The holidays are soon to return to Disneyland and here are some things you definitely will want to check out if you plan on visiting that time of year! Holiday season kicks off November 15, 2024, and if you know nothing else, know this- no one does the holidays quite like Disneyland Resort! Here are some of my personal recommendations to put on your to-do list if you plan on visiting during the most wonderful time of the year!

THINGS TO DO

Haunted Mansion Holiday:

In my personal opinion the star of the show will always and forever be Haunted Mansion Holiday. During the year the house that holds 999 happy haunts is already one of my favorite attractions, but the holiday overlay is nothing short of amazing. Jack Skellington decks the halls for a unique holiday celebration which actually helps kick off the spooky season. From the pumpkins outside to the gingerbread scented ballroom with the huge gingerbread house, this ride is a colorful celebration you do not want to miss!

Holiday Shopping:

If Disney doesn’t do anything else, they will give you themed merchandise, but for the holiday season they kick it up several notches. From Spirit Jerseys to popcorn buckets and Loungefly bags, it is nirvana for those who love holiday themed merch and souvenirs. They have everything from throw pillows to blankets for those who love to transform their entire house for the holidays, ornaments for the tree (which they sell year around in some stores) snow globes, you name it they have it. Consider picking up a holiday gift for the Disney fanatic in your life.

Santa’s Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Trail AND the Fantasy Theatre:

Located on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure, you can visit with Santa and his elves for their annual visit! The trail will be transformed into a holiday themed playground with games and outdoor activities for all to explore. Pick up an activity map at the entrance to locate all the games while exploring the amazing decor. Stop by Ahwahnee Camp Circle to get a photo with Santa! This season will also debut Santa and select characters at the Fantasyland Theatre located inside Disneyland. Stop by and hang out and enjoy such fun activities like craft making, cookie decorating and storytelling throughout the day.

Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail:

Starting November 22, 2024, through January 1, 2025, in the Downtown Disney District you can take part in the ornament scavenger hunt, searching for special ornaments hidden among the holiday decor. Purchase an activity map at select shopping locations located in Downtown Disney as well as the Hotels of the resort. Once finished, redeem it for a collectable holiday keepsake at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders. Visit www.disneyparksblog.com for more information on rules and exclusions.

THINGS TO SEE

It's a Small World Holiday:

Get ready to set sail on the happiest cruise on earth! This holiday overlay takes place inside AND out! Over 50,000 lights come together to make this a sight to behold for the holidays. Last year the lighting took place at 5:15pm and let me just say, it is not to be missed! Inside you will immediately be immersed in the holiday season with holiday costumes, huge signs and banners and twinkling lights. Be expected to hear a jingle bell tune or two mixed into the classic " It's a Small World" theme song. The transformation doesn't stop there because they have even included scents! From the cherry blossom scent in Asia to pine and peppermint in Europe, put your nose to the test to see if you can capture them all! Every 30minutes throughout the night be sure to catch the projection show which is a treat for the eyes.

A Christmas Fantasy Parade:

Nutcrackers, Princesses and Santa oh my! This parade is sure to get you in the holiday spirit if the thousands of lights, trees and sounds haven't done so yet. Dance with prancing reindeer, toy soldiers and gingerbread cookies as they make their way down Main St. The Princesses dance at the Candlelight Ball, Mickey and Minnie help organize letters from Santa and wave to Anna, Elsa and Olaf in their frozen float perfect for a winter wonderland.

"Believe.... In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular:

This holiday themed fireworks show lights up the night sky and is a perfect way to end the night complete with a sprinkle of snow! Experience the Disney magic of snow falling in Anaheim as it falls on certain parts of Main St and all around "it's a small world holiday."

Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle:

With over 80,000 lights adorning the castle, a nightly show dazzles the crowd with a light show complete with snowfall at the end! Truly a sight to behold. Check your Disneyland Park App for the nightly schedule.

World of Color- Season of Light:

A special World of Color full of seasonal cheer dazzles across Paradise Gardens Park, bringing stories to life with a touch of holiday magic. Sing a-long to joyous tunes from both movies past and present while taking in the sights on a towering wall of mist.

Candlelight Processional:

If you are lucky enough to catch this show, it is a sight to behold. The candlelight mass choir sing holiday songs while the Christmas story is narrated by A-lists celebrity actors, which in the past has included everyone from James Earl Jones to Viola Davis. Last year it was only the first weekend in December with 2 performances each night so be sure to check the schedule and plan accordingly!

Decorations in California Adventure:

DCA gets all decked out with decor which seems to get bigger and better each year, starting with the 50-foot tree on Buena Vista St. Although the tree on Main St stands at 60-feet, for some reason this one seems bigger. Bigger lights, bigger ornaments, just bigger. Every area and section of DCA is decorated with Big Marc the grizzly bear in a holiday sweater, the live bands, craft stations and more. Cars Land is especially festive with some of the most adorable decorations. Be prepared to bring your appetite because DCA also has some special food offerings. Speaking of food...

THINGS TO EAT

Festive Foods Marketplace:

Food booths will be sprinkled throughout California Adventure highlighting cultural cuisines in a host of delicious dishes. If you are a foodie at heart, grab a Sip and Savor pass which is available to purchase for all guests. Each pass comes with either 4 or 8 coupon tabs that can be scanned and redeemed for select food items and nonalcoholic beverages that you redeem at select booths. The pass is valid for the entire length of the Festival of Holidays but be sure to check disneyparksblog.com for official information, limits and restrictions.

Disneyland Hand Pulled Candy Canes:

photo cred: www.instagram.com/disneyeats

For over 50 years people have been trying to get their hands on a coveted hand pulled candy cane. Made entirely by hand and from scratch, Candy Makers work tirelessly mixing pulled sugar and peppermint extract beforehand pulling, rolling and creating the perfect candy cane shape. Candy cane lovers say the fresh taste is what has them coming back or more. Over 15 inches long, grabbing these is just as much a tradition to some people as leaving milk and cookies for Santa. Planning a head and getting to the park BEFORE rope drop is necessary. There is a schedule for these extremely limited candy canes which will be available at Disneyland or California Adventure, with the park alternating dates. Mobile waitlists were used last year to help control the line and traffic, with lucky recipients receiving a text message when their order is ready. Good luck and may the force be with you!

Mickey Shaped Gingerbread Cookie:

Disneyland Park has a lot of holiday offerings, but my personal favorite is the Mickey Shaped Gingerbread. These are becoming harder to secure as their popularity rises, but as of last year more locations were offering them in both parks, even in the Grand Californian Hotel. The cookies are soft baked, which is my favorite!

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays and Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party

Who doesn’t love a good theme? Beginning November 19th, the Disneyland Hotel will offer Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays and for the first time, Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party will take place and breakfast and brunch over at the Storytellers Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Holiday themed meals will be served while you are surrounded by holiday décor and select characters in new holiday pajamas. Check Disneyland.com to make reservations at a later date.

Disney truly transforms the property into a winter wonderland with the massive amounts of twinkling lights, dazzling parades and delightful treats. The holiday season at Disneyland Resort will surely leave you with magical memories and festive cheers that you will carry with you throughout the holiday season.

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