2024 Disneyland Holiday Guide: All the Magic Coming This Season

Hey, Disneyland fans! The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and trust me, you won’t want to miss the magic at Disneyland Resort. The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, reliving warm traditions, and giving thanks—and there’s no better place to do that than at The Happiest Place on Earth. From November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025, Disneyland is rolling out the red (and green) carpet for an unforgettable holiday experience. Here’s your comprehensive 2024 Disneyland holiday guide to all the festive fun, new experiences, and returning favorites for the holiday season.

New Holiday Experiences Debut in 2024

This year, Disneyland is introducing some incredible new experiences that will make your holiday visit extra special:

• Santa Claus & Friends at Fantasyland Theatre: From crafting to cookie decorating, Santa and his pals will be making memories at Fantasyland Theatre. Look out for storytelling and atmospheric music to set the festive mood.
• Santa Photo Ops: Catch Santa Claus at multiple locations, including Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel. He’ll be available for photos through December 24. Don’t forget to spot him during the grand finale of the “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” at Disneyland!
• Mickey and Minnie’s New Holiday Looks: Mickey and Minnie Mouse will debut charming new outfits inspired by the tradition of writing warm letters to loved ones. Watch out for them and their friends in their festive gear on Main Street, U.S.A., and Buena Vista Street.
• Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail: Starting November 22, 2024, join in on this fun new activity at Downtown Disney District. Purchase an activity map, search for hidden ornaments, and redeem it for a collectible holiday keepsake. It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit!
• Holiday Dining Experiences: Beginning November 19, head to Disneyland Hotel for “Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!” Also, check out Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Expect holiday-themed meals, festive decor, and character appearances in their cozy new pajamas. Reservations will be available soon, so keep an eye on Disneyland.com.

Beloved Holiday Décor, Offerings, and Entertainment Returns

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Disneyland’s signature festive decorations and entertainment:

• Holiday Atmosphere: Expect a breathtaking holiday atmosphere with sparkling decorations perfect for family photos. Join the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour to hear heartwarming holiday stories about Walt Disney and his family. The tour includes holiday-themed treats and reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”
• Gingerbread House at Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Marvel at the massive gingerbread house on display, inspired by pastries and candies. Pixar Place Hotel will also be decked out with new holiday decor.
• “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Show: This spectacular nighttime show will light up the skies of Disneyland nightly. Plus, experience magical “snowfall” along the Rivers of America, outside of “it’s a small world” Holiday, on Main Street, U.S.A., and the west end of Downtown Disney.
• “World of Color – Season of Light” in Disney California Adventure: This stunning show will feature hundreds of dancing fountains, festive music, and shimmering “snowflakes” in Paradise Bay, all presented by Pandora Jewelry.
• Seasonal Attraction Overlays: Don’t miss “it’s a small world” Holiday, which transforms into a global celebration of good cheer, and the Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” In Cars Land, the residents of Radiator Springs will get into the spirit with Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Get a Taste of Disney Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

The Disney Festival of Holidays is back, celebrating diverse cultures and traditions with food, music, and entertainment:

1. Festive Food Marketplaces: Try new and returning menu items at various locations throughout Disney California Adventure. Purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to sample select food and nonalcoholic beverages from participating locations.
2. Live Entertainment: Enjoy upbeat performances from cultural groups, live music, and dance. Don’t miss “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade, where iconic Disney characters march to the beat of festive music.
3. Disney ¡Viva Navidad!: Head to Paradise Gardens for daily crafts, live music, and festive decor inspired by Latin American traditions. Look out for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, The Three Caballeros, and Mirabel from “Encanto.” Enjoy the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party featuring Mexican folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, and more. On non-street party days, catch Mirabel from “Encanto” or Miguel from “Coco” in festive performances.

Shop for Holiday Magic

No holiday visit to Disneyland is complete without a little shopping. Discover new holiday merchandise, including the Mickey Mouse Family Christmas, Holiday Red, and Snowman collections. Check out World of Disney, Emporium, Elias & Co., and other locations for the perfect holiday gifts.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disneyland veteran, the 2024 Disneyland holiday season promises to be a magical experience. Mark your calendars and make your reservations early to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the festive fun. This guide has everything you need to plan the perfect holiday visit. Happy holidays and see you at Disneyland!

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!