In December?

[mimimom]

Can anyone give me info on what DL is like in december? Are the xmas decorations up? What is the weather like? We have been to DL several times before(the last time being 2 years ago) but always during spring break or summer. Any info will be very much appreciated thanks

 

[cantsitstill]

December is the BEST time to go IMO. The decorations are up, the Haunted Mansion is Haunted Mansion holiday (all re-done in Nightmare Before Christmas decor), It's a Small World is ALL Christmas - beautiful! And the crowds are way less than summer. The weather has always been fine - and we have gone every year for the past 4 years. Just bring warm jackets, gloves and hats for the evening.

 

[mobetsy]

Your chances of beautiful weather in Dec. are excellent, though rain is always possible, so bring jackets that will cover you well in case of rain. But think of what the Rose Parade generally looks like: sunny, crisp, and clear! The decorations go up early and are lovely.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I'll third the christmas is a gorgeous time of year to be there!

Definetly take a sweatshirt though

-em

 

[daannzzz]

We have gone a few times now in the first couple weeks of December. I wouldn't attempt it during the Christmas week holiday though.
The weather has been fine as far as rain goes. We haven't had any. The temperature has always been quite cool in the mornings (with loads of fog this year). The daytime temps have been very pleasent from the low to mid 60's up to the mid 70's. The nights will most likely be very cool (need sweathers and coats) to really cold. One year it must have gone down into the low 40's (cold for us) and staying out for the parade and fire works was tough as we weren't prepared.
The crowds during the weekdays are easily handled but as evening approches it gets more crowded. There are many, many Annual Pass holders and locals who come in after work and school to see the Christmas Parade and special Holiday fireworks. It is worse on Friday and then Saturdays are crazy most of the day and the evenings are insane!!! If they are doing Fantasmic add even more people. If you have numerous nights(particularly weeknights) though you can get everything in without rushing. Just plan well.

 

[mimimom]

would you recommend the week between xmas and the new year or we were thinking the 16th thru the 20th. I just do not want to pull my two DS's out of school. What about thanksgiving weekend? Is it really crowded? Are the xmas decorations up?Im sure the weather is still pleasant then also. I dont mind wearing a coat or jacket I do live in the Pacific NW where a jacket is a part of our wardrobe at least 8 months out of the year.

 

[daannzzz]

I would not recommend the week between Christmas and New Years. That is the busiest week of the whole year! The week before would be better. I have not gone at Thanksgiving but friends did this year. They went the few days before and said it was fine but the day before Thanksgiving it supposedly gets really busy. Thanksgiving day sounds like it can go either way and then that week end is busy. The Christmas decore usully goes up shortly before and some after Thanksgiving but the parks are usually completly decorated by Dec. 1st. The it's a small world holiday and the Haunted Mansion Holiday versions will be running from right before (actually earlier) Thanksgiving through the first few days of January.

 

[iceskatejen]

It's been many years since then, but I went on Thanksgiving once and it was packed. I would recommened sometime after Thanksgiving weekend to the week before Christmas break--during break is always nuts. DL is absolutely beautiful at Christmas.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I believe they put all the decorations up during the night after the park closes on Thanksgiving day. We usually arrive the Sunday during Thanksgiving weekend. For the most part, it's not as busy as many holiday travellers are headed for home on that day. The crowds get even lighter after the weekend and there is hardly any wait time for the rides. It's the perfect time to go as everything is up and running in anticipation for the Thanksgiving crowds. Good luck with your plans!!!

 

[iceskatejen]

In the last few years, the decorations are going up much earlier. The tree may not be up until Thanksgiving. but much of the parks are already decorated before then. They now start the Christmas parade and fireworks in early November. Come to think of it, I bet the tree is up then, too.

 

[Alison Wonderland]

If it's possible, do NOT go during the week between Christmas and New Years. We went last year and it was impossibly crowded. The lines were horrible. I still had a good time but I would not recommend going that week. It was so crowded that part of the time I had to hold on the son to keep him from being swept away in the crowd.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>The Haunted Mansion is made over usually by the first weekend in October, and stays that way through the weekend after January 1st.

It's a Small World gets made over during October. Usually by the first week in November, all of the decorations at Disneyland are up, including the huge tree standing in Town Square on Main Street, and by that time, It's a Small World Christmas is on, Haunted Mansion-Nightmare Before Christmas, and the holiday fireworks and snow are enjoyed. I think California Adventure is decorated after that, and the hotels are usually decorated right before Thanksgiving holiday. The Christmas parade usually debuts on Thanksgiving Day.

The lights go on the trees in Downtown Disney around November, but there aren't too many other decorations until mid-November. (I'm trying to remember) We stayed at the Grand Californian one night in early December, and I remember hearing Christmas music playing in Downtown Disney, so I expect that by Thanksgiving you have all the decorations there, too.

I've been there on the Fridays after Thanksgiving, and I estimate that the crowds there are so huge that maybe you can go on 3 or 4 attractions at Disneyland -- it's wall-to-wall, and shuffle-walking for the most part that weekend.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Your chances of beautiful weather in Dec. are excellent, though rain is always possible, so bring jackets that will cover you well in case of rain.

I've learned from experience that water-resistant shoes are a good idea, especially if you're going multiple days.

 

[iceskatejen]

My DS took her family during the first week of November last year and on the Friday of that week, the Christmas parade was going.