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The Countdown Begins as Iconic Disney Nighttime Parade Gets Its Final Date

Disneyland is no stranger to mesmerizing nighttime parades, but one particular show has captured the hearts of fans for nearly a decade. For those who have witnessed the dazzling lights, vibrant floats, and energetic performances of Paint the Night, the news of its upcoming break might be bittersweet. As Disney fans eagerly await the end-of-year festivities, there’s one key change to expect in the fall lineup.

Experience the enchanting Disneyland Parades with a colorful procession of illuminated floats featuring beloved characters, including a large glowing dog and cowboy figure, all set against a brilliantly lit castle at night. Crowds gather along the streets to witness this vibrant spectacle.
Credit: Disney

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In case you haven’t experienced it yet, Paint the Night made its debut at Disneyland back in 2015, as part of the park’s 60th anniversary celebration. This nighttime spectacle quickly became a fan favorite, featuring beloved Disney characters, vibrant floats, and thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the streets of Disneyland.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Disney parades or a first-timer, there’s no denying the magic this show has brought to the park.

However, as Disneyland prepares for the upcoming holiday season, the iconic Paint the Night parade will soon take a brief hiatus. The final showing for 2025 has officially been confirmed, and the last chance to experience this enchanting display will be on November 9, 2025.

Paint the Night Disneyland
Credit: D23

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After this date, Disneyland will shift its focus to another beloved holiday tradition: A Christmas Fantasy Parade, which will take over the parade route.

Fans of Paint the Night need not worry, though. The parade will return after the holiday season, making its highly anticipated return following a short break to accommodate the holiday festivities. The brief pause allows Disneyland Resort to roll out A Christmas Fantasy Parade, which will make two daily appearances starting November 14.

The decision to end Paint the Night temporarily is part of Disneyland’s ongoing seasonal schedule. While Paint the Night bids adieu for now, the Wondrous Journeys fireworks spectacular will also take its leave by August 21. It will make way for the annual Halloween festivities, including the Halloween Screams fireworks show with Jack Skellington leading the charge.

halloween screams disneyland nighttime spectacular
Credit: Disney

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With the park’s 70th anniversary celebrations in full swing, there’s plenty of excitement to look forward to in the months ahead. The good news is that fans of Paint the Night will only have to wait a little while before the parade returns to its rightful place in Disneyland’s nightly entertainment lineup.

So, if you’ve been meaning to catch the parade before it goes into storage, be sure to mark November 9 on your calendar. After that, it will be a while before you can once again see the shimmering lights and captivating floats that have become a staple of Disneyland’s after-dark experiences.

What are your thoughts on the return of A Christmas Fantasy Parade? Will you miss Paint the Night during its brief hiatus, or are you excited for the holiday traditions to take center stage? Let us know in the comments below!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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