When Does Christmas Start at Disneyland 2024?

When Does Christmas Start at Disneyland 2024?

When Does Christmas Start at Disneyland 2024?

This article is your complete guide to when does Christmas start at Disneyland 2024. The holiday season turns Disneyland Resort into a magical winter wonderland! Complete with festive decorations and seasonal offerings. If you’re planning a visit to Christmas at Disneyland, you’ll want to ensure you experience all the enchanting holiday attractions and events! This time of year comes in a close second to our favorite time of year at the Disneyland resort. While it’s no Halloween celebration, the Holidays at Disneyland offer a seemingly endless amount of activities to enjoy. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of Christmas at Disneyland in 2024. Are you feeling the holiday excitement already? Let’s explore what the season has in store!

We really hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disneyland be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Disneyland vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for our Disneyland Crowd Calendar be sure to go straight to the link below!

Disneyland Crowd Calendar!

Christmas Time at Disneyland 2024

When Does Disneyland Decorate for Christmas 2024?

• November 3rd, 2023 – January 5th, 2025

The official start of the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort has been announced. The Holidays will return to Disneyland Resort on November 15, 2024! The park will usually begin to decorate for Christmas right after Halloween. So you can expect to begin seeing Disney holiday decorations around November 4, 2024. Now we stated above that Christmas begins on November 15, 2024. Disneyland will decorate the parks before the official Christmas celebration begins! So be sure to plan ahead of time if you want to visit before the crowds. But the one thing to know if you visit before the official start is that none of the festive lights will be turned on!

Changes to Rides at Disneyland During Christmas 2024

What makes the Disneyland Christmas seasonso special is not only the decorations, food, and shows, but Disney will also transform their most classic rides to celebrate Christmas! Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World both receive holiday ride overlays. You are riding the same ride but Disney adds Christmas flare with decorations, music, and lights, it’s an over-the-top holiday celebration!

Haunted Mansion Holiday – The Haunted Mansion Holiday is an absolute must-ride! The Haunted Mansion is completely transformed by Nightmare Before Christmas’ Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington. The Haunted Mansion halls are decked out for Christmas and you will get to see your favorite Nightmare Before Christmas characters throughout the ride.

• How long does the Haunted Mansion Holiday last? Guests can enjoy Jack Skellington’s holiday takeover from November 15th, 2024 through early January.

It’s a Small World Holiday – it’s a world of laughter in Fantasyland for it’s a Small World Holiday! This incredible ride overlay includes nearly 250,000 lights on the facade of this classic ride. If you don’t want to ride it, at least walk by to check out the lights and it is a great spot for Christmas Disney pics! We recommend hopping in line for this attraction though since it’s a small world decor is a festive display of holiday themes and lights and you ride along to a tune of Jingle Bells! Small World Christmas has a projection show on the attraction facade every 15 minutes which is a fan favorite! Unlike the Haunted Mansion Holiday, this Christmas overlay begins on the first day of Christmas at Disneyland.

Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade 2024

It can’t be Christmas at Disneyland without a parade! “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” is the famous Disneyland Christmas parade where guests can enjoy their Disney favorites with some holiday cheer. Highlights of the parade include:

• Mickey and Minnie as they work with Chip ‘n Dale to organize an avalanche of letters to Santa.
• Anna, Elsa, and Olaf bid you a warm winter welcome from their fantastic Frozen realm.
• Woody and Buzz give a playful wave from atop giant wooden building blocks.
• The Disney Princesses dance at the Candlelight Ball.
• In the grand finale, wave hello to Santa Claus himself!

The Christmas Fantasy parade operates daily and we can expect the parade times based on previous years to be 3:30 PM and 6 PM. Guests will see the Santa himself during the parade but you may also meet the man of the season in Critter Country in Disneyland Park throughout the Holiday season. It is his busiest time of the year so be on the lookout for when he visits and you can get the ultimate Disney Christmas pictures!

Disneyland Christmas Fireworks “Believe…in Holiday Magic”

The Disneyland castle at Christmas is home to the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks every evening. This nighttime spectacular features Disneyland-themed Christmas music, fireworks, and even snow in Disneyland! While this parade is magical, it’s not our favorite nighttime show at the Disneyland Resort. However, guests can use their MagicBand+ to enhance the Holiday experience! Wear MagicBand+ for extra magic and watch it come alive with vibrations and colorful holiday lights during the nighttime spectaculars of “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks.

Disneyland Candlelight Processional 2024

Disneyland has a special magical feeling since this was Walt’s park. He created it, he walked in it and those Disney roots are embedded in the park today. The Candlelight Processional dates back to 1958 and features a celebrity narrator joined by a choir for a retelling of the biblical story of Jesus’ birth in front of the Main Street Station. Celebrity narrators are usually kept a secret until the guest steps on stage. In previous years we have seen Kurt Russell, Dick Van Dyke, and John Wayne narrate. Reserved seating is not available to the general public however, guests can try to stand in the “standby viewing” section if they get to Main Street early enough. In previous years, we’ve seen crowds start to form right when the park opens! So plan ahead and get there early.

What time is Candlelight Processional Disneyland? The Candlelight Processional is scheduled throughout the holiday season. Check back here for updates when the schedule for the 2024 Candlelight Processional is announced.

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Disney California Adventure Christmas 2024

Disney California Adventure brings their “A game” during Christmas. Just like over at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure has many offerings that guests can enjoy during the holiday season including a nighttime spectacular, Festival of the Holidays, ride overlays, decor, and special performances. Everything Christmas at DCA will start alongside Disneyland on November 15th, 2024! so let’s start breaking down all you need to know about visiting Disney California Adventure at Christmas and why many consider the holiday season to be one of the best times to visit Disneyland! 

Changes to Rides at Disney California Adventure 2024

• 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 in Disney Christmas decorations. In fact, all of Radiator Springs turns into a Cars Land Christmas spectacular and is decorated for the holiday season! The entire land is adorned with decorative details reflecting the residents of Radiator Springs.

Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure 2024

Take in the sights and sounds of cherished holidays at Disney California Adventure for the Festival of the Holidays. This is the main attraction to visit at Disney California Adventure during the holiday season. The festival celebrates not just Christmas but Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day as well. This festival is a must-do! The Festival of the Holidays Disneyland includes dining booths with unique food items from all over the world along with holiday entertainment in the parade corridors of the park.

Festive Food Marketplaces – this is where you can taste flavors from various cultures and learn more about Holiday traditions. You can find Disney Hanukkah decorations, desserts for Three Kings Day, and more. During the festival make sure you look out for the following.

• “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” – Dance along as Disney and Pixar characters march to the beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers
• Sip and Savor Pass – Offers guests the chance to choose from eight different dishes or non-alcoholic beverages all for one price.
• Festival of Holidays tasting passport – As you visit each marketplace, get your free passport stamped and when you’ve filled your passport, you’ll get a special completion stamp.

Disney Viva ¡Navidad! – A Festive Street Party

Disney California Adventure Christmas Nighttime Spectaculars and Shows 2024

World of Color – Season of Light show takes this Disney California Adventure favorite to the next level. This holiday water light show spectacular combines holiday music with classical Disney moments from films we know and love.

Mickey’s Happy Holidays is a dance party that takes place at Paradise Gardens Park Obelisk and Carthay Circle. Disney and Pixar characters offer a dance party with Mickey Mouse to the merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers.

Holiday Sunset Concerts at Disney California Adventure – the Palisades Stage will host concerts to spread holiday cheer!

Be sure to check the Disneyland app for showtimes and performances.

Related Post: When Does Disneyland Decorate For Christmas

2024 Disneyland Christmas Tips

This year, we are hoping Mickey and Minnie will be spreading holiday cheer in new costumes! It’s become almost a Disneyland Christmas tradition that Mickie, Minnie, and all their friends receive new costumes to mark the holiday season. Last year, guests were able to enjoy the snow-sparkled green and red pieces crafted by Minnie Mouse herself! Catch them and their friends on Main Street USA this holiday season. Along with specialty character costumes, Disneyland is full of holiday cheer. Since the Holiday season can be one of the busiest times at Disneyland, it will help to know some tips before you spend your holiday vacation with Mickey Mouse.

• The first 2 weeks of December are the busiest times to go if you want to experience Disneyland at Christmas.
• Our favorite spot to view “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” is right in front of “It’s a Small World”
• Ride the Christmas overlay rides in the morning. Mornings are the quietest in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Lines for the Christmas overlay rides tend to get very long so hit these in the morning.
• Bring a sweatshirt. December is one of the coolest months in Southern California. Temperatures are in the mid-to-high 60s during the day and get even chillier at night.
• If you are free around 5 PM in Disneyland Park, make your way over to Town Square to catch the lighting of the Christmas tree!

Related Post: How Far is Universal Hollywood From Disneyland 

Downtown Disney Christmas 2024

The festive spirit of Disneyland’s Christmas season extends into the Downtown Disney district. Offering a delightful holiday experience that’s accessible without a Disneyland Park ticket! This means you can immerse yourself in the enchanting Downtown Disney Christmas decorations completely free of charge (minus the parking fee)! Stroll through the area, savor the holiday ambiance, enjoy a delicious meal, and indulge in some holiday shopping at the World of Disney. Downtown Disney becomes a merry destination where the joy of the season can be felt in every corner. Making it a perfect spot for those looking to soak up the Christmas decor and festivities.

Downtown Disney Christmas Activities 2024

Downtown Disney Live! –  Enjoy live music on the Downtown Disney Live! stage including carolers, Holiday Harmony, Jingle 5, and other talented musical groups that will spread Holiday cheer.

Catal Restaurant Breakfast with Santa – enjoy a family-style breakfast at Catal with Santa! Prices are as follows: $110 for adults and $50 per child and this event includes

• Pictures with Santa
• A stuffed animal is given to each child from Santa himself!
• Bottomless Mimosas
• Hot cocoa cart
• Personalized stockings for each child
• Charles Dickens carolers
• Interactions with Santa’s elves
• Cookies & Milk Station

Disneyland Hotels at Christmas 2023

Christmas at Disneyland Resort hotels is a truly enchanting experience, where the festive spirit is felt in every corner. As the holiday season grows near, the hotels undergo a magical transformation! Each hotel is adorned with twinkling lights, elegant Christmas trees, and beautiful decorations that capture the joy and warmth of the season. Guests can enjoy a range of festive activities, including cheerful carolers, delightful holiday treats, and special meet-and-greets with Santa. Each hotel has its unique take on holiday décor, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes your stay during Christmas time unforgettable. Whether you’re sipping on hot cocoa by a crackling fireplace or marveling at the grand holiday displays, Christmas at Disneyland Resort hotels provides an idyllic backdrop for making cherished holiday memories.

Grand Californian Hotel

• Grand Gingerbread House and Holiday Treats – a highlight of visiting this resort at Christmas is the gingerbread replica of the hotel. Standing 7 feet tall and 12 feet wide, the structure is created from more than 600 pounds of gingerbread, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 250 pounds of fondant, and 1 pound of pixie dust ­– plus 25 hidden Mickeys. Nearby, pick up sweet treats such as Mickey Christmas cookies from the lobby’s holiday cart.
• Holiday Carolers – Guests will be delighted to hear the joyful sounds of handbell carolers at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
• Tenaya Stone Spa – guests of any of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels may treat themselves to a holiday season spa treatment. The Candy Cane Lane Foot Treatment uses a refreshing peppermint cocoa foot soak, scrub, and a minty massage to soothe and invigorate feet and legs. The Underneath the Tree Signature Massage uses customized massage techniques combined with the scent of fir, California lemon, wild mint, and a touch of eucalyptus for pure relaxation

Disneyland Hotel

• Holiday Carolers – will stroll through the Disneyland Hotel

Pixar Pier Hotel

• Holiday Carolers – will stroll through the Paradise Pier Hotel

Related Post: How Many Days Should You Spend at Disneyland 

Christmas at Disneyland FAQs

Q: When Does Christmas Start at Disneyland 2024? 

A: Disneyland Resort will celebrate Christmas from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025!

Q: Is it Worth it to go to Disneyland at Christmas? 

A: Disneyland during Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit. Disneyland offers Christmas-themed parades, fireworks, holiday overlays on favorite attractions, an abundance of holiday food, and more!

Q: Will There Be a Merriest Nights 2024? 

A: Disneyland has confirmed that the Merriest Nights Disneyland Christmas party will not return during the 2024 holiday season. The event previously took place on 5 select nights in November and December of 2021. This was a separately ticketed after-hours party. Disney is always looking for new and exciting ways to entertain guests during the holiday season!

Q: Is Disneyland More Expensive During Christmas? 

A: November and December are one of the most expensive times of year to visit Disneyland. The week of Christmas and New Year’s is typically the priciest period to visit.

Q: When Does Christmas in Disneyland End 2024? 

A: Christmas celebrations in Disneyland will run from November to January 5, 2024. The exact end date has yet to be announced but we can assume it will end January 5th, 2024 based on previous years.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disneyland 2024?

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!