The most magical time of year has arrived at the happiest place on earth! If you haven’t experienced Disneyland during the holidays, you must! It truly is the most magical experience. The holidays will run from November 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024 and will be jam packed with so much holiday goodness. From seasonal decor and food offerings, ride overlays and shows, character interactions, and more, there is so much to experience in both parks and I’m going to break it all down for you so you don’t miss a single bit of the holiday magic!
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To make this easier to unpack, I am going to break this down by what is offered in each park and what can be found in both parks to make it easier for you to plan your park days to maximize your time and get the most our of you holiday visits. I have also included 3 FREE printable foodie guides, so make sure you save those to your phone or print them off for your trip!
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Disneyland Holiday Guide
Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
Anyone who has been to Disney knows the magical feeling of walking down Main Street and seeing the castle in the distance. And during the holidays, that experience is even more magical as Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is transformed into a winter castle. The snow capped turrets, icicles, wreaths, garlands, and decorations adorn every bit of the castle making it even more beautiful than it already is. This is a sight you do not want to miss and a photo op you have to take advantage of while you are there!
If you want to avoid the large crowds that can build for photos, I would recommend taking a photo to from the left side over by the Fantasy Faire or from the right side before you get to Snow White Grotto. You get a beautiful angle of the photo with less wait and fewer people in your photos!
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Obviously Haunted Mansion is a must anytime you’re at Disney, but you do not want to miss checking it out during the holidays when two holidays collide and it transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday. Jack Skellington gives the mansion a complete makeover inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. Inside, you will find some of your favorite characters from the movie like Sandy Claws, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and more! To make it even better, this year is the 20th season of this holiday favorite!
My favorite part of this ride overlay is the gingerbread creation! Keep an eye out for it on the banquet table in the ballroom scene. This years 2023 Haunted Mansion gingerbread creation features Von Ginger and several moving parts and hidden mickeys included. I seriously love how they designed this years gingerbread masterpiece!
If you visit Haunted Mansion Holiday at the right time you may get to see the lighting ceremony that takes place each evening. You will hear the traditional Haunted Mansion monologue begin which then begins talking about Sandy Claws as the lights come on around the mansion and music begins playing. There isn’t a specific time posted for this event, so you just want to be there between 7 and 7:30 as that’s usually when it happens.
“it’s a small world” Holiday
Another attraction that gets a makeover for the holiday season is “it’s a small world.” Set sail on the happiest cruise that ever sailed with a holiday twist. You’ll still hear the classic “it’s a small world (after all)” sung throughout the ride but you’ll also hear traditional holiday tunes as you pass through each country.
Each room is also adorned with holiday decorations, trees, lights and more. It is absolutely beautiful and to make it even better, smells are pumped into different areas of the ride that you would smell in that part of the world. You will smell pine and peppermint as you sail through Europe, cherry blossom in Asia, cinnamon as you travel through South America, and coconut in the South Seas.
The line for this will get pretty long later in the day, so it’s best to try to catch it early if you want to avoid a long wait. But if you decide to ride around sunset, stick around for “it’s a small world” holiday lighting and tick-tock tidings which I will get into later.
Meet Santa in Critter Country
If you are visiting with kids, you definitely won’t want to miss meeting Santa Claus! You can find him up in Critter Country at Pooh’s Thotful Spot, which is right by the exit of Splash Mountain in front of Pooh’s Corner. Santa takes some breaks throughout the day so if you don’t see him, always check back later!
There are also some cute photo spots around Pooh’s Thotful Place that you’ll want to check out as well like the snowman Winnie the Pooh and cute stack of presents.
Main Street Christmas tree and tree lighting
One of my favorite things about the holidays at Disney is all of the Christmas trees throughout the parks and the Main Street USA tree is absolutely amazing! As soon as you enter the park, you will see this tree right in the center of Town Square. This Christmas tree is massive and has the cutest ornaments and decorations on it with beautiful presents tucked nicely underneath. This is a can’t miss photo op for sure! The lines to take a photo can get pretty long so I would recommend getting a photo in front of the tree early in the day before the park gets more crowded and the lines start to build.
As beautiful as the Main Street USA tree is during the day, it is even more beautiful at night all lit up. One of my favorite views in the park during this time of year is looking down Main Street from in front of the castle and seeing Main Street all decorated with the wreaths, garlands, and lights all lit up with the giant Christmas Tree at the end. It is absolutely beautiful! Something else you won’t want to miss is seeing this tree come to life every night. You can catch the tree lighting each night at 5:00 PM and it really is a beautiful sight to see.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
After a long wait, parades have finally returned to Disneyland! And “A Christmas Fantasy” parade is one you will not want to miss! It is packed with reindeer, toy soldiers, the cutest dancing gingerbread cookies, Mickey and friends in their holiday best, characters from Frozen, Toy Story, your favorite Disney princesses with their princes, and the one and only Santa Claus!
You can catch this parade at different two times during the day. The first parade begins up by “it’s a small world” at 3:30 PM and works its way down to Main Street USA and ends in Town Square. The second parade begins at 6:30 PM in Town Square and works its way up Main Street to end by “it’s a small world.” Something to keep in mind is if you are wanting to see the parade during the day or at night, as the second parade will be a different experience as it will be dark outside so floats will be all lit up. Parade times are subject to change so make sure you check the daily entertainment schedule to confirm that days parade times.
When it comes to picking a spot to watch the parade, I definitely prefer to sit up by “it’s a small world” on the side with the stairs. I like to try to grab a spot on the first level on the stairs right against the railing if possible because you won’t have anyone in front of you and you have a railing to lean up against. Wherever you choose to sit, keep in mind the parade is about 40 minutes long so make sure wherever you end up you’ll be comfortable for that long. Also be aware that people will start to stake out spots ahead of the parades start time so if you want a good spot, you will have to find a spot early.
Plaza Inn Dining Package
If you don’t want to stake out a spot for the parade early, you can always take advantage of the Plaza Inn Dining package option for “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. This dining package will get you a delicious meal of roasted new york strip loin, house-made macaroni and cheese, and autumn vegetables with chocolate bread pudding for dessert as well as access to an exclusive viewing location for the parade. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Dining packages include one entree, dessert and drink per package and one voucher for the reserved dining viewing area.
Dining packages are $49 per adult and $27 per child (ages 3-9). Magic Key Holder and Cast Member discounts apply. Reservations are available from 1:00-3:30 PM each day and will get you a voucher for the second parade performance.
Each person in your party must purchase a package in order to obtain a voucher. Vouchers are valid only for the designated showtime on the same day as the dining experience. The voucher will list your viewing area, the time you should arrive to your viewing area, and the parade time.
“it’s a small world” holiday lighting
Every night as the sun begins to set, the facade of “it’s a small world” will be brought to life with thousands of twinkling lights as “it’s a small world (after all)” and traditional holiday songs play. This lighting only happens once at day at 5:15 PM so if you are wanting to see this show, make sure you make it to “its a small world” a few minutes before the show so you don’t miss it!
it’s a small world” Tick-Tock Tidings
Shortly after the holiday lighting of “it’s a small world,” Tick-Tock Tidings will take place. Watch as as the facade of “it’s a small world” is covered in beautiful and festive projections of color and images while music plays. While tick-tock tidings is a short show, it’s definitely worth seeing! Shows typically happen starting at 5:30 and happen every half hour after that, but always check with a cast member and see what times the projections are expected that day.
Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty Castle
This is hands down my favorite part of the holidays at Disney. As I mentioned earlier, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle gets all decked out for the holidays, but at night it’s even more magical. Every night, usually at 7:30 and 8:30 (check the app for any time changes), the lights on Main Street USA go dark and voices come over the speakers. It’s a little boy talking to what sounds like his mom and slowly, the lights on the castle start to light up as music plays. Even the bushes and trees around the castle light up and projections dance all along the façade of the shops on Main Street USA. Then, snow starts to fall on Main Street. Magical, glorious, gingerbread scented snow (that’s actually soap) but seriously this snow is my favorite part of Disney holidays. Do whatever you can to experience this at some point in your life. I seriously cried the first time I saw this because loved it so much! It truly is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most magical experiences I have ever had at Disney.
“Believe…in holiday magic” fireworks
As if seeing Sleeping Beauty’s Castle all lit up with twinkling lights, icicles, and garlands wasn’t magical enough, seeing it illuminated in the light of a dazzling firework show is even better! Every night, Disneyland puts on an amazing holiday show perfect for the holiday season. You can catch this show every night at 9:00 and usually lasts about 15 minutes.
The best place to watch the fireworks is in front of the castle or along Main Street USA or by “it’s a small world” because you will be able to experience snow fall during the firework show.
Snowfall on Main Street
If you couldn’t tell by now, I really love the snow at Disneyland. I love that Disney has found a way to bring snow during the holidays even in the middle of California. And as I mentioned before, you can catch the snowfall during Sleeping Beauty Castle Wintertime Enchantment and during the fireworks on Main Street USA, in the hub in front of the castle, by “it’s a small world”, and along the Rivers of America but you can also sometimes find snow briefly falling on Main Street at the end of the night, usually between 10 and 10:30.
Hand Pulled Candy Canes
Something special that Disney does during the holiday months is they make hand pulled candy canes that are enormous! This has been a tradition in the parks since 1968 and each candy cane is made in the traditional way by hand so they are softer and better tasting than commercially made candy canes. Because of this, they have become very popular over the years. Candy Canes are distributed at Candy Palace in Disneyland and Trolley Treats in California Adventure on the following dates:
Candy Palace at Disneyland on December 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 and 24
Trolley Treats at California Adventure on December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, and 25
To distribute candy canes, Disneyland uses a mobile waitlist. To get in the line, go directly to Candy Palace or Trolley Treats, whichever location is making them that day, prior to rope drop (before 8) and get in line first thing. Once you’re in line, a cast member will take your phone number and information and will receive a text message with your return time to get your candy cane. You must return within your assigned window to get your candy cane. They are limited to one candy cane per customer and cannot be mobile ordered. There are only about 135 candy canes made per day so they are very hard to come by, but if you don’t get one on the mobile waitlist, you can always check back at the location selling them that day around 3 PM and see if they had any unclaimed candy canes. I will say it is a long shot, but it is an option to try. If you get a candy candy, you may want to rent a locker to store it in since they are very fragile and they will not be replaced if they break.
Candlelight Processional
One of the most anticipated events at Disneyland during the holidays is the Candlelight Processional. This event takes place in Town Square on Main Street, during which a celebrity narrator will tell the story of the first Christmas with the biblical tale of a Savior born in Bethlehem and various chorus groups, orchestras, and more perform throughout. This highly popular event is not a ticketed event and guests will typically wait for hours, even all day, leading up to this event to get a highly coveted spot in the standing area behind the reserved seating set aside for VIP guests. Even if you don’t get a spot to watch the entire performance, you can still hear the ceremony along Main Street and catch a glimpse of the event. Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional will be held on December 2 and 3, 2023 with shows each night at 5:30 pm and 7:45 pm. If you want a chance to watch this from the standing area in the back, you will have to get there early to grab a high coveted spot.
California Adventure Holiday Guide
The holidays at DCA means the Festival of Holidays which is a celebration of various cultural festivities with food, music, entertainment, and more!
Festive Foods Marketplace
One of the biggest parts of the Festival of Holidays is the festive foods marketplace. This is a collection of booths that offer a variety of cuisine options from around the world. You can find these booths starting just after you pass Carthay Circle right by the entrance of Avenger’s Campus all the way down to Goofy’s Sky School. There are so many unique and fun options to try and there is the option to buy a Sip and Savor Pass which allows you to use tabs on select food and nonalcoholic beverages at participating marketplace booths and restaurants. I have created a FREE printable for you to help you tackle trying all the delicious options from all the locations!
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
Celebrate the spirit of Navidad with authentic live music, dancing, decorations, food and more! Viva Navidad has so many amazing things to offer. The ¡Viva Navidad! Street party celebrates traditions from Mexico and Brazil with an ultimate fiesta hosted by the Three Caballeros including mariachis, dancers, drummers, mojiganga puppets, and Mickey and Minnie in their fiesta best! You can find this show at various times throughout the day at 12:05, 1:15, 2:15, 3:50, 4:45, and 5:45 at the Paradise Gardens Park.
¡Viva Navidad! also has live music from various musical groups, see festive decor all around like colorul papel picado banners and piñatas, festive food, arts and crafts, and more! You can also meet your favorite characters in their holiday outfits and don’t forget to close out the holiday season with Three Kings Day from January 6 with traditional decorations and a photo op.
Santa’s Holiday Visit at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
If you are wanting to see Santa in DCA, head over to the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail over in Grizzly Peak for a photo op and to tell him what’s on your wish list! After you’re done meeting Santa, there are tons of activities for kids as well. There is a scavenger hunt to decode a message, fun elf games, fly with Santa’s reindeer on the zipline, cookie decorating, and you may even see Chip n’ Dale! This is a great way to get in some fun holiday activities and allow your kids to get our their wiggles and energy while parents can take a break and rest their feet.
Buena Vista Street holiday tree lighting
California Adventure has my favorite holiday tree in the parks! As you head into the park ,you’ll find it on Buena Vista street right in front of Elias and Co. This tree is huge and beautiful and makes the perfect backdrop for your photos. And just like in Disneyland, there is a lighting every night at 5:00 PM that you won’t want to miss!
Mickey’s Happy Holidays
This is the closest thing California Adventure as to a parade during this time of year. This cute celebration takes place along the parade route beginning in Paradise Gardens heading up to Carthay Circle, then it heads into Hollywood Land and ends by Guardians of the Galaxy. During this show, you will see Mickey, Minnie, and their friends along with characters from around DCA, dancers, and toy drummers. This cute show has music, dancing, and drumming from the toy drummers. While this is much shorter than “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, it’s still a fun show to see. You can catch this show everyday at 12:20, 3:45, and 5:15.
Holiday Toy Drummers
If you don’t have a chance to catch Mickey’s Happy Holidays, or if you just want to see the toy drummers again, head down to the area in front of the bridge leading to Pixar Pier right in front of The Little Mermaid to see their show. They perform several times each day so check the Disneyland app for the showtimes that day.
Cars Land
You absolutely do not want to miss Cars Land during the holidays. As with any holiday season, they go all out making this area of the park extra special. All of the holiday decor in Cars Land is made up of different car parts like hubcaps, tires, and air filters. The entrance also has the cutest snowman car right by the Cars Land sign that you won’t want to miss! You can also find Santa Mater outside of the Cozy Cone Motel throughout the day to get a picture with!
Flo’s V8 Cafe has the cutest holiday tree inside that is one of the best themed trees in the parks. Flo always decorates her tree so cute! Also head over to the Cozy Cone and check inside for the super cute Cozy Cone Motel gingerbread display in the window. Something else you won’t want to miss during this time of year is when Cars Land comes to life as the sun sets. Right at sunset, “Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland” will begin playing and the neon across the land will start to come on just like in the movie! To get an idea of when this will happen, just google what time the sun is going to set that day in Anaheim.
As if Cars Land during the holidays couldn’t get any better, there are two holiday ride overlays that you can experience during this time of year. Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree both play holiday music as you enjoy your ride!
Hand Pulled Candy Canes
As I mentioned earlier, you can get hand made candy canes in California Adventure on select days. Disney has not announced the dates Trolley Treats will be offering her, but I will update as soon as that information is available. To get yours, refer back to the info on candy canes earlier in this post.
Grand Californian Hotel Lobby
Another great spot to check out is the lobby of the Grand California Hotel. You can access it without being a guest in the hotel by entering from Downtown Disney or from Grizzly Peak. In the lobby, there are so many things to see. The biggest thing you won’t want to miss is the huge gingerbread display. It is absolutely amazing! Along with the gingerbread display, check out the huge holiday tree, enjoy cookies, treats and hot chocolate from the holiday treat cart, take a seat in front of the fire while listening to holiday music from the piano player, and even meet Santa!
You can also meet Sana at the Disneyland Hotel and at Paradise Pier as well if you find yourself in that area! And if you find yourself at the Disneyland Hotel, keep an eye out for the beautifully themed Christmas Trees. Some of my favorites are in the Adventure Tower!
With so much to do in both parks during this time of year, I wanted to help you maximize your time in the parks! I have created a holiday guide for you to print off or download to your phone to keep track of all the can’t miss shows and entertainment. I’ve also included their showtimes so you can better plan your day! You can get your FREE printable below!
Offerings in Both Parks
Characters in their holiday best
In both parks, you can find your favorite characters in their holiday best! Their outfits are different in both parks so keep your eyes open for Mickey, Minnie, and their friends so you can see them all. You can find them in Town Square on Main Street and on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure.
Seasonal decor
I love how every square inch of Disney gets decked out with holiday decor and each areas decor is unique to that land. My personal favorite spots are Critter Country, Main Street, and New Orleans Square! Everywhere you look, you’re going to find the most beautiful holiday decor so make sure to take some time to take in the beauty of the holidays in the parks.
Seasonal food offerings
And last but not least, the holidays bring some of the most delicious holiday treats! Cookies, cheesecake, churros, the list goes on and on. There really are so many delicious things to try and you’re sure to find something that you will enjoy. Some of my personal favorite is the Mickey Gingerbread man from Jolly Holiday. Do not miss the chance to try this one!
With so many delicious seasonal foods to try, it can be a little daunting to try and narrow down what to eat. I have created two FREE printable food guides for you to take to the parks with you to help you keep track of what you’ve tried, one for Disneyland and one for DCA.
And there you have it! Everything you need to know about what to expect during the holidays at Disneyland in 2023. I hope you feel more prepared to fit in everything the holidays in the parks have to offer! Make sure you grab your FREE printable holiday guides and take them with you to the parks so you can prioritize what you want to get done and make sure you don’t miss anything!
Make sure you pin this to your board and happy holidays!
