Disneyland Just Transformed Into a Holiday Wonderland—With Christmas-themed Parades, Rides, and Eats

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year at the “Happiest Place on Earth”—Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. 

Every year, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park transform into a winter wonderland. The holiday makeover typically kicks off around mid-November, right after Halloween wraps up. This year, the season officially kicked off on Nov. 14 and will run until Jan. 7. During this time, Disney fans will be able to see things like Main Street, U.S.A., decorated with 1,800 Victorian-inspired ornaments, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle illuminated with 80,000 lights, and certain iconic rides all done up with holiday décor. You’ll also be able to feast on limited-time, Christmas-themed eats and treats, and catch some seasonal cheer at festive parades. Plus, this year, Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary, so the holidays are sure to be particularly special.

Here’s what you need to know about the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort before visiting. 

Festive Eats and Drinks

One of the best things about visiting Disneyland is arguably the food. With 45 dining options and six Festival Marketplaces (food and beverage kiosks that are set up during special events), there is no shortage of places to eat and drink within the parks. Though there are a few snack stores and carts throughout Disneyland, you’ll find the bulk of the restaurants in Disney California Adventure, where you can experience Pixar and Marvel-themed attractions as well. This year, there are more than 240 seasonal food options, including 90 new items. Here are some highlights:

• Festive Foods Marketplaces: There are six Festive Foods Marketplaces scattered throughout California Adventure, each serving its own unique menu of holiday eats—many draw inspiration from the local Southern Californian food scene. I recommend ordering the braised pork belly adobo, the tacos dorados de camarón, and the barbacoa tamales. Get a winter citrus New York sour if you need a little pick-me-up.
• Blue Bayou Restaurant: Located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, this restaurant serves up Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes. It’s introducing a few seasonal options this year, including a sticky toffee cake and a holiday sangria.  
• Galactic Grill: Some out-of-this-world holiday fare at Galactic Grill includes a crispy chicken sandwich, a holiday parfait, and a non-alcoholic holiday punch.
• Schmoozies!: This casual, California-style juice shop has a nice selection of seasonal items, such as red velvet Mickey-shaped waffles, elf Mickey shakes, and an ube cider.
• Churro Carts: Disneyland is known for its churros, and while the normal churros are still on sale, you can get the desserts with a variety of fun toppings all across the park, including cannoli cream, chocolate peppermint sauce, fresh strawberries, and condensed milk. 

Christmas-themed Rides

Every year, a select number of rides at the parks are given a holiday makeover, including some of Disneyland’s most iconic and popular attractions. These are the ones you need to visit if you want to add some holiday cheer to your trip:

• The Haunted Mansion: Disneyland’s spookiest ride turns into one of its most festive come the holidays, with some “Nightmare Before Christmas” flair thrown in for good measure. You’ll also be able to see the annual gingerbread display here, which is decorated with black crows that have piercing red eyes. 
• It’s a Small World: This iconic, old-school attraction with 300 animatronic dolls goes all out for the holidays, but you don’t need to ride it to experience Christmas cheer—its 50,000 exterior lights flicker on every day at 5 p.m. 
• Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl: You can take a spin in this Cars-themed ride to the sound of festive holiday tunes and dances sung by Luigi himself. 

Holiday Events

One of the most exciting things about the holiday season at Disneyland is all the specially themed events that take place throughout the park. They don’t occur every day, so be sure to check the daily events calendar before you visit. 

• A Christmas Fantasy Parade: This is one of the most anticipated holiday events at Disneyland. During the parade, iconic Disney characters like Elsa, Mickey, and Buzz Lightyear join Santa Claus for a walk down Main Street, U.S.A.
• Mirabel’s Gifts of the Seasons: On certain days, you can find “Encanto”’s Mirabel and her friends celebrating a “Fiesta de Navidad” with fun stories and songs in Disney California Adventure Park’s Paradise Gardens Park. 
• “Believe … In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular: Would a visit to Disneyland be complete without a fireworks show? The experience is particularly special during the holiday season, with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle lit up with Christmas lights and decorated with icicles. 

Tips for Visiting Disneyland During the Holidays

• If you want to experience everything that both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have to offer, I recommend purchasing a Park Hopper ticket, which gets you access to both properties. For example, most of the holiday-themed attractions are located in Disneyland, while many dining options are located in Disney California Adventure. Park Hopper tickets can run up to $224, depending on when you want to visit.
• If you plan to make a day of it, wear a good pair of walking shoes and a sun hat. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a plastic or aluminum water bottle (glass is not allowed inside the park), too. You may also want to pack an umbrella as well—winter is the rainy season in Southern California. 
• If you want to sample Disneyland’s limited-edition holiday fare, I recommend springing for a Sip and Savor pass, which is $49 ($46 if you have a Magic Key). The pass gets you six digital coupons that you can use at select dining locations and Festival Marketplaces in Disney California Adventure Park.