Some schools have already gone back into session for the new school year, some people (myself!) are already decorating for the spooky season, and others are getting excited about the Christmas holiday. With the different holiday seasons coming in full swing at Walt Disney World, the dates for Disneyland’s holiday events have now been released!
Beginning November 20, 2023 and running through January 7, 2024, The Holidays at Disneyland Resort will officially be returning to the parks and we have the official celebration information, decorations, and entertainment! Of course the castle will be decorated in its Winter ensemble, and will display the nightly projection spectacular!
Disneyland also features many different cultures during the holiday season festivities. As described by Disney Destinations “Disney Festival of the Holidays draws inspiration from multicultural seasonal celebrations and cherished traditions of Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day”.
As with each celebration in the parks, there are also food, beverages, and entertainment that share the spotlight. There will be performances at three different locations; Palisades Stage, Sonomad Terrace, and the Hollywood Backlot this year. Also returning for its tenth year is the Disney Viva Navidad! Our favorite bird trio, the Three Caballeros, host an out of this world street party. Here you will experience multiple different types of performances like mariachi bands, mojiganga puppets, and so many more fantastic artists. It is also said that guests might spot Mirabel, from Disney’s Encanto!
Resembling the Halloween decorations that sprinkle magic throughout the parks, the winter wonderland displays will also be a prominent showcase. “It’s a small world” even undergoes some changes to help spread the holiday magic, and the Haunted Mansion adds some flair with a gingerbread house display to the already frightfully thrilling attraction.
Let’s not forget about the magical “snow”, or snoap as I like to refer to it as, that falls around the parks during the evening.
Characters will sport their holiday best for pictures with guests, and do not forget to visit the magical man himself, Santa Claus, who will also be greeting guests during the season.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and all of their pals will also make their way around during the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade inside Disney California Adventure Park. Be on the lookout for your favorite Pixar characters as they also join in on the holiday fun! Another special parade, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” will make its way through Disneyland Park. When the night falls, each park will have its own nighttime spectacular show. Disneyland Park will have “Believe…In Holiday Magic”, and Disney California Adventure Park will display a seasonal twist of the current display “World of Color - Season of Light.”
During the festival, guests also will have the opportunity to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass. This is a pre-paid card that allows guests to turn in tabs of the card, at select dining locations, for food and beverages.
Please note that valid park admission and theme park reservations are required to attend and experience the holiday magic in the parks.
If you’re ready to visit Disneyland Resorts for the holidays, please reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels for your next Disney trip. If you book your qualifying vacation package in the month of August 2023 with a participating agent, you will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Visa gift cards! Exclusions may apply; please reach out for more information.
