From Nov. 10 to Jan. 8, the Disneyland Resort goes from the Happiest Place on Earth to the Happiest and Merriest Place on Earth. Here are 15 reasons why the holidays is the best time to visit, but then again, do you even need any reasons to visit Disneyland?
1. The Haunted Mansion
This time of the year, the famous Haunted Mansion becomes festively overrun by Jack Skellington and his crew as Jack works to bring the magic of Christmas to Halloweentown, from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
2. Jingle Cruise
Walt Disney’s famous Jungle Cruise gets a jolly makeover after the skippers got too homesick. The boxes of decorations fell off the boats, and voila! The animals are celebrating, too. You can’t miss the new jokes, renamed boats and endless holiday decorations.
3. It’s A Small World
Walt Disney’s It’s A Small World gets decked for the holidays with lights on the outside, and an international celebration of the holiday season on the inside. You cannot miss it. (Literally. With the lights, it’s near impossible.)
4. Even the characters get dressed up.
Mickey, Minnie and the whole gang get dressed up in the season’s finest, and seem to make more appearances than normal. And, who doesn’t love a good picture with Mickey?
5. The giant Christmas tree
Not taking a picture with the tree is basically a sin.
6. Sleeping Beauty’s castle glows up
For this short amount of time, Sleeping Beauty’s castle gets extra winterfied with glowing snow and icicles, and boughs of wreaths and decorations.
7. Disney’s park-wide decorations
Disney goes above and beyond in every aspect, and its Christmas decor is no exception. From the wreaths to the bows and everything in between, there are endless opportunities for festive photos.
8. The Holiday treats
Whether you chose the apples or the cupcakes, the ice cream or the pastries, you can’t go wrong.
9. The holiday gifts
Disney sells the cutest holiday decor and gifts that’ll make even the Scrooge in your life crack a smile.
10. A Christmas fantasy parade
This time of the year only, watch your favorite characters dance and sing along to your favorite Christmas and holiday tunes, and catch a glimpse of Santa Claus at the end!
11. Christmas fireworks
It’s fireworks set to Christmas music – does it get any better than this??
12. It SNOWS every night
But it’s the Southern California snow that means it’s just cold enough outside to feel wintery and not miserable, and it makes for some super cute pics on Main Street!
13. Festival of holidays
In California Adventure, visit the Festival of Holidays for the opportunity to celebrate many culture’s Holidays and feast on the yummy seasonal food available at the Festive Foods Marketplace.
14. World of Color – Winter Dreams
World of Color gets a special holiday makeover this time of the year. It is so insanely pretty that you would be insane not to watch it!
15. Downtown Disney and the hotels
Even Downtown Disney and the Disney Hotels dress up for their parts, so if you can’t make it into the parks, stop here! There are decorations and ice skating and endless shopping opportunities!
Did you really need another reason?