Disney Announces NEW 'Encanto' and 'Coco' Shows

The holiday season arrived in Disneyland last month with the snow on Sleeping Beauty Castle, but that’s just the beginning.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

We already know that the Disneyland Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure begins soon on November 15th — and yes, we already have the festival menus! We are also ready for all the Disneyland holiday snacks! However, some NEW things are coming to Disneyland for the holidays this year, too, and if you love Encanto and Coco, you’re going to want to head to the parks ASAP.

During the Disneyland Festival of the Holidays, you’ll be able to see a new Encanto-themed show called “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Seasons” on Mondays through Fridays outside the entrance to Paradise Gardens Park in California Adventure. Mirabel will be joined by her friends to enjoy the spirit of the holidays during their very own Fiesta de Navidad celebration. The show will include some of your favorite songs from Encanto.

©Disney

A new Coco-themed show is coming to the festival, too! “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel” will be performed on weekday evenings on Buena Vista Street. This nighttime shows “gathers friends and families to listen to heartfelt stories and timeless songs in an enchanting celebration of the holidays.” The bilingual show includes a special appearance by Miguel for a rendition of “Silent Night.”

©Disney

This year’s festival will also include MORE musical acts, including some returning performers, as well as new performers! According to Disney:

“The live entertainment across Disney California Adventure displays an extensive range of genres, including mariachi, jazz, klezmer, Latin pop, fusion, reggae, polka and more. Several new live bands and cultural performance groups will perform at the festival, such as Joy, Rangoli Rhythms, Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Keali’I O Nālani & Daniel Ho, and more! You can also enjoy a season of celebrations with many returning favorites, including Blue13 Dance Company and The Mistletoes!”

©Disney

You can also expect the return of the Holiday Toy Drummers every day in front of the obelisk in Paradise Gardens Park. The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party is also returning on Saturdays and Sundays from November 16th through January 5th. “World of Color – Season of Light” will also return to California Adventure.

©Disney

Over in Disneyland, kids can enjoy a dance party with some of their favorite characters in Tomorrowland at the “Disney Holiday Dance Party” every evening from November 16th through January 6th. Don’t miss the returning “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” every day at Disneyland. The “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks show will also return on select nights as Sleeping Beauty Castle lights up with twinkling lights and icicles. You’ll also get to see magical “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A. each night during the holiday season.

Christmas fireworks

You can visit with Santa at “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland every day, while he’ll also be available November 15th through 24th at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure — from December 25th through January 6th, 2025, you can see Santa Goofy there. You can also catch Santa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel from November 28th through December 24th.

Santa at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Don’t miss Mickey, Minnie, and their friends in their holiday outfits at both parks. You’ll also spot special appearances from characters, including Mirabel at the Paradise Gardens gazebo in California Adventure. Specially-themed dining experiences are also available at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel and Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel.

Goofy’s Kitchen

Other holiday things you can enjoy includes the lighting of the 50-foot tree in California Adventure every evening, as well as “it’s a small world Holiday.”

it’s a small world Holiday

In Downtown Disney, you’ll be able to enjoy live music each night while “snow” will fall near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn during “special moments” nightly from November 29th through January 6th.

You’ll also be able to enjoy carolers at Disneyland’s hotels, along with live music on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings in the lobby of the Grand Californian. Performances are during select times and at select locations through December 31st.

So there’s a lot to enjoy this holiday season in Disneyland. Stay tuned to DFB for more.