disneyland? A heavy winter coat is usually more than you need. A hoodie, fleece, or light puffer jacket works for most nights.
Does it rain at Disneyland in winter? Winter is Southern California's rainy season, though rain is usually short-lived. Pack a poncho and extra socks just in case.
Where should I stay near Disneyland in winter? Desert Palms Hotel is a 10 minute walk from the Disneyland Resort, so you can easily run back for a warmer layer. It has a heated pool and jacuzzi, free hot breakfast, and a mini-fridge and microwave in every room.
Pack Light, Stay Close
Forgot your jacket? At Desert Palms Hotel, you're a 10 minute walk from the Disneyland Resort, so a quick trip back to the room is easy. Warm up in the heated jacuzzi after a long park day, start every morning with a free hot breakfast, and spread out in a spacious family suite.
Book Direct for Our Best Rate