If you’re the family that’s already listening to holiday music, finding gingerbread recipes, planning seasonally themed festivities and excitedly talking about Christmas — you’re in luck, Disneyland is also one of “those” families.
Transforming from the Happiest Place on Earth to the Merriest, Disneyland Resort goes full holiday mode Nov. 8, and stays that way through Jan. 6, 2020 — as close as your kids can get to their “I wish everyday was Christmas” dreams.
Kicking off at Disneyland Park, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle will be winterized, and look a lot like Elsa decorated it, with twinkling lights, icicles and guests dressed in their seasonal best filtering through day and night. And the decorations don’t stop at the castle — if your family knows anything about Disney, it’s the impeccable attention to detail. Prepare to be impressed.
A favorite seasonal visitors will remember, “World of Color – Season of Light” returns with a holiday-themed spectacular with new life, featuring lights, lasers, waterworks, fire accents and fountains shows lighting up the night.
A little something new this year, guests will enjoy an all-new Mickey’s Happy Holidays character celebration, with the mouse and friends heading to Disney California Adventure Park for some dance parties and holiday-themed fun.
Both Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park have so much planned for the holidays, it’s no wonder the season is starting so early. With enough rides and festivities for all ages, there’s plenty to entertain each day without getting grinchy.

It’s a Small World during Christmas Time at Disneyland. Photo: Susanne Neal | Dreamstime.com
Head over early for a Frozen adventure with Anna and Elsa in time for Frozen 2, premiering Nov. 22, or enjoy some thrilling rides in Cars Land.
Get in the spirit of all things festive with the Disney Festival of Holidays, celebrating the sounds, tastes and traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, and stick around for the fireworks spectacular.
Expect holiday cheer, decorations and themed everything throughout the day, including Main Street, U.S.A.’s 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, decorated with nearly 1,500 ornaments. Take pictures with the family, meet characters, ride rides and enjoy the holiday spectacle, but be sure to stick around for various DJ-led dance parties, fireworks, light shows and more by night.
There’s truly so much to see, do and explore at each park that they will really send you and the kids into the holiday spirit. Dress up, mix, mingle and be merry while joining in the daily festivities.
No matter what your family celebrates this time of year, Disneyland Resort’s two parks have a little something for everyone. Check out tickets for both parks here and read more about what each park has to offer during the merriest time of year.
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