Christmas Comes to Disney’s ”it’s a small world” Two Weeks Before Halloween
The calendar still says October, and Disneyland Park’s guests are busy with pumpkins and costumes, yet one of Fantasyland’s best-known rides is quietly slipping into its holiday costume. A few strands of lights have already gone up on the “it’s a small world” building, an early hint of the Christmas season ahead.
An Annual Makeover
Each holiday season, “it’s a small world” gets a full festive overhaul. Thousands of colorful lights decorate the building, and the animatronic dolls don holiday outfits that reflect cultures from around the globe. The soundtrack also changes, weaving holiday classics through the ride’s familiar theme song, and a handful of other touches add to the seasonal feel.
Disneyland Resort has scheduled the transformation to begin on October 30. The Fantasyland attraction will reopen with its holiday overlay on November 13, 2026. Until the closure begins, the boat ride will keep running as usual.
What Guests Can Spot Now
WDWNT reported on October 13 that Christmas lights had appeared on the facade of the attraction. In most places, the strings blend into the white exterior. The gold details around the front of the building are where they show up best, since the lights are draped across them.
Although Disney cast members have already put the lights in place, nothing will glow just yet. Disneyland Resort plans to wait until the overlay officially opens on November 13 to turn them on.
What Comes Next
After the ride closes on October 30, crews will add a bright red Santa Claus hat to the spinning clock face on the Fantasyland facade. Beyond that, guests shouldn’t expect additional signs of the Christmas version for a few more weeks.
Have you noticed any other changes at Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park? Tell Disney Dining about your experience in the comments!
