Celebrating the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Recently I attended a preview of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. This annual tradition runs now through Jan. 7, 2024, throughout Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Hotels and Downtown Disney District.

Cultural celebrations in Disney California Adventure Park with Disney Festival of Holidays includes food, music and decor. The park is celebrating cherished traditions of Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day.

Here are 15 Disneyland Resort Experiences not to miss this holiday season:

1. Disney’s Christmas Trees brightens the season throughout all the Disneyland Resorts. Small and grand Christmas trees decorated with uniquely themed ornaments and lights can be viewed in both theme parks. Festive décor is also in Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, will enjoy the new holiday theme gingerbread house in the grand lobby.
   

   Holiday trees throughout the parks. Photo Jill Weinlein

2. Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle now has wreaths, icicles and snow-capped turrets. Every evening a little bit of Disney “snow” magic shimmers down on Disneyland Park, as thousands of twinkle lights illuminate the castle.

Snowfall on the Magic Castle – Photo Jill Weinlein

3. Snow at Downtown Disney District falls every half hour from 6 to 10 p.m., between Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes through Dec. 31.

“it’s a small world” holiday. Photo Jill Weinlein

4. Holiday Festive Rides can be viewed on the merry “it’s a small world” Holiday boat ride. The beloved attraction has characters from around the world serenade guests in different languages in a melodic chorus of familiar tunes.  In New Orleans Square, Jack Skellington from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” has redecorated the Haunted Mansion into the frightfully festive holiday collision between Halloween and Christmas. Over in Disney’s California Adventure Cars Land provides lot’s of holiday cheer on Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl ride and Mater’s Jimgle Jamboree seasonal spin.

Disney Cast Members love the holidays at Disneyland Resorts. Photo Jill Weinlein

5. Character Meet and Greet

Throughout the resort guests will notice many of Disney characters and beloved cast members dressed in holiday attire. They charm guests at meet and greet opportunities.

Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor – Photo Jill Weinlein

6. Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor

A Sip and Savor feast for the senses is back offering diverse food and beverage opportunities. Disney’s California Adventure guests who purchase a Sip and Savor commemorative lanyard for $59 will receive a pass with 8 coupon tabs (the cost of the pass is $5 less for Disneyland Magic Key pass holder). Follow the map of the park to redeem each tab at select food and non-alcoholic beverage marketplaces and culinary carts. There is a small Southern mac and cheese plate, another plate with kielbasa with pierogi, and for vegan diners plant-based chicken curry bites. Sweet treats include a pumpkin cinnamon cheesecake. Sip and Savor is available at  now through January 7, 2024.

Sip and Savor – Photo Jill Weinlein

Throughout Disneyland Resorts there are more than 75 new and returning limited-time holiday food and beverages offerings, including Mickey ornament macaron, a celebration baked potato, and a Filipino feast burrito. 

7. Festive Music

Upbeat music is performed nightly at the Palisades Stage, Sonoma Terrace and for the first time, the Hollywood Backlot. GRAMMY® Award-winning Mariachi Divas, the Wayu Band, a cappella ensemble The Mistletoes, the entertaining Mostly Kosher, Phat Cat Swinger performing West Coast Swing, and the spirited performers of Blue13 Dance Company ignite the night with traditional Indian dances that celebrate Diwali and build to a Bollywood-inspired party for all. 

8. Lamplight Sit Down Meal

The newer Lamplight Lounge overlooking the 150 foot tall Pixar Pal-A-Round Mickey’s Fun Wheel and thrilling Incredicoaster ride, is one of the most stunning view dining spots in Disney’s California Adventure. Chef Stanford and his team prepare an array of menu items that include lobster nachos, duck confit and a Brussels sprouts Caesar salad. Holiday theme cocktails, California wines and craft beers are available to enjoy with your meal. Reservations should be made 60 days in advance or walk-up guests can join a waiting list.

9. Disney Viva Navidad!

Paradise Gardens Park celebrates Feliz Navidad traditions with culinary favorites at Paradise Garden Grill. New menu items include a shareable loaded torta and chocolate cake flan. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and The Three Caballeros are dressed in colorful new celebratory attire with colorful textured fabrics and vibrant floral embroidery. There is a joyous street party featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and giant mojiganga puppets. Additional festivities include live music and dancing, and special appearances by Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto.”

Holiday Ornaments – Photo Jill Weinlein

10. Holiday merchandise

Disney shops offer an array of apparel and accessories, holiday decorations, gifts and keepsakes.

Adventureland Treehouse Photo Jill Weinlein

11. Adventureland Treehouse walk-thru recently opened paying tribute to the original treehouse that Walt Disney and his Imagineers built in 1962. The new refresh offers immersive new exhibits and a fresh story inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson.

Goofy – Photo by Jill Weinlein

12. Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel

For the first time, Goofy’s Kitchen features characters dressed in holiday outfits visiting guests enjoying jolly decor and seasonal menu favorites from Dec. 1, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024.

13. Santa Sightings

Through Dec. 24, Santa Claus visits guests in Critter Country in Disneyland, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure. He also stops at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel.

14. Holiday Parades 

Inside Disneyland Park, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade provides holiday cheer with characters from Disney Animation’s “Frozen,” Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” and more. In the evening “Believe…In Holiday Magic” illuminates the night sky over Disneyland Park with awe-inspiring fireworks and “snow” falling.

Pixar Bay – Photo Jill Weinlein

15. World of Color -Season of Light 

The spirit of togetherness and love illuminates Paradise Pier and Paradise Bay with hundreds lights and fountains displaying Disney’s animated films. For reservations, go online to Disneyland.

New Holiday Popcorn Buckets. Photo Jill Weinlein