Halloween at Disneyland is my favorite seasonal experience at the Southern California park, but for many people, the holidays are the best. Disneyland Resort and California Adventure are filled with unique treats to try, merchandise to purchase, and most importantly, activities to experience in the parks during the Christmas season.
Disneyland invited me to the first day of the holiday season, which runs from now until January 7th. Guests have a lot to enjoy over the coming months, from the return of favorite dishes to a few new surprises. Although my love for Halloween is strong, I have to admit that there is something magical about being at Disneyland during the holidays.
Disneyland and California Adventure Get Big Changes
Entering Disneyland is a magical experience in itself. Walking through the arch and seeing the Disneyland Railroad Station for the first time sets the mood and things only get better from there. As you go a little further inside, you can see Cinderella's castle in the distance, and there is nothing like it. The sights and sounds combine to solidify that this will be a good day, regardless of the circumstances.
But Disneyland during the Christmas season is even more special with all the decorations. You are surrounded by wreaths and holiday decorations at every corner. The music is appropriately Christmassy. And getting the right smell of food can cause a bit of holiday sensory overload. But the big thematic details that make Holidays at Disney unique are the snow-covered towers of Cinderella Castle and the giant Christmas trees that take center stage at Disneyland and California Adventure. Like the giant pumpkins of Halloween, these trees are the main focal point and set the stage for a seasonal experience like no other. And the castle lit up at night gives a different feeling.
There's almost no place at Disneyland and California Adventure that doesn't bring a little Christmas cheer during the season. It becomes difficult to escape the contagious atmosphere, so why would you want to?
Not to be outdone by the park's design, everyone's favorite characters have new Christmas costumes, from Mickey and Minnie to Chip and Dale. For many Disney theme park fans, taking seasonal photos with the characters is a must, and we'd like to say that all of this year's costumes are fantastic. But Chip and Dale took top honors for their Gingerbread Man costumes. And if you go to California Adventure, you'll see many of the same characters in winter attire.
Disneyland also has a meet and greet with Santa (and a few other characters, like Jiminy Cricket) at the Fantasyland Theater.
All the little touches that turn Disneyland and California Adventure into the winter wonderlands that make this vacation so desirable for so many guests. It's something you can only truly understand if you experience it yourself. There's beauty in the design of each element, and listening to holiday music further spoils the home's transition from fall to winter (even though it's technically still fall).
The holidays feature parades, fireworks, ride overlays, and more.
When I visited Disneyland for a holiday event, it was a rainy day, so many of the experiences offered during the season were unavailable or canceled. But many of them are coming back from last few years and I can tell you they are all fantastic. Since then I've seen the “Christmas Fantasy” parade, featuring favorites from both Disney and Pixar and featuring a very catchy main song. for encanto Dear fans, California Adventure has Mirabel's seasonal gift show. The show features many fan-favorite songs from the film and features appearances from several members of the Madrigal family.
For older audiences, DCA also has holiday-themed Deadpool showbags. Here he tells holiday stories (this year it was Christmas Eve), takes every opportunity to improvise, and gets a visit from his good friend Wolverine. Every Deadpool show I've seen since he started appearing for promotions last year Deadpool & Wolverine It was a lot of fun, and this Holiday Special version is no different.
Of course, it wouldn't be a new season without some nighttime spectacle. Believe…in Holiday Magic is back to provide the perfect ending to a day filled with holiday cheer (along with fireworks on select nights, weather permitting). Although the original score is the star of the show, orchestral versions of holiday classics like We Three Kings are simply sublime. And the finale of Believe, which I won't spoil, is absolutely perfect.
Ride overlay during holidays at Disneyland
Haunted Mansion Holiday is still active during the holiday season, and while I prefer the standard Haunted Mansion, I know there are tons of fans flocking to Disney to see this version. If you see it during Halloween like I did, you can double dip, but it's very popular so be prepared to wait in line.
It's a Small World also features holiday overlays, starting with an exterior filled with Christmas lights. Admiring Small World's lights is a special experience in itself and makes for a fantastic night photography location.
Inside the ride, Jingle Bells and the iconic Small World song blend together to give this Disneyland classic a unique personality. There are so many characters in holiday costumes that it takes a few passes to recognize them all.
Disneyland holiday goods that provide a cute and cozy atmosphere
A new season means new products. Although Disneyland doesn't have too many merchandise this year, there are still some great options. It's amazing to see Minnie driving a freshly cut Christmas tree popcorn bucket and Mickey as Santa Sipper. There are wearable candy cane-themed Mickey ears, new pins to collect, and lots of fun clothing designs inspired by the warm and cozy season.
As the weather gets colder, there are many clothing items to keep you warm, but there are also cute shirt designs and accessories. As always, I spent my budget on Halloween merchandise, so I'm just admiring it from afar. But if you really love the season, Disneyland has got you covered.
Taste all the delicious Disneyland food and snacks
Disneyland offers a variety of food options for this year's holiday season, including the return of its holiday festivities at California Adventure. As you might expect, the food ranges from comfort food to sweet treats to Mexican inspired dishes. Peppermint, gingerbread, and pumpkins abound at both parks, but there are also dishes inspired by the mix of savory and sweet commonly found on Thanksgiving, and others that are completely unexpected.
The holiday festivities return for 2025 with six booths featuring savory dishes, sweet treats and non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages. Although not as large as food and wine festivals, holiday festivities still have a little something for everyone.
Whenever I visit Disneyland, I'm always drawn to Harbor Galley's freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and during the holiday season, I try the Galley's freshly baked gingerbread cookies, which are absolutely fantastic. If you're looking for a more pepperminty twist to your winter time, Mint Julep Bar's Seasonal Beignets are peppermint flavored and one of my favorite seasonal beignets options. At Alien Pizza Planet, Disneyland always likes to give their Alien Macaroon a makeover, filled with holiday Salted Caramel and brownie pieces, and featuring cute reindeer antlers on the Toy Story alien face.
But of all the treats at Disneyland during the holidays, my personal favorite are the toffee pretzels from Tommorowland's pretzel cart. You can eat it all on its own with a sprinkle of toffee sugar, but top it with a cream cheese pretzel and it goes beyond the limits. I know I'm not alone in saying that I wish Tofee Pretzel was available all year long.
On the savory side, I tried Closagna pasta because I love ricotta. This was my only disappointment of the day as it didn't feel particularly special. The taste is okay, but too ordinary to eat again. I also tried the Merry Cranberry Crispy Chicken Sandwich, which has a sweet and savory flavor that represents Thanksgiving. It was delicious.
The holiday food booth has something for everyone.
Like other California Adventure booth-centric events, you can purchase a Sip & Savor Pass to receive discounts on food items. The pass allows you to choose from six menu items at various booths, excluding alcohol and a large turkey leg. You can use your Sip & Savor Pass all at once during a single visit, or save the coupon for repeat trips to California Adventure. It's great value if you like at least six items and are worth the investment, but if you just want to sample one or two items, you can do that too.
During my holiday trip to Disneyland, I tried out a few new and returning favorite attractions. The Holiday Duet combines Kugel Mac & Cheese and Al Pastor Mac & Cheese for an incredibly creamy combination with just a hint of spice. Holiday M&M's Eclairs are decadent and filled with delicious chocolate mousse. Barbacoa Tamal de Res has a comfortable, homely feel. The beef brisket sliders are juicy, tender and melt in your mouth. Pork Belly Adobo is slightly tangy and incredibly tender. And for something a little different, I tried the Guava Mango Lassi, which had a thick, creamy flavor and just the right sweetness for the rich, savory dishes I've tried.
The Holiday Foods Marketplace has a variety of booths this year. There were so many attractive dishes that it was hard to decide where to spend the six Sip & Savour coupons, and everything I tried was delicious. I think most people will find at least one or two options of interest, and you won't be disappointed.
There's a reason so many fans cherish their vacations at Disneyland. The park has everything you'd expect from a seasonal theme in each aspect of the park, but here it's turned up to 11. From castles to food to characters to ride overlays, these are the ultimate Disneyland seasonal experiences. I would love to go back and experience things I didn't get to experience the first time around and honestly do everything else over and over again.
