The holiday season is hands-down my favorite time to visit the Disneyland Resort. There’s just something extra magical about the parks when they’re wrapped in twinkly lights and festive music.
If you know our family, you know we go all in on Christmas. We even had our house decorated before Disney finished theirs. So trust me when I say: our holiday bar is high. And yet, year after year, Disneyland’s Christmas festivities still manage to wow us.
First, I’ll walk you through our top tips for saving time, avoiding crowds, and getting the most value out of your visit. Then we’ll dive into everything I love about each park during the holidays… from must-see entertainment to seasonal snacks and attractions.
Disneyland Holidays will be returning November 14 this year and will run through January 7, 2025. Make sure to make your plans and reservations ASAP!
Disneyland Holiday Survival Tips
Pick the Right Date to Visit
Check Is It Packed to get a feel for crowd levels across all 60 days of Disneyland’s Christmas season and choose the timing that works best for your family. Christmas week is famously the busiest of the entire year — but honestly, it’s part of the magic! Also, keep an eye on which days offer extended hours so you can make the most of your time in the parks.
We usually aim for the week of Thanksgiving or the first week of December. And as always, if you can swing a weekday, you’ll almost always have a smoother experience.
Pro Tip: The word is Wednesday is the slowest day of the week because it is the furthest from the weekend!
Learn to Navigate the Holiday Lines
Download the Disneyland App
This is your best friend in the parks! The Disneyland App lets you:
• Check real-time wait times
• Join Lightning Lane Multi Pass return windows (formerly FASTPASS/MaxPass)
• Make dining reservations
• Mobile Order food
• View and download your PhotoPass pictures
• Use Park Map, entertainment schedules & virtual queues
• Manage tickets, MagicBand+, and more
It’s essential for maximizing your time — make sure everyone in your group has it downloaded before your trip. Download the app here.
Maximize Single Rider Lines
If you’re traveling with adults or older kids, Single Rider is one of the easiest ways to save major time. You’ll skip the standby queue and fill open seats, and often wait a fraction of the time!
Ask the Cast Member at the attraction entrance for directions to the Single Rider entrance.
Single-rider lines are available for the following attractions:
- Space Mountain
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Matterhorn
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Incredicoaster
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Web Slingers
Book with a Travel Agent
If you want the easiest route, a travel agent can handle all the details for you. Our team at Best Day Ever Vacations does this every day for Disney guests. Get connected here!
Make Dining Reservations in Advance
With peak crowds, dining can also become difficult. Save time and hassle by making any full-service dining reservations well in advance. Check out my tips on Disneyland Dining Reservations here!
Head to the BIG Rides During the Parades and Fireworks
If you’re taking multiple trips to the park this year, hit the big rides like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones during the parade and fireworks.
*Pro Tip- We do both by splitting up. Team 1 saves our spot, while Team 2 heads to a major attraction (using MaxPass to book a FASTPASS or using Single Rider lines). Then the teams swap. This allows us to save a spot and enjoy an added attraction with less of a wait.
Visit Santa on Your Way Out of the Park
We learned this one by coincidence last year when we stayed until closing time and just happened to walk past the Redwood Creek Trail. We were the ONLY ones; no line, and we had Santa Claus all to ourselves. Just make sure you check your park guide for his hours so you don’t miss him!
Most importantly, EMBRACE the chaos!
The Disneyland Holiday Season is magical if you set your expectations appropriately. This is not a trip where you are going to conquer a ton of rides. This is a trip to embrace the holiday magic and create memories that will last a lifetime!
7 Things I Love About Disney Christmas
Enjoy the Beauty of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
Take a walk down Main Street lined with garland and ornaments, and arrive at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. There are shimmering icicles and more than 50,000 twinkling LED lights that make it feel so much like winter you might forget you are in sunny SoCal for a minute.
Snap a photo in front of the 60 Ft. Christmas Tree on Main Street USA
Did you know there are over 1,800 ornaments beautifully adorning the iconic Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland during the holiday season? This stunning tree, standing tall and sparkling with festive lights, creates the perfect holiday backdrop for magical family photos.
To capture this special moment, PhotoPass photographers are available in front of the tree, ready to snap professional-quality pictures that will help you remember the holiday magic at Disneyland for years to come.
Purchase Disney PhotoPass+ (One Day or One Week) to get unlimited digital downloads of your PhotoPass photos, including pictures taken by photographers, select attractions, and during character meet-and-greets!
Ride It’s a Small World Holiday
I think this is our family’s favorite during the Disneyland Christmas season, and you can probably catch us singing along to Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls throughout the boat ride.
The facade is beautiful at night, drawing in large crowds, so ride it during the day and stop by after sunset to catch the ride completely covered in lights. Keep in mind that there are Lightning Lanes available for this ride during the holidays.
Ride Haunted Mansion Holiday
This ride undergoes one of the biggest transformations of the year, being inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
In fact, this ride is specially decorated from Halloween through the New Year, as the whole idea is that two holidays are colliding into one! It really is like riding a whole different ride than the rest of the year, but it’s also more popular, so plan accordingly for a longer line.
Meet Up with Your Favorite Disney Characters Dressed in Holiday Attire
There’s nothing cuter than the characters all dressed up in their holiday best. Last year, they debuted all-new mid-century-modern-inspired looks!
Remember to check the Disneyland App to see where your favorite Characters will be located.
Catch the Christmas Fantasy Parade
This is probably my favorite thing; I don’t really love a parade, except when it comes to the Disneyland Christmas Parade. I absolutely love it! I don’t mind parking my blanket and waiting around for an hour to check it out. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, but it’s definitely my favorite part of the Christmas season.
This parade includes all your normal favorites along with Santa Claus, marching tin soldiers, and dancing gingerbread cookies.
The glittering floats glide along the streets to the tune of happy Christmas music. We don’t normally stop to watch parades, but during the holidays, this is a must-do.
Don’t Miss the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” Fireworks Show & the Magical Disney Snow!
We think this is the perfect way to end the day and get that last ounce of holiday magic squeezed in. Of course, the magical snowfall at the end of the fireworks will create unforgettable memories.
Pro Tip: There is a very special “Holiday Time at Disneyland” Tour available during this time of year. This tour provides a close-up look at the magical transformation the park undergoes, reserved seating for “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, delicious holiday-themed treats, a collectible pin & more!
4 Things I Love About Disney California Adventure Park Holidays
California Adventure has a ton of festive things to do this Holiday Season, from a holiday twist on the World of Color Show to amazing treats. Let’s check out all the amazing holiday activities.
Watch the “World of Color – Season of Light”
This holiday-themed nighttime spectacular combines water, light, story, and song to create a mesmerizing experience that celebrates the spirit of the season.
Watch as thousands of towering fountains dance to Christmas music while snowflakes sparkle all around. It is a captivating show that is as enticing and magical as the holidays themselves!
Visit Radiator Springs for Holiday Themed Rides & Characters
Cars Land will be decked out this holiday season with two of its major attractions transformed into holiday-themed rides, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree will have you swinging around to Mater’s favorite holiday songs. Luigi’s Joy to the World will be decked out in Holiday Decor and the cars will dance to holiday beats.
Join the Festival of Holidays
The Festival of Holidays draws inspiration from many different seasonal celebrations including Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day.
There’s so much to do here including incredible food and entertainment. For all the foodies, I recommend looking into the Sip and Savor Pass. The pass will give you 8 tabs to redeem for select food and nonalcoholic beverages that can be used as long as the Festival of Holidays is open (making it a great choice for passholders who will visit multiple times).
One of my favorite parts of the festival is Viva Navidad, which celebrates the Latino holiday culture. It’s really unique and our kids always enjoy getting to experience something new. In the past, the festival has had face painting, cookie decorating, sunset concerts, and a celebration of Three Kings Day. And, there is always lots of dancing!
We love being able to educate our kids on all of the wonderful holiday celebrations that occur this time of year.
Pro Tip: Stop and make some crafts with the kids. You’ll get a break from the crowds and long lines.
Visit Santa Claus at the Redwood Creek Challenge!
In past years, you were able to meet with Santa Claus in the Redwood Creek Challenge area. I assume this will be the same this year, although official confirmation hasn’t been released.
On top of visiting the big man himself, the whole trail is full of holiday-themed activities and mischievous elves.
Downtown Disney Christmas Events
Downtown doesn’t skip a beat in decorating for the holidays. It’s a great place to walk around and grab dinner even if you aren’t going to the park. Most of the restaurants are decked out and offer holiday menus.
Breakfast with Santa
One of our longest-standing annual traditions is Breakfast with Santa in Downtown Disney. They serve a DELICIOUS family-style breakfast (not like a character breakfast buffet, this is quality dining). They also come around with a cute hot cocoa cart, and the BEST part is Santa himself stops by for a long visit with the kids. It is actually our FAVORITE Santa experience!
For the longest time, it was hosted at Catal Restaurant but this restaurant has closed as Downtown Disney is undergoing some major renovations. This year Breakfast with Santa will be hosted at Naples Ristorante. You can find more information and make reservations here!
Disneyland Holiday Treats to Eat
If you didn’t already know, Disney has a strict holiday policy: calories don’t count. Okay… maybe they do, but trust me — every bite is worth it. Especially when it’s wrapped in peppermint, cinnamon sugar, or Mickey-shaped chocolate. Here’s how to satisfy your sweet tooth this season.
The Famous Handmade Candy Canes!!
If you want this coveted holiday treat, you will need to arrive at least one hour prior to park opening to line up for your wristband.
With only 135 of them made per day, they go quickly! The Candy Canes are available at Candy Palace in Disneyland and Trolley Treats in California Adventure.
Head to the Mint Julep Bar for Some of the Best Holiday Treats
The famous Candy Cane Beignets and Peppermint Mochas can be found at the Mint Julep Bar in Disneyland.
Other Goodies to Keep an Eye Out For
- Peppermint Ice Cream in a dipped cone at the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street
- Turkey Pot Pie Soup at the Pacific Wharf in California Adventure
- Boudin Bread Cart Candy Cane and Christmas Tree Shaped Bread
- Gingerbread Cookies next to the Gingerbread House in the Grand Californian
Where to Stay During the Holiday Season in 2025
Make your Disneyland holiday trip extra magical with an overnight stay at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels. Each hotel features festive decorations, including beautifully themed holiday trees and lobbies that make you feel the holiday spirit.
When you stay on property, you’ll enjoy perks like Early Entry access to the parks, allowing you to experience popular attractions with fewer crowds, an invaluable bonus during the bustling holiday season!
Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel
Newly reimagined as the Pixar Place Hotel, this property celebrates the beloved Pixar characters. It’s still home to the Mickey and Friends Character Breakfast, making mornings extra special. On select nights, guests can enjoy firework views from the pool deck, offering a crowd-free way to end the day. However, be aware that renovations are ongoing, so some areas may have limited access.
Pro Tip: Visiting during the holiday season? Santa Claus makes appearances at all three Disneyland Resort Hotels. Find him in the Crystal Cove Foyer at Pixar Place Hotel, the Grand Hall at the Grand Californian, and the Grand Ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel. Check with the front desk for specific times and locations.
The Grand Californian
The Grand Californian becomes a holiday wonderland with its stunning lobby centerpiece… a massive gingerbread replica of the hotel itself, handcrafted by a team of skilled bakers using edible materials.
Be sure to savor holiday-themed treats and seasonal beverages like spiked rum and apple cider from the nearby lounge. Even if you’re not staying here, a stroll through the festive lobby is a must-see.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the gingerbread display, created by a 25-person team. It’s a favorite photo spot and a feast for the senses!
The Disneyland Hotel
This classic hotel combines retro charm with holiday magic. The pool and Monorail slide area are family favorites, but the real holiday treat is Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. While there, see if they have a seasonal twist on their famous cocktails. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day in the parks.
If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact our friends at Best Day Ever Vacations. They are truly Disney Experts, and not only are their services FREE, but they will save you both time and money.