Disneyland Over the Holidays-What Not To Miss!

The Disneyland Resort is extra magical and merry over the holidays and it’s one of our favorite times to visit. From the three on-site Disney hotels all decked out, the festive décor at Downtown Disney and all the Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, it’s a menagerie of holiday happiness. When planning your theme park days between November 14th, 2025 and January 7th, 2026, make sure you keep the following activities on your list (and yes, check it twice)!

Disneyland Park Must Do’s

Disneyland Park Fantasyland Theatre Happenings: visit Santa and select characters, plus holiday activities including cookie decorating, crafts and some extra merry storytelling.
Christmas Fantasy Parade. This is such a charming celebration of the holiday season and typically runs twice a day. Grab a spot near the Train Station at the front of the park!
Tree Lighting! You can’t miss the spectacular tree in the center of Main Street, but watching it light up is really special and sets the mood for your evening ahead in Disneyland!
It’s a Small World Lighting. I have no idea the number of colored lights it takes to transform this iconic attraction, but it’s so colorful and to quote one of my favorite movies: “It’s a beaut, Clark!”
Castle Lighting. This is such a great “awe” moment for Sleeping Beauty Castle and typically happens twice every evening.
Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks. You can watch this show from Main Street, in front of the castle, near It’s a Small World or by the Rivers of America. There will be projections and snow at all these locations!
Ride overlays! Be sure to board It’s a Small World and the Haunted Mansion as both transform into seasonal themes. Pro tip: both attractions have Lightning Lanes and can be reserved via Genie+
Holiday treats: grab a holiday themed Mickey beignet at Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square and be sure and check out the seasonal offerings at Jolly Holly Bakery

My Recommended Order at Disneyland:

3:00 pm-Christmas Fantasy Parade
5:00 pm-Christmas Tree Lighting (head directly after this to Small World)
5:15 pm-It’s a Small World Holiday Lighting
7:30 or 8:30 pm-Sleeping Beauty Castle (with “snow-pe”!)
9:30 pm-Believe in the Holiday Magic Fireworks!

California Adventure Merriment:

Race on over to check out Season’s Speeding’s. Even without the holiday overlays, Cars Land is perfectly themed and it is all decked out. Don’t miss Santa Mater!
Meet Santa at Redwood Challenge. This area is such a great space for families to decompress among the giant sequoias and it provides a great photo opportunity, plus enjoy some elf games and other character photo ops.
Feliz Navidad Street Party. Over by the Paradise Garden areas and offered several times a day, join Donald Duck, the Three Caballeros, Mickey, and Minnie Mouse all ready to celebrate a holiday fiesta street party style.
Mickey & Friends Happy Holidays Parade. Head over near Carthay Circle to watch the Toy Drummers kick things off.
New this year! A new weekday show, “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” will debut at Carthay Circle.
Festival of the Holidays! Who doesn’t love a good food booth? You can check out the menus h ere!

Here’s a link to the entertainment schedule and remember to check the Disneyland app for any updates to the daily schedule.

Downtown Disney & Special Dining Opportunities

Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail: search for hidden ornaments throughout Downtown Disney. You can purchase an ornament map at select locations in Downtown Disney and the Hotels of Disneyland and redeem it for a collectible keepsake at World of Disney or Disney Pin Traders.
Holiday Character Meals: enjoy festive meals at Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays at the Disneyland Hotel and Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Character meals are a great way to multitask during your vacation in that you get autographs, photos and food in one stop.

It’s not too late (or too early) to start planning your 2025 or 2026 Disneyland Holiday Vacation! Did you know I can help you with hotel recommendations, dining and park pass reservations, park ticket recommendations, touring plans and so much more, all at zero extra cost to you. I’m a Disney Destination Specialist and I can help you with all the tips and tricks to make your stay extra magical. Send me an email at: [email protected] when you’re ready!