LEGOLAND’s Giant LEGO Tree Lighting Extravaganza Coming Dec. 1
Get ready for the official kickoff to the holidays! The 23rd annual LEGO Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony returns to LEGOLAND California Resort on December 1st. This spectacular event celebrates the return of the Carlsbad theme park’s magnificent centerpiece—a towering, three-story, 35-foot-tall LEGO Christmas Tree—decked out brick by festive brick!
This magnificent centerpiece isn’t just big—it’s built from the ground up with dedication! The LEGO® Christmas Tree is constructed from over 366,000 LEGO and DUPLO® bricks, requiring 3,000 hours of meticulous work from Master Model Builders. The final result is fully decked out with giant LEGO ornaments, presents, candy canes, stars, and candles.
The 23rd annual lighting ceremony will feature special guest host, actress Danielle Fishel, best known as Topanga Lawrence from the beloved ’90s series, Boy Meets World. Fishel—who also recently competed on Dancing with the Stars—will help LEGOLAND® kick off the holiday season and announce exciting, out-of-this-world news regarding the Park’s new Galacticoaster! The awe-inspiring brick-built tree is the centerpiece of the holiday festivities, which officially begin on November 22nd. On December 1st, guests can gather to watch the magical moment when all 500 LED lights and 40 LEGO candles come to life, immediately followed by the season’s first dazzling fireworks display.
Will you be visiting LEGOLAND this holiday season?
Toy Story 5 Director Reveals Why the Story Needs to Continue
Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton is pushing back against concerns that the franchise is stretched too thin. In an interview with Empire magazine, the Oscar-winning filmmaker defended the continuation of the series by arguing that the evolving relationship between children and toys with each new generation means there is “no limit” to how many Toy Story stories can be told.
“So ‘3’ was the end… of the Andy years,” Stanton told Empire. “Nobody’s being robbed of their trilogy. They can have that and never watch another if they don’t want to. But I’ve always loved how this world allows us to embrace time and change. There’s no promise that it stays in amber.”
The plot of Toy Story 5 centers on Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the crew confronting a new, non-traditional adversary: a futuristic, iPad-like device called the Lilypad. Director Andrew Stanton clarified that the film isn’t a simple battle; instead, it’s an exploration of an “existential problem: that nobody’s really playing with toys anymore.” Stanton noted that while technology has changed lives, the film won’t simplify the issue by merely “mak[ing] tech the villain,” but rather explore what this evolution means for both the toys and the children who own them.
Arriving six years after the previous installment, Toy Story 5 has big shoes to fill: Toy Story 4 became the franchise’s highest-grossing film, earning $1 billion globally and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (following Toy Story 3’s win). The beloved voice cast returns, featuring Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz), Joan Cusack (Jessie), and Tony Hale (Forky). They are joined by new voices, including Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants and Past Lives star Greta Lee as the antagonistic tablet, Lilypad.
Toy Story 5 opens in theaters June 19, 2026. Are you planning on seeing it in theaters?
Sweethearts Nite Returns: Disneyland After Dark Adds Extra Valentine’s Celebrations
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite is far more than just a date night—it’s an open-hearted celebration designed for all kinds of duos! Bring your favorite valentine, whether that’s your loving spouse, a cherished family member, or your absolute best friend. This exclusive, limited-time event offers a unique, joyful atmosphere perfect for creating new, memorable moments with anyone you hold dear.
New for 2026, the “Celebrate Love Cavalcade” will glide down Main Street, U.S.A., in a grand celebration honoring loved ones: best friends, soulmates, and family alike. Look for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals to fill the air with love during this enchanting procession.
Also new for 2026, the romantic “Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook” show is a musical look at love and romance, featuring live singers and a variety of Disney royalty that culminates in a nighttime ball beneath the stars.
Partner up for the new Disney Duets festive karaoke in the beloved Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland with a uniquely Disney twist.
Swing, sway, and twirl to your heart’s content with Donald Duck and Daisy Duck at the Valentine’s Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Scenic photo backdrops throughout the park invite you to “step into the scenes” of fan-favorite films such as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Aristocats, Tangled, Aladdin, Lady and the Tramp, and more.
Sweethearts’ Nite Specialty Food
As the saying goes, the way to the heart is through the stomach! Fall in love with specially curated sweets and savory treats.
New for 2026 at Galactic Grill is a triple berry slushy with a Mickey-shaped glow cube. Returning favorites include surf n’ turf loaded fries at Red Rose Taverne and a Mickey-shaped strawberry cream puff at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante.
More specialty menu items will be available at table-service restaurants: Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace, and Carnation Café, subject to availability. Reservations are recommended for table-service restaurants and can be booked online closer to the event dates.
Sweethearts’ Nite Merchandise
The ultimate souvenir is one you can show off, both during the event and after! This year’s collection includes a Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse ear headband, trading pin, T-shirt, zip-up hoodie, and tumbler.
Event Details Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite
Location: Disneyland Park
Dates: Jan 22, 25 and 27; Feb 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Ticket Price: Starting at $159 per Guest (ages 3+)
The ticket to this event also includes admission to Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 PM—that’s 3 hours before the party begins—on the valid date of your ticket. Guests with a ticket to this event do not need to make a theme park reservation to enter Disneyland Park at 6:00 PM or later.
Sweethearts’ Nite Tickets
Magic Key pre-sale: On Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), Inspire Key holders may purchase from a select number of pre-sale tickets for Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite on Disneyland.com. Then on Wednesday, December 10, (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) all Magic Key holders will have the opportunity to purchase from a select amount of pre-sale tickets.
General: On Thursday, December 11, 2025 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree Installation in Time-Lapse
Ever wonder how Disney’s Magic Kingdom gets its towering Christmas tree seemingly overnight? A captivating new time-lapse video, complete with handy time stamps, reveals the impressive, swift process of this iconic overnight installation.
The installation of Magic Kingdom’s iconic Christmas tree is a logistical marvel performed entirely under the cover of darkness. Once the final guest has departed and the monorail has made its last run around 11:30 PM, crews descend on Town Square, preparing the site and gathering all the necessary equipment.
By 1:45 AM, the process is underway, with a large crane installing the gift-box base before stacking the tree’s sections—largest to smallest—like giant building blocks. By 5:30 AM, the massive tree is capped off.
As the sun begins to rise, attention turns to the fine details: other crew members finalize the decorative touches on the base. The finished product is unveiled at approximately 6:15 AM when the lights are tested. The entire area is then meticulously cleared, ensuring the sparkling new holiday centerpiece is perfectly in place to welcome the first arriving guests after 8:00 AM.
Disney and Formula 1 Team Up to Fuel the Magic at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Disney is racing into the spotlight at the 2025 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix with a brand-new collaboration that blends high-speed thrills with classic Mickey charm. The Disney x Formula 1 Collection just expanded with three new pieces now available on DisneyStore.com and the Disney Store TikTok Shop, giving fans a stylish way to gear up for race weekend.
This latest drop includes a cream pullover hoodie featuring an embroidered crest and a CG Mickey on the back, a sleek tee with Mickey & Friends artwork and a Las Vegas callout, and a collectible shield pin that combines F1 branding with Mickey iconography. These pieces join the larger capsule collection released earlier this month, featuring limited-edition jackets, bold sweatshirts, hats, beanies, pins, and more in the signature red, black, and white F1 palette.
At the Grand Prix itself, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto will appear throughout the weekend. Highlights include a special Mickey-led performance at the Fountains of Bellagio, the Disneyland Band performing the National Anthem, a community day for local kids, and a pitlane walk featuring Mickey & Friends for select guests.
Race day takes place November 22, and fans can tune in on ESPN or the ESPN App. This collaboration marks the start of a multi-year campaign, with more Disney x F1 magic planned through the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The Grinchiest Meet and Greet of the Season Returns to Universal Islands of Adventure
The mean green king of Christmas chaos is officially back, and he’s ready to roast your holiday spirit like a Who-ham on a spit. The Grinch meet and greet has once again taken over Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure, bringing all the snark, sass, and Seuss-approved silliness you could want for the 2025 Christmas season.
This year, you’ll find the Grinch holding court in the former Honk Honkers space, right across from Moose Juice, Goose Juice. A full outdoor queue lines up with stanchions, and a digital wait-time sign gives guests a reality check about just how popular our favorite furry grouch truly is. Spoiler alert: the lines get long. Really long. But hey, meeting the Grinch is practically a holiday rite of passage at Universal.
Once inside, each party enters one at a time for their very own showdown with Mr. Grumpy Green. The former sweets shop has been transformed into a wonderfully wacky Who-ville hideaway complete with bright Christmas trees, festive décor, a pink chaise lounge, and even the Grinch’s sleigh piled high with presents he definitely didn’t borrow without asking.
And the Grinch himself? He’s decked out head to toe in his classic Santa suit — hat, jacket, shoes and all. Expect him to pose for photos, strike dramatic Grinch-y stances, and judge your life choices with all the holiday warmth of a cooling roast beast.
If you want even more Grinchmas goodness, he’s also starring in The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, anchoring the Universal Holiday Tour, and taking center stage in The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. Not to mention the Whos who roam Seuss Landing bringing even more whimsy to the season.
Are you planning to meet the Grinch this year, or will you leave him to his holiday hijinks?
TSA Proposes New $18 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID
A new layer of airport stress may soon be landing in travelers’ carry-ons. The Transportation Security Administration has proposed an $18 fee for passengers who show up to airport security without a REAL ID, a change that could impact millions of fliers across the country.
REAL ID officially became required for all domestic air travel in the United States on May 7, 2025 after years of delays. The updated IDs follow federal security standards passed under the 2005 REAL ID Act, a post-9/11 measure aimed at strengthening identity verification. While passports are still perfectly acceptable, travelers relying on a standard driver’s license must now have an ID marked as REAL ID compliant.
But TSA’s new proposal adds a wrinkle for those who don’t.
According to the agency’s notice in the Federal Register, travelers without a REAL ID would be able to pay an $18 non-refundable fee to use an upgraded biometric kiosk designed to verify their identity for up to ten days. The fee is meant to help offset the cost of the new verification technology.
The kiosk falls under what TSA calls a “modernized alternative identity verification program.” After providing the required biographic or biometric information, TSA would use the system to authenticate the traveler, confirm their identity, and match them with their Secure Flight screening result. Even so, the notice makes it clear that paying the fee does not guarantee access. Travelers may still face additional screening, delays, or denial if their identity cannot be verified to TSA’s security standards.
The agency also notes that non-REAL ID licenses remain valid for driving and general identification. The proposed fee only applies to clearing TSA airport checkpoints without a REAL ID. Passports, military IDs, and other TSA-approved forms of identification continue to work without issue.
A TSA spokesperson said the proposal represents “the next step in the process” of fully implementing REAL ID nationwide, noting that the agency is working with partners to balance security and efficiency. No effective date has been announced yet, and TSA has not provided additional details on when travelers could expect the fee to take effect.
For those who have been putting off updating their license, the message is clear: the REAL ID countdown might be back on, and skipping it could soon cost you.
Universal Orlando Kicks Off a Holly Jolly Holiday Celebration for 2025
Universal Orlando Kicks Off a Holly Jolly Holiday Celebration for 2025
‘Tis the season for holiday thrills, festive frills, and all the merry mayhem you can handle because Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort officially begins today. From now through January 4, 2026, the entire destination transforms into a winter wonderland sprinkled with Grinchy giggles, wizarding-world whimsy, and Macy’s-size magic. This is the most wonderful time of the year to wander Universal Orlando, and trust me, the parks are decking all the halls.
Universal is rolling out beloved classics plus bright-and-shiny new offerings including the first-ever holiday season inside Universal Epic Universe. Whether you want to sip spiced cider, hunt for the Gingy Cookie, or finally meet Earl the Squirrel in his natural habitat, this year’s lineup is stuffed fuller than Santa’s sleigh.
Here’s everything jingling through Universal Orlando for the 2025 holiday season.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Guests can stroll through dazzling holiday décor across all three Wizarding World lands for the first time ever. Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and the brand-new Ministry of Magic inside Epic Universe are dressed to the nines. Holiday musical performances fill the streets, warm butterbeer flows like a charm, and the beloved nighttime spectacular The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle returns to spread even more yuletide wonder.
Grinchmas Comes to Life Step into Seuss Landing, where Who-ville bursts with color, cheer, and a whole lot of sass courtesy of the mean green one himself. The Grinch is ready for his seasonal spotlight alongside the fan-favorite Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. Brand-new this year is the Who-ville Tree Lot, a delightfully quirky collection of trees themed to iconic Dr. Seuss characters.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s Balloons bigger than your holiday wish list, high-energy performers, and festive floats fill Universal Studios Florida during this can’t-miss parade. Pop culture icons, beloved Universal characters, and Macy’s famed parade magic collide in a merry mashup you’ll want to watch again and again.
Holiday Cheer Arrives at Epic Universe For the first time, Universal’s newest theme park sparkles with seasonal décor, especially throughout Celestial Park. The Ministry of Magic shows off its 1920s wizarding Paris holiday look, and each land within Epic Universe adds its own seasonal flair. Even dragons celebrate Snoggletog on the Isle of Berk.
Seasonal Treats Worth Melting For Universal Orlando is not holding back this year. At Universal Studios Florida, highlights include the Snickerdoodle Crepe at Central Park Crepes, The Elegant Ornament dessert at TODAY Café, a hearty Sunday Roast at Finnegan’s, and the triumphant return of the Gingy Cookie in DreamWorks Land.
Over at Islands of Adventure, Holiday Hot Chocolate and the Crunch Bunch Ice Cream Bunch headline the seasonal treats in Seuss Landing, and Spiced Apple Cider returns to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade for a warm winter hug in a cup.
Epic Universe brings brand-new seasonal snacks like the Holiday Churro in Celestial Park, Glühwein in Ministry of Magic, and a whole Snoggletog menu in the Isle of Berk including Gronckle’s Bread Pudding, Snoggletog Spiked Nog, and the Snoggletog Mac & Cheese Cone.
CityWalk sweetens things with the Espresso-O Come All Ye Faithful and the all-new Red and White Nice Shake from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
Explore This Year’s Holiday Tribute Store This year’s Holiday Tribute Store takes over Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida with a cozy snow-kissed holiday market theme. Guests can wander artisan workshops, snowy forests, the town square, and Earl’s nutcracker nuthouse. Merchandise includes Grinchmas attire, Wizarding World ornaments, and brand-new spirit jerseys inspired by Jurassic World, JAWS, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Minions, and Shrek. Select holiday items are also available online at shopUniversal.com.
Add-On Holiday Magic The Universal Holiday Tour returns with VIP-style reserved seating, exclusive meet-and-greets with The Grinch and Max, and priority experiences at the parks. Guests can also book the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous for a morning full of mischief and Whoville charm.
Meanwhile, CityWalk invites guests into the cozy woodsy vibes of Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge inside the Green & Red Coconut Club. Earl the Squirrel makes appearances here as well, because it wouldn’t be the holidays at Universal without him.
All Universal Orlando hotels celebrate the season with festive décor and special holiday menus. And if you’re ready to ring in 2026, Universal promises more New Year’s Eve details soon.
Holidays at Universal Orlando run daily from November 21 through January 4, 2026. All in-park holiday entertainment is included with regular admission, and Universal has several enticing offers for guests including up to 30 percent off hotel stays and ticket deals for Florida residents.
This Rapunzel and Pascal Dress Mini Backpack Is A Dream Come True!
Can we talk about the cutest mini backpack to ever grace our shoulders? If you’re anything like us, you probably have a soft spot for the iconic dynamic duo from Tangled: the adventurous Rapunzel and her brilliantly expressive chameleon pal, Pascal. Well, get ready to live your best Disney life because BoxLunch Gifts has dropped an absolute dream of an accessory: the Rapunzel and Pascal Dress Mini Backpack!
Now for the best part, the deal! This BoxLunch Exclusive usually retails for a fair $79.90, which is totally worth it for something this unique and adorable. But hold on to your frying pans, because Black Friday is here! You can snag this piece of cuteness for the unbelievable price of $55.93. That’s a serious steal for such a high-quality, exclusive collectible.
The design captures one of the most famous and, let’s be honest, most hilarious scenes from the movie: Rapunzel lovingly gazing down at Pascal… who is, of course, rocking a tiny, colorful dress! Seriously, Pascal in that dress is the definition of hilarious and adorable, and having that moment immortalized in backpack form? A dream come true for every Disney enthusiast. The attention to detail is fantastic, featuring intricate debossed and embroidered details that really make Rapunzel’s hair and Pascal’s tiny outfit pop!
Whether you’re treating yourself (and you absolutely should!) or looking for the perfect gift for a fellow Disney lover, this is the time to strike! Don’t let this Black Friday deal disappear like Mother Gothel’s beauty, go grab this precious mini backpack while you can!
Sip Like Royalty: Grab the Stunning Disney Princess Glass Set for a Black Friday Steal!
Ready to inject a little royal sparkle into your everyday routine? Then get ready, because we’ve found the must-have item that’s about to make every sip feel like a fairytale: the Disney Princess Icons Drinking Glass Set! Forget those plain, boring cups, these gorgeous gold-rimmed glasses are practically begging to be the centerpiece of your next dinner party or just your fancy Friday night water intake.
This isn’t just any set of glassware; it’s a tribute to the OG queens of the Disney universe. You get a set of six glasses, each holding a perfect 10 ounces, and each one features a beautifully rendered icon representing one of your favorite princesses. Think the iconic apple for Snow White, the enchanted rose for Belle, the slipper for Cinderella, and the shell for Ariel, just to name a few of the fabulous six. They are seriously chic and are guaranteed to make your table setting look absolutely enchanting.
Normally, this touch of class and magic would run you $49.99, available online from BoxLunch Gifts. That’s a decent price for six stunning, collectible glasses. But hold onto your tiaras, because we have an update that’s sweeter than a bite of that cursed apple! If you move fast and take advantage of the Black Friday madness, you can snag this entire set for an incredible price of just $34.93! That’s a royal steal you simply can’t pass up. So, hurry over to BoxLunch, grab this set, and start drinking like the royalty you are!
Adventure Awaits! Snag This Adorable Aristocats Cat Travel Backpack!
Hey cat parents! Are you tired of leaving your favorite feline friend behind when you head out on your adventures? Wish you could bring the star of your life (your cat, obviously!) along for the fun? Well, we’ve found the purr-fect solution that’s as chic as Marie herself: The Aristocats Cat Travel Backpack! This isn’t just any carrier; it’s a BoxLunch Gifts exclusive that turns every outing into a stylish Parisian jaunt, or at least, a very comfortable trip to the vet.
This exclusive gem from BoxLunch Gifts typically retails for a respectable $69.90. But guess what? Black Friday is here to make your wallet happy! Right now, you can snag this must-have carrier for just $48.93 online! That’s an absolutely fantastic deal for a carrier that combines Disney charm, quality construction, and serious travel utility.
Seriously, this backpack is a game-changer for traveling with your kitty. First off, the design is everything. It features a sweet graphic of the iconic kittens, Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz, which is guaranteed to make you and your cat the most fashionable duo on the block. But beyond the looks, it’s all about function and safety. Your cat gets a large bubble window to take in all the sights, because they deserve to be entertained, right? And don’t worry about stuffiness; the pack has multiple air vents to keep the airflow nice and fresh. Plus, with three different zipper entry ways, getting your little escape artist in and out is way less of a wrestling match.
We know safety is your top priority, which is why this backpack comes loaded with features designed to keep your cat secure and comfy. Inside, you’ll find a removable base insert for easy cleaning (because accidents happen!) and an attached safety leash to ensure there are no unplanned Great Escapes mid-adventure. There are also multiple compartments on the outside so you can stash your keys, phone, and maybe a few extra treats for bribery, er, good behavior. It’s built to give you peace of mind while giving your cat a luxurious viewing platform for the world.
Don’t wait, treat yourself and your kitty to the ultimate travel accessory before this Black Friday discount vanishes like a stray mouse!
New DVC Christmas Half-Zip Sweatshirt For A Cozy Holiday Style!
The holidays are officially here, and you know what that means: it’s time to get cozy! If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member and looking for the perfect piece of gear to celebrate the season (or, let’s be honest, just to wear for maximum comfort), you absolutely need to snag the new DVC Christmas Half-Zip Sweatshirt. Right now, we’ve spotted this festive fleece retailing for $59.99, and you can find it over at the wonderfully rustic Fort Wilderness Resort. Seriously, grab your hot cocoa and get ready to check out the coziest shirt of the year.
This isn’t just any old pullover, it’s holiday magic in fabric form. The sweatshirt is a vibrant, festive red and made from super soft fleece, so it’s guaranteed to keep you warm whether you’re strolling down Main Street or just chilling by the fire at your resort. It features a half-zipper design and a cool, structured cadet collar, which gives it a slightly more polished look than your average hoodie. But the real holiday touch? The zipper pull and the neck tape inside are both sporting a classic, charming plaid pattern. It’s all about those little details!
Of course, the star of the show is the DVC-exclusive decoration on the left chest. You’ll find a beautifully embroidered Santa Mickey appliqué that is just brimming with holiday cheer. Mickey is surrounded by delightful details like tiny pine trees and snowflakes, really setting the wintry scene. And to proudly proclaim your status, the words “Disney Vacation Club Member” are embroidered beneath him in a sleek, shimmering silver text. It’s the perfect, subtle way to show off your DVC pride while celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t wait, this is the festive fleece you’ll be living in all season long!
