Would you pick November or December?

[ClaraOswald]

Looking ahead to 2025 already. I haven't been to Disneyland in November since 2007. Went in early December 2018.

We were looking at going December 8th-12th. That way we avoid the Candlelight weekend. But it's just so close to actual Christmas, when things tend to get hectic at home. So now I'm looking at possibly doing November. But, like I said, haven't been in November forever.

The weeks I'm considering would be November 10th or the 17th. Does Veteran's Day effect crowds? Is the week before Thanksgiving crazy?

Are the holiday decorations fully up right away in November?

 

[sophy1996]

Veterans Day does affect crowds and that’s usually around the time that DLR kicks off the holidays, so that second weekend of November tends to be busy. The week before Thanksgiving week may be a better option.

DLR starts holiday decorations in October and everything should be in place by the second weekend in November.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Normally, the holiday decorations are up before Thanksgiving. I don't know exact dates. Your December dates are actually perfect if you want to go in December. I think November 17th would also be perfect. Everything should be up by then and you'll be right in between a couple holidays.

 

[LizzyS]

It's been a while since I've done either, but one December trip was enough for me to decide I'd never be back again during that month, just too crowded. I'd personally pick November.

 

[Aspencreek]

We visited for 1 day last year on December 12th. Happened to be down in San Diego and decided to drive up to DL for the day specifically to see all the holiday decorations. We were nervous about crowds, partly because of a recent October visit that was insanely crowded. But to our delight we were pleasantly surprised that it wasn't that bad at all. Certainly not empty, but it never is anymore. We didn't even arrive to the entrance until 11:30am, but with Genie+ still managed to do every ride LL we wanted plus a bunch of standby's. I wouldn't hesitate to go again around that time in December.

 

[Pluto468]

Looking ahead to 2025 already. I haven't been to Disneyland in November since 2007. Went in early December 2018.

We were looking at going December 8th-12th. That way we avoid the Candlelight weekend. But it's just so close to actual Christmas, when things tend to get hectic at home. So now I'm looking at possibly doing November. But, like I said, haven't been in November forever.

The weeks I'm considering would be November 10th or the 17th. Does Veteran's Day effect crowds? Is the week before Thanksgiving crazy?

Are the holiday decorations fully up right away in November?

Veteran's Day effects crowds, but I think only on that weekend so the following week should be fine. I've always heard the week before Thanksgiving is great for crowds, and you'd be there for the beginning of that.

We're going next November and will most likely be there the week of the 10th-15th.

 

[Huskyfan860]

I went roughly that time in December last year and it was fantastic - great weather, crowds were manageable (especially with Lightning Lanes), and we had a great time.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Since the official Holiday stuff doesn't start until Friday November 15th this year, I'm guessing that means it may not start until November 14th next year. So I think I've eliminate the week of the 10th.

I think more Magic Keys are blocked out the week in December but not sure if that makes much of a difference or not.

Does anyone have any thoughts on flying around either of those times? I've honestly never flown very close to a holiday. I'm not sure how close to the holiday it needs to be for airline prices to make a huge jump or anything like that.

 

[Pluto468]

Since the official Holiday stuff doesn't start until Friday November 15th this year, I'm guessing that means it may not start until November 14th next year. So I think I've eliminate the week of the 10th.

I think more Magic Keys are blocked out the week in December but not sure if that makes much of a difference or not.

Does anyone have any thoughts on flying around either of those times? I've honestly never flown very close to a holiday. I'm not sure how close to the holiday it needs to be for airline prices to make a huge jump or anything like that.

The week of Thanksgiving airports will be very crowded. I think Thanksgiving day is ok but you probably won't travel that day.

I'm curious when decorations go up next year since I'm doing a holiday trip, too. Hopefully they post those dates sooner rather than later.

 

[RickNJane]

We usually go first 2 weeks in December. Crowds are not too bad. Decorations are up and the weather is great. We have not gone in November, however. You are correct in that it does make the holidays at home a bit more hectic. But Worth it.

 

[NewbieMouse]

We used to always go around that time in December and loved it. Once our daughters started university, their exams now fall at that time and we can no longer pull them out of school to go, so now we have to go later. But I look forward to one day going back to visiting then - the weather is great, holiday vibe is in full swing, and crowds are reasonable. I would highly recommend early December.

 

[KimberMama]

We’ve been many times in November and in December, and once in each month as a multi-day trip (December in 2018 and November in 2023). I think it depends in part how you want things to feel. Yes, Christmas is up in November, and it’s nice, but for me it just doesn’t feel like Christmas in the same way as a December trip. In 2018 we did midweek 12/10 - 12/13, stayed at the GC, and loved it. My absolute favorite day to be IN Disneyland for Christmas is actually Christmas Eve because it’s entirely magical feeling. People are happy and kind and it’s wonderful.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Hmm...that's a good point. I may not be quite in the Christmas mood before Thanksgiving. Definitely something to consider!

This will be our first Christmas-time stay at the Grand Californian so I'm pretty excited! We did walk through the lobby during our 2018 vacation and it was so pretty with the tree up.