Disneyland Special Events, Activities & Tours

LAST UPDATE: 12/17/24

Wondering what Disneyland special events may be happening during your visit to Disneyland Resort? Listed below are the major Disneyland events and festivals taking place during the year.

On this page you will also find any deals and discounts available on special activities at Disneyland Resort, as well as how to save money on theme park tours.

Notes:

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Special Events

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January-May Events

June-August Events

September-December Events

New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

Disneyland stays open late on New Year’s Eve and offers extra entertainment, usually including live performances, an extra parade and fireworks. These festivities are included in regular park admission.

If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on New Year’s Eve (December 31) or New Year’s Day (January 1), be aware that these are two of the busiest days of the year. The parks (especially Disneyland) usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you’re staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it’s full — Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get Lightning Lane Multi Pass and buy paid Lightning Lane Single Pass reservations right away, because the lines will be very long by noon and reservations will be gone quickly.

Disney hotels may offer a special dinner or party for New Year’s Eve, to find out go to the Disneyland dining page.

Three Kings Day

In 2025, Three Kings Day will be celebrated January 6.

January 6, Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany or the Twelfth Day of Christmas), is a popular holiday in Mexico. The holiday celebrates the arrival of the Magi bearing gifts for baby Jesus, and Día de los Reyes Magos is the traditional day for Mexican children to receive Christmas gifts

The celebration in Paradise Garden at Disney California Adventure includes entertainment, Disney characters in festive attire, kids’ activities and specialty food items. It is the grand finale of Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

In 2025, the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be held January 30 – February 2. Registration opened June 18, 2024.

The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend includes a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and more. The Half Marathon route will go through Disneyland Resort and Anaheim, with Disney characters cheering you along the way. The weekend begins with an early morning yoga class in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. 

Disneyland Magic Key holders, Walt Disney World annual passholders, DVC members and Club runDisney members are able to register ahead of the general public for some runDisney events. Check the annual passholder or DVC member website for details closer to the public registration date.

Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)

In 2025, Lunar New Year will be celebrated January 17 – February 16.

The Lunar New Year celebration takes place at Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure and includes traditions from Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. In addition to the Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession parade, there are performers, musicians, local artisans, kids’ activities and specialty food items. Disney characters are there as well, including Mulan, Mushu, Raya, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Each night, before World of Color, the Lunar New Year Celebration culminates in a six-minute pre-show called Hurry Home, presented in water, animation and special effects on Paradise Bay. This story of a Little Lantern on its journey home to join its Lantern family to celebrate Lunar New Year features animated appearances by Mulan and Mushu in “dream sequences” inspired by traditional Chinese paper cut-out style animation. 

Celebrate Soulfully

Celebrate Soulfully takes place during the month of February and highlights Black culture, stories and music. There will be special menu items available at restaurants in the theme parks and in Downtown Disney. In Disneyland Park, Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band perform on the Rivers of America on select evenings. There are also Celebrate Gospel concerts with gospel music stars and community choirs from Southern California performed in Disneyland Park at the Fantasyland Theater.

In 2025, Celebrate Gospel concerts will be held on February 8 and 15. 

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite

In 2025, Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite will be held January 21, 23, 28; February 4, 6, 9, 11 and 13 at Disneyland Park.

Disneyland After Dark events take place after closing in either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. Each Disneyland After Dark event requires a separate ticket. Select attractions will be open and there will be special entertainment, food, photo opportunities, collectible merchandise and more, all based on that evening’s theme. Attendees also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party. There are a limited number of tickets for each event. 

While the party itself takes place after the park closes to the general public, Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite ticket holders can enter Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 pm, giving you up to 7 hours in the park. A theme park reservation is not required. 

For Sweethearts’ Nite there will be a Royal Cavalcade with Disney couples, a Royal Ball in Fantasyland Theater, a Mark Twain Moonlit Jazz Cruise and live music performances in a variety of locations. There will be photo opportunities in romantic scenes from Disney films, along with themed décor, food and beverages.

Costumes are encouraged, but must follow the costume rules for this event. See the Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite page for full details. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless their costume can be modified to meet the standards.

In the past, select restaurants had a Sweetheart’s Nite Dining Package. 

2025 Ticket Prices:

Limit 8 tickets per person; tickets must be purchased online in advance. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event on the specified event date. Tickets are not valid for theme park admission prior to the hours of the event, except as noted above. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is not available during this event. Please note: Parking is not included with your ticket purchase.

  • 2025 Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite tickets went on sale for Inspire Magic Key holders on December 10, 2024; Believe, Enchant and Imagine Magic Key holders on December 11, 2024; and for everyone else on December 12, 2024. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite page. Please note: only a limited number of tickets go on sale for Magic Key holders beginning December 10. 

Valentine’s Day

For Valentine’s Day (always on February 14), Disneyland does not generally have any special events or activities for Valentine’s Day. But many of the restaurants and food stands in the theme parks, Disney hotels and Downtown Disney will have specially themed items on their menus for some or all of February. 

For more Valentine’s Day suggestions, take a look at our tips and ideas for adding some romance to a Disneyland trip.

Mardi Gras

In 2025, Mardi Gras will be March 4.

The New Orleans Square area of Disneyland celebrates Mardi Gras each year. On that day, the streets of New Orleans Square are filled with music, Disney characters, street performers and special food items. This Mardi Gras celebration typically includes performances by Princess Tiana, Louis and Naveen and meet & greet opportunities with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – all dressed up in their Mardi Gras finest!

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

In 2025, the Disney California Food & Wine Festival will be February 28 – April 21.

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival celebrates some of the best of California cuisine. Festival Marketplace Kiosks offer California-inspired small plates and beverages at over a dozen different venues. There is live music, as well as food-related activities and demonstrations for all ages. On weekends there are culinary demonstrations from local, visiting and Disney chefs.

The Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions and Wine, Beer and Mixology Education & Tasting Seminars must be booked in advance.

Soarin’ Over California returns to Disney California Adventure just for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. 

There are also special events and menu items at select restaurants in Disneyland Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney.

Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite

New for 2025, Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite will be held March 4 and 6 at Disneyland Park.

Disneyland After Dark events take place after closing in either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. Each Disneyland After Dark event requires a separate ticket. Select attractions will be open and there will be special entertainment, food, photo opportunities, collectible merchandise and more, all based on that evening’s theme. Attendees also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party. There are a limited number of tickets for each event. 

While the party itself takes place after the park closes to the general public, Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite ticket holders can enter Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 pm, giving you up to 7 hours in the park. A theme park reservation is not required.

For 90s Nite there will be a 90s dance party at Rivers of America; Goofy and Max will host a 90s dance party on Tomorrowland Terrace; a singalong to favorite 90s songs at the Golden Horseshoe; and Disney characters from Disney Afternoon and 90s Disney movies will be in the park. There will be photo opportunities with backdrops inspired by scenes from 90s Disney movies, along with unique food and beverages available.

Costumes are encouraged, but must follow the costume rules for this event. See the Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite page for full details. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless their costume can be modified to meet the standards.

2025 Tickets cost $149 per person (age 3 and up). 

Limit 8 tickets per person; tickets must be purchased online in advance. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event on the specified event date. Tickets are not valid for theme park admission prior to the hours of the event, except as noted above. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is not available during this event. Please note: Parking is not included with your ticket purchase.

  • 2025 Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite tickets went on sale for Inspire Magic Key holders on December 10, 2024; Believe, Enchant and Imagine Magic Key holders on December 11, 2024; and for everyone else on December 12, 2024. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite page. Please note: only a limited number of tickets go on sale for Magic Key holders beginning December 10. 

Season of the Force

In 2025, Season of the Force will be held March 28  – May 11 in Disneyland Park.

On select nights, the Fire of the Rising Moon fireworks show accompanied by music from the Star Wars films, will take place in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

Space Mountain will transform into Hyperspace Mountain. Special Star Wars-themed merchandise, food and beverages will be available. 

Easter

In 2025, Easter Sunday will be April 20.

Eggstravaganza, an Easter egg scavenger hunt is available for several weeks near Easter. There are three different game boards, one for Disney California Adventure, one for Disneyland Park and one for Downtown Disney. A game board and stickers costs $9.99 plus tax and can be purchased at select merchandise locations. Return your game board to Disney Showcase in Disneyland Park; Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure; or Disney’s Pin Traders and World of Disney in Downtown Disney to pick up a surprise.

Some restaurants may have a special Easter brunch menu. 

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

In 2025, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will be held April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29; May 1, 4 and 6 at Disneyland Park.

Disneyland After Dark events take place after closing in either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. Each Disneyland After Dark event requires a separate ticket. Select attractions are open and there is special entertainment, food, photo opportunities, collectible merchandise and more, all based on that evening’s theme. Attendees also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party. There are a limited number of tickets for each event. 

While the party itself takes place after the park closes to the general public, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite ticket holders can enter Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 pm, giving you up to 7 hours in the park. A theme park reservation is not required. 

On Star Wars Nite there is a Star Wars-themed fireworks show, a Galactic dance party and a March of the First Order led by Captain Phasma. Star Wars themed attractions are open. Star Wars characters make appearances throughout the evening and there are Star Wars themed photo opportunities, merchandise, food and beverages.

Guests in Star Wars-themed costumes are invited to participate in a special cavalcade, where they will join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a march down Main Street, U.S.A., ending with a group photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, illuminated with galactic projections.

Costumes are encouraged, but must follow the costume rules for this event. See the Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite page for full details. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless their costume can be modified to meet the standards.

2024 Ticket Prices:

Limit 8 tickets per person. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event on the specified event date. Tickets are not valid for theme park admission prior to the hours of the event, except as noted above. Please note: Parking is not included with your ticket purchase.

  • 2024 Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite tickets went on sale for Inspire Magic Key holders on February 20, all Magic Key holders on February 21 and for everyone else on February 23. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite page. Please note: only a limited number of tickets went on sale for Magic Key holders on February 20, 21 and 22.

Pixar Fest

In 2024, Pixar Fest was held April 26 – August 4.

Pixar Fest is a celebration of friendship and will feature a nighttime spectacular, a new parade and Pixar character encounters, along with Pixar-themed décor, food and beverages. There will also be Pixar-themed activities in Downtown Disney and in the Disney hotels. 

Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular in Disneyland Park celebrates the everlasting friendships forged by Pixar pals. The story comes to life through projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water screens of the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. 

A new daytime parade, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!, will debut in Disney California Adventure. There will be a Pixar Pals Dessert Package at Sonoma Terrace that includes reserved seating for the parade, plus Pixar-inspired foods and desserts. The cost of the dessert package is $69 per person (age 3 and up), including tax and gratuity.

In 2024, Pixar Place Hotel had a FREE limited-time speaker series for Disney hotels guests. Guests staying at any of the Disneyland Resort Hotels can book this at the Front Desk, subject to availability. The 2024 speaker schedule was: 

Mother’s Day

In 2025, Mother’s Day will be May 11.

On Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May, Blue Bayou Restaurant and Carnation Café have offered special meals. Other restaurants may offer special meals as well.

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite

In 2025, Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite will be held June 16 and 18 at Disneyland Park.

Disneyland After Dark events take place after closing in either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. Each Disneyland After Dark event requires a separate ticket. Select attractions will be open and there will be special entertainment, food, photo opportunities, collectible merchandise and more, all based on that evening’s theme. Attendees also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party. There are a limited number of tickets for each event. 

While the party itself takes place after the park closes to the general public, Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite ticket holders can enter Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 pm, giving you up to 7 hours in the park. A theme park reservation is not required. 

On Pride Nite there will be a Pride Nite Cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A. featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald, Daisy and Goofy dressed in special attire; a Rivers of America dance party; country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe; and an Ohana Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace with Stich and other Disney characters. 

Plaza Inn will offer a dining package that includes reserved viewing for the fireworks and the cavalcade.

Themed attire that celebrates your true colors or unique self is encouraged, but must follow the costume rules for this event. See the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite page for full details. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless their costume can be modified to meet the standards.

2024 Tickets cost $159 per person (age 3 and up). Parking fees are not included in the ticket price.

  • 2024 Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite tickets went on sale for Magic Key holders on April 9, and for everyone else on April 11. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite page. Please note: only a limited number of tickets went on sale for Magic Key holders on April 9.

Independence Day (July 4)

On July 4, Disneyland Park has a special patriotic nighttime spectacular: Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.

Some Disneyland Resort Hotels offer a special meal, like a BBQ, or holiday activities. Sometimes these are open to the general pubic, sometimes they are only for hotel guests.

If you plan to visit Disneyland on Independence Day (July 4), be aware that it is one of the busiest days of the year. The park may reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you’re staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it’s full — Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get Lightning Lane Multi Pass and buy paid Lightning Lane Single Pass reservations right away, because the lines will be very long by noon and reservations will be gone quickly.

CHOC Walk in the Park

The 2024 CHOC Walk was held on July 21.

This annual charity walk at Disneyland is a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC). The walk passes through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, followed by festivities in Downtown Disney.

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort

In 2025, Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort will be held August 22 – October 31.

During this time period Disneyland Resort visitors will find Disney characters in seasonal costumes, whimsical décor, decked-out attractions and special seasonal treats. Halloween Time experiences include special appearances of Disney characters in their Halloween costumes and spooky-silly holiday themed decorations. 

In Downtown Disney there is Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a Halloween-themed pumpkin hunt. Search for different hidden pumpkins throughout Downtown Disney, each inspired by a different Disney character. Once you find a pumpkin, place the corresponding sticker on your game board. Game boards and stickers are available for $10.76, tax included. After your search is complete, return your game board to World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Trader for a surprise.

The Disneyland Resort Hotels have Halloween-themed displays in their lobbies. 

New for 2024, the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend was held in early September.

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is a separately ticketed night time event which gives kids and their families the opportunity to dress in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat throughout Disney California Adventure after it has closed to day guests. 

Special Halloween activities at Disney California Adventure include:

Over at Disneyland you’ll find:

For more information, visit Disneyland Resort’s Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort page.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

In 2024, Haunted Mansion Holiday opened on July 29. It usually runs through early January.

The holiday-enhanced version of the Disneyland Park ride is a celebration where the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas comes to the Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays. The Hatbox Ghost, who recently rejoined the Mansion’s happy haunts, is staying to celebrate Halloween and Christmas with Jack Skellington and his friends. Inside the Mansion, you will find a Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house.

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure

In 2025, Oogie Boogie Bash will be held August 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31; September 2, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; October 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28 and 31.

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is held on select nights at Disney California Adventure after the regular closing and requires separate admission to attend. Attendees can enter Disney California Adventure for up 3 hours before the event starts. A theme park reservation is NOT required for the park mix-in and event.

This 5-hour event includes:

There will also be treat trails throughout the park for trick-or-treating and character sightings. Halloween magic will appear on the façade of Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street.

You can make a reservation for the Wine Country Trattoria Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining Package or Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party. Both include access to a reserved viewing area for the parade. See below for more details about these dining packages.

All event attendees – including adults – may dress in their favorite Halloween costume but must follow strict guidelines. See Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash page for full details. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless their costume can be modified to meet the standards.

2024 Ticket Prices:

Limit 8 tickets per person, per event date. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event on the specified event date. Tickets are not valid for theme park admission prior to the hours of the event, except as noted above. Please note: Parking is not included with your ticket purchase.

  • 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash tickets went on sale for Inspire Magic Key holders on June 25, all Magic Key holders on June 26, and for everyone else on June 27. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash page. Please note: only a limited number of tickets went on sale for Magic Key holders on June 25. 

Wine Country Trattoria Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining Package

In 2024, the Wine Country Trattoria Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining Package was offered on August 25, 27, 29: September 3, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29; October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31 as part of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party.

This separately ticketed event includes a three course meal and access to a reserved standing viewing area for the Frightfully Fun Parade. This dining package costs $69 per adult (age 10 and up) and $41 per child (age 3-9), plus tax and gratuity. There is a extra $10 charge if you order the rib-eye steak.

Admission to Oogie Boogie Bash is required and is not included in the price of this package.

  • Reservations for the 2024 Wine Country Trattoria Oogie Boogie Bash Parade Dining Package can be made via the Disneyland app or on the Wine Country Trattoria page. Please note: admission to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is required to reserve this dining package and is not included in the price.

Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party

In 2024, the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party was offered on August 25, 27, 29: September 3, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29; October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31 as part of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party.

This separately ticketed event includes a dessert buffet, beverages and access to a reserved seating area for the Frightfully Fun Parade.   

The Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party costs $89 per person (age 3 and up), including tax and gratuity. Children ages 2 and under may attend free of charge, provided they are seated on the lap of an adult. Admission to Oogie Boogie Bash is required and is not included in the price of this package.

  • Reservations for the 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party can be made via the Disneyland app or on the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party page. Please note: admission to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is required and is not included in the price.

Día de los Muertos

In 2024, Día de los Muertos was held August 23 – November 2.

In Disneyland Park, Zócalo Park in Frontierland will have a colorful display featuring marigolds and papel picado, along with a traditional ofrenda, calaveras (sugar skulls), an iconic figure of La Catrina and food at Rancho del Zócalo.

Plaza de la Familia

In 2025, Plaza de la Familia will take place August 22 – November 2.

In Disney California Adventure in Paradise Gardens, Plaza de la Familia celebrates Coco and the everlasting bonds of family. Families visiting Plaza de la Familia can share memories of loved ones on the memory wall near the Árbol de la Vida, or Tree of Life. There will also be a World of Coco exhibit and a special menu of Mexican dishes at Paradise Garden Grill. “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” performed several times a day, will feature storytellers, the Mariachi Divas and authentic Folklórico dancers to tell the story of Miguel’s journey in Coco.

Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend

In 2025, the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend will be held September 4-7. The registration date has not been announced. (For 2024, registration opened February 13.)

The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend will include a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and more, all themed to the Halloween season.

Disneyland Magic Key holders, Walt Disney World annual passholders, DVC members and Club runDisney members are able to register ahead of the general public for some runDisney events. Check the annual passholder or DVC member website for details closer to the public registration date.

Thanksgiving

In 2025, Thanksgiving will be November 27. Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November.

Disneyland does not offer a Thanksgiving parade or decorations in the parks. However, the Christmas decorations are in place in the parks by Thanksgiving weekend and the Christmas Holiday events are well underway by that weekend.

A Disney Family Thanksgiving Feast is usually offered in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel on Thanksgiving Day. Many other restaurants on property also offer Thanksgiving menus.

Holidays at Disneyland Resort (Overview)

Small World Holiday by Loren Javier

It’s A Small World Holiday by Loren Javier (CC)

In 2024, Holidays at Disneyland Resort will be held November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025.

In 2025, Holidays at Disneyland Resort will be held November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026.

Park decorations start going up gradually right after Halloween and are complete by the beginning of the official holiday period. The ABC-TV Disney Christmas Parade special (which is broadcast on Christmas Day) is filmed in part at Disneyland, usually on the first or second weekend of November, so the decorations on Main Street, U.S.A. have to be in place by then.

Once the holiday period officially begins, Disneyland Park guests can enjoy a nightly holiday fireworks spectacular – Believe…in Holiday Magic. During the holidays, the fireworks show concludes with a magical snowfall down Main Street, U.S.A., Small World Mall and New Orleans Square. A Christmas Fantasy, Disneyland’s annual holiday parade, begins around the same time. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle becomes Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle – covered with shimmering icicles and twinkling lights. Several rides undergo a special holiday transformation: Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday. Santa Claus will be available to greet guests and pose for photos through Christmas Eve (December 24).

Disney California Adventure celebrates the season with special decorations and entertainment offerings and the Festival of Holidays. This event features diverse cultural holiday celebrations, including Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, along with the global sounds of special guest musical groups. There is holiday décor in Cars Land and Buena Vista Street. World of Color – Season of Light, a special holiday version of World of Color, takes place on select nights throughout the season at Disney California Adventure. Holiday music and decorations transform Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree into Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. Santa Claus greets guests at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail through Christmas Eve (December 24). 

In Downtown Disney, there are carolers and holiday décor. At the Downtown Disney Live! Stage there is live entertainment Friday through Sunday evenings through December 25th.

New for 2024, in Downtown Disney there will be Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt. Search for special Disney character-themed ornaments hidden on holiday trees throughout Downtown Disney. Once you find an ornament, place the corresponding sticker on your map. Maps and stickers are available for $10.76, tax included from November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025. After your search is complete, turn in your game board and receive a holiday keepsake. 

Decorations in the resort hotels and Downtown Disney usually go up right after Thanksgiving (substantially later than the park decorations). Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is decorated with Craftsman-inspired décor, including natural garlands, a Christmas tree lit with “arts and crafts” lanterns and a giant gingerbread replica of the hotel in the lobby. Holiday sweets can be purchased from the lobby’s holiday cart. The midcentury Disneyland Hotel receives a retro-holiday look with silver trees and bright colors. 

Santa visits all three Disney hotels starting in late November/early December through Christmas Eve (December 24). Local performers and holiday carolers perform throughout the holiday season at each resort hotel.

In 2024, there will be seasonal character meals at some of the Disney hotels. Disneyland Hotel offers Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! November 19, 2024 – January 2, 2025. New for 2024, Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will offer Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party for breakfast and brunch from November 19, 2024 – January 1, 2025 and Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hearthstone Lounge from December 3-24, 2024.   

Christmas at Disneyland Park

In 2024, Disneyland Park will celebrate the holidays from November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025.

In 2025, Disneyland Park will celebrate the holidays from November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026.

There are Christmas decorations throughout the park and the Christmas Fantasy Parade takes place daily. As it gets dark, thousands of lights come to life outside “it’s a small world” Holiday and at select times each night a light projection show animates the façade of the attraction with holiday colors and images. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle becomes Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle – covered with shimmering icicles and twinkling lights. There is a Christmas Fantasy Parade dining package at Plaza Inn that includes access to a reserved viewing area.

There is a nightly holiday fireworks spectacular – Believe…in Holiday Magic which ends with a magical snowfall on parts of Main Street, U.S.A., near “it’s a small world” and on Rivers of America. Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace offers dining packages with a view of the fireworks. There is also a nightly Disney Holiday Dance Party on Tomorrowland Terrace that includes appearances by Disney characters dressed up for the season.

Several rides undergo a special holiday transformation: Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday. 

New for 2024, Santa Claus and select Disney characters will make appearances throughout the day and pose for holiday photos at “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at the Fantasyland Theatre through Christmas Eve (December 24). There are also crafts and sing-alongs to holiday classics.

Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure

In 2024, the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure will be held on November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025.

In 2025, the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure will be held on November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026.

The Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure features holiday festivities inspired by cultural traditions from around the world. Entertainment experiences throughout the park draw on the diverse celebrations that bring joy during this festive time of year, including Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas/Navidad and Three Kings Day. This celebration also includes Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, a celebration of Latino cultures. There is also Mickey’s Happy Holidays, a dance party featuring Disney and Pixar characters and the Holiday Toy Drummers.

World of Color – Season of Light, a special holiday version of World of Color, takes place on select nights throughout the season at Disney California Adventure. This nighttime spectacular combines classic holiday songs with memorable moments from Disney animated films to create an experience filled with magic.

New for 2024, Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season will be performed on select Mondays through Fridays outside the entrance to Paradise Gardens Park. In this show, Mirabel and her friends come together for a Fiesta de Navidad celebration and singalong.

New for 2024, a new nighttime show, A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel! will be held Monday through Friday evenings on Buena Vista Street. This bilingual performance of Christmas stories and songs ends with an appearance from Miguel from Coco singing “Silent Night.”

The Festive Foods Marketplace features holiday favorites from different cuisines and traditions. As part of the Festive Foods Marketplace, you can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass. The Sip and Savor pass tabs can be exchanged for one food item or one non-alcoholic beverage at participating Festive Food Marketplace locations.

Head into Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for Santa’s Holiday Visit, where you can meet Santa through Christmas Eve (December 24) and see how his joyful elves have transformed the area into a playground of holiday fun and games. Santa Goofy takes over on Christmas Day (December 25) through the end of the Festival of Holidays.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

In 2024, Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at Disney California Adventure will be held November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is inspired by the warmth and joyous spirit of Latino cultures, filled with holiday traditions, jubilant dancing and exciting music. Based in and around the Paradise Garden area of Disney California Adventure, the special activities include crafts and face-painting for children, live music, dance lessons, holiday foods, a Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party and, of course, appearances by some popular Disney characters.

Paradise Garden is decorated with holly, banners and Latino cultural icons, including traditional “papel picado” hand-cut paper art decorations. At the bandstand, guests can enjoy performances by traditional mariachi, Norteño, and other regional music groups. Community music and folklorico troupes will perform throughout the day. Disney ¡Viva Navidad! guests will find opportunities to enjoy fun arts and crafts, storytelling and face-painting, and they may also discover a selection of unique merchandise in the area. Dining locations in Paradise Garden feature Mexican dishes that are often served for the holidays.

The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party takes over Paradise Garden several times daily, featuring the Three Caballeros on a festive holiday float, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse transported on colorfully decorated street tricycles, flag-bearers carrying papel picado banners, Mexican folklorico dancers, samba dancers and drummers, plus giant “Mojiganga” puppets, including representations of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

The grand finale of Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is the special celebration of Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) in Paradise Garden.

Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional at Disneyland Park is usually held the first weekend in December, with two performances each night, at 5:30 and 7:45 pm. Exact dates and narrators are not always announced in advance.

The annual event includes a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story as well as an orchestra and hundreds of choir members from local communities performing traditional carols. The members of the choir walk down Main Street, U.S.A. with lighted candles and gather in front of the train station in Town Square for the performance. Seating for this event is invitation-only. However, the general public can watch from any place not reserved for performers or invited guests.

Tips and tricks based on previous years:

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

In addition to the special parade, “snow” experience and fireworks at Disneyland, there are usually special buffet meals available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Information and reservations usually become available about 60 days in advance, you can check . Check the Disneyland dining site for information and reservations.

If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on Christmas Day, be aware that it is one of the busiest days of the year. The parks (especially Disneyland) usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you’re staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it’s full — Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get Lightning Lane Multi Pass and buy paid Lightning Lane Single Pass reservations right away, because the lines will be very long by noon and reservations will be gone quickly.

Special Activities

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Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is owned by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother herself and operated by her wand-toting Godmothers-in-Training. Children ages 3 – 12 can choose a hairstyle then add makeup, nail color and accessories, and even a Disney Princess costume. There are a variety of Princess packages as well as a Knight Package and Deluxe Knight Package. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. 

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is next to Sleeping Beauty Castle in Fantasyland in Disneyland Park. Disneyland Park admission and a theme park reservation are required. 

Droid Depot

Droid Depot is an experience where guests get to make their own custom remote-control R2 unit, with custom pieces and decorations that make your specific droid one-of-a-kind. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance for the build-your-own droid experience. Reservations are not technically required, but unless you visit during very low season, a reservation is highly recommended. 

Droid Depot is in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park. Disneyland Park admission and a theme park reservation are required. 

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Bowling)

Splitsville is a luxury bowling alley with great food, located in Downtown Disney. They also have live bands performing every night. There is no cover charge.

Theme Park Tours

From time to time, Disneyland offers special discounts to Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa cardholders on various park tours. Reserve a tour up to 60 days in advance online or using the Disneyland app. Theme park admission and a theme park reservation are required.

VIP Tour

Disneyland VIP Tours are private tours just for your group. You’ll be led around by a Host or Hostess who will tailor the tour to your interests. They can usually assist you in experiencing the attractions with minimal waits (you don’t always skip the lines, but they know which rides will have the shortest lines at which times and in many cases they are allowed to use the Lightning Lane entrance). When you set up a VIP Tour, you can also request restaurant reservations, special viewing areas for certain shows and parades, etc. The cost is $425-$700 per hour for up to 10 guests (varies seasonally and higher rate applies if booked less than 48 hours in advance). There is a 7-hour minimum. Park admission is required. If you don’t already have a theme park reservation, the VIP Tour Office will assist you with getting one for the day of the VIP tour.

There are no discounts on the VIP Tours. You can arrange a VIP Tour by calling Disney Special Activities at (714) 300-7710. Unlike the other tours, VIP Tours can be booked 90 days in advance.