Good news, everyone… Santa Claus is coming to California! Not just anywhere in California, but to the Happiest Place on Earth. Even the jolly old man in the bright red suit needs to relax sometimes, and what better way to do that than by visiting Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? He might even enjoy rides like Radiator Springs Racers and the Incredicoaster!
Christmas at Disneyland doesn’t just happen in December, oh no! You can start enjoying the festive magic as early as mid-November, with exciting new shows, meet-and-greets with Mickey and friends in special seasonal costumes, Christmas-themed attractions, and so much more.
In this guide, you will learn more about:
- When Does Christmas Take Place at Disneyland?
- When is the best time to visit Disneyland during Christmas?
- Are there any paid, separate Christmas events at Disneyland?
- Special Christmas Events at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
- Meeting Santa Claus at Disneyland
When Does Christmas Take Place at Disneyland?
The holiday celebrations at Disneyland kick off a few weeks after Halloween. In 2024, Christmas decorations start going up in both theme parks as early as mid-October, and the official Christmas events start appearing on November 15 and go all the way to January 6.
Christmas decorations can start appearing as early as a few days before Halloween, which might feel a bit unusual to some. The snow on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland begins as early as mid-October. However, the official Christmas events don’t kick off until the middle of November.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland During Christmas?
What we mentioned in our previous guide to Christmas at Disney World also applies here. Christmas - much like New Year’s Eve - can get incredibly crowded during Christmas week, especially on December 25. Lines for popular attractions like Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT can stretch on for hours.
In addition to the crowds, ticket prices during this time are among the highest of the year. While celebrating with Mickey on December 24 or 25 is undoubtedly magical, you’ll need to consider whether it’s worth braving the overwhelming crowds.
If I had to choose the best time to visit Disneyland for Christmas, I’d recommend the first two weeks of December. During this period, the crowds are much more manageable, you can enjoy the festive decorations throughout the parks, experience all the major Christmas events, and even save a bit on tickets compared to visiting during Christmas week.
Are there any paid, separate Christmas events at Disneyland?
No, there aren’t. Unlike Disney World, which offers separate paid events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, Disneyland does not have any holiday events that require an additional ticket. This means that with a standard park ticket, you can enjoy every show and event Disneyland has to offer during the holiday celebrations.
Special Christmas Events at Disneyland
Oh, friend, there’s so much happening during Christmas at Disneyland! Don’t expect to come here just to see a giant Christmas tree or a giant anthropomorphic mouse dressed as Santa Claus - there’s so much more to enjoy. From attractions decked out in festive decorations to new menu items and snacks, special shows, rare character meet-and-greets, and much more, Disneyland truly comes alive during the holiday season.
Disneyland Park
- Meeting Santa Claus: Starting mid-November 2024, you can meet Santa at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. Check the official Disneyland app for the latest details.
- Special Meet & Greets: The Fantasyland Theatre will also host special meet-and-greets in 2024, featuring random (and sometimes rare) characters alongside Santa Claus. You might encounter Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale, and many more for that perfect holiday photo. Across the park, look out for classic Disney characters in Santa costumes, as well as Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
- Special Ride Overlays: Some attractions get festive makeovers for the holidays, including It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion. At It’s a Small World, hundreds of dolls celebrate Christmas traditions from around the globe, while Jack Skellington brings holiday cheer to the Haunted Mansion.
- Christmas Parade: Disneyland hosts two special Christmas parades daily during the holiday season, featuring rare character appearances and festive costumes. The parade usually takes place at 2:30pm and 5:30pm, but be sure to check the Disneyland app for exact times.
- Dance Parties: Dance parties happen periodically in Tomorrowland, typically from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Characters like Goofy, Pluto, the Aristocats, and other surprises often join in. Check the Disneyland app for the latest schedule.
Fireworks: Fireworks and Disney go hand in hand. The 2024 holiday show, Believe... In Holiday Magic, features dazzling fireworks and even (fake) snowfall. Catch the show at 9:30pm from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Main Street, or in front of It’s a Small World. - Candlelight Ceremony: This limited event takes place only one weekend each holiday season. In 2024, it will occur on December 7 and 8, retelling the story of Christmas with a lot of music and a special narration.
Disney California Adventure
- World of Color – Season of Light: This is one of the main events at Disney California Adventure during the holidays. Taking place near Pixar Pier, World of Color – Season of Light features breathtaking water projections celebrating the holiday season with friends and family. The 28-minute show includes scenes from beloved movies like Cinderella, Frozen, Inside Out, and more.
- Special Meet & Greets: During the holidays, Disney California Adventure welcomes characters like the Three Caballeros, Mirabel from Encanto, and the Cars from Cars Land, along with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and friends in festive holiday attire. In 2024, even Deadpool and Wolverine join the fun at Avengers Campus, sharing Christmas stories!
Special Ride Overlays: Cars Land transforms for the holidays with festive decorations on select rides and a daily Christmas tree lighting event. - Viva Navidad: This Latin-inspired holiday celebration fills the streets of Disney California Adventure with vibrant energy. Rare characters like José Carioca and Mirabel make appearances, and guests can enjoy live music, delicious new food offerings, and plenty of festive fun.
- Holiday Toy Drummers: Be sure to visit Pixar Pier to catch the incredible Holiday Toy Drummers. These talented performers bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their upbeat routines and festive spirit.
- Mickey's Happy Holidays: This lively cavalcade features Pixar and Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, parading through the park. Dance along with Mickey and friends while the Holiday Toy Drummers join in to make the celebration even more magical.
Meeting Santa Claus at Disneyland
You can typically meet Santa Claus at Disneyland from mid-November through December 24. In 2024, Santa will be greeting guests at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area in Disney California Adventure.
This means both parks have their own designated spots where you can capture that special holiday photo with Santa. After Christmas Eve, Santa Goofy takes over at Disney California Adventure, spreading holiday cheer until the first week of January.
