Anaheim, Calif.’s Disneyland Resort announced details of their holiday celebration, opening November 11, 2022 and running through January 8, 2023. The winter holiday season is all about tradition, and Disneyland’s theme parks are no exception as popular favorites such as “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, and “World of Color – Season of Light” return.
World of Color Season of Light
Photo courtesy Disneyland Resort
Upon entering Disneyland, families will find an iconic 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, Main Street U.S.A. adorned with festive décor, and Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle decked with shimmering icicles and twinkling lights. Favorite characters, including Anna, Elsa, and Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen,” along with Mickey, Minnie, Santa Claus, and many, many more friends, will celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, a daily musical procession of floats, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more. Disney characters will meet and greet guests in their finest holiday attire, some with all-new outfits.
“A Christmas Fantasy” Parade at Disneyland Park
Photo by Richard Harbaugh, courtesy of Disneyland Resort
To brighten the longer nights of winter, “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular will light up the sky, as well as colorful projections on Main Street, U.S.A. and the façade of “it’s a small world.” Families can also dance along with characters such as Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and others during nightly holiday dance parties at the Tomorrowland Terrace.
“Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks
Photo by Joshua Sudock, courtesy of Disneyland Resort
Of course it wouldn’t be the holidays at Disneyland Park without Jack Skellington’s takeover of the Haunted Mansion in “Haunted Mansion Holiday.”
Meanwhile, over in Fantasyland, “it’s a small world” Holiday takes guests around the world as dolls and toys representing children enjoy the holiday traditions of their respective countries.
‘it’s a small world’ Holiday at Disneyland Park
Photo by Christian Thompson, courtesy of Disneyland Resort
Across the esplanade at Disney California Adventure, the “celebration around the world” theme continues with the Disney Festival of Holidays. Live entertainment, culinary delights, and special traditions highlight diverse festivities including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.
Festival marketplaces across the park will serve a hand-crafted menu of delectable foods and beverages. Guests can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass for the festival, which can be shared or used over multiple visits through January 8, 2023, to taste their way through eight food or non-alcoholic beverage selections from participating marketplaces and dining locations. As part of the festival, guests will also enjoy nightly holiday concerts at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park.
Disney ‘Viva Navidad!’ at Disney California Adventure Park
Photo by Chloe Rice, courtesy of Disneyland Resort
The jolly lineup of holiday entertainment continues with “Mickey’s Happy Holidays,” a procession of Disney and Pixar characters dancing and marching along to the upbeat rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers. The “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party also returns, featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse donning festive fiesta attire and accompanied by Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and giant mojiganga puppets. Guests can encounter Disney characters in holiday attire and, at Paradise Gardens Park, visit with Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto.” Santa Claus will once again take residence at his rustic home in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Mirabel from Disney’s musical comedy, ‘Encanto’
Photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort
Disney California Adventure Park will sparkle with holiday décor throughout, highlighted by a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree in Buena Vista Street and automotive embellishment in Cars Land. The yuletide spirit will shift into high gear with two seasonal attraction transformations: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Cars Land Transforms for the Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park
Photo courtesy of Disneyland Park
Finally, the nighttime spectacular “World of Color – Season of Light” will cap the night with holiday magic by fusing cherished holiday music with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films.
‘World of Color – Season of Light’ brightens the holidays
Photo by Joshua Sudock, courtesy Disneyland Resort
It’s not just the theme parks that get into the holiday spirit; all three hotels of the Disneyland Resort will display beautifully themed Christmas trees, feature performances from convivial carolers, and offer visits from Santa Claus. The Disneyland Resort culinary team is also continuing its annual gingerbread house display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
At Downtown Disney District, guests will discover dazzling décor and photo opportunities, festive musical entertainment, and special offerings from shops and restaurants. With a breadth of boutiques to explore, Downtown Disney District will be a festive destination for guests to find holiday gifts for the whole family.