If you weren’t dreaming of a Disneyland Christmas before, you will be now!

Disney has finally announced all the details regarding Christmas at Disneyland Resort, which is coming on November 18th this year, and now our minds are filled with anticipation and holiday cheer. We have lots to talk about regarding the most wonderful time of the year, from exclusive snacks to the Disneyland Christmas parade. Oh, and of course, the ride overlays!

Holiday Ride Overlays

Haunted Mansion Holiday

There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to the holiday season at Disneyland Resort. However, nothing excites us more than the holiday overlays for some of our favorite rides. Tons of rides across the resort transform with seasonal overlays, creating completely new and unique experiences. No ride does it better than the transformation from Haunted Mansion to the beloved Haunted Mansion Holiday!

The Haunted Mansion Holiday arrives for the start of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, and stays until the end of the Christmas season. The ride overlay sees Haunted Mansion transform from the classic attraction into a seasonal ride inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The ride features Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town, who have taken over the space, showcasing what happens when two holidays collide. It’s filled with festive scenes, updated decor, holiday-infused music, iconic characters, and so much more. It’s a completely different attraction during the spooky and holiday seasons.

The attraction also features an annual gingerbread house, which is a fan-favorite centerpiece located inside the ballroom scene. It even has an aroma that fills the room with that nostalgic Christmas feeling. The gingerbread house is created with a new design every season, and this ever-changing display has become a tradition for Disneyland guests. We always look forward to seeing what Disney Live Entertainment puts together every single year.

“it’s a small world” Holiday

Also returning this year is “it’s a small world” Holiday, bringing Christmas cheer, bright lights, and a stunning finale. Those who love Christmas lights will not want to miss out on this ride overlay, as the ride’s iconic scenes are covered with festive overlays. Each region in the attraction celebrates the holidays in distinct ways, from Mele Kalikimaka to Feliz Navidad.

The attraction also blends the classic “It’s a Small World” song with holiday classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” into a continuous musical arrangement. However, the most stunning part of this overlay has to be the way the attraction looks on the outside. The Holiday Lighting throughout the night on the attraction’s facade sees thousands of twinkling lights come to life at once. Like we said, a Christmas lights lover’s dream!

Cars Land

Over at Disney California Adventure, Cars Land is the place to be! The holiday season brings Radiator Springs holiday music, plenty of festive personality, and two attractions with seasonal overlays. The first overlay is the transformation from Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree into Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. The ride features a collection of seasonal tunes, but with Mater’s own original lyrics. The ride is filled with garland, lights, and decor!

The other ride overlay is the transformation from Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl. Luigi and his extended family are celebrating the holidays with festive dances to tunes sung by Luigi himself.

Snacks

It’s not a holiday party without tasty treats! Disney teased a ton of the holiday snacks and drinks that are returning this year on November 18th, and they look delicious. Let’s take a look at the full list:

• Mickey Elf Shake (at Schmoozies!): Mint and chocolate cookie shake with green whipped topping and crushed peppermint candy
• Fried Chicken Cone (at Cozy Cone Motel: Chili Cone Queso): Chopped fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and cheese topped with green onions

• Milk and Cookies Tree-shaped Macaron (at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe): Green macaron with milk buttercream, filled with chocolate cookie dough
• Cranberry Crispy Chicken Sandwich (at Galactic Grill): Fried chicken sandwich with cranberry-orange marmalade BBQ sauce, provolone, onion rings, and arugula served on a toasted bun

Entertainment

All of the holiday entertainment we love is coming back again this year, including A Christmas Fantasy Parade and “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks. Don’t forget to check out Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty Castle, as you witness a shimmering spectacle that transforms the castle every evening.

Characters

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and some of their friends are going to celebrate the holidays in festive attire at Disneyland Park. There will be activities with Chip ‘n’ Dale, Goofy, and Pluto, including crafts, sing-alongs, and more. Santa Claus will also be coming to town!

Decor

Of course, the park is going to feature gorgeous decor in so many different places. You may spot a skipper-inspired Christmas tree in Adventureland, tiny pieces of garland while on the Storybook Land Canal Boats, or wreaths on Main Street. Oh, and the giant Christmas tree when you enter the park!

Downtown Disney will even have an activity fun for the whole family, Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail. It will have you go on a search for ornaments hidden on Christmas trees.

There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to Christmas at Disneyland Resort this year. We won’t see it till November 18th, so we’ll be patiently waiting. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog!

Something NEW Is Coming to Downtown Disney!

Are you going to Disneyland this holiday season? Let us know in the comments!