Christmastime is my absolute favorite time to visit Disney. I love walking down Main Street under the lights and holly garlands. All the special touches drag you into the holiday spirit whether you want it to or not and you just want to sing right along with all the Christmas music.
A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Decorations
The Disneyland Christmas makeover starts at the beginning of November. Main Street comes alive with lights, holiday garland and decorations all leading each guest to the enormous, gorgeous and towering Christmas Tree. Cinderella’s Castle shimmers and shines with lights. Head back to Fantasyland where the It’s a Small World Every facade is covered in 50,000 lights and special video projections for and amazing transformation. Each and every land joins in the holiday fun!
What about California Adventure? How do they join in the festivities? Bring back nostalgia from times gone by with the beautiful vintage holiday decorations up and down Buena Vista Street. Feel dwarfed and inspired by the 50 ft. Christmas tree. Wander through Paradise Pier, Grizzly Peak and other lands immersing yourself in holiday cheer. And don’t miss Cars Land, where the residents of Radiator Springs have decked the streets in seasonal a-tire. Two not to miss attractions: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Of course Downtown Disney and the resorts are not to be outdone. Find your holiday home-away-from-home festooned with frosty flair. The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcome Guests with splendiferous displays that send spirits soaring. Each Disneyland Resort hotel features a unique holiday tree decorated with whimsical flourishes, traditional trimmings and dashes of pure Disney magic.
When can you see the decorations?
The decorations go up the first week of November and come down the first week of January.
A Disneyland Guide to Special Holiday Events and Activities?
Disneyland
A Christmas Fantasy Parade— With prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Disneyland Park! Wave to all your Disney friends as they pass by on fantastic holiday floats.
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular— Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets.
“it’s a small world” Holiday–This classic attraction dresses up for Christmas. The holiday dolls sing medleys of holiday music as well as the classic song. Outside each evening, every 30 minutes, thousands of lights come alive as well as video projections to bathe the exterior in colorful lights and images.
Haunted Mansion Holiday–The ghosts and ghouls are in festive holiday spirit and want to wish you a merry macabre holiday. Enjoy the spooky mansion inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas.
“Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour–This 2 1/2 hour guided tour will share favorite Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world. You will also enjoy reserved seating for the Christmas Fantasy Parade, delicious holiday treats, a collectible pin and more. Cost: $99 (theme park admission also required)
California Adventure
- Festive Foods Marketplace–Delight your taste buds with festive foods and treats from around the World
- Disney ¡Viva Navidad!–Dance along with the Three Caballeros at the Viva ¡Navidad! Street Party. Celebrate Three Kings Day January 3-6, 2020 honoring Epiphany, a holiday in Mexico, South and Central America.
- Meet Santa and his elves at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting— Watch in wonder as the tree twinkles to life with a kaleidoscope of colored lights, hundreds of whimsical ornaments and swags of gleaming garland.
A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Crowds?
This is a very busy time but all the special additions make it worth the extra crowds.
The busiest times are when schools are on vacation–the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas Break.
If you want to try to experience the parks with a little fewer people your best bet is the first few weeks of November and December. Weekends will be quite busy but Tuesdays-Thursdays might be a little less crowded.
How do I handle the crowds?
The best way to enjoy the holidays at Disneyland is to be prepared. Have a plan! Touring Plans is a great place to help plan your day.
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- Expect lots and lots of people and lots and lots of waiting!
- Stay in the park on the busiest days (definitely Christmas and New Year’s Day). They often reach capacity and if you leave you won’t be able to go back.
- Know what are your must do’s (keep the list short) and what can wait until another trip.
- Purchase tickets before arrival. Ticket lines get very long.
- Get to the park early (30 min-1 hour before opening)! Maximize your time while others are sleeping.
- Get your FastPass for World of Color-Seasons of Light early in the day.
- MAXPASS!! Make sure app is downloaded before your vacation so you are ready to roll right as you walk through the gate.
- Stake out your spot for the Parade and Fireworks VERY early if you want a good spot.
- Focus on entertainment and activities as well as rides.
- Be patient! Everyone around you also desires a magical holiday.
I hope that you found this information helpful for your Disneyland vacation planning. Remember, even though November and December are very busy with lots of people you can still have a memorable and magical vacation!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Check out these other posts you might like:
- Celebrate the Holidays at Disney World
- Ultimate 2019 Disney Christmas Package
- There is still time to take advantage of the 2019 Fall Special Offers at Disney World.
- 5 Cool New Disney World Experiences this Fall
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