Planning a magical Disneyland Christmas trip this year? I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the 2025 holiday season at the Happiest Place on Earth.
This list of things to do on a Disneyland Christmas vacation was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
When is Disneyland Christmas 2025?
The holiday magic runs from November 14, 2025 through January 7, 2026.
Disney usually starts putting up decorations in late October (sometimes you’ll even see snow on the castle on Halloween night!), but everything officially kicks off on November 14th.
Pro tip: If you visit in mid-November right after the season starts, you’ll catch all the holiday magic with slightly smaller crowds than Thanksgiving week or the Christmas season.
First Things First: The Weather Situation
Let me save you from making the same mistake so many Pacific Northwest families make.
Just because you’re going to Southern California doesn’t mean it’ll be warm.
December at Disneyland can be legitimately cold and rainy. Once the sun goes down, it feels downright freezing.
Pack layers. Bring sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets you can pile on. Long-sleeve shirts work great under Disney tees if you need a base layer.
If rain’s in the forecast, wear waterproof shoes or rain boots. Trust me, walking around with cold, wet feet all day is miserable. Throw extra dry socks in your bag too.
The Must-Do Disneyland Christmas Activities
1. “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks
This fireworks show is absolutely stunning. The music is gorgeous (lots of classic holiday songs mixed in), and when they light up Sleeping Beauty’s winter castle with over 80,000 twinkling lights?
Chef’s kiss.
The best part is when snow falls on Main Street and “It’s a Small World” during the show. My kids go absolutely bonkers for it every single time.
2. “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”
This parade runs twice daily at 3:00 PM and 5:15 PM.
You’ll see Mickey, Minnie, Chip ‘n Dale, Elsa, Anna, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and basically every beloved Disney character dressed in their holiday best. Mickey and Minnie are wearing brand new outfits this year that have a special 70th Anniversary spin on them.
The floats are incredible (that Toy Story one!), and Santa closes out the parade. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit without doing anything too intense.
3. “It’s a Small World” Holiday
This is my family’s absolute favorite part of Disneyland Christmas.
During the day, the facade is beautiful with holiday decorations and garland. But at night? When those thousands of twinkling lights turn on? It’s genuinely magical.
The lighting ceremony usually happens around sunset. Ask a cast member in Fantasyland for the exact time, because you don’t want to miss it.
And definitely ride it. Disney adds so many holiday details inside that’ll make everyone smile.
4. Haunted Mansion Holiday
If you love The Nightmare Before Christmas, this overlay is for you.
Jack Skellington and Sally take over the Haunted Mansion with the most over-the-top holiday decorations you’ve ever seen. It’s Halloween and Christmas colliding in the best possible way.
This overlay actually starts during Halloween and runs through the Christmas season, so it’s been going strong for a while by the time the official holiday season kicks off.
5. Just Soak in the Decorations
I know it feels weird to slow down at Disney (we’re trained to go-go-go and hit every ride), but Christmas at Disneyland is different.
Take time to look at the shop window displays on Main Street. Check out what the characters are wearing. Smell the gingerbread and peppermint everywhere.
Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are completely decked out. The holiday topiaries, the massive Christmas tree on Main Street, Cars Land at night with all those colorful lights… it’s all so special.
Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle looks incredible with its wreath, garland, and snow-capped towers.
Meet Santa (And Actually Enjoy It)
Santa’s at a new location this year called “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at Fantasyland Theatre.
This is so much better than a quick photo op. Your kids can do crafts, sing holiday songs, and hang out in a festive area. Plus, Disney characters stop by throughout the day for photos.
At Disney California Adventure, you can find Santa at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area. We’ve done both, and honestly? DCA is more fun because your kids can burn off energy on the trail while you wait in line.
Santa’s available through December 24th (storytelling continuity, you know).
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy and affordable AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $20 off if you book through this link.
Book a Family Photo Session
Want to guarantee you’re actually IN some vacation photos?
I always book Flytographer when we travel. They make it super easy and affordable, plus you get beautiful professional photos with all those gorgeous holiday decorations in the background. You’ll save $20 when you book through my link.
As a family travel blogger, I can’t stress enough how much I love having these photos to look back on. You can check out my whole photoshoot here.
Disney California Adventure Holiday Offerings
Don’t sleep on DCA during the holidays.
Cars Land Christmas
Cars Land at night during Christmas is absolutely spectacular. The neon lights, wreaths, bows, and Christmas trees everywhere make it feel like a totally different land.
Plus, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree both get holiday overlays with festive music and decorations.
Festival of Holidays
This is basically Disney’s version of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, but for the holidays.
There are food marketplace booths throughout DCA serving dishes and drinks from different cultures and holiday traditions (Christmas, Hanukkah, Navidad, Diwali, Kwanzaa).
You can buy items individually or get a Sip and Savor Pass for 8 items. My tip? Go earlier in the day before the lines get long at the beer and cocktail booths.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
This special street party happens on select days (usually weekends) and features amazing mariachi music, dancers, and Miguel from Coco.
It’s a beautiful celebration that closes with Miguel singing “Silent Night.”
Where to Stay at Disneyland this Christmas
Where to Stay for Disneyland Christmas
Disney Grand Californian
This is the ultimate Disneyland Christmas hotel experience.
The entire lobby is decorated with a massive tree and an elaborate gingerbread house (though note: if you visit on November 14th, they’re still working on these). You can buy special holiday treats, and Santa even stops by for photos.
Plus, you get that special entrance right into Disney California Adventure, and you’re in the heart of Downtown Disney.
It’s pricey, but if you want the full holiday experience, this is it. Check rates on Expedia.
Read my full hotel review here.
Howard Johnson Anaheim
The HoJo has cute holiday decorations and a place for kids to write letters to Santa.
The biggest perk is the location. You’re close to the park entrance and within walking distance of easy breakfast spots. Check rates on Expedia.
Fairfield Inn Anaheim
This is one of my favorite Disneyland hotels for families.
It’s basically across the street from the park entrance, and there’s a Panera Bread right in the parking lot. Perfect for when you need to change clothes, drop off souvenirs, or take a midday break. Check rates on Expedia.
Downtown Disney Gets Festive Too
Downtown Disney has nightly snowfall (usually late November through early January), live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage, and tons of seasonal food and drinks.
There’s also Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail scavenger hunt that kids love. You buy an activity map, search for ornaments throughout Downtown Disney, then exchange the map for a keepsake.
If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you can even book breakfast with Santa at Naples Ristorante on select dates.
What to Pack
Besides the layers I mentioned earlier, here’s what else to bring:
Weather gear: Rain boots or water-resistant shoes, extra socks, jackets you can layer
Festive outfits: We love doing matching Disney Christmas shirts or plaid jackets (festive AND practical in cold weather)
Holiday Minnie ears: Pick these up when you arrive for cute photos
Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on your feet all day
Planning Your Disneyland Christmas Trip
Want to make planning easier? I’ve got a free email course on how to plan a trip to Disneyland like a pro that walks you through everything step by step.
As a family travel expert who’s been to Disneyland multiple times, I can tell you that a little planning goes a long way during the busy holiday season.
Other Holiday Activities Worth Knowing About
New this year: Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Cafe. Mickey, Minnie, Scrooge McDuck, Clarabelle, and Goofy dress up as characters from “A Christmas Carol.” This is dinner only.
Character dining: Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party (breakfast/brunch at Storytellers Cafe), Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays, and Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hearthstone Lounge.
Special shows: Look for the Deadpool holiday show at DCA (yes, really), Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season, and various character meet-and-greets throughout both parks.
Shopping: Mickey Mouse Family Christmas Collection merchandise is adorable and makes great gifts or souvenirs.
Other Christmas Destinations to Consider
If you’re looking for more holiday magic, check out my guide to the best Christmas getaways in the United States for families.
Final Thoughts
Disneyland at Christmas is truly magical. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it can be expensive. But there’s something special about experiencing the holidays with your family at the Happiest Place on Earth.
The key is to slow down, soak it all in, and don’t stress about hitting every single ride. The memories you’ll make from watching your kids’ faces light up during the fireworks or when they meet Santa are worth way more than any attraction.
Looking for more Disneyland content? Check out how to book a Disneyland photographer, how to announce a trip to Disneyland for Christmas, Disneyland facts, Disney Christmas countdown, and Gingerbread Mickey craft!
