Holiday Time at Disneyland

It’s that time of year again!! And while many people are insisting there is a holiday between Halloween and Christmas, I’ve already got two trees up in my house. That’s right, the winter holidays are in full swing at my house and at the Disneyland resort. Unfortunately, my house isn’t quite big enough to house all you lovelies for us to spend this time of year together – so you’ll just have to settle for Disney. I know, what a compromise! Here’s everything you need to know about Disneyland for the Holidays.

The Shows

• World of Color – Seasons of Light
  • From November 10^th through January 7^th, experience this unique show with a special holiday twist. World of Color is a worthwhile show all on it’s own, but it’s even better with a splash (pun intended) of holiday magic. Be sure to grab your fastpass to reserve a seat, or if you’d like to guarantee the perfect view Disney offers both a dinner and dessert party package.
• Christmas Fantasy Parade
  • Mickey, Minnie, and all their friends are done to the nines to celebrate the holiday spirit with you! Running twice daily, this parade is sure to put you and your family in a festive mood. Check out all your favorite characters, in their best ugly Christmas sweaters. Be sure to stay until the very end for a surprise visit from the man in red himself.
• Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks
  • What could possibly be more classically Disney than a Fireworks spectacular at the end of a fun filled day? Well, it’s in November or December a bit of Christmas music may help it along. Plan ahead to snag a seat early, as this is one you will not want to miss.

Ride Layovers

• It’s a Small World Holiday
  • Small World is such an underrated attraction. It is one of the original Disneyland attractions, that Walt himself actually rode on – how could you possibly pass that up? This is one of my personal favorites, and it is somehow even better at Christmas time. From the abundance of dazzling lights on the façade, to the onslaught of holiday music from around the world – it is a must do for any holiday trip to Disneyland
• Haunted Mansion Holiday
  • Jack Skellington and his friends of decked the hallowed halls of the Haunted Mansion, for a unique holiday experience. This is yet another cannot miss holiday time treat that will certainly set your spirits high. The line can get rather long throughout the day, however, so I would highly recommend making this one of your first stops of the day.
    • Pro Tip: Jack and Sally make appearances in this area of the park throughout the day. Keep an eye open, as they don’t hang around long.

Atmosphere

• Disney Viva Navidad
  • New this year to the Disneyland resort is the Viva Navidad Street party at California Adventures. The parade is led by The Three Caballeros and filled with traditions of Latin America. Bright, colorful costumes and lively music are the hallmarks of this event that is sure to put some pep in your step.
• Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour
  • If you are able to squeeze it into your budget, I highly recommend the Holiday Tour. The cost is $85, but allows you to see behind the scenes how Disney creates the beautiful holiday magic. Worth every penny, and you will receive (2) limited edition holiday souvenirs
• Décor and Lights
  • The imagineers at Disney have been hard at work helping to create the magical twinkle of tinsel at every turn. In Disneyland Park you can see their handy work all along Main Street, and atop Sleeping Beauty’s snow caped castle. The whole park is decorated with millions of twinkling lights and Mickey shaped wreaths. The cous de grat however has to be the enormous Christmas Tree in the middle of town square. This is a great photo op for your family and friends.
  • Over at California Adventures, Raditor Springs has gone all out and are dressed for the occasion. Be sure to look for more décor in Hollywoodland, Paradise Pier and all throughout the park!

Can’t Miss Treats

• Festive Foods Marketplace
  • Throughout the park look for these holiday inspired kiosks filled with yummy treats.
    • Chips, Breads & Holiday Spreads is serving up the upper crust of holiday helpings
    • Making Spirits Bright fizzes with celebratory toasts and festive clinks
    • Joy to the Sauce spreads joy to the world with seasonal favorites accompanied by savory holiday sauces
    • Spicy Celebrations heats things up with delicious dishes featuring a festive kick
    • Brews & Bites brings smiles aplenty with frosty beers and tasty snacks
    • Holiday Duets harmonizes with perfect pairings curated for your culinary delight
    • Classic Crocks & Casseroles fills hungry bellies with comfort foods galore
    • Blissfully Braised slow-cooks savory favorites full of flavor
    • A Twist on Tradition tickles palates with tempting twists on holiday classics
    • Winter Sliderland doles out hand-held helpings to make the season bright
    • Grandma’s Recipes takes you home for the holidays with time-honored treats
    • Festive Holiday Extras offers decadently delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with any meal

• And don’t miss these festive goodies!

Souvenirs

There are a ton of holiday themed souvenirs at Disney, but these are some of my favorites.

• Christmas Minnie ears
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• Hat, Shoe, and Handbag Ornaments
  • The iconic Minnie ear ornaments are back as are the character themed heels, but new this year are handbags. Grab one of these to take some holiday magic back home!
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• Apparel
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• And if you can’t make it to the parks, all these goodies are available at ShopDisney.com. Sign up with SwagBucks  to save 2%!