There is nothing more magical than meeting one of your across-the-country Disney besties to experience the magic of Christmas at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” We had so much fun our first year, that we promised to make it a yearly tradition… and to be honest, it’s probably one of my top 5 best adult decisions. Let me show you all the reasons I love visiting during this time of year!
Special Attractions and Ride Overlays
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
Though not technically a ride, you can walk through Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland, and it’s worth exploring from every angle, especially during the holiday season. The snow and icicles are a far cry from the weather you’ll most likely be experiencing in sunny Southern California, but it’s no less magical, especially with the holly and ornamentation. But you simply CANNOT miss it lit up at night. It’s perfect!
Pro Tip: Grab your individual or group photos early in the morning during park opening or late in the evening around park closing for a chance of having less people in the background or running in between you and your photographer.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
Making time for the Disney parades is a personal preference as it takes wait time to grab a good spot before it gets too busy. My friends and I usually prioritize rides over the parades but during our last visit we just happened to be at the right place at the right time to catch the fantasy parade. The toy soldiers might be my favorite part, but the most magical moment is when Santa Claus himself comes at the end and speaks multiple languages, including sign language! It doesn’t last too long, so it’s worth pausing to watch if you’re nearby, and will definitely put you in the holiday spirit.
Make sure to use the Disneyland app to see the daily times for the parade as they change year-to-year.
Haunted Mansion’s Nightmare Before Christmas Overlay
Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? For Disneyland, it’s both! During the Halloween and Christmas seasons, Disneyland (and Disneyland California ONLY!) does a special Nightmare Before Christmas holiday overlay. It’s fantastic! See Jack, Zero, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and all of your favorite characters. Don’t fret, though. If you’re a loyal Haunted Mansion fan you can still some of your favorite characters, like Madame Leota, the Hatbox Ghost, and many of the faithful cemetery celebrities.
Classic Ride Enhancements
Pooh Corner and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
One of my all-time favorite rides (yes, better than the ride at Magic Kingdom!!) is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. I love getting in my honey comb and seeing the bright colors, the heffalumps and woozles, and some of my dear childhood friends. The queue has festive garland as you walk in, but the best part is seeing the Christmas trees and signs decorated by characters. The carrots on this tree help me know Rabbit did the decorating here! After the ride, be sure to visit Pooh Corner for one of my favorite treats, a tigger tail! Then, if you time it right, you can see some of your favorite Pooh characters in their Christmas hats in the meet-and-greet area.
Pro-Tip: The wooded gazebo area behind Rabbit’s tree (pictured above) is where Santa Claus took pictures. So, a LOT is happening in this area during peak hours. Rides, snacks, and multiple photo opportunities all in one spot!
Holiday Character Meet and Greets
Pooh Corner Friends
Outside the Pooh Corner store there is a short queue to meet your favorite Pooh friends, who come in a randomly rotating order. We first saw Tigger, then Pooh came out next, and we reentered the line. Eeyore and Piglet are sure to make appearances too if you’re willing to wait. I can’t wait to bring my Santa hat next year!
Special Holidays Snacks
Seasonal Churros
Everyone knows the churros at Disneyland are the ULTIMATE Disney snack. They don’t taste this good at any other park. What’s even better is that the California park is constantly updating their offerings, including Christmas. This peppermint hot chocolate churro was found in Downtown Disney and was my first treat when I arrived for the weekend. It was as good as it looks!
I also love how they split the churros with lots of toppings in two, perfect for sharing with a friend.
Gingerbread Mickey Cookies
The BEST Gingerbread cookie of your LIFE! I’ve never had such a tasty, moist, and soft gingerbread. They are so popular that last year there was a limit of how many you could buy on any given order. Luckily, you can place multiple orders though.
It also makes a great gift. My mom watches my dog during my trips, and this is her one and only request. In fact, I still have 3 in my freezer that I’m getting ready to thaw in anticipation for my 2026 Disneyland Christmas trip!
Non-Park Attractions
Grand Californian Hotel Gingerbread Display
Available 24/7 a walk through the Grand Californian Hotel’s lobby is a MUST during the holiday season. Every year, they do a gigantic, beautiful gingerbread display with a special theme that changes each year. It’s a mere hint of the gingerbread displays at Florida’s Walt Disney World hotels, but it’s still awe-inspiring. While there, stop and enjoy their lobby, known as the Great Hall, where they have a warm fire and rocking chairs if you need a break, at times a piano player showcasing your favorite Disney songs, a small pin-board for the traders, and one of the best treat carts of the whole resort, open during select hours.
Snowy Nights in Downtown Disney
For a Texas girl like me, snowing in any fashion is quite fun, even in soap/bubble form. Though the current schedule hasn’t been released, last year it “snowed” every 40 minutes each night between 6-10 PM. It started on November 29th and continued through January 6, 2024. Not only does it “snow” but the Christmas music plays and it creates a magical moment for those in the Downtown Disney shopping and dining area. One of my favorite things to do on non-park nights!
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