Dec 13ish 2025 or 1st week of January 2026? 5 day trip

[BriannaRuth]

We have never been to DL at Christmas, but I’ve always wanted to go. I need to plan a trip around my college-aged daughter’s schedule. She is off from December 12 through January 12, but I think I saw Christmas ends on the 7th. What dates would be best as far as lower crowds, but still having entertainment?

Do they do WOC dessert party and F! during that time? Are most attractions likely to be open?

We normally go during the summer and always try to be in the parks on Sunday because it tends to be less busy. Is that also true during this time of year?

Thanks.

 

[hardcorestitch]

Most of the entertainment in Disneyland this year will likely be around the 70th Anniversary with a lower emphasis on the holidays. If you want to be within the Christmas season, I would suggest at least that December 12 window. If you do the January window after the 7th, the holiday stuff will likely be diluted.

 

[Pluto468]

We have never been to DL at Christmas, but I’ve always wanted to go. I need to plan a trip around my college-aged daughter’s schedule. She is off from December 12 through January 12, but I think I saw Christmas ends on the 7th. What dates would be best as far as lower crowds, but still having entertainment?

Do they do WOC dessert party and F! during that time? Are most attractions likely to be open?

We normally go during the summer and always try to be in the parks on Sunday because it tends to be less busy. Is that also true during this time of year?

Thanks.

I'd go with the December dates. I think crowds will be decent and it's fun seeing all the Christmas decorations before Christmas. WOC has a holiday version but I'm not sure about Fantasmic. Maybe someone else knows. Have fun!

 

[irlandaise]

We have never been to DL at Christmas, but I’ve always wanted to go. I need to plan a trip around my college-aged daughter’s schedule. She is off from December 12 through January 12, but I think I saw Christmas ends on the 7th. What dates would be best as far as lower crowds, but still having entertainment?

Yes, the official holiday celebration ends on January 7, 2026:

https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disneyland-resort-2025-event-dates-and-details/

Someone else here can confirm, but I'm pretty sure that means that all special parades, decorations, etc. won't disappear until the 8th. I wouldn't expect all entertainment options to be offered on weekdays after January 1st.

 

[Tomorrowland 67]

My experience with Disneyland vacations at Christmas is that the crowds aren't too bad during the holiday week until about 11 am on Christmas Day. Then it's probably crowded through New Years.

 

[LKing]

Most of the entertainment in Disneyland this year will likely be around the 70th Anniversary with a lower emphasis on the holidays. If you want to be within the Christmas season, I would suggest at least that December 12 window. If you do the January window, the holiday stuff will likely be diluted.

What do you think will be diluted in early January? The only holiday addition that will not be there in January is Santa Claus. His stint ends on Christmas Eve.

The characters will be in seasonal attire rather than their 70th attire.

Christmas Fantasy Parade will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
World of Color - Season of Light will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
Viva Navidad will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegria de Disneyland & Miguel will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
Sleeping Beauty's Castle will be decorated from Nov 14 - Jan 7

Small World, Haunted Mansion, Luigi & Maters will all run their seasonal versions Nov 14 - Jan 7.

 

[irlandaise]

What do you think will be diluted in early January? The only holiday addition that will not be there in January is Santa Claus. His stint ends on Christmas Eve.

The characters will be in seasonal attire rather than their 70th attire.

Christmas Fantasy Parade will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
World of Color - Season of Light will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
Viva Navidad will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegria de Disneyland & Miguel will run from Nov 14 - Jan 7
Sleeping Beauty's Castle will be decorated from Nov 14 - Jan 7

Small World, Haunted Mansion, Luigi & Maters will all run their seasonal versions Nov 14 - Jan 7.

Thanks, LKing. I'm glad I was wrong about the holiday entertainment not running on weekdays after Jan. 1st. Fantasmic will probably only run that weekend, though, right?

 

[LKing]

I'd go with the December dates. I think crowds will be decent and it's fun seeing all the Christmas decorations before Christmas. WOC has a holiday version but I'm not sure about Fantasmic. Maybe someone else knows. Have fun!

Fantasmic does not have a holiday version. There are, however, holiday fireworks.

I'm glad I was wrong about the holiday entertainment not running on weekdays after Jan. 1st.

Always subject to change.

Fantasmic will probably only run that weekend, though, right?

I don't keep track of what days Fantasmic is shown. I don't think it goes to just weekends until after holidays. @joseph821 do you know?

 

[joseph821]

Fantasmic does not have a holiday version. There are, however, holiday fireworks.


Always subject to change.


I don't keep track of what days Fantasmic is shown. I don't think it goes to just weekends until after holidays. @joseph821 do you know?

Fantasmic is on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during Nov. until mid-December. Around the 18th or so, F! goes nightly until Holiday Time ends in early January.

 

[irlandaise]

Fantasmic is on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during Nov. until mid-December. Around the 18th or so, F! goes nightly until Holiday Time ends in early January.

So my guess was correct that it probably won't play on Jan. 5-7, 2026, if the OP chooses that week to go?

 

[joseph821]

So my guess was correct that it probably won't play on Jan. 5-7, 2026, if the OP chooses that week to go?

No it will not.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Thanks all, I think we'll do the mid-December dates!

 

[Pluto468]

Thanks all, I think we'll do the mid-December dates!

Have fun!