Disneyland Readies for the Holiday Season
by Jessica Montevago /
Disneyland Resort kicks off the holiday season next week, bringing seasonal magic from Nov. 9, 2018, through Jan. 6, 2019.
The park transforms with snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. and festive décor, and as well as special holiday festivities and entertainment, including Disney Festival of Holidays and the "Believe … in Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular.
At Disney California Adventure Park, the Festival of Holidays honors the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day with musical and dance performances by Holiday Toy Drummers and more. There is also the Festive Foods Marketplace, which features a mix of holiday dishes and beverages.
On Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street, a 50- foot Christmas tree and the surrounding buildings decorated with vintage-style ornaments, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s.
Guests can enjoy special holiday-themed activities with Santa Claus and his sleigh full of elves at Santa's Holiday Visit at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail through Dec. 24. From Dec. 25 through Jan. 6.
At Disneyland Park, Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses and Santa celebrate the season in "A Christmas Fantasy" parade, a daily procession with floats, music and marching tin soldiers."
A 60-foot tall Christmas tree adorns Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. This year, the tree includes new lighting and décor, with 3,500 multi-color lights, 1,500 Victorian-inspired ornaments and 100 faux candles that range from 12 to 22 inches tall.
Attractions get holiday themed makeovers as well. "It's a Small World" dolls and toys representing children around the world enjoying the distinctive holiday traditions of their countries. Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, with Jack Skellington and his friends from "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas."