When to go in Dec

[flyinshirer]

I want to take my sis and her daughter to DL in Dec but when is the best week to go? They have never been there & we are going to take them for their Christmas gift. I can take them during the week for less crowds. Any idea?

 

[DLR29]

Anytime from 12/1 to around 12/20 or 12/21.

 

[DizneyMommy]

If you want the BEST time to go, I'd say the second week of Dec, during the week. Avoid the 1st-4th, those days are Candlelight and CM Parties, extra crowds and shorter hours. I would not go after the 14th, as some schools in other parts of the country have that 3rd week of Dec off school, as do most colleges. The best days to go all month would be Wed the 5th, Thur the 6th, and Monday the 10th thru Thursday the 13th. Weekends in Dec are always crowded, but if you have to pick a weekend, I'd pick the 8th/9th.

Now, there likely won't be bad crowds until the 21st, but these are just the best times to go.

 

[CardinalsFan]

I agree w/ PP.

On the 10th, 11th and 12th (Mon-Wed), DL starts to stay open an hour later ('til 9pm instead of 8pm). Then, on the 13th, it stays open until 10pm! So, you get a few more hours in the parks, but local schools aren't out yet.

Also, looking at last year's schedule, it would seem that the DEP would make its holiday season debut on Friday the 14th.

We'll be in the parks the 11th thru 14th, perfect timing.

 

[IluvDISNEYLAND!]

If you want the BEST time to go, I'd say the second week of Dec, during the week. Avoid the 1st-4th, those days are Candlelight and CM Parties, extra crowds and shorter hours. I would not go after the 14th, as some schools in other parts of the country have that 3rd week of Dec off school, as do most colleges. The best days to go all month would be Wed the 5th, Thur the 6th, and Monday the 10th thru Thursday the 13th. Weekends in Dec are always crowded, but if you have to pick a weekend, I'd pick the 8th/9th.

Now, there likely won't be bad crowds until the 21st, but these are just the best times to go.

This maybe silly but what are the Candlelights? Thank you!

 

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

This maybe silly but what are the Candlelights? Thank you!

I'm not sure 100% but I think it when they have a special concert and they sing christmas songs. Like I said not sure, but I sure would like to go!!

 

[CardinalsFan]

Disneyland's "Christmas Candlelight Procession"

This Disneyland holiday tradition takes place on Main Street U.S.A. and features a full Orchestra, Christmas Tree Chorus performing renditions of traditional Christmas songs and a retelling of the Christmas Story narrated by a different celebrity each year.

(from http://www.wdwinfo.com/Disneyland/Events/holiday-season.htm)

 

[DizneyMommy]

This maybe silly but what are the Candlelights? Thank you!

In short - MASS CHAOS!

But seriously, Candlelight Processional is a Christmas performance in the park for VIPs and anyone else lucky enough to snag a seat on the curb or purchase advance dining tickets (IF they even sell them this year). Several large choirs in Xmas robes start at Small World and walk (hence processional) with candles all the way to the train station on Main Street and then they line up on the steps and platform in the shape of an xmas tree. A celebrity will narrate, and tells the traditional Chrismas Story with breaks during the story for the choir to sing an appropriate Christmas song. It is really beautiful, and something I think everyone should be so lucky as to get the opportunity to do once in their life. But, either you spend all day camped out for a seat, or you spend all day trying to avoid Main St, so probably for your trip best to avoid the parks altogether those days.

 

[autumnbaby9]

We went Dec 7th-12th last year and the only time it got busy was on Sat and Sun.


The longest wait time for a ride was 20 minutes for Space Mnt. on Sat night. Most rides were 5 minutes or less. I was able to get through all of my "Must Do's" on the first 2 days and was able to spend the rest of the trip just taking in all the small things that I normally miss.

 

[IluvDISNEYLAND!]

In short - MASS CHAOS!

But seriously, Candlelight Processional is a Christmas performance in the park for VIPs and anyone else lucky enough to snag a seat on the curb or purchase advance dining tickets (IF they even sell them this year). Several large choirs in Xmas robes start at Small World and walk (hence processional) with candles all the way to the train station on Main Street and then they line up on the steps and platform in the shape of an xmas tree. A celebrity will narrate, and tells the traditional Chrismas Story with breaks during the story for the choir to sing an appropriate Christmas song. It is really beautiful, and something I think everyone should be so lucky as to get the opportunity to do once in their life. But, either you spend all day camped out for a seat, or you spend all day trying to avoid Main St, so probably for your trip best to avoid the parks altogether those days.

WOW! Thanks for the info. What days is this taking place. The days I have set to be in the park are Dec 3-8.

THANKS AGAIN!!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

WOW! Thanks for the info. What days is this taking place. The days I have set to be in the park are Dec 3-8.

THANKS AGAIN!!!

The 1st-4th....

 

[DizneyMommy]

Candlelight is taking place on the 1st and 2nd only (Saturday and Sunday). Not the 3rd and 4th.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Candlelight is taking place on the 1st and 2nd only (Saturday and Sunday). Not the 3rd and 4th.

Whoops! My bad. 3-4 is Cm parties though, right?

 

[bumbershoot]

Ooh that is SUCH good info! Since we don't actually *celebrate* Christmas (but do recognize that it exists), I have very little interest in the Candlelight thing. But I was thinking of planning a trip right smack dab in the middle of it! Thank you, OP, for asking the question!!!