Each year, the Disneyalnd Resprt transforms into a winter wonderland, where guests can find joy and tradition as it comes to life around the park. Festival of the Holidays and Disney Viva Navidad! will return November 14, 2025 and continue through Jan. 7, 2026.

Disneyland:

Since it is the 70th Celebration of the Disneyland Resort, entertainment will continue to sparkle so this year we will get the best of both worlds. As you stroll into Disneyland park, you can spot Mickey, Minnie and some of their other friends sparkling in their new holiday outfits which will be a spin on their 70th Celebration attire. They will have greens, reds, and golds with hints of 70th throughout.

Wintertime Entertainment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle

• Although snow is rare in Southern California, with a bit of Disney Magic and Pixie Dust each night snowfall. This is something you won’t want to miss because the castle will have 80,000 shimmering lights that will transform the castle into a snowy, sparkling wonder.
• Believe…In Holiday Magic Fireworks spectacular is a show that will fill you with joy and flurries gliding along Main Street USA and It’s A Small World Holiday and Rivers of America.
• A Christmas Fantasy Parade. One of my FAVORITE holiday parades that makes me want to cry every time I watch it. Here you can watch as Disney characters, toy soldiers and dancing gingerbread cookies make their way down Main Street USA. Keep a look out for Santa, you know he is always watching.

Attraction Overlays

• It’s A Small World Holiday
• Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends

Both are making their return and trust me, these are a MUST DO. You have It’s A Small World which sparkles so brightly and brings so much holiday cheer, Haunted Mansion Holiday will give you a good scare as Santa Jack and his friends take over the Mansion. Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends is not just for the littles, here you can engage in craft making, sing-alongs and of course some gorgeous magical photo opportunities with select Disney characters and Santa!

Disney California Adventure Park (DCA):

Cross over the esplanade for more holiday fun. Cars Land really steps on the gas when it comes to the holidays. Right before sunset park yourself amid the colorful lights, wreaths, bows and Christmas-y cones and watch as the transition from day to night happens right before your eyes.

Attraction Overlay

• Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
• Mater’s Jingle Jamboree

Both get a magical holiday twist with some special holiday songs. Trust me, you have to at least get on once, embracing the holiday magic.

Festival of Holidays

Disney Festival of Holidays returns to DCA from Nov. 14, 2025 through Jan. 7, 2026. The festival will be filled with color, culture and cheer – showcasing a diverse season of celebrations through delicious foods, live entertainments and of course merchandise.

Festival Food Marketplaces

• You will find food marketplaces in different areas of the park, where new and returning bites and beverages. One of my ALL TIME FAVORITE Braised Pork Belly Adobo. I get it every time I go because it is my must and go to dish!
• The Sip and Savor Pass will allow you to taste your way through the festivities at participating location. The pass will include six digital coupons that can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages around DCA.

Performances

• Holiday Toy Drummers are one of my favorite shows. It is full of energy and great music and performers. I love how interactive they are with the guest and how silly they can get. Definitely check it out because you wont want to miss it.
• Mickey’s Happy Holidays is a cavalcade that you wont want to miss. It features both Disney and Pixar characters.
• Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season will recount the stories and perform hit songs from the film in this street performance. Mirabel will also be at the Paradise Gardens Park Gazebo for some holiday greetings and photo opportunities
• A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegria de Disneyland and Miguel will perform bilingual renditions of favorite holiday songs on select days at Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street

Viva Navidad!

Head over to Paradise Gardens Park at DCA for the return of Disney Viva Navidad, a heartwarming celebration inspired by Latin American holiday traditions with a Disney spirited twist. There will be live music, crafts, festive decor, flavorful dishes and appearances by Mickey, Minnie and The Three Caballeros. On select days the Disney Viva Navidad Street Party will light up the area with folkloreico dancers, mariachis, samba performers and more led by The Three Caballeros.

Holiday Cheer at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

The hotels on property will participate in the holiday cheer. You can look forward to specialty dining, carolers and an encounter with Santa.

• Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
• Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers Cafe for breakfast and brunch where Daisy and Donald join the character lineup
• Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! at the Disneyland Hotel
• Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Reservations with be available soon, so make sure to keep checking Disneyland.com for more information.

• Broken Spell Lounge in the Disneyland Hotel will feature creative twists on classics like hot chocolate and eggnog, paried with live jazz music on select days
• Tenaya Stone Spat at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is offerring Underneath the Tree Signature massage or the Joy of Holiday body treatment

Downtown Disney District

The Downtown Disney Distric is joining in on all of the fun as it transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with seasonal flavors, sounds and sights, including a beautiful nightly “snowfall”

• Joyful sounds of live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage
• Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail

Stroll through twinkling lights and wintery decor, while enjoying live entertainment and discover a sleigh-ful of merry food and beverage offerings, from sweet treats to cozy seasonal sips. You can’t miss out on the search for the special ornaments hanging from trees throughout the Downtown Disney District. Purchase any activity map from a participating retail location and embark on your search, exchange the map at a redemption location to receive a keepsake.

It wouldn’t be a festival without some specialty merchandise! There are so many items I would love to bring home for the holidays!

-Dezi