Holiday fun at Disneyland Resort starts Friday, November 13, 2026! Disney has shared a sneak peek of all the exciting entertainment lined up for the season. You can look forward to returning favorites like the A Christmas Fantasy Parade, plus a brand-new holiday dance party with Star-Lord and Deadpool (how fun!). There will be a ton of festive activities at both theme parks, Downtown Disney, and the hotels.
The holiday celebration runs through January 6, 2027, and includes fireworks, nighttime spectaculars, live music, character appearances, and even a little snowfall in Southern California. Let’s dig into all the details!
Christmas Entertainment at Disneyland Park
One of Disneyland’s most beloved holiday traditions, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, returns with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Santa Claus, and plenty of familiar Disney characters marching along the parade route. Guests can watch from Main Street, U.S.A., near Matterhorn Bobsleds, or around “it’s a small world” Holiday.
The “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular is also scheduled nightly, bringing Christmas music, fireworks, and snowfall effects to Disneyland Park. Guests can experience the snowfall along portions of Main Street, U.S.A., near “it’s a small world” Holiday, and along the Rivers of America.
Speaking of “it’s a small world” Holiday, the attraction’s exterior will light up each evening with thousands of twinkling lights. Special projection shows will also transform the façade throughout the night.
Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will feature its own nightly lighting moments, adding another reason to stick around after dark.
Santa Claus, Holiday Characters, and a New Dance Party
Santa Claus has a new home at Disneyland this year! From November 13 through December 24, guests can visit him at Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will also debut new holiday outfits inspired by winter travel and alpine gatherings. Look for them in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.
For the first time, characters in Mickey’s Toontown will also appear wearing special holiday clothing and accessories.
Over at Tomorrowland Terrace, the Disney Holiday Dance Party will feature festive music and Disney characters joining guests for some evening fun.
Disney California Adventure Holiday Entertainment
Disney California Adventure has plenty of entertainment planned, too, beginning with the return of “World of Color – Season of Light.”
The nighttime spectacular combines Disney and Pixar stories with holiday music and colorful fountains across Paradise Bay. The show takes place nightly, and guests can use the complimentary virtual queue for access to reserved viewing areas. Dining packages and dessert party options are also available.
Buena Vista Street will host its nightly holiday tree lighting ceremony, featuring a 50-foot Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments and colorful lights.
And there’s something new coming to Avengers Campus this year!
A holiday version of “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” will debut near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Guests may encounter Star-Lord and Deadpool showing off their dance moves to music from Peter Quill’s boom box.
Disney Festival of Holidays Brings Music and More
Disney Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure with a lineup of performances celebrating different holiday traditions.
“A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” returns to Buena Vista Street with bilingual Christmas songs, dancers, and Miguel from Coco.
Fans of Encanto can enjoy “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season,” featuring live performances of songs from the film, including “Surface Pressure” and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
The Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party is also returning on select days, with the Three Caballeros leading a celebration filled with music, dancing, and colorful costumes.
Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy live performances featuring jazz, Latin music, Hawaiian music, soul, polka, and other musical styles.
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” will bring Disney and Pixar characters together with the Holiday Toy Drummers for a lively celebration. The drummers will also perform separately in Paradise Gardens Park.
More Places to Meet Santa and Enjoy the Holidays
In addition to his new Disneyland location, Santa Claus will greet guests at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure from November 13 through December 24.
He’ll also make appearances at all three Disneyland Resort hotels from November 26 through December 24.
Beginning December 25, Santa Goofy takes over at Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for some post-Christmas fun.
Guests can also enjoy holiday character dining experiences at the resort hotels, including Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! at the Disneyland Hotel and two special meals at Storytellers Cafe: Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party and Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast.
Downtown Disney Joins the Celebration
You don’t need a theme park ticket to enjoy some of Disneyland’s holiday entertainment.
The Downtown Disney District will feature nightly live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn, with performers including The Sleigh Belles and The Sugarplums.
Holiday snowfall effects are also scheduled during special nightly moments through January 6, 2027.
All three Disneyland Resort hotels will feature holiday carolers on select days, giving guests another opportunity to enjoy the season outside the theme parks.
With so much happening throughout the resort, it’s worth checking the Disneyland app for entertainment schedules before your visit. Some performances take place daily, while others are offered only on select dates, and showtimes are subject to change.
The Holidays at Disneyland Resort run from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027.
