Ah, the holiday season. It’s a time for giving. For celebrating. For having FUN with your friends and family! And as much as we’d love to soak in the holiday spirit all year long, we do have a schedule to stick to — especially in the Disney theme parks. So, when does Christmas start at Disneyland Resort?

Hoping to visit Disneyland Resort for the holiday season? You’ve got to time it just right! There’s a LOT going on in the Disney theme parks (like a mega 70th Anniversary celebration) between now and December 25th, so it’s up to you to decide what’s worth checking out. From Halloween parties to Christmastime events, I’ve done it allll, but I must admit, there’s something extra magical about the holiday season in the Disney parks. Here’s what to expect this year.

Recently, Disney confirmed the return of several popular holiday offerings, including Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Disney Festival of Holidays, and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!. These events will return on November 14th and will continue through January 7th, 2026. This is your chance to enjoy Disney’s stunning holiday décor, catch some exclusive live entertainment, and try a holiday treat or two.

Keep in mind that Disneyland’s 70^th Celebration will continue during the holiday season, so you can enjoy both the festive holiday fun and the historic anniversary.

Oh, and good news: Santa will appear in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and at each of the Disneyland hotels. Bring your Christmas lists!

What to Expect for the Holiday Season at Disneyland

So far, Disney has confirmed several new and returning holiday attractions for the 2025 season. For example, we know that Mickey, Minnie, and pals will be dressed up in new holiday outfits. The designs will blend the 70th Anniversary celebration with a shimmering green, red, and gold color palette for Christmas.

We also know that the Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will happen in 2025. This special event features 80,000 shimmering lights that transform the castle into a snowy, sparkling spectacle.

Other confirmed holiday offerings include:

• “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular

• A Christmas Fantasy Parade

• Attraction holiday overlays — “it’s a small world” will get a holiday transformation along with the beloved Haunted Mansion Holiday makeover

• Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends! — A place to make crafts, sing-along to holiday classics, and experience magical photo opportunities with select Disney characters and Santa himself

What to Expect for the Holiday Season at Disney California Adventure

One of our favorite holiday makeovers is coming BACK! Over at Disney California Adventure, the holiday lights, wreaths, bows, and Christmas cones will turn Cars Land into a winter wonderland.

Disney confirmed that Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree will transform some of our favorite Radiator Springs attractions.

Time for the BIG news: Disney Festival of Holidays will return to Disney California Adventure beginning on November 14th and will run through January 7th, 2026. Look out for tons of exclusive snacks, drinks, live entertainment, and merchandise.

The following attractions will also be part of the Disney California Adventure holiday season:

• Holiday Toy Drummers
• Mickey’s Happy Holidays Cavalcade
• Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season — Mirabel and friends will visit the Paradise Gardens Park gazebo for special holiday greetings and photo opportunities

• A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel! 

• Disney ¡Viva Navidad! — a celebration inspired by Latin American holiday traditions with live music, crafts, festive décor, flavorful dishes, and appearances by Mickey, Minnie, and The Three Caballeros
  • Additionally, the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party will show off folklórico dancers, mariachis, samba performers, and more

What to Expect for the Holiday Season at the Disneyland Hotels

The Hotels at Disneyland are set to bring the holiday cheer right to your resort! Look out for specialty dining, carolers, and even an encounter with Santa.

We cannot WAIT for the brand-new character dinner experience called Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast held at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Plus, Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party will take place during breakfast and brunch. You can also check out 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, so keep an eye out for more details.

Additionally, you can enjoy:

• A returning holiday-themed beverage menu at Broken Spell Lounge in the Disneyland Hotel

• Underneath the Tree signature massage at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Joy of Holiday body treatment at Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Phew! There’s a LOT to look forward to this holiday season!

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disneyland trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

 

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

CONFIRMED: Character Dining, Parade, Fireworks, and MORE Coming To Disneyland This Holiday Season

Which of Disneyland’s upcoming holiday offerings are you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments below!