The holidays are here at Anaheim! See everything new and festive as we explore Christmas at Disneyland- and around the resort, too.
Get ready to be holly and jolly at the Happiest Place on Earth! It’s no secret that Disneyland is the place to be for the holiday season, but did you know that there are ways to keep the celebration going around the Disneyland resort?
Read on for more information on where to go and what to do to keep your spirits bright from now until January 8, 2023, as Disneyland Resort rings in this festive time of year!
Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney District hosts a variety of dining, entertainment, and special offerings for the holiday season– Christmas at Disneyland really comes alive here!
Decorations
Photo by Kathleen Lee
The decorations in Downtown Disney District are vibrant and festive. I loved spotting all of the different Christmas trees as I walked through the district on my way to the parks.
Seasonal Offerings
Photo by Kathleen Lee
For the first time, Disney Festival of Holidays will extend to Downtown Disney District with “Friends of the Festival” specials. There’s also a holiday craft station for little ones to enjoy during the day.
Certain stores will be participating in “Friends of the Festival” like Lovepop, a shop devoted to deluxe handcrafted keepsake cards.
Christmas at Disneyland
Sleeping Beauty Castle Holiday Makeover
Photo by Kathleen Lee
See Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle glisten from day to night with mesmerizing lights and sparkling icicles.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
Photo by Kathleen Lee
This parade is a fan favorite. A Christmas Fantasy Parade is jam-packed with Disney characters and holiday friends, featuring cuddly chubby snow people, dancing reindeer, sparkling snowflake dancers, and so much more. My favorite part is the toys from Pixar’s Toy Story!
Exclusive Holiday Merchandise
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Inside Disneyland, one of my favorite stores to shop for holiday gifts, can be found in Frontierland. At Pioneer Mercantile you’ll find gadgets and gizmos a-plenty! The decor gives off a holiday cabin in the woods. Inside the shop, you’ll hear holiday classics along with festive projections to keep your little ones entertained as you shop.
‘it’s a small world’ Holiday
Did you know that ‘it’s a small world’ Holiday celebrates its 25th anniversary this year? See the spectacle of dazzling lights this season to commemorate the occasion.
Santa Claus Comes to Town
Here comes Santa Claus, right down Disney Way. Santa Claus has arrived at the following locations: Critter Country in Disneyland, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure, and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
Seasonal Entertainment
“Believe… in Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular, returns! This show has the most magical special effect… “snoap-fall” and bright colorful projections on Main Street, U.S.A., and on the exterior of “it’s a small world.”
Disney California Adventure Park
Christmastime in Radiator Springs
Photo by Kathleen Lee
There’s nothing more exciting than the bright lights of Cars Land during the holidays. There are two overlays to check out for the holidays, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Festival of the Holidays
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park is a MUST! This festival has delicious food and drink options, unique performances, and crafts too. My favorite thing I tried this year was the beef empanadas from Sonoma Terrace.
Check out the Toy Drummers for a lively show featuring percussion mashed up with Christmas hits.
World of Color Seasonal Overlay
Photo by Kathleen Lee
This year, you’re in for a treat! The nighttime spectacular “World of Color: Season of Light” shares the spirit of the season with guests each night using timeless holiday classics and memorable moments in Disney animation.
Grand Californian Hotel
Holiday Décor
Photo by Kathleen Lee
There are three Hotels at the Disneyland Resort. They all display themed Christmas trees and feature special performances unique to the location.
Gingerbread House & Gingerbread Man Cookies
Photo by Kathleen Lee
The Disneyland Resort culinary team creates their annual gingerbread house. It is on display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in the lobby near the Hearthstone Lounge.
Run run as fast as you can, most of you can’t catch this Mickey gingerbread man! At the Grand Californian Hotel sweet shop you can purchase a gingerbread man cookie.
Can you keep a secret? This is the best place to check for a gingerbread man cookie when all other locations are sold out. Enjoy this treat and so much more here at this darling pop up shop in the lobby of the Grand.
Tis the season! Christmas at the Disneyland Resort is something I look forward to each year. The quality entertainment, dining, and shopping make this an excellent place to come to when you are visiting for the holidays.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a perfect gift, want to soak up a few hours of holiday magic inside the park, or just have a sweet tooth for gingerbread, come on down to Disneyland to ring in this festive time of year!
