Disneyland Resort is gearing up for its annual holiday season celebrations, running from November 15 through January 6. The park will feature familiar fixtures, such as A Christmas Fantasy Parade, which brings to life colorful floats, jubilant dancers, and beloved Disney characters, showcasing the spirit of the season. The parade operates daily and gathers sizable crowds eager to catch a glimpse of festive costumes and the grand finale featuring Santa Claus.
Another highlight is the beloved fireworks show, Believe!… In Holiday Magic. Guests can enjoy this spectacular performance each night as it lights up the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, adorned with over 80,000 twinkling lights. The event creates a magical ambiance with a simulated snowfall effect along Main Street, U.S.A.
Related: Deck the Halls with Disney: Must-Have Mickey Mouse Holiday Decor
The World of Color – Season of Light will also return to Disney California Adventure, offering a mesmerizing water and light show. This nighttime spectacular, featuring scenes from popular films, sets the stage for a breathtaking display that combines holiday music with stunning visuals. Guests are encouraged to engage in the complimentary virtual queue for prime viewing.
This year, Disneyland is introducing three fresh holiday shows aimed at enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Let’s take a look at what will be coming to The Happiest Place on Earth during the Merriest time of the year!
Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season
Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season takes center stage at Paradise Gardens, showcasing a cast of characters from Disney’s Encanto (2021). Families can join Mirabel and her friends in a celebratory Fiesta de Navidad, featuring songs from the film.
Here is more information on the show from Disney Parks Blog:
Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and her friends rejoice in the spirit of the holidays, bringing everyone together during their very own Fiesta de Navidad celebration. Kids of all ages and families will enjoy singing along to the beloved songs from the film in this heartfelt musical presentation.
Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season will take place Monday through Friday throughout the holiday season. There will be no shows on weekends.
A Musical Christmas with Mariachi AlegrĂa de Disneyland & Miguel!
Next up, we have A Musical Christmas with Mariachi AlegrĂa de Disneyland & Miguel. This enchanting performance takes place on Buena Vista Street, where Miguel from Disney’s Coco (2017) makes a special appearance.
Here’s more information from Disney:
This nighttime show gathers friends and families to listen to heartfelt stories and timeless songs in an enchanting celebration of the holidays. Mariachi AlegrĂa de Disneyland, accompanied by graceful dancers, delivers intimate, bilingual performances of beloved Christmas songs. The celebration closes with a special appearance by Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” for a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night.” This is a treat you must experience this season!
Much like Mirabel’s Season of Gifts, Miguel’s holiday show will only be held Monday through Friday, with no shows on the weekends.
Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!
Lastly, Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends at the Fantasyland Theatre invites guests to meet Santa Claus and various beloved characters. This performance will take place daily in the theater.
It’s not a Christmas celebration without Santa, and this new experience is made so much more magical with the addition of some of your favorite Disney characters.
Throughout the day, Santa Claus and select Disney characters will make appearances and pose for holiday photos at “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at the Fantasyland Theatre. Families can also enjoy craft making, sing-alongs of holiday classics and atmospheric music.
In addition to the new shows, Disneyland will enhance its entertainment roster with an expanded variety of musical acts. Within the Disney Festival of Holidays, live performances by various bands and cultural groups will occur across the parks. Guests can look forward to an eclectic mix of mariachi, jazz, folk, and many other musical genres.
In addition, character sightings will be plentiful across Disneyland Resort. Throughout both parks, beloved characters, including Mickey Mouse and friends, will don festive attire for holiday-themed meet-and-greet opportunities.
Additionally, special character dining experiences will be offered at Disneyland’s hotels. These experiences feature themed interactions with characters over meals, making for a festive dining experience.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the holiday spirit, there will be plenty of festive food and merchandise available at Disneyland, DCA, and Downtown Disney.
Additionally, three brand-new limited-edition popcorn buckets will be available: Santa Sulley, Elf Mickey Mouse, and Mickey & Minnie’s Holiday Gingerbread House.
Do you love celebrating the holidays at Disneyland? What is your favorite thing to experience? Share your thoughts in the comments!