The holidays have come to the Disneyland Resort and it’s the perfect time to make magical family memories. From the amazing A Christmas Fantasy Parade to the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, the holiday magic at Disneyland is something you don’t want to miss.
I always enjoyed when my kids were on break from school, be it winter, spring, summer or fall. We loved spending that extra time together. We’d plan the most awesome activities. We especially had fun making memories and spending time together at Disneyland. There are always so many things to see and do. During this break from school, be sure to make your own magical Disney memories and enjoy all the special events.
Disneyland
The festive decorations greet you long before you enter the main gate, and continue throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. I’m here to tell you, the magic of Disneyland holiday decorations melts my heart. I’m a wreath girl myself, and I’m over the moon for all the gorgeous and festive wreaths. And garland!
Be ready to get your fill of sweet and savory Treats and Goodies. And ornaments! How many magical Disney ornaments do you have for your tree? And of course there are new 2016 Happy Holidays collector pins for collecting or trading.
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is magical all year long. But during the holidays it’s enhanced with the magic of Christmas.
Even the animals in the wilds of Adventure Land are in the spirit. Be sure to take a festive trip on the Jungle Jingle Cruise. The boat skippers are hilarious!
One of our favorite year-round attractions is the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. During the holidays (including Halloween), the mansion is all decked out in the spirit of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. And it is absolutely spectacular! Join Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie and Zero for the ride of your life!
Now is the perfect time to see Santa Claus. He’s just a stroll around the corner at Pooh’s Thoughtful Spot in Critter Country. You know this jolly old soul is going to be something special. He is, after all, a Disneyland Santa!
Once again, Disneyland has taken a family favorite and made it even more magical. Happy Holidays with it’s a small world! is a musical trip around the world, with almost 300 dancing and singing dolls all decked out for the festivities.
I love a parade! I love rocking to the music of marching bands. I love singing along with the music. A Christmas Fantasy Parade will have you in awe as Disney characters, dancers and musicians ‘parade’ down Main Street, U.S.A. all the way to it’s a small world.
After dark at Disneyland is a whole different magical experience. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is simply breathtaking!
And … there’s another parade, too! The fabulous Paint The Night parade does just that. It colorfully lights up the night. We absolutely loved it!
Did we mention Christmas trees? It you love Christmas trees, like I do, you’re going to love the festive trees at nearly every turn!
Another special perk at Disneyland Resort is the professional photographers that are stationed throughout the parks. You’ll find them at the best photo spots and always ready and willing to take memorable photos. Here we are at the base of the Disneyland Main Street, U.S.A. Christmas tree with our ‘personal’ reindeer antlers. A fun and oh so precious memory.
Disney California Adventure
Ahhh …. Disney California Adventure is a whole different kind of magic. There’s the magic of California and bygone days along Buena Vista Street. And also the magic of Disney and Pixar in seven amazing lands.
Right now throughout California Adventure you can delight in the Festival Of Holidays. Oh. My. Goodness! The Festival Of Holidays will excite every single one of your senses. The sights, sounds, and especially the aroma and tastes of holidays from around the world will be something you’ll be sure to enjoy.
As with Disneyland, Disney California Adventure is all about holiday decorations from the ground on up to the highest points.
Don’t miss Frozen at the Hyperion Theater. It’s a stage production like no other. The cast, the set and the music rival Broadway productions and performances. You will not be disappointed.
Do you want to build a snowman? Your best bet to do so in Southern California is with the lovable, affable, and incomparable Olaf in Hollywood Land!
Ooooh … the music! The lights! The Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting is at 4:55PM every evening. But check with a cast member, just to be sure.
Cars Land!
A wonderful Disney photographer can usually be found at the entrance to Cars Land. Take advantage of these talented shutterbugs! They know exactly how to get the perfect photo. I’m loving the silhouettes I took with my camera of Cody and Kennedy. But I know if a Disney pro had taken this shot both of their precious smiles would have been captured perfectly. Two happy grandkids indeed!
Could Cars Land be any more colorful than it usually is? Yes, yes and yes! Disney knows just how to do it! Cars Land is delightful year round. But now the spirit of the holidays is everywhere.
The Holiday Toy Drummers are like their own little marching parade. Catch their holiday music on Pacific Wharf.
Located in various locations throughout California Adventure are 14 marketplace kiosks, all with different and unique menus. It’s a delightful celebration of diverse cultures, traditions and cuisines. The #FestivalOfHolidays is oh so awesome!
Get all the juicy facts on what exactly each kiosks serves from the Complete Guide to Festive Eats at the New Festival of Holidays on the Disney Parks Blog!
One of our grandkid’s favorite places in Disney California Adventure is Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. They could and have (many times) spent hours playing amongst the redwood trees. Go to the Ahwahnee Camp Circle to meet Santa Claus for photos and an autograph.
How about Princess Elena of Avalor? She’s holding court on Paradise Pier. She’s also ready for photos and an autograph.
The World of Color is always amazing. Always! But, The World of Color – Season of Light for the holidays is a whole new level of amazing. Season of Lights combines traditional Christmas music with dancing water dazzling lights along with our favorite Disney-Pixar characters. It’s heartwarming, sentimental and sure to bring old and new magical memories to life.
Be sure to think about joining in with the World of Color Dessert Party Package. Each World of Color Dessert Party Package includes a sweet and savory dessert selection, sparkling beverage. And most importantly, reserved seating to experience World of Color.
Don’t forget to check out the amazing Ginger Bread House in the towering lobby of the Grand Californian. Oh, and the Christmas tree! Magical, I tell you!
Take a stroll through Downtown Disney to the far end (near the AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theaters) and you’ll find this enormous tree. Gorgeous, yes?
There you have it. The holiday magic is throughout Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney. And it’s all waiting for you to enjoy and make magical holiday memories.
He says: Always so much to see and do. Disney magic is everywhere.
She says: Oh my goodness! The lights! The Christmas trees! The parades!
Cody says: I liked all the Christmas decorations, the Jingle Cruise and my favorite is always the Haunted Mansion.
Kennedy says: The Jingle Cruise was awesome! I liked seeing all the wild animals with the Christmas decorations.
Happy Holidays and Enjoy!!
~ The Nitty Gritty:
Why: #DisneylandHolidays with the grandkids
When: – , 2017
Who: Four of us. Grandpa, Grandma, Cody and Kennedy
What: Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney
Where: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Phone: (714) 781-4636
Website: Disneyland
Robin Masshole Mommy says
I have only been to Disney World at Christmas time, not Disneyland, but all I have to say is that Disney knows how to do a holiday up RIGHT!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I LOVE Disney around the holidays. They really know how to bring out the Christmas spirit in a very big way. It’s so much fun!
Jeanette says
I would love to check out Disney during the holidays it has to be awesome! It looks so cool! Maybe one year we can do it! I LOVE all the pictures!
Marcie W. says
The holidays are my favorite time to visit Disneyland. The park is always magical, but there is just something extra special during this season.
Mistee Dawn says
I have always wanted to go to Disneyland during the holidays! It definitely looks magical!
Lisa Favre says
I have never ever been to Disney during the holidays. I have only ever been in the summer. It looks like such a wonderful place to be during this time of the year!
Kathy says
That looks like so much fun. I’ve never been to Disneyland before. I think this would be the perfect time of year to go too.
Jennifer says
I have always wanted to experience Disney around Christmas but I we have yet to do that. These shows look fantastic, maybe next year!
Kait says
I just told my husband that next year we should forgo gifts and do Disney for Christmas. I”m all about experience gifts with my family!
Claudia Krusch says
I’ve only been to Disneyland once! It looks so pretty during the holidays!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I would love to go to Disneyland during the Holidays. It looks so beautiful there all decorated.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I love this post! Magic never fades at Disney! The best place to be during the holidays!
Tammi Roy says
I would love to see Disneyland at Christmas time. It looks amazing at night. I know my family would love it.
gingermommyrants says
We are hoping to get to Disneyland next year. I will have to look at going for Christmas. That would be an amazing Christmas gift.
Tara says
I would absolutely love to visit Disneyland during the holidays. All the festive decorations look amazing.
K says
I’ve been to Disneyland a few times but never at the holidays. It looks amazing. Disney goes all out and the holidays are no exception!
Dawn Gibson-Thigpen says
wow disney went all out. everything is sooo lovely. i have not been to disney i would love to go
Brianne says
Disney really knows how to do the holidays! Your trip looks so fantastic!
Melissa @ The Staten Island family says
I can’t think of a better place to spend the holidays than at Disney- they just make everything more bright and fun and I cant think of a better gift to give one’s kids than the gift of a magical Disney experience- and your photos are just off the charts gorgeous!
Reesa Lewandowski says
One day I hope to get to Disney for the holidays!
Laurajj says
Oh that would be so fun to attend for the holidays! Would be such a magical time to go!