Disneyland Resort Christmas Holiday Guide 2024
By Rikki
The holiday season kicks off at the Disneyland Resort on November 15, 2024 this year and there’s a TON of new entertainment options, as well as some great returning favorites to help make your season bright.
Want to know what’s taking place this year? We’ve got the guide to help you navigate it all for Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and even the Downtown Disney District.
NEW! “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season”
Mirabel from “Encanto” and her friends rejoice in the spirit of the holidays. They are bringing everyone together during their very own Fiesta de Navidad celebration. Sing along to the songs from the film in this musical presentation.
Scheduled Mondays through Fridays outside the entrance to Paradise Gardens Park
NEW! “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!”
This nighttime show invites Guests to listen to heartfelt stories and timeless songs. Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland, accompanied by graceful dancers, delivers performances of beloved Christmas songs. The celebration closes with a special appearance by Miguel from “Coco” for a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night.”
Scheduled Monday through Friday evenings on Buena Vista Street
New and Returning Live Musical Acts
This year’s festival features an expanded rotation of live bands and cultural performance groups. The live entertainment across Disney California Adventure displays an extensive range of genres, including mariachi, jazz, klezmer, Latin pop, fusion, reggae, polka and more. Several new live bands and cultural performance groups will perform at the festival, such as Joy, Rangoli Rhythms, Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Keali’I O Nālani & Daniel Ho, and more! You can also enjoy many returning favorites, including Blue13 Dance Company and The Mistletoes!
The entertainment rotation varies throughout the season.
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” and Holiday Toy Drummers
Iconic Disney characters march along the Disney California Adventure park parade route to the beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers during “Mickey’s Happy Holidays.”
In addition, the Holiday Toy Drummers will drum up seasonal cheer for all to hear in front of the obelisk in Paradise Gardens Park!
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party
The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party, hosted by The Three Caballeros, features lively Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, uplifting Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and more! Plus, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse make an appearance in fiesta attire.
Scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 16 through Jan. 5
NEW! “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at Fantasyland Theatre
Throughout the day, Santa Claus and select Disney characters will make appearances and pose for holiday photos at “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at the Fantasyland Theatre. Families can also enjoy craft making, sing-alongs of holiday classics and atmospheric music.
Meet Santa Claus at Disneyland Resort
Take photos and tell Santa what’s on your wish list at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure through December 24. From December 25, 2024, through January 6, 2025, you may encounter Santa Goofy!
Santa will also be found at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel from November 28 through December 24.
Special Character Appearances
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends will show off stunning new looks in Disneyland Park.
“Disney Holiday Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace
Dance the night away at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland! Nightly there will be holiday tunes and appearances by favorite Disney characters on a stage dressed up for the season!
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade”
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade” returns for another year. The parade is filled with elves, dancing gingerbread cookies and prancing reindeer. Disney characters such as Anna and Elsa from “Frozen,” Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story” and more also join in, with Santa Claus appearing in the grand finale.
“Believe…In Holiday Magic”
The “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular lights up the night sky above Disneyland as Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle shimmers with more than 80,000 twinkling lights, sparkling “icicles” and glistening snow-capped turrets. You can also experience a magical “snowfall” along parts of Main Street, U.S.A., near “it’s a small world” Holiday and along the Rivers of America during Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle each night.
“World of Color – Season of Light”
During “World of Color – Season of Light“ at Disney California Adventure enjoy a stunning nighttime spectacular that features scenes from films such as “Inside Out” and “Frozen,” set to lively holiday music.
For a limited time beginning November 15, an all-new water short highlighting the new film “Moana 2” will be presented before the show.
Holiday Lighting Moments
At Disney California Adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the tree illuminate in dazzling lights during the Buena Vista Street Tree Lighting!
As dusk begins to fall each night at Disneyland, you can gather in front of “it’s a small world” Holiday to watch thousands of twinkling lights come to life! Then, during select times throughout the night, a light projection show animates the façade of the attraction with a holiday colors and images!
Live Music and Nightly Snow at Downtown Disney District
The holiday festivities extend to the Downtown Disney District with holiday décor, shopping and entertainment. The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn will present seasonal live music each night.
“Snow” will also fall near the Downtown Disney District LIVE! stage and lawn during special moments nightly from November 29 through January 6.
Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort Hotels
In addition to holiday décor, all three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will host holiday carolers on select days.
On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting November 22, the Great Hall lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be enhanced with live holiday jazz.
Performances are during select times and at select locations through December 31.
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What do you think? Which of these events are the most appealing to you to experience? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
Book Your Next Trip!
Want to book trip to the Disneyland Resort this holiday season? Jocelyn Martins at The Magic For Less Travel specializes in the art of personalized vacation planning. She provides a guest-driven, concierge level planning service. Best of all, Jocelyn’s service is provided free of charge. Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote today!
