While Walt Disney World has been making plenty of holiday announcements today, Disneyland Resort is also getting in on the Halfway to the Holidays celebration with a closer look at several fan-favorite experiences returning later this year.
From beloved attraction overlays to festive decorations throughout the parks, the Disneyland Resort holiday season is once again shaping up to be one of the most magical times of the year. Here’s what guests can look forward to.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
One of Disneyland’s most anticipated seasonal traditions returns when Haunted Mansion Holiday transforms the classic attraction with characters and scenes inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town once again take over the Haunted Mansion, bringing festive décor, updated music, and plenty of spooky surprises throughout the attraction.
One of the biggest highlights each year is the attraction’s elaborate gingerbread house in the ballroom scene. The display is completely redesigned every holiday season, making it something even longtime Disneyland fans look forward to seeing year after year.
Disney also shared a fun bit of attraction history. When Haunted Mansion Holiday debuted in 2001, Imagineer Kim Irvine, daughter of the original Madame Leota, Leota Toombs, became the face of the holiday version of Madame Leota seen during the attraction.
“it’s a small world” Holiday
Few holiday transformations are as iconic as “it’s a small world” Holiday.
Since debuting in 1997, the attraction has blended the classic “it’s a small world” soundtrack with beloved Christmas songs including Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls, while each region of the ride celebrates holiday traditions from around the globe.
Guests will find everything from Mele Kalikimaka in the South Pacific to Feliz Navidad in Mexico, along with New Year traditions represented throughout Europe and Asia.
Outside the attraction, thousands of twinkling lights transform the famous façade into one of the most photographed holiday locations at Disneyland Resort.
Cars Land Attraction Overlays
Radiator Springs gets into the holiday spirit once again with two returning seasonal attraction overlays at Disney California Adventure.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, featuring original holiday songs performed by Mater, festive decorations, and plenty of Christmas-themed touches throughout the queue and attraction.
Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
Next door, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters transforms into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, where Luigi and his family celebrate the season with festive music, synchronized dancing, and holiday decorations throughout Casa Della Tires.
Holiday Decor and More Across Disneyland Resort
Beyond the major attraction overlays, Disney says holiday details can be found throughout Disneyland Resort for guests willing to slow down and look.
Adventureland features a skipper-inspired Christmas tree near the Jungle Cruise, while Storybook Land Canal Boats and even the Main Street Vehicles receive their own festive touches with garland, wreaths, and seasonal decorations.
It’s those little details that help make the holidays at Disneyland feel so special, rewarding guests who take the time to explore beyond the headline attractions.
With holiday overlays, festive entertainment, seasonal décor, and more returning later this year, Disneyland Resort is once again proving why many Disney fans consider the holiday season the very best time to visit The Happiest Place on Earth.
