Guide to 2024 Disneyland Christmas Decorations

Guide to 2024 Disneyland Christmas Decorations

Guide to 2024 Disneyland Christmas Decorations

Welcome to your ultimate guide to Disneyland Christmas decorations for 2024! Disneyland transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, elevating its enchantment to new heights. After Halloween, the holiday season grows near, and the park is adorned with spectacular decorations! From twinkling lights to festive ornaments, every corner of Disneyland during Christmas is a visual treat, making it a must-visit destination for a memorable holiday experience. Join us as we unwrap the magic and joy of Disneyland’s holiday decor.

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Complete Guide to Disneyland Christmas Decorations 2024

Disneyland at Christmas is a spectacle of time-honored traditions, where decorations are not just adornments but the heart of the celebration! From the mesmerizing Festival of Fantasy parade to the awe-inspiring “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, the festive spirit is palpable. As the park’s festive transformation takes place, remember that this magic is a year-long labor of love. Planning for Christmas 2024 begins as soon as the decorations light up the park for the 2023 season. Ensuring each season is as unique and enchanting as the last. This dedication to detail is what draws guests from across the globe to experience the holiday charm of Disneyland, beautifully adorned for the Christmas season.

When Does Disneyland Decorate for Christmas 2024?

• November 4th, 2024 – January 12th, 2025

Unfortunately, there is no specific date for the 2024 Disneyland Christmas decorations will be put up that is public knowledge. We estimate the official holiday season will begin November 4th, 2024, and run through January 12th, 2025. But shortly after the Halloween decorations start to come down, you’ll see pops of the Disneyland California Christmas decorations.

When Does Disneyland Take Down Christmas Decorations 2024?

• January 12th, 2025

It’s important to note that there is also no official date for the 2024 Disneyland holiday decoration schedule.

The festive transformation of Disneyland lingers even as the holiday season officially concludes. While the Christmas decorations traditionally begin to be packed away after the holiday festivities wind down, often around January 12th, 2024, don’t be surprised to find remnants of the yuletide charm, such as Sleeping Beauty’s Castle adorned with its snowy cap, for a little while longer. Last year, the iconic castle maintained its wintry splendor for an extra week, extending the magic beyond the official end of the holiday season.

Related Post: How Many Days Should You Spend at Disneyland?

What are the Disneyland Christmas Decorations 2024?

The enchanting transformation into a Christmas wonderland at Disneyland might appear to happen as if by magic. But it’s the dedication of countless hard-working Disneyland Cast Members who are decorating Disneyland for Christmas. They work tirelessly through the night that bring this festive magic to life. Once the park is adorned with its holiday best, all that’s left for you is to embrace the joyous atmosphere. From the moment you step into the park, signs of holiday cheer are all around, inviting you to immerse yourself in the seasonal splendor and create unforgettable memories in this magical setting.

Disneyland Christmas Decoration Locations 2024

• Main Street USA – The most decorated area of all the Disneyland Park Christmas decorations. Here you can find the iconic Mickey Mouse garland stretching across the rooftops of Main Street.
• Main Street Train Station – Setting the tone for the magical experience that awaits, you can find some of the 10,000 poinsettias in the train station garden.
• Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle – Shimmering during the day and illuminated at night with more than 126,000 twinkling lights and “icicles”. If asked “When does the holiday season start at Disneyland?” many will say it’s when they lay eyes on the decorated castle.
• Frontierland – Decorated with ornamental garland to set the holiday tone in the great frontier.
• New Orleans Square – Home to the loved “Haunted Mansion Holiday” overlay. Here you can find some of the 300 additional trees brought in to celebrate Disneyland at Christmas time.
• Critter Country – Santa Claus takes over the Winnie the Pooh and friends meet and greet for the festive season.
• Fantasyland – Here you can take the happiest cruise that ever sailed around the world with a Christmas twist!

As you wander through the park, you’ll be enveloped in a tapestry of sparkling Disney winter decorations at every turn. The centerpiece of this holiday spectacle is the iconic 60-foot Disneyland Christmas tree. Gracing the entrance, this magnificent tree, bedecked with over 2,365 Victorian-inspired ornaments, stands as a stunning symbol of the season. Its grandeur and charm have made it a favorite backdrop for holiday photos, capturing the magic of Disneyland at Christmas in every snapshot.

Disney California Adventure Christmas Decoration Locations 2024

• Buena Vista Street – Garland-lined roof tops lead you to the 50-foot Christmas tree near Carthay Circle.
• Cars Land – The residents of Radiator Springs have decked the streets in seasonal a-tire.
• Paradise Gardens Park – Here you can revel in authentic holiday music, dance, décor, and a dash of Disney magic at the Disney Viva Navidad!

Christmas lights at Disneyland along with garland and ornaments also don the rooftops of many other lands in the park. Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, and Pacific Wharf will still make you feel immersed in the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to enjoy the nighttime spectacular World of Color: Season of Light on Paradise Bay.

Related Post: When Does Disney World Decorate for Christmas?

Disneyland Christmas Ride Decorations 2024

Disneyland at Christmas is also the best time of year to see limited-edition ride decor! You can not forget to plan these into your Disneyland Christmas schedule. In total, there are 4 different rides at the Disneyland Resort that receive a Christmas overlay. The largest display of Christmas lights at Disneyland in the entire resort is “It’s a Small World Holiday”. The iconic facade of Small World and all of the Small World Plaza is illuminated with an astounding 400,000 lights! It takes an astounding 3 dozen Cast Members 35 days to complete the exterior decorations. While the interior takes a full 18 days to transform.

What Rides Receive a Christmas Overlay at Disneyland?

• Haunted Mansion Holiday – Experience thrilling sights and seasonal surprises created by the citizens of Halloween Town. This is one of our favorite Disneyland California Christmas decorations. Find Sally, Oogie Boogie and other Nightmare nasties will be on hand to wish you “Season’s Screamings!”.
• Small World Holiday – Set sail along a wondrous wintry waterway transformed with whimsical décor. Behold jubilant regional adornments all along your world tour of good cheer.

This year, the Haunted Mansion Holiday will be celebrating 21 years of Christmas frights and delights. Along with the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, this attraction’s special decoration is a 13-foot gingerbread house! Completed by 6 Cast Members from the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery, this gingerbread house takes 13 days to create! But when does Disneyland remove Christmas decorations?  Both attractions are available to enjoy through early January. It is also one of the best times to visit Disneyland!

What Rides Receive a Christmas Overlay at California Adventure?

• Mater’s Jingle Jamboree – Whirl through Mater’s collection of car parts in a cute lil’ tractor as he croons classic holiday tunes with some tow-riffic original lyrics.
• Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl – Luigi and his extended family of roadsters are celebrating the season in style with festive dances to tunes crooned by Luigi himself! Take a seat in a classic Italian import and enjoy the ride as the cars cruise to the music.

Both of these attractions are fully decorated with Disney Christmas decorations. All of Cars Land is decorated for the holiday season! The entire land is adorned with decorative details reflecting the residents of Radiator Springs.

Related Post: Rides Decorated for Christmas at Walt Disney World

Downtown Disney Christmas Decorations 2024

Downtown Disney doesn’t get left out for Christmas! The convenient thing about Disneyland Christmas decorations compared to Walt Disney World decorations is they all go up around the same time. So if you’re looking to meet Santa in Downtown Disney, you can have breakfast with him at Catal Restaurant. You can even find a special note from Minnie Mouse by the Downtown Disney Christmas tree!

When Does Downtown Disney Decorate For Christmas?

• Beginning/mid-November until mid-January.

When Downtown Disney decorates for Christmas is a difficult question to answer. In the past, decorations have begun popping up shortly after the holiday season in the parks. Downtown Disney Christmas decorations seem to be on their own schedule. If you want to guarantee to see the tinsel nutcrackers or the Downtown Disney Christmas tree, be sure to visit in the month of December. Or any time after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Downtown Disney has its own holiday-themed live music, decorations, and plenty of restaurants with holiday treats to choose from. It’s important to note that with the current refurbishment and expansion to Downtown Disney, it is unclear if the holiday decor will be scaled back this year. If you’re planning to purchase Disneyland Christmas tickets, make sure you check the Disneyland website for the latest up-to-date official news regarding Downtown Disney updates.

Christmas Time At The Disneyland Resorts 2024

Christmas decorations at Disneyland aren’t immune to the 3 resort hotels on Disneyland property. Disney’s Grand Californian, The Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Pier Hotel will be completely transformed for the 2024 Disneyland at Christmas time. Typically, the Grand Californian receives the largest holiday makeover. Complete with a 35-foot Christmas tree in the center atrium of the hotel.

A Grand Gingerbread House 2024

Every year, the Grand Californian Resort displays the Grand Gingerbread House. Weighing in at over 700lbs, this gingerbread house stands a massive 7 feet tall and over 12 feet wide! It takes over 1400 hours to bake and assemble and over 1225 hours to design and craft. That’s over 2,625 hours! The house also is home to an average of 25 hidden mickeys each year. Can you find any in the image above?

Related Post: When Does the Grand Floridan Decorate for Christmas?

2024 Disneyland Christmas Decorations FAQ

Q: What Rides Receive a Christmas Overlay?

A: The Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, Maters Jingle Jamboree, and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl all receive holiday over lays for the Disneyland holiday decorations schedule.

Q: When does Downtown Disney Decorate For Christmas?

A: In the past, decorations have begun popping up shortly after the holiday season begins in the parks. Downtown Disney Christmas decorations seem to be on their own schedule. If you want to guarantee to see the tinsel nutcrackers or the Downtown Disney Christmas tree, be sure to visit in the month of December. Or any time after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Q: Do the Disneyland Resorts Decorate for Christmas? 

A: Christmas decorations at Disneyland aren’t immune to the 3 resort hotels on Disneyland property. Disney’s Grand Californian, The Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Pier Hotel will be completely transformed for the 2023 Disneyland at Christmas time.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disneyland?

Our Disneyland Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disneyland based on specific times of the year and special events.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!