Holiday time at Disneyland Resort is spectacular. As always Disney nails every single detail and makes the park look just beautiful! Below I have listed some specific tips, must-do’s, and general suggestions for experiencing the holidays Disney-style (with pictures included)!
While you are here, feel free to follow my Disney Instagram @gabbygoesdisney!
1. See the Holiday Firework show, “Believe…In Holiday Magic” or World of Color “Season of Light”
The firework show is held in the evenings at Disneyland over the castle while World of Color is held in front of Mickey’s Fun Wheel in California Adventure!
2. Take photos with Characters in their holiday outfits!
May I present Chip & Dale in the cutest matching Christmas sweaters!
Interactions with Disney characters can leave you with memories that’ll last a lifetime! A pro tip: around 1-1:30 pm every day, right behind the store “The Mad Hatter” in Disneyland’s Main Square (when you first enter the park), all of the classic characters come out! During the holidays, this is the best place to find them dressed in their holiday attire.
3. Festival of the Holidays Food & Holiday Food Guide items!
Festival of the Holidays takes place in Disney’s California Adventure Park. It is comprised of seven food booths with a variety of options, all based on different holidays that are taking place this time of year! In addition, Disney also provides Holiday Food Guides that feature specialty food items available at different places throughout the two parks. Holiday Food Guides can be picked up at the front of either park (by the regular maps) or you can find them here.
I highly recommend trying the Candy Cane Beignets from Mint Julep Bar, Turtle Churro from the Churro Cart by Big Thunder Mountain or the Hot Chocolate Beignets from Cafe Orleans!
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron from Making Spirits Bright Marketplace (a Festival of the Holidays Booth).
Pork al Pastor Naan Taco from Merry Mashups (Festival of the Holidays Booth). This was by far one of the best savory food items I have ever had from Disney!
Rueben Potato Tots from A Twist on Tradition (Festival of the Holidays Booth)
4. Buy Disney holiday merchandise
Disney brought amazing (and adorable) holiday merchandise to the parks this year. Beginning November 8th, these Ornament Sippers were for sale ($19.99) as well as the Mickey Christmas Tree Popcorn bucket. As always there is a plethora of holiday-themed shirts, mugs, pins, ears and more! I would also recommend the Arendelle Aqua ears (which I am wearing in nearly every picture) as well as the Candy Cane Ears pictured below!
5. Take cute photos + check out decorations around the park
First… do not forget to admire the gorgeous holiday-decorated castle! But after that, enjoy seeing the holidays all around the parks. I especially love the holiday decorations put up in Cars Land this year!