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Disneyland - A Very Merry Sneak Peek

  • Writer: MMV
    MMV
  • Aug 8
  • 6 min read
Each year, the Disneyland Resort transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, where joy and tradition come to life around every corner. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, the upbeat Disney Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad! return on Nov. 14, 2025, and continue through Jan. 7, 2026. If you’re dreaming of dazzling shows, ornate décor and unforgettable experiences that stir the senses and warm the heart, you’re in for a treat.

Minnie and Mickey Mouse in festive outfits dance joyfully before a sparkling Christmas tree. Warm colors and twinkling lights fill the scene.

During the holiday season, some Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration entertainment will continue to sparkle, so we hope you’ll celebrate the happiness we make together all season long. And you better not pout — Santa often stops around the resort to listen to your Christmas wishes, making appearances at both theme parks and the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Illuminated castle adorned with colorful lights and garlands against a night sky. Lit pathway leads to a warmly lit entrance. Festive mood.

Holidays at Disneyland Park

As you stroll into Disneyland Park, you may spot Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and some of their friends in sparkling new outfits. These designs are a “holiday spin” on their clothing from the 70th Celebration. Shimmering greens, reds and golds steal the show, with 70th nods throughout.

While snow is very rare in Southern California, magical “snowfall” drifts down each night during Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, where 80,000 shimmering lights transform the castle into a snowy, sparkling wonder. Don’t miss the breathtaking “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, with flurries gliding along Main Street, U.S.A., near “it’s a small world” Holiday and the Rivers of America.

You can also enjoy “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” where beloved Disney characters, toy soldiers and dancing gingerbread cookies make their way down Main Street, U.S.A., in a warm celebration of the season.

For a terrific view, post up near “it’s a small world” Holiday, along the parade route next to the Matterhorn Bobsleds or Main Street, U.S.A. Reserved viewing for the parade is included when you book the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour.

Toy dolls in festive attire on a brightly lit stage with snowflake lights and garlands, set against a dark, twinkling background.

You may also choose to immerse yourself in the magic of the season through attraction overlays, like the whimsical winter makeover of “it’s a small world” Holiday and the merrily macabre Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Goofy and Pluto pose happily in front of a festive Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments and lights, in a winter-themed setting.

Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” returns to the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland park to spread holiday cheer. Engage in craft-making, sing-alongs to beloved holiday classics and magical photo opportunities with select Disney characters and Santa himself.

Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park

At Disney California Adventure Park, your friends in Cars Land really step on the gas when it comes to getting merry! Park yourself amid the colorful lights, wreaths, bows and Christmas-y cones right before sunset for a neon-lit “Sh-Boom” transition from day to night.

Winter in Radiator Springs is especially fun when you ride Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl in his decked-out backyard and hear tow-riffic original lyrics to holiday classics on Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. Things sure do shine up nice ‘round these parts!

Need to refuel your tank? Try the new Jerry’s Junk Truck Cone from Cozy Cone Motel.

Musicians in traditional attire perform with instruments under festive wreath and colorful ribbons. Joyful atmosphere with "Viva Navidad" text.

Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park

Disney Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure Park Nov. 14, 2025, through Jan. 7, 2026. This festival is bursting with color, culture and cheer — showcasing a diverse season of celebrations through delicious food, a daily rotation of live entertainment and unique merchandise.

Rice topped with glazed pork belly, fried onions, and green onions on a bright blue plate, set on a dark wooden table.

Festive Food Marketplaces will be sprinkled in different areas of the park, where new and returning bites and beverages await, such as the fan-favorite braised pork belly adobo.

You can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass* to taste your way through the festivities at participating locations for the ultimate foodie experience. These passes include six digital coupons that can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages around Disney California Adventure Park. Read our guide to Sip and Savor Pass to learn more.

Characters in colorful costumes parade on a sunny street with palm trees. Festive atmosphere, building signs include "Disney Theater."

The streets of Disney California Adventure Park come alive with a blend of joyful music, dancing and cultural performances. You may spot a group of Holiday Toy Drummers marching to merry rhythms or the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade featuring both Disney and Pixar characters.

Also on select days, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and her friends recount stories and perform hit songs from the film in the street performance, “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season.” Mirabel is also among the characters rotating at the Paradise Gardens Park gazebo, sharing holiday greetings and posing for photo opportunities.

On select days at Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street, keep an eye out for “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” as they perform bilingual renditions of favorite holiday songs. Toward the end, you may spot Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco.” 

Festive parade with colorful floats, vibrant balloons, and characters in costumes surrounded by palm trees under a clear sky.

Celebrate Culture and Familia at Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Head to Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure for the return of Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, a heartwarming celebration inspired by Latin American holiday traditions — with a spirited Disney twist! Delight in live music, crafts, festive décor, flavorful dishes and appearances by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and The Three Caballeros.

On select days, the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” lights up the area with folklórico dancers, mariachis, samba performers and more, led by The Three Caballeros in a vibrant display of rhythm and color.

Holiday Cheer at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will be brimming with holiday cheer and decked out with seasonal decor. You can look forward to specialty dining, carolers and an encounter with Santa!

Cartoon characters in festive attire pose in a warmly lit room with wreaths and garlands. Emotions are joyful and celebratory.

You’ll have several festive character dining options to choose from this holiday season, including a brand-new character dinner experience called Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers Cafe for breakfast and brunch, where Daisy Duck and Donald Duck join the character lineup. You can also make memories at Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! at the Disneyland Hotel or partake in Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Characters in holiday outfits cheerfully pose in a festively decorated room with a Christmas tree, wreaths, and warm lighting.

Get into the spirit with a returning holiday-themed beverage menu at Broken Spell Lounge in the Disneyland Hotel, featuring creative twists on classics like hot chocolate and eggnog, paired with live jazz music on select days.

If relaxation is on your wish list, try the Underneath the Tree signature massage or the Joy of Holiday body treatment at Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Festive nighttime scene with a large illuminated Christmas tree adorned in green and silver. Snow falls gently, creating a magical atmosphere.

Downtown Disney District for the Holidays

The Downtown Disney District transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, brimming with seasonal flavors, sounds and sights, including a beautiful nightly “snowfall” pictured above.

Festive scene with a toy soldier, decorated Christmas trees in red and green ornaments, and yellow flowers in front of a building labeled "COASTAL GRILL & PATIO".

Stroll through twinkling lights and wintery décor, while enjoying the joyful sounds of live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Along the way, discover a sleigh-ful of merry food and beverage offerings, from sweet treats to cozy seasonal sips, available at participating locations.

Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail returns this year, inviting you to search for special ornaments hanging from trees throughout the Downtown Disney District. Purchase an activity map from a participating retail location, embark on your search, and exchange the map at a redemption location to receive a keepsake.

Two women in festive outfits and red headbands, smiling with Mickey toys and colorful lights, surrounded by bubbles outdoors.

2025 Holiday Merchandise and Food and Beverage

Of course, you’ll want to check out the new lines of holiday merchandise available at Elias & Co., Emporium, World of Disney and other select shopping destinations.

Iced coffee topped with whipped cream in a clear cup on a dark surface, surrounded by festive red and white ornaments in a cozy setting.

The festive color palette and Santa Mickey artwork on this year’s Mickey Mouse Family Christmas Collection brings the magic of Christmas to life with nostalgic and whimsical storytelling. The range of apparel, accessories, home décor and more make great souvenirs or holiday gifts for loved ones.

And you can’t forget about the dozens of limited-time, holiday-themed food and beverages throughout the Disneyland Resort, such as the returning peppermint cold brew and Mickey-shaped gingerbread cookie.

Colorful character projections light up a water fountain display at night, with a Ferris wheel and Mickey Mouse silhouette in the background.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Lineup with the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration

Select entertainment from the 70th Celebration will continue during the holiday season, so you’ll still be able to enjoy the “World of Color Happiness!” nighttime spectacular and “Tapestry of Happiness” projections. “Paint the Night” parade and other entertainment experiences will pause temporarily during the holiday season and resume at a later date.

Brightly lit castle facade at night, bathed in blue and purple hues. "It's a small world!" sign glows. Mickey Mouse image projected.

Areas and attractions around the resort will retain special touches, including decorative accents and the colorful castle photo opportunity in the esplanade. Interactive MagicBand+ locations and the Key to Disneyland lock stations will remain available through the season.

Disneyland information courtesy of Disney Destinations



Ready to start planning a holiday vacation to the Disneyland Resort? Contact your Magical Moments Vacations agent or click HERE for more information.

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