How Disneyland is Celebrating Christmas in 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … and it’s coming to Disneyland Resort! Depending on where you live the air may just be beginning to turn crisp, but the holidays will be here before you know it and Disneyland is prepared. Let’s dive right in to the events, entertainment, and festivities that you’ll find if you’re visiting Disneyland over the Christmas season, which will run from November 15, 2024 through January 6, 2025.

Christmas Entertainment at Disneyland

You’ll find festive decor and fun throughout the resort, at the parks, and all three hotels. Look for a massive gingerbread house at the Grand Californian and all-new holiday decor at the Pixar Place Hotel. In the parks, entertainment and limited-time seasonal attractions bring home the Christmas spirit. And throughout the resort, dozens of limited-time holiday-themed food & beverages will be available.

Parades & Evening Spectaculars

The “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular, will run nightly at Disneyland Park, with “snow” falling from above as fireworks fill the air. You can experience the “snowfall” on Main Street, along the Rivers of America, outside of “its a small world” Holiday, and at the west end of Downtown Disney.

Over at Disney California Adventure, the dancing fountains of World of Color will jump to festive music against a backdrop of shimmering “snowflakes” on Paradise Bay during “World of Color – Season of Light”

During the day, you’ll be able to see prancing reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread cookies, and of course all your favorites on the floats in the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland Park. Make sure to look for Santa in the finale.

Chip & Dale’s Ornament Trail

Starting on November 22 and running through New Year’s Day, the whole family can take on a scavenger hunt at Downtown Disney District. Purchase an activity map at select shopping locations in Downtown Disney and search for special ornaments hidden among the holiday trees and shining lights that are giving the District its holiday vibes. When you’re done, redeem your map for a collectible holiday keepsake at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders. (Valid while supplies last, subject to change or cancellation at any time.)

Holiday attraction overlays

Select attractions will see a seasonal transformation, with holiday elements added to the fun:

• “it’s a small world” Holiday
• Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
• Mater’s Jingle Jamboree

Christmas with Characters at Disneyland

Mickey, Minnie and the gang be will be meeting over the holidays, wearing brand new outfits designed just for the season. And as for Santa, you can find him making stops for photos at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel through December 24.

Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays

Festival of the Holidays highlights the diverse seasonal celebrations in Southern California, marking the occasion with food, drink, live entertainment and of course, merchandise. The Festive Food Marketplaces will be back this year, along with Festival items in select dining locations throughout the resort. The Sip & Savor Pass will be offered in 4- or 8-pack versions; coupons can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages from participating locations.

Cultural performance groups – a mix of new acts and returning favorites – will show guests how to celebrate the holidays with music and dance, and Disney characters will get into the fun as they march to the beat of festive music during the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! will take over Paradise Gardens with daily crafts, live music, food and décor inspired by Latin American traditions, and the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party will perform on select days. This festive event features the Three Caballeros along with Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, and percussionists. On days when it doesn’t run, Mirabel (Encanto) or Miguel (Coco) host festive street performances instead.

Christmas Holiday Extras at Disneyland

You’ll find a wide variety of holiday merchandise to get your Christmas shopping done at the Resort over the holiday season, and there are a few extra experiences to make some special memories while you’re there.

“Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!” will begin serving guests at the Disneyland Hotel on November 19. Mickey won’t be outdone, so you’ll also find Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch at the Grand Californian, with new holiday pajamas. Reservations for both these character meals will be available at a later date.

In the parks, you can take the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour, featuring holiday stories of Walt Disney and his family. The tour also includes holiday-themed treats and reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”

Last but not least, if all you want for Christmas is a day at the spa, you’ll find bookable experiences at the Tenaya Stone Spa such as an Underneath the Tree Signature Massage and a Warmth of Holiday Foot Treatment.