Disneyland during Christmas

[Kip Herner]

Now that everything is opening up and hopefully the future looks bright, I am wondering what Disneyland has historically done during Christmas time. Do they do any special events/decorations during this time. Trying to decided if we should plan a trip out during Christmas Vacation.

 

[pharmama]

Historically Disneyland has lots of holiday magic. Decorations, a parade, IASW and HM have holiday ride overlays and a holiday fireworks show just to start. DCA has Festival of Holidays specialty food carts, Viva Natividad performances, lots of decorations (especially Cars Land- Maters Junkyard Jamboree has a different soundtrack) and a special version of World of Color called Season of Light (my FAVORITE).
There are no separate hard ticket events like the MK Christmas parties (unless you count our Candlelight Processional which is different from WDW only one weekend and private invite only. But the park is open and the general public can watch from the sidelines).
However, no one knows yet if they’re going to do all that this year...

 

[Bigmace]

Our last trip to Disneyland was a week before Christmas in 2019 and its a great time to be in the parks. The entire parks are decorated in Christmas theming, all of the shops are selling holiday merch, the fire works show is Christmas themed, the haunted mansion is still Nightmare before Christmas themed. A Christmas parade and fireworks show. Its a great time to be in the parks.

But and a BIG BUT. The parks are their busiest of the year. Wait times are miserable. Getting a sit down meal reservation is hard. etc. Still worth it, just be prepaid.

 

[ahhhcrap]

My Family and I have gone to Disneyland nearly every Christmas day for the past 15 years. It's a tradition my parents love. We go early to have beignets for breakfast and just enjoy all the festive decorations at both parks and ride the Haunted Mansion with the holiday overlay before heading home for Christmas lunch and open presents. Not sure if we will do that this year due to lack of annual passes but it just isn't Christmas for my mom without doing this or skiing.

 

[felice]

Before the pandemic, yes - Disney always went way out with the decorations and excitement at DL. Yep, crowds are usually higher too so be aware that movement around the parks might be a bit slower than usual. The experience in itself is still very enjoyable despite the extra crowds though. Enjoy !

 

[mouschievous]

My very favorite time to be in DL is Christmas time. Absolute favorite. To be even more specific, Thanksgiving. I LOVE spending Thanksgiving there, it's the best way to kick of the Christmas season. My only gripe with it is the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on Haunted Mansion, but that's a small thing so I can deal

I don't know what love about it so much - the smells in the air, the decorations, the fact that I'm kicking off the most magical time of year at the most magical place? Probably all of it.