Christmastime in DL

[meeko66]

My DH and I are looking at going to DL around the holidays. His birthday is also in the middle of December so we want to celebrate that too. When is the best time to go to DL for the holidays? What is it like during Christmas/New Year's? I have heard that it can be very busy and that you have the place to yourself. Can anyone help me figure out when to go? We would be doing a long weekend. Arriving Thursday or Friday and Leaving Sunday night.

Thanks!!

 

[iceskatejen]

If you go before Christmas school breaks, it's very quiet on weekdays, but once break starts, it's very, very busy. Breaks start Dec 18, so if you go before then, you won't encounter too big of crowds.

 

[Minderbinder5]

New Years Day is also very empty, although New Year's Eve is the exact opposite and one of the busiest days of the year. We spent last New Years in the park and had a blast, but we're a young couple with no children, and we've been to DL many times before, so the long lines and crowds were not a problem. Actually, the crazyiness was kind of fun if you're able to just relax and sort of "see above the crowd" and enjoy Disney for it's atmosphere and little touches.

No matter what you decide, though, the decorations around the park are amazing for the holidays. It was unlike anything we have ever seen before!

 

[slp87]

I was curious to know when the Christmas decorations go up?? We're planning to go the week of Thanksgiving and were hoping to see them.

 

[iceskatejen]

The decorations start going up in October in New Orleans Square and are usually throughout the park by early November.

 

[jxgriffi]

My strangest memory is a Halloween night several years ago. After the kids had gone trick or treating, I had to go to work....

to install the Christmas tree!!!

Most of the decorations start going up Nov. 1 but the Christmas Parade usually doesn't start until Thanksgiving day.

It's my most favorite time of the year at the parks...and my kids love the "snow."

 

[GoofyGuy777]

Originally posted by Minderbinder5
New Years Day is also very empty, although New Year's Eve is the exact opposite and one of the busiest days of the year.

Actually since Jan 1st is a holiday, I have found Disneyland to busy on Jan 1st. This year should be very busy since Jan 1st falls on a Saturday.


Steve