The holidays have arrived at Disneyland Resort, and this year, they bring a fresh wave of magic alongside iconic traditions. From shimmering decorations and seasonal entertainment to limited-time character experiences and holiday treats, Disneyland’s parks and hotels deliver heaping helping of festive cheer. From the highly anticipated opening of Disneyland’s newest ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, to new Encanto and Coco holiday shows to Holiday Story Time With Deadpool (yes, really) — here’s a look at what’s new and what you can’t miss this season.
The Holidays Ring in a New Era in Disneyland Park
Coinciding with the official launch of the holiday season Nov. 15, Disneyland Park marked a major milestone with the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The Princess and the Frog-themed reimagining of Splash Mountain breathes new life into the park, inviting guests to join Princess Tiana and friends on a musical journey through the Louisiana bayou.
In nearby New Orleans Square, Haunted Mansion Holiday, The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed overlay that blends with mansion’s classic charm with Tim Burton’s iconic characters and quirky style, remains a top must-do ride during the holiday season. Adding to the draw this year, an expanded queue and grounds have just been unveiled, giving guests a chance to explore Master Gracey and Madame Leota’s themed gardens and a ghostly greenhouse before making their way into the mansion.
Outside the grounds, the newly opened Magnolia Park area offers a serene spot take in the festive atmosphere of New Orleans Square and the passing Disneyland Railroad while enjoying a holiday treat — try mobile ordering a bag of hot, freshly made Peppermint Mickey-Shaped Beignets from Mint Julep Bar or a half-dozen fresh-baked Gingerbread Cookies from Harbour Galley.
Also new this season at Disneyland Park, the Fantasyland Theatre becomes a merry meeting place for visiting Santa and other characters and participating in holiday crafts during Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends. After Dec. 24, when Santa returns to the North Pole, Santa Goofy will take over through Jan. 6.
Deadpool Dons a Santa Suit and Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays Expands
Deadpool fans can’t miss a visit to Disney California Adventure’s Campus for The Story Time With Deadpool Holiday Special. Decked out in his holiday finest, Deadpool puts his signature spin on seasonal storytelling. Check the Disneyland app for showtimes.
Across the esplanade at Disney California Adventure Park, the Festival of Holidays returns with an even richer lineup of entertainment and new holiday drinks and dishes. This celebration of cultural traditions, features an expanded lineup of live performances and menu items honoring Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.
Two fresh shows doubling as street parties have been added to the festival on weekdays. Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season invites guests to sing along with songs from Encanto, while A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel features bilingual renditions of holiday classics with a special appearance by Miguel from Coco.
Foodies will find plenty to savor at the Festive Food Marketplaces, with dishes inspired by family traditions and global flavors. Standouts this year include Sticky Toffee Pudding Macarons, Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese, and a Turkey Galantine Croissant Muffin Slider For those who like to sample it all, the Sip and Savor Pass offers a discount on four or eight dishes and non-alcoholic drinks.
Beloved Traditions Continue Across Both Parks
No holiday season at Disneyland is complete without the classics. “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” continues its twice-daily performances, featuring Disney characters, toy soldiers, and Santa Claus. At night, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle glimmers under a cascade of lights as the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks show lights up the sky. “Snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A., and projections add to the festive atmosphere.
“it’s a small world” Holiday, a beautiful seasonal overlay to the iconic ride, is as much a must-see from the outside as it is a must-ride inside. Be sure to visit after dark when the facade is illuminated with thousands of lights. It also provides a great backdrop for projections during the fireworks, making this spot an excellent alternate viewing location — and it even gets its own snowfall.
Equally enchanting thanks to a spectacular holiday overlay, Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is a must-visit for both the decor and holiday versions of two rides — Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.
If you’re closing out the night at Disney California Adventure Park, World of Color — Season of Light is a holiday version of the park’s nighttime fountain spectacular.
If you have several nights, or if you’re a big Star Wars fan, for an other-worldly twist on fireworks, head to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for “Fire of the Rising Moons,” where the fireworks are synchronized to the music of Star Wars.
Holiday Cheer Beyond the Parks: Hotels and Downtown Disney District
The holiday magic extends beyond the theme parks into Disneyland’s hotels and Downtown Disney District. At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the lobby dazzles with an elaborate gingerbread house and a towering Christmas tree. Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch both offer festive dining and meet-and-greet experiences. At Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen offers holiday character dining, and the new Pixar Place Hotel celebrates its first holiday season with dozens of whimsical Pixar-themed Christmas trees.
In Downtown Disney, the festivities — and holiday shopping opportunities — continue with a steady stream of new openings. Avengers Reserve and fashion and accessory boutique D-Lander Shop officially open Dec. 6, though D-Lander has already soft opened. Food lovers can dig into Din Tai Fung’s world-famous dumplings at the Taiwanese chain’s new Downtown Disney Outpost. And families can explore the whole area in search of hidden ornaments on Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, a family-friendly scavenger hunt.
Disney+ Subscriber Holiday Ticket Offer
Disney+ subscribers can enjoy discounted holiday magic at Disneyland Resort with a limited-time ticket deal: purchase a specially priced 3-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for $330 and get a third day free. This offer is available for visits between Nov. 18 and Dec. 27, 2024. Park reservations are required, and eligibility restrictions and terms apply. For details, visit Disneyland.com/DisneylandHolidayOffer.
Brooke Geiger McDonald is the national content director of Make It Better Media Group. A Chicago native, she has worked for publications like O, The Oprah Magazine and SHAPE Magazine and her work has appeared in The Points Guy, Parents, TravelPulse, Attractions Magazine, MSN, Disney Food Blog, and more. Follow her on Instagram @brookegmcdonald and Twitter @BrookeGMcDonald.
