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Holidays at Disneyland Resort Begin Early This Year on Nov. 13
Disneyland Resort is unwrapping its holiday cheer a bit earlier this year. The festive season will now begin on Nov. 13, 2026, bringing enchanting décor, jolly entertainment, and seasonal treats to The Happiest Place on Earth through Jan. 6, 2027.
Disneyland Park comes alive with shimmering icicles, massive Christmas trees, and beloved holiday traditions for all ages.
- “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade: Watch marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread men, beloved Disney characters in their seasonal best, and Santa Claus himself travel down Main Street, U.S.A.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday: Jack Skellington and his Nightmare Before Christmas crew take over the eerie estate for a merry, macabre makeover featuring a brand-new gingerbread house inside the ballroom.
- “it’s a small world” Holiday: Set sail on the classic boat ride adorned with thousands of twinkling lights as children of the world sing tidings of joy. Plus, don’t miss the stunning projection light shows across the attraction’s façade each evening!
- Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle & “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks: As night falls, behold the glowing icicles and shimmering lights on Sleeping Beauty Castle. The night finishes with spectacular fireworks, stirring music, and a dusting of magic snow falling over selected park locations.
- Holiday Character Greetings & Santa: Keep your eyes peeled for Mickey, Minnie, and friends dressed in all-new seasonal attire, and make sure to stop by to say hello to Santa Claus!
Over at Disney California Adventure, the holiday celebrations celebrate diverse cultural traditions with music, dance, and mouthwatering eats.
- Disney Festival of Holidays: Embrace a diverse season of multicultural celebrations including Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day with live entertainment and joyful activities.
- Festive Foods Marketplace: Foodies rejoice! Sip and savor delicious seasonal dishes and festive beverages inspired by cultures from around the globe (like the fan-favorite Braised Pork Belly Adobo!).
- Disney ¡Viva Navidad!: Join The Three Caballeros for a street party filled with authentic folklórico dancers, mariachis, giant mojiganga puppets, and special Disney character appearances.
- Cars Land Holiday Overlays: Radiator Springs gets revved up for the holidays! Take a spin on Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree for a holiday hoedown you won’t forget.
- World of Color: Cap off your night with a dazzling nighttime water, projection, and fire spectacle set to a festive holiday soundtrack.
The holiday cheer isn’t just limited to the theme parks—it spills over into the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and the Downtown Disney District!
- Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail: Head over to the Downtown Disney District for a fun, family-friendly search for hidden holiday ornaments throughout the trees.
- Disneyland Resort Home for the Holidays Guided Tour: Want an insider’s look at how the magic happens? Hear heartwarming holiday stories, learn about Disney holiday traditions, and enjoy reserved viewing for holiday entertainment.
- Resort Hotel Highlights: Check out the towering lobby Christmas trees, grand gingerbread displays, and seasonal character experiences when staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, or Pixar Place Hotel.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
To experience the holiday festivities, guests will need both a valid theme park ticket and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same date. Park reservations are limited, so be sure to book early! Contact our partners at Get Away Today to get your holiday vacation booked!
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
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