Christmas Season at Disneyland

[EpcotQueen]

We've been to WDW to experience the Christmas season but never to DL. I know WDW so well I could do tours! But have no idea what to look for, what to experience at DL. Do they have something like Candlelight Processional? Do they have any special events for the Christmas season?

 

[ashnjam]

DL at Christmas was beautiful. Check out Sherry’s awesome Christmas super threads, the latest one is here. http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...erthread-5-awaiting-details-for-2015.3358217/

 

[figment_jii]

I second the recommendation to check out the Christmas/Holiday SuperThread. It has a lot good information about Christmas and the Holiday Season at Disneyland. Things are a little influx this year because of the 60th, so some of things from last year (like Believe...In Holiday Magic Fireworks) will not be making an appearance this year. I would also check out wdwinfo's Christmas at Disneyland page.

In terms of Candelight Processional...yes and no. Disneyland does also have the Candlelight Processional (the concept actually originated in DLR back in 1958), but it (typically) is only presented on two nights (first weekend in December). There are no dining packages for it, there is no stadium seating area, and the celebrity announcers are not announced very far in advance. There is very limited seating and it's mostly reserved for invited guests (e.g., VIPs, Club 33, etc.). The basic concept is similar to Epcot; the narrator tells the Christmas Story, and there is a very large choir. The stage is set up in front of the Main Street Train Station (so the train does not run during CP, nor does Jungle Cruise).

 

[GatorChris]

Unfortunately, they don't have a Candlelight Processional like they do at Epcot. I consider Joy to the World and the ending to Oh Holy Night to be some of the most moving moments of my life. They also don't have hard ticket Christmas parties, thank God! That means you pay regular admission and get the fun extras at no extra cost. They just switch the regular parade to a Christmas parade, have Christmas fireworks every night after Veteran's Day, and do a Christmas version of World of Color. For me, it's the best time of year to be at DL.

 

[figment_jii]

It's worth noting that they've already announced that they will not be presenting Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks in 2015. The Christmas parade is still uncertain (it might be the daytime parade) and it's not know if WoC Winter Dreams will be presented this year.

 

[GatorChris]

It's worth noting that they've already announced that they will not be presenting Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks in 2015. The Christmas parade is still uncertain (it might be the daytime parade) and it's not know if WoC Winter Dreams will be presented this year.

Sorta bummed about this, although it means I get to see the special fireworks during our November trip. The big question is - will Disney have fireworks every night after Veteran's Day? That's the biggest reason we go during Christmas Holidays after getting spoiled to nightly fireworks at WDW. I have this sneaking suspicion that the customer is about to get stiffed with fireworks only happening Fri-Sun, even during the non-peak Christmas season. I'd like to hope I'm wrong, but based on Disney's last few months of business decisions.....

 

[figment_jii]

I don't see any reason to already assume that they're going to massively change the holiday entertainment schedule. I suppose perhaps it would best for you to assume that they're going only do weekend fireworks during the Christmas/Holiday season so you can be pleasantly surprised when they decide to stick to the historic schedule. So far there hasn't been any indications that they're going to change the schedule. The only reason I can see them delaying the start of nightly fireworks during the Christmas/Holiday season is if they decide to do daily fireworks during HalloweenTime. Remember that DLR is limited in the number of nights they're allowed to present fireworks, so they can't simply add dates without removing them from other times (unless they get some kind of waiver from the city).

 

[mom2rtk]

Sorta bummed about this, although it means I get to see the special fireworks during our November trip. The big question is - will Disney have fireworks every night after Veteran's Day? That's the biggest reason we go during Christmas Holidays after getting spoiled to nightly fireworks at WDW. I have this sneaking suspicion that the customer is about to get stiffed with fireworks only happening Fri-Sun, even during the non-peak Christmas season. I'd like to hope I'm wrong, but based on Disney's last few months of business decisions.....

Well, before they can start charging for something they previously gave away for free, they first need to take it away. I believe this will be their transition to a hard ticket party next year. Complete conjecture on my part of course.

 

[tarheelalum]

I went to DL this past year from the 25th through the 27th and it was beautiful but I do not recommend going during Christmas week. Go a few weeks before so you can enjoy everything without the over capacity crowds.