Disneyland Resort

Disappointing Announcement: Christmas Celebrations at Disneyland Canceled

Here’s Why and What’s Replacing Them

Disneyland guests have received some disappointing news about some Christmas and holiday celebrations.

Snowmen in A Christmas Fantasy parade at Disneyland
Credit: armadillo444, Flickr

Disneyland Removes Christmas Parades

Disneyland Resort is shaking up its holiday entertainment lineup this year, surprising many fans who look forward to classic seasonal shows every winter.

As part of the ongoing 70th anniversary festivities, Disney announced that the popular Paint the Night parade will temporarily stop performances throughout the holiday season. Alongside this, the annual World of Color – Season of Light holiday show at Disney California Adventure will not run in 2025.

Instead, visitors can continue to enjoy the brand-new World of Color – ONE: Happiness! nighttime spectacular, which celebrates the resort’s 70th anniversary with vibrant visuals and uplifting music. Additionally, the Tapestry of Happiness projection show on it’s a small world will still light up the park throughout the holidays.

According to the Disneyland Resort website,

World of Color – Season of Light will be unavailable during the 2025 holiday season. Guests are invited to enjoy our World of Color Happiness! show which will run through the Disneyland Resort 70th celebration.

While some fan-favorite holiday entertainment pauses this year, the 70th anniversary brings plenty of new reasons to visit, including special photo opportunities, interactive MagicBand+ locations, and festive decor across both parks.

A nighttime view of a brightly illuminated castle adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The castle's turrets are outlined with lights, and garlands with ornaments hang in the foreground. Two lit torches stand on either side of the entrance, capturing the magic of Christmas at Disneyland.
Credit: Disney

What This Means for Holiday Visitors

With Paint the Night and Season of Light off the schedule for now, guests will want to plan accordingly to make the most of the remaining shows and experiences. The World of Color – ONE: Happiness! show offers a fresh take on nighttime entertainment, blending beloved Disney moments with the celebration’s joyful theme.

The it’s a small world projection show remains a holiday highlight, featuring colorful animations and seasonal music after dark.

Visitors should take advantage of Disneyland’s mobile app for up-to-date showtimes, Lightning Lane bookings, and dining reservations to navigate the busy holiday season efficiently.

A large, brightly lit Christmas tree stands in the center of a decorated street at night, surrounded by buildings and festive garlands strung with colorful lights at Disneyland.
Credit: Disney

Insider Tips to Enhance Your Visit

Though some entertainment is on pause, there are ways to still enjoy unique magic during your holiday trip:

  • Interact with MagicBand+ stations around the park to unlock special effects tied to the 70th anniversary.

  • Explore less crowded photo spots featuring new anniversary decorations.

  • Arrive early or stay late to experience attractions with shorter wait times, especially after the nighttime shows conclude.

  • Don’t miss out on seasonal treats and limited-edition snacks available throughout Disneyland Resort.

Minnie and Mickey Mouse, dressed in festive winter clothes, pose and smile in front of a large decorated Christmas tree outdoors, with ornaments and colorful lights at Disneyland.
Credit: Disney

Why This Shift Matters for Disneyland Guests

The decision to pause key holiday shows in favor of 70th anniversary programming reflects Disney’s focus on milestone celebrations but leaves some fans missing cherished traditions. World of Color – Season of Light has long been a centerpiece of Disneyland’s holiday festivities, and its absence this year has sparked conversations among fans online.

Despite mixed feelings, the 70th celebration’s energy and offerings provide a unique chance to experience the parks in a new light during the festive season.

As Disney plans to bring back these holiday favorites after the 70th anniversary, guests can expect a return of Paint the Night and Season of Light in future years. For now, holiday visitors should embrace the special anniversary shows and interactive experiences available throughout the parks.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles