We’re getting closer each day to Disneyland celebrating the holidays and transforming into a sparkling winter wonderland. Celebrating the holiday season at Disneyland is where joy and tradition come to life around every corner. Disney’s just confirmed the return of several popular holiday offerings, including Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Disney Festival of Holidays, and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, which are set to begin starting November 14th, and will continue through January 7th, 2026. The holidays at Disneyland are a great time to see some spectacular shows, ornate holiday décor, and cherish unforgettable experiences that stir the senses and warm the heart.

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During the holiday season, some of Disneyland’s 70^th Celebration entertainment will continue so you won’t miss out on visiting during such a special time of the year. Disney also confirmed that Santa will be making his way around to hear your Christmas wishes, and you’ll have an opportunity to catch him both Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and at each of the Disneyland hotels.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store and where you’ll find them!

Holidays at Disneyland

Mickey, Minnie, and some of their friends will be sporting their sparkling new holiday outfits. Each outfit’s design will feature a “holiday spin” on their clothing they’re currently wearing for the 70^th Celebration. You’ll notice all of the shimmering greens, reds, and golds used throughout each design, and if you look closely, you’ll find a few 70^th anniversary nods too!

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Snow might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think California, but nightly “snowfall” will drift down each night during Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. This special event is where you’ll see 80,000 shimmering lights transform the castle into a snowy, sparkling wonder.

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You won’t want to miss the breathtaking “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular to follow. You’ll also want to pay special attention to flurries that can be seen gliding along Main Street, U.S.A., near “it’s a small world” Holiday, and the Rivers of America.

Christmas fireworks

Additionally, A Christmas Fantasy Parade is where you’ll find beloved Disney characters, toy soldiers, and dancing gingerbread cookies make their way down Main Street, U.S.A., in a warm celebration of the season.

Disneyland 2019

For some of the best views of the parade, be prepared to grab a spot to watch it near “it’s a small world” Holiday, along the parade route next to the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Or, if you prefer Main Street, U.S.A. reserved viewing for the parade, it is included when you book the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour. This guided tour takes you through both parks at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, where you’ll hear heartwarming holiday stories about Walt and the Disney family. During this tour, you’ll journey down memory lane, as you trace joyous and festive moments held across the parks while also learning about the rich tapestry of holiday traditions from all around the globe.

Don’t forget about the ride and attraction holiday overlays! You’ll really immerse yourself in the magic of the season by experiencing the whimsical winter makeover of “it’s a small world” Holiday and the merrily macabre Haunted Mansion Holiday.

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“Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” has also been confirmed to return to the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland.

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This is where you and your little ones will make crafts, sing-alongs to holiday classics, and experience magical photo opportunities with select Disney characters and Santa himself.

Holidays at Disney California Adventure

Over at Disney California Adventure, you can “park” yourself amid the colorful lights, wreaths, bows, and Christmas-y cones right before sunset for a neon-lit “Sh-Boom” transition from day to night inside Cars Land.

Cars Land during the holidays

Winter in Radiator Springs is especially fun when you take a spin on Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl in his decked-out backyard while listening to tow-riffic original lyrics set to holiday classics on Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Cars Land holiday decor

If you’re looking for a pit stop to refuel,  the new Jerry’s Junk Truck Cone from Cozy Cone Motel is where you should head.

Disney Festival of Holidays has been confirmed to return to Disney California Adventure beginning on November 14th. This holiday festival will run through January 7th, 2026, and is bursting with color, culture, and cheer — showcasing a diverse season of celebrations through delicious food, a daily rotation of live entertainment, and unique merchandise.

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As part of this festival, Festive Food Marketplaces will be found throughout different areas of the park, where new and returning bites and beverages will await you like the fan-favorite braised pork belly adobo.

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You can also opt to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to help you taste your way through the festivities at participating locations. These passes include six digital coupons that can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages around Disney California Adventure and can be a great value for those looking to experience the most of what this festival has to offer.

Turning our attentions towards the streets of Disney California Adventure, you’ll find they come alive with a blend of joyful music, dancing, and cultural performances during the holidays. You might spot a group of Holiday Toy Drummers marching to merry rhythms or the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade featuring some of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters to offer you season’s greetings.

Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park ©Disney

On select days, Mirabel from Encanto and her friends will retell stories and perform hit songs from the film during “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season.” Mirabel is also among the characters rotating at the Paradise Gardens Park gazebo, where you’ll find Disney pals sharing holiday greetings and posing for photo opportunities.

Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season

On select days at Carthay Circle, Disney’s confirmed we should keep an eye out for A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel! as they perform bilingual renditions of favorite holiday songs. Toward the end, be on the lookout for Miguel, too!

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One of my personal favorites to see return this year has also been confirmed! Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure is where you’ll catch Disney ¡Viva Navidad!. This show is a heartwarming celebration inspired by Latin American holiday traditions — with a spirited Disney twist! Here you’ll experience live music, crafts, festive décor, flavorful dishes, and appearances by Mickey, Minnie, and The Three Caballeros.

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Additionally, on select days, the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party lights up the area with folklórico dancers, mariachis, samba performers, and more. All, of course, led by The Three Caballeros in a vibrant display of rhythm and color.

The Hotels at Disneyland will be brimming with holiday cheer and decked out with festive, seasonal decor. You can look forward to specialty dining, carolers, and catching an encounter with Santa!

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You’ll have several character dining options to choose from this holiday season, including a brand-new character dinner experience called Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast held at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party you’ll also find at Storytellers Cafe for breakfast and brunch. You can also make memories at Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! over at the Disneyland Hotel or experience Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Reservations will be available soon for this experience, so be sure to keep an eye out for when we’ll be able to start making reservations.

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A returning holiday-themed beverage menu can be found at Broken Spell Lounge in the Disneyland Hotel. This lounge’s seasonal offerings will feature creative twists on classics like hot chocolate and eggnog, paired with live jazz music on select days.

Broken Spell Lounge

Downtown Disney

The Downtown Disney District will transform into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. Each step inside is one closer to its seasonal eats and treats, sounds and sights, and a beautiful nightly “snowfall” to enjoy. Your stroll through Downtown Disney is met with twinkling lights and wintery décor, while picking up on the joyful sounds of live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage.

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Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail has also been confirmed to return this year! This unique stroll invites you to search for special ornaments hanging from trees sprinkled throughout Downtown Disney. More details will be released soon, but you’ll pick up an activity map from a participating retail location, start your search, and exchange the map at a redemption location to receive a special keepsake.

Holiday Merch and Limited-Time Food & Beverage

Of course, there will be plenty of holiday merchandise available at shops like Elias & Co., Emporium, World of Disney, and more that fit practically any holiday style.

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The festive color palette and Santa Mickey artwork on this year’s Mickey Mouse Family Christmas Collection brings the magic of Christmas to life with nostalgic and whimsical storytelling. Disney’s prepared to offer a wide range of apparel, accessories, home décor, and more, which make GREAT souvenirs or holiday gifts for your loved ones.

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And don’t forget the dozens of limited-time, holiday-themed food and beverages outside of the festival food markets you can pick up throughout Disneyland, like the returning peppermint cold brew and Mickey-shaped gingerbread cookie.

70th Anniversary Celebration During the Holidays

As I mentioned before, Disney confirmed that select experiences for the 70th Celebration will continue during the holiday season. This means you won’t miss out on your chances to enjoy the World of Color Happiness! nighttime spectacular and Tapestry of Happiness projections. However, entertainment like Paint the Night parade and other entertainment experiences will pause temporarily during the holiday season to be resumed at a later date.

Paint the Night Parade

Areas and attractions around the park will retain special touches, including celebratory accents and the colorful castle photo opportunity in the esplanade. Interactive MagicBand+ locations and the Key to Disneyland lock stations will remain available through the holiday season, though.

Key to Disneyland

Now that you’ve gotten a glimpse into what Disney’s already confirmed for the upcoming holiday season, I hope you’re even more excited about your upcoming visit during these holidays now!