Disneyland Christmas Decorations Timing?

[WDWFigment]

Per Holidays at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/events/holidays/ Christmas (or the "Holidays" as they term the season) at Disneyland runs November 14, 2011 to January 8, 2012.

I received a Southwest.com airfare special email today that can get us out to Disneyland for less than $300 roundtrip (which is very low from Indianapolis). The problem is that we have to return by November 16th, or the one-way fare doubles (plus some) from $120 to $244.

Having dealt with Walt Disney World at the holidays, I know that these schedules are a little more fluid than the website suggests. Decorations are up "around" those dates (some before, some after), and almost inevitably stay up far past the concluding date listed.

I know Disneyland generally runs a tighter ship, so I'm wondering if anyone knows, from past experience, whether the Christmas season actually does start by the start date listed on the website. I'm not expecting every little wreath to be hung at the Grand Californian by that date, but I want to make sure at least the Castle Icicle lights and Small World Holiday are running (obviously Haunted Mansion Holiday will be up). We would be incredibly disappointed if we missed these offerings, and if there's even a small likelihood that we will, we'll just hold off on booking until we find a better option with Southwest or another airline.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Sherry E]

I saw your post in the Christmas Superthread before I saw this thread so I gave you a detailed answer over there (with the explanation of the 3 "Phases" of the DLR Disneyland holiday transformation). I'm so glad you joined us!

But just to put your main question to rest, based on the date you mentioned by which you will have to return you will not miss IASW Holiday or the nighttime Winter Castle!! Those things will be up and running on 11/14. There may even be soft openings of IASW Holiday a day or two before that, but it will definitely be open on 11/14.