Exciting New Holiday Experiences Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2024
In 2024, Disneyland Resort is set to bring an array of magical holiday experiences to delight guests of all ages. From special character meet-and-greets to festive décor and entertainment, here's what's in store for this holiday season.
Santa Claus and Character Appearances
This holiday season, visitors can meet Santa Claus and beloved Disney characters at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland. Here, guests can enjoy cookie decorating, craft-making, storytelling, and atmospheric music throughout the day. Santa will also be available for photo opportunities at several locations, including the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel until December 24. Additionally, Santa will make a special appearance in the finale of “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” at Disneyland Park.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will debut charming new holiday attire at Disneyland, reminiscent of writing warm letters to loved ones. Other characters will also sport festive new looks and can be seen on Main Street, U.S.A., Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure, and throughout Disneyland, adding to the holiday cheer.
New Attractions and Activities
From November 22, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the new Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail will be introduced at Downtown Disney District. This fun-filled activity invites guests to search for hidden ornaments among the beautifully decorated holiday trees and lights. An activity map can be purchased at select locations, and upon completion, guests can redeem it for a collectible holiday keepsake at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders.
Guests will also be treated to a variety of limited-time, holiday-themed food and beverages across Disneyland Resort, with popular items like the Mickey Gingerbread returning. The festive offerings include the return of the Holiday stainless steel tumbler, a seasonal favorite.
Starting November 19, “Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!” will be available at Disneyland Hotel. For the first time, Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch will be offered at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, featuring holiday-themed meals, festive décor, and character appearances in new pajamas. Reservations will be available on Disneyland.com soon.
Returning Holiday Décor, Offerings, and Entertainment
The Disneyland Resort will transform into a winter wonderland with sparkling decorations perfect for family photos. Guests can join the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour to learn about Walt Disney and the Disney family’s holiday traditions, enjoy holiday-themed treats, and gain reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”
All three hotels of the Disneyland Resort will feature festive decorations, including a grand gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and new décor at Pixar Place Hotel. Special in-room celebrations and activities will be available for guests, along with entertainment throughout the holiday season.
Guests can relax at Tenaya Stone Spa with bookable holiday-themed treatments like the Underneath the Tree Signature Massage and the Warmth of Holiday Foot Treatment. Staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels allows guests to stay close to the holiday magic, just steps away from the theme parks and Downtown Disney District.
A highlight of the holiday season is the “Believe...In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular, where “snow” falls and fireworks light up the sky nightly at Disneyland. Additional “snowfall” can be experienced along the Rivers of America, outside “it’s a small world” Holiday, on Main Street, U.S.A., and at the west end of Downtown Disney.
Over in Disney California Adventure, the “World of Color – Season of Light” show, presented by Pandora Jewelry, features hundreds of dancing fountains set to festive music and shimmering “snowflakes” over Paradise Bay.
Seasonal Attractions and Overlays
Several popular attractions will receive seasonal overlays, including “it’s a small world” Holiday, which will feature a global tour of holiday cheer. The Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland Park will showcase surprises inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” In Disney California Adventure, Cars Land will transform for the season with Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Celebrate Disney Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
The Disney Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure, celebrating a variety of cultural traditions with diverse food, beverages, and live entertainment. New and returning menu items will be available at Festive Food Marketplaces and select dining locations, with a Sip and Savor Pass available for purchase to enjoy select dishes and nonalcoholic beverages.
The festival will also feature vibrant live performances, including new cultural groups and returning favorites, plus the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade with Disney characters parading to festive music.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! festivities will be held at Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure, offering daily crafts, live music, and cuisine inspired by Latin American traditions. Guests can meet characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, The Three Caballeros, and Mirabel from “Encanto.” The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party will occur on select days, with performances featuring Mexican folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, and more. On non-party days, guests may encounter Mirabel from “Encanto” or Miguel from “Coco” in lively street performances celebrating family and holiday traditions.
Opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Adding to the holiday excitement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland on November 15, 2024. This new attraction, inspired by “The Princess and the Frog,” features original music, beloved songs, and detailed storytelling. Guests will join Princess Tiana and Louis the alligator on a bayou adventure, meeting familiar and new characters along the way.
The new attraction is part of a broader celebration of Tiana’s story at Disneyland Resort, which also includes shopping at Eudora’s Chic Boutique and dining at Tiana’s Palace. The Bayou Country area will feature themed merchandise locations, Ray’s Berets and Louis’ Critter Club, offering items inspired by the attraction.
Guests are invited to experience the holiday magic and celebrate the season at Disneyland Resort this year!
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