The Ultimate Guide to Holidays at Disneyland 2026–2027!
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Both parks fill up with the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday's 25th season, the return of “World of Color – Season of Light” and Santa in a brand-new spot in Mickey's Toontown.
If your family has never done Disneyland at the holidays, this is the season to try it. Mickey and friends debut new holiday looks, Disney California Adventure's Festival of Holidays brings global flavors and music, and there's even a hotel deal for early-season stays. Here's everything you need to plan your trip, from Santa visits to the best holiday treats.
Key Takeaways
When: November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney District and the resort hotels.
What's New: New holiday looks for Mickey and friends, Santa's new spot at Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn, the Sip and Savor Pass and up to 20% off select hotel stays.
Don't Miss: “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday's 25th season and “World of Color – Season of Light.”
Santa: Visits November 13 through December 24, 2026, in both parks and at the resort hotels at select times.
Extra-Cost Add-Ons: Character dining, the parade dining package, the World of Color Dessert Party, the guided tour, the Sip and Savor Pass and the Ornament Trail map.
Tickets: Regular holiday entertainment is included with park admission. Park reservations are required, and availability is limited.
Key Dates for Holidays at Disneyland 2026–2027
When Does the Holiday Season Begin and End?
Mark your calendars! The merriment runs from November 13, 2026, to January 6, 2027. Chip and Dale's Ornament Trail in the Downtown Disney District gets a head start on November 11, and Santa visits from November 13 through December 24.
Holiday character dining at the resort hotels runs November 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027, a few days inside the main season on both ends.
Best Times to Visit (and Avoid Crowds)
If you're not a fan of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, aim for weekdays in early December or the first week of January. Avoid Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas through New Year's Eve, and weekends in general unless you're okay with longer wait times.
Parent Tip: Park reservations are required for each park on each day, and holiday dates go fast. Lock in your tickets and reservations as soon as your dates are set.
What's New for the 2026 Holiday Season?
Haunted Mansion Holiday Turns 25
Jack Skellington first gave the Haunted Mansion its merry-macabre makeover in 2001, which makes 2026 its 25th holiday season. Look for this year's giant gingerbread creation in the ballroom scene, designed as a monstrous music box.
Mickey and Friends Debut New Holiday Looks
Mickey, Minnie and their pals greet guests in Town Square in brand-new holiday outfits inspired by holiday travel and a wintery alpine gathering. Over at Disney California Adventure, Mickey and friends also appear on Buena Vista Street in winter attire.
Santa Moves to Mickey's Toontown
Santa now meets families at Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn, near Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. The Fantasyland Theatre is home to the Bluey show this year, so the old “Holiday Fun With Santa & Friends” setup there isn't returning.
World of Color – Season of Light Returns
After taking last year off for the 70th anniversary celebration, “World of Color – Season of Light” is back at Disney California Adventure starting November 13, with scenes from Beauty and the Beast and Inside Out.
New Ways to Save
The Disney Festival of Holidays adds a Sip and Savor Pass for sampling, and Disneyland Resort hotels are offering up to 20% off select stays of three or more nights. We cover both in the sections below.
Must-See Holiday Magic at Disneyland Park
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle and the Main Street Tree
Each evening, about 80,000 lights make Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle glimmer like a snow globe. A 60-foot Christmas tree towers over Main Street, U.S.A., and it's one of the best family photo spots in the park.
“Believe… In Holiday Magic” Fireworks and Snowfall
This fireworks spectacular plays out over Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, “it's a small world” Holiday and the Rivers of America, so you have three backdrops to choose from. Magical “snowfall” falls at all three spots and along parts of Main Street, U.S.A.
“A Christmas Fantasy” Parade
Reindeer, toy soldiers and dancing gingerbread cookies lead the way, and Santa Claus himself rides in the grand finale. Arrive early for a front-row view, or grab a snack and enjoy the magic as it passes by.
Want a guaranteed spot? The “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade dining package at Plaza Inn includes a festive meal and reserved parade viewing. Disney will share pricing and booking details on Disneyland.com.
“it's a small world” Holiday
This beloved ride becomes a global holiday celebration, with children singing in many languages. After dark, the outside glows with about 400,000 lights, and the clock tower even wears a Santa hat.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Jack and the crew from The Nightmare Before Christmas have decked every hall. It's spooky-meets-festive and a can't-miss seasonal overlay, especially for fans of the movie.
Bluey's Best Day Ever!
Little ones can catch Bluey and Bingo at the Fantasyland Theatre, which keeps performing through the holiday season. Check the Disneyland app for showtimes on the day of your visit.
Holiday Happenings at Disney California Adventure
“World of Color – Season of Light”
The holiday version of World of Color lights up Paradise Bay starting November 13, with fountains, music and scenes from Beauty and the Beast and Inside Out.
For a sweeter night, the “World of Color – Season of Light” Dessert Party offers an elevated viewing experience with treats. Disney will post details and booking on Disneyland.com.
Disney Festival of Holidays
Six marketplaces serve new and returning holiday flavors from around the world. The new Sip and Savor Pass is a scannable credential with six digital coupons for select food and nonalcoholic drinks at participating marketplaces and dining spots (price: TBA).
The festival also brings plenty of free entertainment:
Holiday Toy Drummers: Catch them in Paradise Gardens Park.
“Mickey's Happy Holidays” Cavalcade: The Holiday Toy Drummers travel from Paradise Gardens Park to Hollywood Land at select times daily.
“A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!”: Bilingual holiday music with Miguel from Coco on Buena Vista Street, select days.
“Mirabel's Gifts of the Season”: Encanto songs at Paradise Gardens Park, select days.
Paradise Garden Bandstand: Live performances daily from rotating bands and cultural groups.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
This festive street party features The Three Caballeros, folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and drummers, plus Mickey and Minnie in holiday attire, on select days. At select times, The Three Caballeros, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy also roam Paradise Gardens Park.
Cars Land: Luigi's Joy to the Whirl and Mater's Jingle Jamboree
Cars Land gets wreaths, bows and twinkly lights, and the whole street lights up at sunset during the “Sh-boom” moment. Luigi's Joy to the Whirl and Mater's Jingle Jamboree add holiday tunes and extra jingle that little ones love.
Santa's Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Kids can play seasonal games and outdoor activities on the trail, then meet Santa. It's a great way to let little ones run off some energy between shows.
Where to Meet Santa at Disneyland Resort
Santa Claus visits from November 13 through December 24, 2026. In Disneyland park, find him at his new spot, Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. In Disney California Adventure, he's at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
He also stops by the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at select times, so bring your wish list and your camera.
Parent Tip: Lines for Santa grow in the afternoon and in December. Visit early in the day or early in the season for a shorter wait.
Characters in Holiday Attire: Photo Opportunities Galore
Don't forget your autograph book! Characters across both parks wear their holiday best, perfect for those magical family selfies.
Holiday Character Dining and Hotel Fun
Holiday character dining runs November 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027, at the resort hotels. Reservations open on Disneyland.com at a later date, and they book up fast:
Goofy's Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!: At the Disneyland Hotel.
Daisy's Holiday Pajama Party: At Storytellers Cafe in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Mickey's Christmas Carol Feast: Also at Storytellers Cafe in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Even if you're not staying overnight, the hotels are worth a stroll. Expect holiday décor, carolers and a 7-foot gingerbread display in the Grand Californian lobby, modeled after the hotel itself. Pick up seasonal treats at the Great Hall cart at the Grand Californian, Broken Spell Lounge at the Disneyland Hotel and Great Maple at Pixar Place Hotel.
Save Up to 20% on a Holiday Hotel Stay
Disneyland Resort hotels are offering up to 20% off select stays of three or more consecutive nights at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Pixar Place Hotel and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Book by December 15, 2026, for stays from October 11 through December 18, 2026.
The offer applies to select room types, is limited to two rooms per reservation and can't be combined with other hotel offers. Park tickets and park reservations are separate. For more places to stay, see our list of family-friendly hotels near Disneyland.
Downtown Disney Holiday Fun
Chip and Dale's Ornament Trail: A Festive Scavenger Hunt
This cute scavenger hunt turns your Downtown Disney stroll into a holiday adventure. From November 11, 2026, through January 6, 2027, buy an activity map at a participating shop, search for the ornaments hidden in the trees and turn in your completed map for an ornament keepsake. Let your kids lead the way!
Nightly Snowfall and Live Music
Starting November 13, the Downtown Disney District turns into a winter wonderland with glimmering décor and a nightly “snowfall.” The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage hosts nightly entertainment, from holiday music to DJs and bands, and you'll find seasonal treats and drinks at participating spots.
Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour
Want a little Disney holiday history? The Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour shares Disneyland holiday traditions and stories about Walt Disney and his family, and it includes reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade.
The tour costs extra (price: TBA), and Disney will post schedules and booking details on Disneyland.com closer to the season. It's a fun splurge for older kids and Disney history buffs.
Holiday Treats and Shopping
Holiday Snacks and Sweets Around the Resort
Returning favorites include the Mickey Elf Shake at Schmoozies! in Disney California Adventure and the Milk and Cookies Tree-shaped Macaron at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland park. Disney will release its full holiday foodie guide closer to opening day.
For collectors, look for the Mickey Train Light Up Bucket and the Holiday Stitch Christmas Tree Sipper.
Holiday Merchandise Collections
Matching family PJs? Holiday mugs? Yes, and yes! Look for the Mickey Mouse and Family Christmas Collection, the Holiday Pastel Collection and the Disney Vintage Holiday Collection. Popular items sell out, so shop early.
World of Disney, the Emporium and Elias & Co. are great places to start your holiday shopping.
Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids
What to Pack (and What to Skip)
Think layers! Mornings and evenings get chilly. Bring glow sticks, small toys for lines and a power bank. Skip heavy coats and anything that'll weigh down your stroller.
Stroller Tips, Quiet Spaces and Break Zones
Our favorite break zones are the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, the benches in Mickey's Toontown, the Baby Care Centers and the Animation Building in Disney California Adventure (hello, A/C!).
Want to ride more and wait less? Read our tips for shorter lines at Disneyland.
Sample 1-Day and 2-Day Holiday Itineraries for Families
Sample 1-Day Itinerary: Disneyland Park Only
Morning: Head to Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it's a small world” Holiday early, before lines build.
Midday: Visit Santa at Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn and catch Bluey's Best Day Ever! at the Fantasyland Theatre.
Afternoon: Save a spot along the route for “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade.
Evening: Watch Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle light up, then stay for “Believe… In Holiday Magic.”
Sample 2-Day Itinerary: Disneyland Park + Disney California Adventure
Day 1: Disneyland park classics, the parade and the fireworks.
Day 2: Disney California Adventure for the Festival of Holidays, ¡Viva Navidad!, Cars Land at sunset and “World of Color – Season of Light.”
Making the Most of Your Holiday Budget
Save: Book the hotel offer for early-season stays, use the Sip and Savor Pass to sample the festival and pack water bottles and snacks.
Splurge: The Holiday Time guided tour, the parade dining package, the World of Color Dessert Party or a holiday character meal.
Free With Admission: Fireworks, parades, ride overlays, festival entertainment, visits with Santa and all that holiday décor.
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The Takeaway
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, and this year brings plenty of reasons to go: Haunted Mansion Holiday's 25th season, Santa's new Toontown home, new holiday looks for Mickey and friends and the return of “World of Color – Season of Light.”
Lock in your park reservations early, decide which extras are worth it for your crew and check the official Holidays at the Disneyland Resort page for the latest schedules. Then bundle up, sip that cocoa and enjoy the magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the holidays at Disneyland in 2026?
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Chip and Dale's Ornament Trail in Downtown Disney starts a little earlier, on November 11, and holiday character dining at the resort hotels runs November 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
Where is Santa at Disneyland in 2026?
Santa visits from November 13 through December 24, 2026. At Disneyland park, he's at his new spot, Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. He's also at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure and visits the resort hotels at select times.
Do I need a separate ticket for Disneyland holiday events?
No. Holiday fireworks, parades, ride overlays and festival entertainment are included with park admission, and you'll need a park reservation for each park. Character dining, the parade dining package, the Dessert Party, the guided tour, the Sip and Savor Pass and the Ornament Trail map cost extra.
Is World of Color – Season of Light back for 2026?
Yes. “World of Color – Season of Light” returns to Disney California Adventure on November 13, 2026, after taking last season off for the 70th anniversary celebration. The show features scenes from Beauty and the Beast and Inside Out, and a Dessert Party option is available.
When is the best time to visit Disneyland for the holidays?
For smaller crowds, aim for weekdays in early December or the first week of January. Thanksgiving weekend and the stretch from Christmas through New Year's Eve are the busiest. If you visit then, plan to arrive early and consider Lightning Lane Multi Pass to cut down on waits.
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