Disneyland Resort Holiday Guide 2024: Festive Events, New Shows, and Seasonal Magic
Get ready to celebrate the season as Holidays at Disneyland Resort returns from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025! This year’s festivities promise a wide array of family-friendly entertainment, character sightings, nighttime spectaculars, and an exciting mix of returning favorites and new performances. Here’s a complete guide to all the must-see events and activities across Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney District, and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park
NEW! “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season”
When: Mondays through Fridays outside Paradise Gardens Park
Mirabel from Encanto and her friends invite guests to a joyful Fiesta de Navidad, where families can sing along to popular songs from the film in a heartwarming holiday performance.
NEW! “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!”
When: Monday through Friday evenings on Buena Vista Street
Experience the magic of the holidays with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland and graceful dancers as they share holiday stories and beloved songs. The show closes with a special duet with Miguel from Coco, performing a heartfelt rendition of "Silent Night."
Expanded Live Musical Performances
When: Daily at various stages in Disney California Adventure
Enjoy a diverse selection of live bands and cultural performances, ranging from mariachi and jazz to klezmer, Latin pop, reggae, and more. New performers include Joy, Rangoli Rhythms, Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, and the return of fan favorites like Blue13 Dance Company and The Mistletoes. Performances vary daily, so check Disneyland.com for up-to-date schedules.
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” and Holiday Toy Drummers
When: Daily at Disney California Adventure Park
Dance along as Mickey and friends parade through the park to lively holiday beats alongside the spirited Holiday Toy Drummers, bringing joy to all ages at Paradise Gardens Park.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party
When: Saturdays and Sundays from November 16 through January 5
Hosted by The Three Caballeros, this vibrant street party features Mexican folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, and percussionists. Catch Mickey and Minnie in their festive attire as they join in this energetic celebration.
Meet Santa Claus and Holiday Characters
NEW! “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at Fantasyland Theatre
When: Daily at Disneyland Park
Santa and favorite Disney characters greet guests at Fantasyland Theatre, where families can take photos, make holiday crafts, and sing classic carols.
Meet Santa Across Disneyland Resort
When: November 15 through December 24 at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, November 28 through December 24 at Resort Hotels
Santa will be greeting guests across the parks and hotels through December 24, with Santa Goofy taking his place from December 25 to January 6. Don't miss this chance to share holiday wishes with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole!
Special Character Appearances
Throughout both parks, look for Mickey, Minnie, Mirabel, and friends dressed in festive attire, with themed dining experiences at Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers Cafe in the Resort Hotels.
Parades, Dance Parties, and Nighttime Spectaculars
“Disney Holiday Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace
When: Nightly at Disneyland Park from November 16 through January 6
Dance the night away at Tomorrowland Terrace to festive music with appearances by Disney characters on a seasonally decorated stage.
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade”
When: Daily at Disneyland Park
This cherished parade features Disney characters, prancing reindeer, dancing gingerbread, and Santa Claus himself! Parade viewing areas are available near “it’s a small world” Holiday, the Matterhorn, and Main Street, U.S.A., with reserved viewing included in the Holiday Time Guided Tour.
Nighttime Entertainment and Snowfall
“Believe...In Holiday Magic” Fireworks
When: Nightly at Disneyland Park
The skies above Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle sparkle with over 80,000 twinkling lights, while magical snowfall falls on Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Holiday, and the Rivers of America.
“World of Color – Season of Light”
When: Nightly at Disney California Adventure Park
Marvel at Paradise Bay’s water display set to holiday music and scenes from Inside Out and Frozen. An all-new short featuring Moana 2 will play before the main show. Be sure to join the virtual queue for this magical experience.
Holiday Lighting Moments
When: Nightly at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park
Catch the magnificent 50-foot tree lighting on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure and the dazzling holiday lights at “it’s a small world” Holiday in Disneyland.
Downtown Disney District: Music and Snowfall
When: Nightly from November 29 through January 6
Downtown Disney District will come alive each night with holiday décor, seasonal shopping, and live music covering genres like rock, jazz, and caroling. Special snowfall moments will create a winter wonderland atmosphere near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage.
Entertainment at the Hotels of Disneyland Resort
When: Select days from November 21 through December 31
Enjoy live holiday jazz in the Great Hall at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, along with carolers bringing festive cheer to the Disneyland Resort hotels.
This year, the Disneyland Resort is brimming with holiday magic, from spectacular shows and interactive character encounters to festive parades and musical celebrations. For the latest schedule and full entertainment details, guests should check the Disneyland app and Disneyland.com.
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