Halloween Time has officially begun at Disneyland Resort! Here’s everything you need to know about the rides, entertainment, food, characters, and spooky surprises coming to the parks in 2026.
Spooky season has officially arrived at Disneyland Resort! Halloween Time runs from August 21 through October 31, 2026, transforming Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, the resort hotels, and Downtown Disney with seasonal decorations, attraction overlays, limited-time food, special entertainment, and plenty of Disney characters dressed for the occasion.
And there’s quite a bit that’s new for 2026. Mickey Mouse and friends have debuted brand-new Halloween costumes, Madame Leota is hosting an all-new Haunted Mansion-inspired street party, and Yzma has joined the villain lineup at Oogie Boogie Bash. That’s all in addition to returning favorites like Haunted Mansion Holiday, Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, Halloween Screams, and the Main Street Pumpkin Festival.
Halloween Time isn’t the only fall celebration underway, either. Plaza de la Familia returns to Disney California Adventure from August 21 through November 2, celebrating Día de los Muertos with Coco-inspired entertainment, food, décor, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort in 2026.
- Halloween at Disneyland Park
- Halloween at Disney California Adventure Park
- Halloween at Disneyland Resort Hotels & Downtown Disney
Experience Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort
What is Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort? Well, it’s a resort-wide celebration that includes festive and frightfully fun decorations, classic Disney characters in exciting Halloween costumes, and some villainous ride overlays and experiences. Oh, and did we mention there are special seasonal nighttime spectaculars, parades, and even Halloween events? It’s two months of ghoulish thrills, and it’s a great opportunity to see Disneyland, California Adventure, and the entire resort transformed (and yes, there are plenty of pumpkins!).
In addition to celebrating Halloween during the annual Halloween Time at Disneyland, the theme parks and larger resort also celebrate Día de los Muertos in the fall. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, takes place on November 1 and 2. You can learn more about this holiday and join the celebrations at both Disneyland and California Adventure during Halloween Time.
When Does Halloween Time Begin at Disneyland and California Adventure?
Halloween Time runs from August 21 to October 31, 2026, while Plaza de la Familia starts on the same date, running a bit later through November 2, 2026.
Halloween at Disneyland Park
You’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween at Disneyland Park during Halloween Time. As soon as you arrive on Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll encounter the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, where hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins are scattered. And you definitely won’t miss the giant Mickey pumpkin!
Photo Courtesy of Disney
As you explore Disneyland, you’ll encounter Halloween decor and theming that’s both beautifully autumnal and somewhat spooky. But Halloween Time is about more than just seasonal decorations. Keep reading to find out what special offerings are around only in August through October each year.
New for 2026, guests can also spot Star Wars-inspired pumpkin carvings near the Partners Statue, including designs inspired by Chewbacca and the Millennium Falcon.
Halloween Ride Overlays
One of the most exciting details of Halloween Time at Disneyland Park is Haunted Mansion Holiday. This ride overlay takes the traditional Haunted Mansion attraction and transforms it into a festive celebration of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Photo by Jaysen White
For 2026, the attraction will once again feature a specially designed gingerbread house in the ballroom, with an all-new design created exclusively for this season
Halloween Shows and Entertainment
During Halloween Time, the nightly fireworks show is replaced with a more seasonally inspired one. Halloween Screams returns in 2026, bringing projections to Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, fireworks accompany the show.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Halloween Screams is a show that combines explosive fireworks with spooky, spirited projections featuring some of Disney’s classic villains – and, of course, some Halloween favorites! The eerie and exciting show features Jack Skellington as the “Master of Scare-omonies” and his dog, Zero. You’ll also spot Ursula, Maleficent, and other frightful faces. And keep an eye out for cool special effects like flames, rising ghosts, and more!
Halloween Character Meet and Greets
In 2026, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals will debut brand-new Halloween outfits in Town Square. The costumes feature harlequin-inspired patterns, frilled collars and cuffs, and festive orange, yellow, and black details created just for the Halloween season.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Jack Skellington, Sally, and even a villain or two can be found inside Disneyland Park in September and October at special meet and greet locations.
Halloween Food and Merchandise
Come hungry, because Disneyland Resort has rolled out a huge lineup of Halloween treats for 2026. Throughout Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, and the resort hotels, you’ll find dozens of limited-time snacks, drinks, meals, and novelty items available throughout the season.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Highlights include the returning Oogie Boogie Lemonade, along with new and returning treats like the Rest in Chocolate at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, BooGogi Beef Toasted with Corn Cheese Soup at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, and Villainous Red Velvet Cake at Plaza Inn. There are also plenty of seasonal novelties available, including an Oogie Boogie Moon Glow Cube and new Pain and Panic Straw Clip. You can find the full menu here.
Disney has also released its 2026 Halloween merchandise collection, with seasonal apparel, accessories, ear headbands, collectibles, and more available throughout the resort.
Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour
Guests looking for an extra Halloween experience can book Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour, a separately priced walking tour featuring spooky stories and Halloween-themed experiences across Disneyland Resort.
Halloween at Disney California Adventure Park
Oogie Boogie greets guests throughout Halloween at California Adventure. Photo by Abby Richardson
If you’re more of a spooky and scary fan, you won’t want to miss Halloween Time at Disney California Adventure Park. This theme park is transformed into a frightful yet fun world, with bewitching decor like swarming clouds of bats and menacing statues (like the Headless Horseman, who you’ll spot over on Buena Vista Street) to welcome you.
You’ll find fewer pumpkins and more frights awaiting here – and you definitely won’t want to overlook the incredible details awaiting you in Radiator “Screams.” You can celebrate Haul-O-Ween with the residents of Radiator Springs, all decked out in costumes and spooktacular decorations for the season. Keep reading to find out what special offerings are around only in September and October each year.
Halloween Ride Overlays
Three attractions get a special Halloween Time treatment over at California Adventure: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Luigi’s Rollickin Roadsters, and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark with a special seasonal overlay. In this version of the attraction, you’ll team up with Rocket to save Groot. And along the way, you’ll experience a different ride story… in the dark!
Over in Cars Land, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween features eerie music and cars dancing along to seasonal twists like “Terror-antella” and “The Chop Top of Carsoli.” Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree also gets a spooky makeover and becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree for the Halloween season. This kid-friendly attraction will twirl you around to Halloween tunes like “Welcome to Radiator Screams” and “Monster Truck Smash.”
Halloween Shows and Entertainment
At California Adventure, you’ll find entertainment themed around Día de los Muertos at Paradise Gardens. During Halloween Time at Disneyland, you can catch A Musical Celebration of Coco throughout the day. Told by the Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia, this performance features songs from Coco (including the Oscar-winning “Remember Me”) and see characters from the movie come to life.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Sha-BOO Moment in Cars Land
Each evening during Halloween Time, Cars Land comes alive with the fan-favorite Sha-BOO moment as the neon lights flicker on throughout Radiator Screams. Accompanied by spooky music, this transformation has become one of the most beloved Halloween traditions at Disneyland Resort.
Mickey’s Trick and Treat
Families with younger children won’t want to miss Mickey’s Trick and Treat at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land. This interactive show features Halloween songs, bubbles, dancing, and appearances by Mickey Mouse and friends.
Madame Leota’s Swing Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party
Photo Courtesy of Disney
New in 2026, Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party brings ghostly entertainment to Disney California Adventure with dancing happy haunts, séance-inspired moments, and appearances by Madame Leota herself.
Halloween Character Meet and Greets
Just like over at Disneyland Park, California Adventure offers seasonally-inspired character costumes and attire. You may not see as many villains roaming Buena Vista Street or Redwood Creek (well, not during the day, at least!), but you can spot classic Disney characters getting into the spirit of Halloween with costumes of their own.
One can’t-miss character opportunity is found in Radiator “Screams” during September and October. Your favorite Cars characters – including Lightning McQueen and Mater – put on their Halloween costumes to greet Guests. You won’t want to miss their spooky fun takes on their usual appearances over by the Cozy Cone Motel!
Halloween Food and Merchandise
Each year, the restaurants and snack spots throughout California Adventure Park offer up special menu items just for Halloween Time. You can expect everything from sweets to limited-time additions to table service spots – and there will be plenty to try!
Disney has already confirmed the return of fan favorites, including the Oogie Boogie Lemonade at Smokejumpers Grill and Heatwave Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet. Additional seasonal food and beverage offerings will be announced closer to Halloween Time.
Halloween Special Events
Each year, California Adventure is home to a wonderfully spooky Halloween special event: Oogie Boogie Bash. This separately-ticketed party includes villain sightings, special character meet and greets, trick-or-treat trails, and plenty of scream-inducing fun! Held on select nights in September and October, the bash is one event you don’t want to miss.
For 2026, the event will take place on select nights from August 18 through October 31, 2026.
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure
In addition to Halloween Time, Disney California Adventure celebrates Día de los Muertos with the return of Plaza de la Familia from August 21 through November 2, 2026. Inspired by Pixar’s Coco, this colorful seasonal celebration honors family, remembrance, and Mexican traditions through music, food, entertainment, and special experiences.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Located in Paradise Gardens Park, Plaza de la Familia features the return of The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!, a lively performance filled with songs from the beloved film. Guests can also enjoy live mariachi music, browse themed merchandise, sample seasonal Mexican-inspired dishes, and contribute a note to the Memory Wall in honor of loved ones.
You’ll also find beautiful Día de los Muertos décor throughout Disney California Adventure, along with a traditional display near Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Disneyland Park.
For a complete look at entertainment, food, merchandise, and everything else returning for 2026, check out our full guide to Plaza de la Familia.
Oogie Boogie Bash
For guests looking for an extra dose of spooky fun, Oogie Boogie Bash returns to Disney California Adventure on select nights from August 18 through October 31, 2026. This separately ticketed after-hours event is one of Disneyland Resort’s most popular seasonal offerings, featuring immersive entertainment, exclusive character encounters, trick-or-treat trails, specialty food and beverages, and shorter waits at select attractions.
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party, a brand-new entertainment offering inspired by Haunted Mansion. The event also includes the return of Villains Grove, rare Disney villains and characters, themed treat trails, and appearances by Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman throughout the evening.
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
Guests attending Oogie Boogie Bash can enter Disney California Adventure three hours before the party begins, making it possible to enjoy even more Halloween offerings before the event officially starts.
Because tickets often sell out quickly, it’s a good idea to plan ahead if Oogie Boogie Bash is on your Disneyland Halloween bucket list. For dates, ticket information, entertainment details, and tips for making the most of the event, check out our complete Oogie Boogie Bash guide.
Halloween at Disneyland Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney
Halloween decor extends to all three Disneyland Resort hotels in 2026. Pixar Place Hotel will feature new Monsters, Inc.-inspired seasonal decor, while Disneyland Hotel will showcase Haunted Mansion-inspired touches.
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Storytellers Cafe will once again transform for the season with Mickey’s Autumn Adventures breakfast and brunch. During this character dining experience, Mickey Mouse and friends appear in their fall attire while guests enjoy a buffet filled with breakfast and brunch favorites. The restaurant also hosts Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner, an evening character dining experience featuring Clarabelle Cow and friends in Halloween costumes, seasonal décor, and themed menu offerings.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Over at Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween returns with spooky seasonal touches throughout the day. This popular character dining experience features Goofy and friends dressed for the season, along with a buffet offering family-friendly favorites and festive desserts.
For guests looking for a more grown-up Halloween experience, Disneyland Hotel is also home to the Broken Spell Lounge during the fall season. This limited-time lounge serves a menu of Halloween-inspired cocktails for guests ages 21 and older, making it a fun way to enjoy the spooky atmosphere after a day in the parks.
Seasonal Decor at the Disneyland Hotels
In addition to dining experiences, the Disneyland Resort hotels get into the Halloween spirit with seasonal decorations and displays. Pixar Place Hotel will feature new Monsters, Inc.-inspired Halloween décor, while Disneyland Hotel will showcase Haunted Mansion-inspired touches throughout the season. Guests can also look forward to elaborate confection displays created by Disney’s pastry teams at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
During Halloween Time, Disneyland Resort offers a scavenger search for fun Disney pumpkins: Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. You can pick up a game board and set of stickers at select hotel and Downtown Disney locations. To play, you’ll need to find the decorative pumpkins hidden throughout the resort. Once you’ve found them all, you can turn your game board in for a keepsake!
Downtown Disney Movie Nights
Throughout the season, Downtown Disney will host select movie nights on the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage lawn, along with live entertainment and seasonal offerings.
Thank you to Disney for hosting us during the Disneyland Resort Fall Favorites Media Event.
Like what you just read? That tells us you’re the type who never misses a Hidden Mickey. Respect. 
