If I were in charge of Disney Parks, every single ride would have a holiday overlay. Can you imagine? Peter Pan’s Flight: Holiday Edition. Matterhorn Bobsleds: Rudolph’s Revenge. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Presents. I’m a little biased, but these sound amazing.
“it’s a small world”
Unfortunately, not every ride in Disneylandand Disney World can get an overall holiday season makeover, but a select few do get a bit of love and Christmas lights. One of those is “it’s a small world” in Disneyland (but not Disney World — another change I would make if I were in charge). We just got news on when the ride will close for a refurbishment, and it’s coming up soon.
On the Disneyland calendar, “it’s a small world” closes on October 30th. “it’s a small world” Holiday returns on November 13th, ready to bring some Christmas cheer to the park.
it’s a small world Holiday
In 2025, the holiday version opened on November 13th and ran until January 25th, so we’ll likely have similar dates this year. If this version of the ride is at the top of your list, plan a trip between mid-November and early January so you can catch it. 400,000 lights also illuminate the attraction’s facade, and the clock face features a big Santa hat.
Inside
November 13th also marks the start of the holiday season at Disneyland, when everything becomes a bit more magical. It runs until January 6th, and you’ll be able to enjoy a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., and over 80,000 shimmering lights on the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Christmas at Disneyland
Mickey, Minnie, and some of their friends will be wearing their new holiday attire, and you can even meet Santa at Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.
Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland in their Holiday Best (2023)
For special entertainment, be sure to watch Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular where you can even check out the snow on Main Street. There’s also the A Christmas Fantasy parade with reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread, and more strutting through Disneyland.
“Believe…in Holiday Magic” Fireworks
Haunted Mansion Holiday has already transformed into its holiday version since it’s technically a Halloween and Christmas movie. This ride can get super busy, but it’s one that you don’t want to miss and is a fan favorite.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
We’re so glad that the holidays are almost here at Disneyland, so in the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news and tips and tricks that you don’t want to miss to have the best Disney vacation ever.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your favorite holiday overlay at Disney? Tell us in the comments!
School may be back in session, but Disneyland’s seasonal calendar is only getting busier. Halloween Time is now underway through October 31 (with Plaza de la Familia continuing through November 2), and Christmas is already waiting in the wings, with the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort running from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. […]
It’s time!!! It’s barely Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, but Disney has released most of the info for the 2026 holiday season… and we’ve got your complete guide to this year’s holiday lineup at the Merriest Place on Earth. The 2026 yuletide season at the Disneyland Resort runs November 13, 2026 through January 6, […]
Get ready to unwrap the magic of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort! We are merry, merry excited for the dazzling décor, jolly entertainment, and festive fun to return on Nov. 13, 2026, and continue through Jan. 6, 2027.
When you visit The Happiest Place on Earth during this joyous season, there’s fun for everyone. Families can enjoy beloved seasonal traditions at Disneyland park, plus cultural performances and delightful bites during Disney Festival of Holidays, featuring Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, in Disney California Adventure park.
Take part in the joy and tradition of visiting Santa, as he makes appearances at Disneyland, California Adventure, and the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, to listen to Christmas wishes and spread the holiday cheer.
Let’s take a look at all the festive fun flurrying this year!
This time of year is especially magical at The Happiest Place on Earth! As you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., past the iconic 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, take in the glimmer of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, where 80,000 shimmering lights transform the castle into a snowy, sparkling wonder every night of the holiday season.
Celebrate the merriment with the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour, where you can discover favorite Disneyland holiday traditions, hear heartwarming stories about Walt Disney and his family, enjoy reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” and more. Available for purchase at an additional cost. More details will be available on Disneyland.com at a later date.
New Season’s Greetings
In Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., keep your eyes peeled for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and some of their friends donning their new holiday attire that captures the spirit of holiday travel and a wintery alpine gathering.
Make sure you are on Santa’s nice list this year before visiting him at his new location at Mickey’sToontown Trolley Barn, near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, with your wish list in hand! On the way to see jolly St. Nick, little ones and their families can stop by “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” in Disneyland to wiggle and dance as Bluey and her sister, Bingo, continue to make appearances at the Fantasyland Theatre.
Holiday Entertainment at Disneyland Park
Don’t miss the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, with Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “it’s a small world” Holiday, or the Rivers of America as the backdrop. All three locations, plus parts of Main Street, U.S.A., feature a magical “snowfall.”
Get cozy along the parade route in Disneyland to watch “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”, which features a festive procession of reindeer, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, and more, ending with a grand finale featuring Santa Claus.
Holiday Ride Overlays at Disneyland Park
Inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Haunted Mansion Holiday adds a seasonal spin on this beloved attraction for the holidays. Celebrating 25 years of showstopping confectionary creations, the attraction’s annual gingerbread house sits inside the ballroom scene, taking the form of a delightfully monstrous music box.
For even more wonder-filled magic, “it’s a small world” Holiday transforms the classic attraction with festive tunes and whimsical decorations. Plus, the exterior of the attraction makes for the perfect holiday photo backdrop, featuring 400,000 lights illuminating the façade and ornate landscaping with an adorable Santa hat on the clockface.
‘Tis the Season at Disney California Adventure Park
At California Adventure, “World of Color – Season of Light” returns Nov. 13, 2026, for the holidays. This nighttime spectacular embodies the spirit of the season, featuring classic films like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Beauty and the Beast and heartwarming favorites including Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out.
Plus, find a plethora of special holiday offerings in California Adventure, from the Holiday Toy Drummers in Paradise Gardens Park to Mickey Mouse and friends in their winter attire on Buena Vista Street.
Stop by Redwood Creek Challenge Trail to see it transformed into a holly, jolly joy-filled playground for Santa’s Holiday Visit! Young ones can explore seasonal games and outdoor activities before visiting Santa to tell him how good they’ve been this year.
Rev Up Holiday Magic at Cars Land
Get into a joyful mood when you step into Cars Land, where colorful lights, wreaths, bows, and Christmas cheer greet you for the holiday season! You can watch the festive lights come to life in this land every day at sunset when the “Sh-boom” moment signals the transition from day to night.
2026 Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park
Holiday traditions aren’t complete without festive food and drink to bring us all together! Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure brings six marketplaces with new items and returning flavors for the season.
You can choose to sample a variety of flavors during this year’s Disney Festival of Holidays with the purchase of a Sip and Savor Pass, a scannable credential with six digital coupons that can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic menu items at participating marketplaces and dining locations during the season. More details about Sip and Savor Pass can be found on Disneyland.com.
Get into the festive spirit with Mickey Mouse and pals during the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade, where families can dance to the merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers as they travel from Paradise Gardens Park to Hollywood Land at select times each day.
Head on down to Paradise Garden Bandstand where upbeat live performances are scheduled daily during the holiday season, featuring a rotating program of live bands and cultural performance groups.
Plus, “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” returns on select days, featuring Mirabel from Disney Animation’s Encanto and some of her friends. Enjoy live performances of songs from the film during this seasonal show at Paradise Gardens Park.
Celebrate Culture and Familia at Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
Discover the cultures and traditions of Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, a celebration inspired by holiday traditions, music, dance, and storytelling from across Latin America.
On select days, enjoy the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party, featuring The Three Caballeros, folklorico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, drummers, and an appearance by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their festive holiday attire.
You may even encounter the Three Caballeros, as well as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy in their unique holiday attire at Paradise Gardens Park in California Adventure at select times.
Cozy Holiday Offerings at Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Continue savoring the holiday spirit at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, where décor, seasonal displays, special experiences, holiday carolers, and more await you and your family! You may visit Santa at select times, as he makes stops at Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, admire the 7-foot-tall gingerbread display, modeled after the hotel’s architecture with whimsical Disney touches, in the lobby.
Discover where holiday cheer meets Disney magic at hotel character dining experiences, featuring seasonal menu items and Disney friends in themed outfits, starting Nov. 16, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. Reservations will be available on Disneyland.com at a later date.
Character Dining Experiences for the Holidays:
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays! at Disneyland Hotel
Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
In addition, discover holiday-themed treats and menu items across the Hotels at the Disneyland Resort, including at the Great Hall cart at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Broken Spell Lounge in the Disneyland Hotel, and Great Maple Modern American Eatery in Pixar Place Hotel.
If relaxing is your favorite part about the holidays, indulge in the Naughty or Nice foot treatments, Underneath the Tree signature massage or the Joy of Holiday body treatment for an additional fee at Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Learn more about the treatments and bookings at Disneyland.com.
New 2026 Disneyland Resort Hotel Offer
A limited-time hotel offer will be available for booking beginning Sept. 22, 2026, with savings of up to 20% on select stays of three or more nights at Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Pixar Place Hotel, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel for visits from Oct. 11 through Dec. 18, 2026, subject to availability and restrictions.*
More Merry Moments at Downtown Disney District
More holiday magic awaits at the Downtown Disney District! Beginning Nov. 13, 2026, the district turns into a winter wonderland, with glimmering décor, seasonal food and beverage, and festive entertainment, including a nightly “snowfall”!
At the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage, enjoy nightly entertainment ranging from holiday music performances to groovy DJs and bands where the whole family can dance along.
Beginning Nov. 11, 2026, through Jan. 6, 2027, Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail returns! Can you spot all the special ornaments hanging from trees throughout Downtown Disney? Purchase an activity map from a participating retail location, head out on your search and exchange the map at a redemption location to receive a special ornament keepsake. Learn more about this offering at Disneyland.com.
Discover festive flavors throughout the district, with seasonal menu items, sweet treats, and beverages available at participating locations.
Discover 2026 Holiday Treats and Merchandise
Take the Disney holiday magic home with you when you shop seasonal collections including Mickey Mouse and Family Christmas Collection, Holiday Pastel Collection, Disney Vintage Holiday Collection, and more! These items will be available at various locations at Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney.
During Halfway to Holidays in June, we shared a first look at this year’s seasonal merchandise, including items that will be available at Disneyland Resort. Start unwrapping the festive fun with our sneak peek here.
Must-have novelties this season include the Mickey Train Light Up Bucket and the Holiday Stitch Christmas Tree Sipper.
During the season of giving, shops across Disneyland Resort offer a variety of holly, jolly gift options for your friends and family! You can find the perfect presents for your loved ones, from apparel to collectible pins, to festive headwear on your visit during the holiday season.
A few festive favorites return to the menu for the holidays this year, including the Mickey Elf Shake available at Schmoozies! at California Adventure, and the Milk and Cookies Tree-shaped Macaron available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland.
Stay tuned for our Disney Eats Foodie Guides to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Festival of Holidays, with details on the limited-time, holiday-themed food and beverages coming to the resort for the season.
For an elevated holiday experience at Disneyland or California Adventure, you may want to explore seasonal dining experiences including “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” dining package at Plaza Inn or the “World of Color – Season of Light” Dessert Party. More details will be available at a later date.
Make Holiday Memories at Disneyland Resort
We can’t wait for the holly, jolly season to begin at Disneyland Resort – where families and friends can create magical holiday memories every year!
To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.
*A consecutive 3-night or longer stay is required, and cancellation of any nights of a stay may affect discount availability. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room stay at the same hotel, and is valid for nights from 10/11/2026 through 12/18/2026. Book from 9/22/2026 through 12/15/2026; travel must be completed by 12/19/2026. Room types included in this offer are Standard, Premium, Deluxe, Duo Studio, Deluxe Studio, 1 Bedroom Villas, Preferred and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms and Suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Offer applied once per reservation and is not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation for same date and same park are required to enter a Theme Park. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.
Are you ready? Halloween is a BIG deal in Disneyland, like even bigger than in Disney World, and when it arrives, all the spookiness hits Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney in a HUGE way. And don’t even get us started on Oogie Boogie Bash, one of the BEST Disney Halloween parties.
Halloween Time is here
It’s called Halloween Time, and Disneyland goes all out with decor, characters in Halloween outfits, special food and snacks, and so much more. Well, Halloween Time has officially kicked off in Disneyland, and we’re there getting spooky with it.
Halloween Time runs from August 21st through October 31st, and the first sign you’ll see of it is at the park entrances. The Disneyland entrance gets some fun character pumpkins on top of its gates.
Once you make your way into Disneyland, you’ll see a giant Mickey pumpkin that folks are probably standing in line for to get a photo with — it’s pretty epic.
Be sure to take some time to visit with characters — they’ve all dressed up just for the occasion! Check out Minnie’s sweet Halloween outfit!
Minnie’s Halloween Outfit!
Goofy is sporting his best Halloween gear, too!
Goofy
You’ll also see other Halloween decor throughout the park.
Over in Frontierland, in front of the Golden Horseshoe, you’ll see the Halloween Tree, which is a tribute to legendary sci-fi author Ray Bradbury, who also just happened to be friends with Walt Disney.
The Halloween Tree in Disneyland
In New Orleans Square, Haunted Mansion has been given a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, turning it into Haunted Mansion Holiday. This overlay will last throughout the Halloween and holiday seasons.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Inside, you’ll see an impressive gingerbread house in the ballroom scene, and this year’s gingerbread house is a brand NEW design.
The new gingerbread house!
Disney California Adventure’s entrance gets an Oogie Boogie theme, and listen up, because you’ll HEAR Oogie Boogie speaking from time to time.
Oogie Boogie at California Adventure!
Meanwhile, Carthay Circle Restaurant has been infested by a cloud of “bats” overhead.
Be sure to stop and get a photo with the Headless Horseman statue on Buena Vista Street, too.
Headless Horsemen statue
Cars Land becomes Radiator Screams (instead of Radiator Springs…get it?).
The land gets a ton of spooky decor, including some of your favorite Cars characters dressed in costumes. You’ll also be able to get a ride on Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.
Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree
In the late afternoon each day, Guardians of the Galaxy closes briefly and then reopens as Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark. Yep, the ride gets an all-new scary story and scenes.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
Plaza de la Familia has also returned to California Adventure. This is a celebration of Día de los Muertos, and includes special entertainment, arts and crafts, special decor, and a memory wall where you can add your own memories.
Of course, we had to try one of these special treats, the Rest in Chocolate, which is available at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour for $12.79. It comes with Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, Gummy Worms, and a Chocolate Tombstone. First, you get a lot of snack for your money! It’s two HUGE scoops of ice cream (you choose the flavor), so it’s easily shareable. And let’s just say…it not only looks SWEET, but it tastes pretty nice, too. It’s got a very cookies and cream-inspired flavor that just about anyone is going to love.
Rest in Chocolate
Also, don’t miss out on Halloween shopping in both parks and Downtown Disney. You might just find that perfect spook-tacular souvenir. That includes clothing and a Halloween Mickey bubble wand…
The merch!
…new Coco apparel…
Coco!
…ears, bags, accessories…
More merch
…a SWEET Haunted Mansion Holiday varsity jacket…
We are LOVIING this.
…a Hatbox Ghost sling bag, and more!
Representing Hatbox Ghost
Other places you can find Halloween in Disneyland include the Disneyland Hotel, which will have a Haunted Mansion decor theme this year, while Pixar Place Hotel is going with a Monsters, Inc. theme for the occasion. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the culinary team has created a MONSTROUS creation to be admired in the hotel’s lobby. Be sure to visit the snack cart there, too, for some faBOOlous treats.
Grand Californian
Don’t forget that character dining at the hotels is also getting fall and Halloween experiences. Storytellers Cafe hosts Mickey’s Autumn Adventures for breakfast and brunch, while Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner takes over for dinner. Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween will be available at Disneyland Hotel.
If you want a Halloween glow-up, visit the Disney stylists at Tenaya Stone Spa at the Grand Californian for a special Halloween look with hair, makeup, or nails. You can even indulge in the Wicked to the Core foot treatment.
The Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
Over in Downtown Disney, you can watch some of your favorite Disney Halloween movies (like Hocus Pocus) at The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn on select nights.
Also, be sure to play Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a scavenger hunt where you’re tasked to find character pumpkins hidden throughout Downtown Disney. All you have to do is buy a map at select stores, find the pumpkins, and turn them in for a cool prize. This year’s prize is your choice of these cute little character bags!
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit
Like we said, Disneyland does NOT come to play when it comes to Halloween, and if you get a chance to visit for the spooky season, you should check it out.
We’ll continue to cover even more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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Have you ever been to Disneyland for Halloween? What’s your favorite thing about it? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland to attend a media preview of Halloween Time. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ
Disneyland just released all of its Halloweenmenus this week, but there’s one holiday we’re still patiently waiting for: Día de los Muertos!
Plaza de la Familia 2025
Disney teased that Plaza de la Familia, a Día de los Muertos celebration at Disney California Adventure, is coming back this year. After months of teasing Halloween fun, we finally got a sneak peek at the Day of the Dead festivities!
Disney announced that two new food items are coming to Plaza de la Familia this year. The Nuez Gelatina Cake is a cinnamon sponge cake with pecan gelatina and whipped topping. It’s available starting August 18th at Paradise Garden Grill.
The Marigold Margarita is a wine-based lime margarita garnished with a marigold and an orange sugar rim, available starting August 18th at Paradise Garden Grill.
The Chilaquiles Carnitas Torta is returning this year. This is red chilaquiles, refried beans, avocado spread, queso fresco, pickled red onions, and a fried egg, served with chips. It’s also available starting August 18th at Paradise Garden Grill.
Chilaquiles Carnitas Torta from Paradise Garden Grill
And for a Día de los Muertos souvenir, you can get this new, limited-edition Coco Lantern Sipper featuring Miguel and Héctor. There’s a limit of two per person, per transaction, and no discounts apply. It’s available starting September 3rd, while supplies last, at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante and Ship to Shore Marketplace in Disneyland, and Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure Park.
We’re so excited to celebrate Día de los Muertos from August 21st to November 2nd at Disney California Adventure. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland news!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you going to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Disney California Adventure? Comment below!
These snacks are spread over the whole resort, so you’ll want to be ready to travel a bit. We’ve got all the snacks here, as well as what dates they’re available, so get ready to take notes!
Halloween Treats at Disneyland Park
Carnation Café on Main Street, U.S.A. will offer a Halloween menu from August 18th through November 12th. It will include
Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Panko-breaded fried chicken breast tossed in spicy chile sauce with pepper jack and mustard slaw served on a brioche bun
Caramel Apple Martini – Kissed Caramel Smirnoff Vodka, Bols Butterscotch Liqueur, sour apple juice, and a caramel apple lollipop
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A. will offer a Rest in Chocolate ice cream from August 18th through November 12th. This is a chocolate ice cream buried in a chocolate-covered waffle cup topped with chocolate cookie crumbles, gummy worms, and a chocolate tombstone.
BooGogi Beef Toasted with Corn Cheese Soup – Marinated beef, grilled onion, mozzarella, pickled radish, and kimchi aïoli on sourdough served with corn cheese soup (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Brownie Pie – Fudge brownie baked in a pie crust topped with ganache, colored mousse, and sprinkles (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Halloween Matterhorn Macaroon – Coconut macaroon dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Mickey-shaped Ghost Cookie – Shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate (Available August 18th through October 31st)
Mickey Pumpkin Cupcake with cream cheese frosting, brown sugar crumbles, and orange white chocolate mousse finished with chocolate ears and a chocolate twig (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Caramel Apple Cheesecake – Caramel cheesecake with a caramelized apple filling topped with caramel drip, orange white chocolate mousse, and chocolate flakes (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Maple-Bacon Cinnamon Roll – Cinnamon roll topped with maple cream cheese, glazed bacon, and pecans drizzled with white chocolate (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Mickey Mummy Macaron – Cookies and crème-filled macaron (Available August 18th through October 31st)
Pumpkin Muffin topped with cream cheese icing (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Pumpkin Cold Brew topped with vanilla foam and spiced sugar (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Little Red Wagon on Main Street, U.S.A. will offer some festive treats from August 18th through January 6th, 2027:
Spicy Chili-Cheese Corn Dog – Classic corn dog topped with spicy chili, jalapeño-cilantro crema, cheddar, and hot cheese puff dust served with choice of Cuties Mandarin Oranges or potato chips
Lychee-Strawberry Green Tea infused with lychee and strawberry (Non-alcoholic)
The Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. will offer a Birria Potato from August 18th through November 12th. It’s a baked potato filled with beef birria and pepper jack, topped with salsa verde and served with a side of consommé.
Birria Potato
Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland will offer an Iced Pandan Cooler with brown sugar popping spheres and ube cream (Non-alcoholic) from August 18th through November 12th.
Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland will offer a DOLE Whip Cone from August 18th through November 12th. It’s DOLE Whip Pineapple in a sugar cone topped with Halloween sprinkles.
Pozole – Pork pozole, onions, cabbage, lime wedge, and sliced radishes served with corn tortilla chips (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Iced Chocolate Cafe – A blend of hot chocolate, espresso, cream, and coconut served over ice (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Pozole
River Belle Terrace in Frontierland is offering a new Pumpkin Crunch Cake with pumpkin filling topped with spiced chantilly cream and a house-made graham cracker.
Apple Pie Sundae – Slice of apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel, cinnamon streusel, whipped cream, and a cherry (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Chili-Cheese Fries – Fries topped with hearty chili, beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onion (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Strawberry Soda – Sprite with strawberry purée (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Pumpkin Cookies – Fresh-baked pumpkin cookies (Available in packs of six or 13 while supplies last) (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Whipped Cream Cheese Dip (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Brown Butter Maple Cold Brew – Joffrey’s Beignet-flavored Cold Brew with maple and brown butter syrup topped with brown butter cold foam (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Mint Julep Bar at New Orleans Square will have a Frightfully Festive Cocoa Dip from August 18th through November 12th.
Mint Julep Bar
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree at Bayou Country will sell a new Grizzly Pumpkin Cold Brew Latte from August 18th through November 12th. It’s Joffrey’s French Roast Cold Brew Coffee with whipped cream topper and pumpkin spice topped with a pumpkin candy (Non-alcoholic).
Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland will have two Halloween offerings:
Enchanted Pumpkin Stuff – Shortbread cookie with a mini pumpkin pie inside topped with pumpkin mousse, sprinkles, silver stars, and a chocolate branch and leaves (Available August 18th through November 12th)
French Toast Cold Brew – Joffrey’s French Roast Cold Brew Coffee with brown sugar and vanilla topped with cinnamon cream and cinnamon cereal (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Alien Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland will have three returning items and one new drink:
Halloween Green Drink – Minute Maid Apple Juice and apple syrup topped with caramel cold foam and sprinkles (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Seasonal Alien Macarooooon filled with berries and cream (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Heatwave Pizza Slice – Spicy blush sauce topped with mozzarella and pepperjack, Italian sausage, classic and crispy cupped pepperoni, smoked bratwurst, and sliced red Fresno chiles garnished with basil and hot honey drizzle (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Spicy Blush Pasta – Italian sausage with chef’s choice of pasta topped with spicy blush sauce and garnished with tomato relish (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Haunted Heatwave Pizza
Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland has three items available from August 18th through November 12th:
Stellar Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Panko-crusted chicken breast, ghost pepper salsa verde, pepper jack, pico de gallo, cilantro lime slaw, and crispy onions served on a toasted bun with your choice of Cuties Mandarin Oranges or fries
Darth by Chocolate – Layers of chocolate pudding, red velvet sponge, chocolate mousse, and crushed chocolate crème-filled cookies
New! Halloween Mickey Ice Cream Bar — dipped in white chocolate and topped with Halloween sprinkles
Award Wieners(Available August 18th through November 12th; mobile order available)
New! Oktoberfest Dog — Pork cheddar sausage, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and cheesy beer mustard sauce on a soft pretzel bun with Cuties Mandarin Oranges or fries
New! Seaborn Sangria — served over ice and mixed fruit(Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Beef and Cheese Tamale a la Plancha — Beef and cheese tamale with salsa verde, lime crema, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Horchata Whiskey Cocktail — Horchata with RumChata and cinnamon whiskey (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Spicy Oogie Boogie Burrito — Carne asada, fries, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, crunchy hot cheese-flavored snacks, and spicy crema in a green tortilla (Available August 18th through November 12th)
New! Phantom Potion — Pineapple lemonade with blue curaçao, apple pucker, and Sprite topped with grenadine and served with an Oogie Boogie Moon Glow Cube (Available August 18th through November 12th)
New! Seaborn Prickly Pear Margarita (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Calidad Beer El Titán Dark Lager (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Schmoozies!(Available August 18th through November 12th; mobile order available)
New! Matcha Mickey-shaped Waffles — filled with banana custard
New! Pumpkin Pie Mickey Shake — Pumpkin pie and vanilla milkshake with whipped topping and golden creme-filled cookies (Non-alcoholic)
Studio Catering Co.(Available August 18th through November 12th; mobile order available)
New! Beef and Cheese Tamale a la Plancha — Beef and cheese tamale with salsa verde, lime crema, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo
Spicy Oogie Boogie Burrito — Carne asada, fries, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, crunchy hot cheese-flavored snacks, and spicy crema in a green tortilla
Pym Tasting Lab (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027; mobile order available)
New! Seaborn Pomegranate Margarita — served over ice
New! BBQ Pork Muenster Grill Cheese — BBQ pork belly and Muenster on sourdough with crispy onions and jalapeño slaw served with potato bites (Experiment No. 1966) (Available August 18th through November 12th)
New! Strawberry Matcha Latte — Matcha with strawberry cold foam topped with strawberry sugar wafers and strawberry condensed milk drizzle (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Strawberry Matcha Rum Cocktail — White rum and matcha with strawberry cold foam topped with strawberry sugar wafers and strawberry condensed milk drizzle served in a particle beaker (Available Aug. 18 through Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Terran Treats (Available August 18th through October 31st)
Ube Cheesecake Churro — Churro rolled in chocolate cookie sugar with ube cheesecake whipped topping and chocolate cookie crumble
Cozy Cone Motel 1 – Churros (Available August 18th through November 12th; mobile order available)
New! Vietnamese Coffee with Ube Sweet Cream Foam — Iced Vietnamese coffee with ube sweet cream foam topped with black sprinkles (Non-alcoholic)
New! Cursed Ube Foam Iced Coffee — Iced Vietnamese coffee with Baileys Irish Cream topped with ube sweet cream foam and black sprinkles
Cozy Cone Motel 2 – Ice Cream Cones (Available August 18th through October 31st; mobile order available)
Ube Soft Serve — with black sprinkles served in a cup or cone
Ube-Vanilla Twist Soft Serve — Ube and vanilla swirl with black sprinkles served in a cup or cone
Cozy Cone Motel 3 – Chili Cone Queso (Available August 18th through October 31st; mobile order available)
Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone — Pasta with spicy red pepper cheese sauce
Strawberry-Peach Margarita — Tequila with spicy strawberry-peach chamoy lemonade topped with a peach ring (Available Aug. 18 through Jan. 6, 2027)
Strawberry Michelada — Modelo with strawberry-chamoy lemonade, a strawberry candy, and rimmed with chile-lime seasoning (Available Aug. 18 through Jan. 6, 2027)
Mother Earth Brewing Co. Cali Screamin’ Pumpkin Vanilla Cream Ale (Available Aug. 18 through Nov. 12)
Unsung Brewing Co. Poison Apple Seltzer (Available Aug. 18 through Nov. 12)
New! Haunted Highway Cocktail made of pineapple lemonade with blue Curaçao, apple pucker, and Sprite topped with grenadine and gummy worms (Available Aug. 18 through Oct. 31 only at Oogie Boogie Bash)
Cozy Cone Motel 5 – Popcone (Available Aug. 18 through Nov. 12; mobile order available)
New! Pineapple-Cucumber Agua Fresca — topped with diced cucumber and pineapple drizzled with chamoy and chile-lime seasoning
New! Fantasma Agua Fresca Cocktail — Tequila with pineapple-cucumber agua fresca topped with diced cucumber and pineapple drizzled with chamoy and chile-lime seasoning
New! Mickey-shaped Waffle Macaron — Mickey-shaped macaron filled with salted maple buttercream, maple syrup, and chocolate-coated waffle pieces (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Coronado Brewing Co., Pumpkin Spice Hard Cider (vailable August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Peanut Butter Mocha Cold Brew — Mocha cold brew, peanut butter whip, peanut butter drizzle and M&M’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Peanut Butter Whiskey Cold Brew Cocktail — Mocha cold brew with peanut butter whiskey, peanut butter foam, and peanut butter drizzle (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Seasonal Baymax Macaron — filled with ube cream and salted caramel chocolate crunch pearls (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Three Milk Ube Tea — Ube tea with brown sugar tapioca spheres topped with coconut foam (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Steak Frites — New York steak, Manchego truffle fries, and peppercorn sauce (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Arroz Con Leche Donut — Cinnamon sugar donut with arroz con leche, candied pecans, and spiced chocolate powder (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Halloween Cocktail — Bourbon, cinnamon whiskey, lemon juice, amaretto, and apple juice (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Ommegang All Hallows Treat Imperial Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout (Available August 18th through November 12th)
2 Towns Spiced Cosmic Crisp Hard Cider (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
New! Halloween Cocktail — Bourbon, cinnamon whiskey, lemon juice, amaretto, and apple juice (Available August 18th through November 12th)
2 Towns Spiced Cosmic Crisp Hard Cider (Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027)
Bayside Brews(Available August 18th through January 6th, 2027; mobile order available)
New! Santa Monica Brew Works Pickle Lager (Michelada option available)
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta(Available August 18th through November 12th; mobile order available)
Anti Vampire Pizza — Roasted garlic-marinated chicken, creamy garlic sauce, mozzarella, bacon, tomato harissa drizzle, and green onions (Available by slice or whole pie)
New! Caramel Apple Cheesecake — Caramel cheesecake with apple filling topped with vanilla chantilly and salted caramel
Churros near Goofy’s Sky School (Available August 18th through January 6th 2027)
New! Caramel Cheesecake Churro — Classic churro with caramel cheesecake icing, caramel, and chocolate drizzle
Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (Available August 18th through January 6th 2027)
Fluffernutter Churro — Classic churro topped with peanut butter sauce, marshmallow sauce, and chocolate chips
New! Villainous Wings — tossed in sweet and tangy gochujang sauce drizzled with ghost pepper ranch, and topped with chives (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Bottle Logic Brewing Aurora Borealis Hard Seltzer — Honeydew lime seltzer served over ice (Available August 18th through January 6th 2027)
Oogie Boogie Lemonade — Minute Maid Lemonade with green apple premium syrup, cherry-flavored popping spheres, and raspberry sauce (Non-alcoholic) (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Green Apple Lemonade Margarita — equila with Minute Maid Lemonade, green apple premium syrup, cherry-flavored popping spheres, and raspberry sauce (Available August 18th through November 12th)
Outdoor Vending Locations
New! Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pull-apart Bread — with cream cheese, Parmesan ranch, and fried onions (Available August 18th through November 12th)
New! This Chilling Challenge —Smith & Cross Rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, honey syrup, ginger syrup, and bitters (Available August 21st through November 12th)
Cloaked Specter — Parrot Bay coconut rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, falernum, cinnamon, and Angostura bitters (AAvailable August 21st through November 12th)
Scarecrow Old Fashioned — Buffalo Trace Bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, falernum and Angostura bitters (Available August 21st through November 12th)
DOLE Whip Pineapple-Orange with Guava Juice — DOLE Whip Pineapple and Orange Soft Serve with guava juice served in a Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday Cup (Non-alcoholic) (Limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last; served at the Outdoor Patio Bar) (Available August 21st through January 6th, 2027)
DOLE Whip Tropical Float— DOLE Pineapple Juice topped with DOLE Whip Pineapple and Orange Soft Serve with guava juice served in a Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday Cup (Non-alcoholic) (Limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last; served at the Outdoor Patio Bar) (Available August 21st through January 6th, 2027)
DOLE Whip Tropical Float with a splash of Rum —DOLE Whip Float with Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Coconut Rum served with a Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday Cup on the side (Limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last; served at the Outdoor Patio Bar) (Available August 21st through January 6th, 2027)
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman Bar (Available August 21st through November 12th; reservations highly recommended)
Recuérdame Cocktail — Casa Amigos Reposado, passion fruit, Greenbar Hibiscus Liqueur, and lemon juice
Candy Bar Donut
Mickey Vampire Donut
Minnie Halloween Cupcake
Pumpkin Muffin
Grand Californian Great Hall Cart (Available August 21st through October 31st)
New! Sally Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake — Devil’s food chocolate chip cake filled with coffee fudge and topped with pumpkin spice buttercream
Jack Skellington Linzer Cookie — Decorated sugar cookie
Gooey Peanut Butter Cookie — Gooey-filled cookie
New! The Mayor Chocolate Cake Pop — Chocolate cake hand-dipped in premium white chocolate and sprinkles
New! Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat — Cookies and cream crisped rice treat
GG’s Chicken Shop (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Graveyard Dirt Pudding — Chocolate pudding, Oreo crumble, Mickey Mouse sprinkles, gummy worms, and a tombstone decorated Milano cookie
Parkside Market Coffee (Available August 21st through October 31st)
New! Little Monster Brownie — Rich chocolate brownie drizzled with silky vanilla frosting and adorned with a playful little monster face
New! The Mystic Cauldron Latte — Sweet blackberry flavors swirled beneath a purple cold foam with chocolate cookie crumbles (Non-alcoholic)
New! Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Roll — Classic cinnamon roll with a pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting dusted with a cookie crunch
New! The Harvest Chai Latte — A blend of warm chai spices and rich caramel apple butter dusted with cinnamon (Non-alcoholic)
New! The Sleeping Curse — Hot apple cider and brown sugar syrup (Non-alcoholic)
New! Tombstone Chocolate Trifle — Tombstone chocolate trifle with layers of coffee-soaked chocolate cake and tiramisu cream topped with swirls of heavy cream and dark chocolate shavings
New! The Pumpkin Slice Latte — Rich pumpkin pie syrup topped with house made pumpkin cold foam finished with fall spice dust (Non-alcoholic)
Seoul Sister (Available August 21st through October 31st)
New! Spooky Seoul Berry Bubble Lemonade — Cherry lemonade bursting with blueberry popping boba pearls (Non-alcoholic)
Vista Parkside Market (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Campfire Cream Soda — Coca-Cola, vanilla cream, and marshmallow syrup (Non-alcoholic)
All Hallow’s Eve — Mango-cherry whiskey, bourbon, Thai tea cacao vermouth, and bitters
Candy Corn Cream Soda — Orange soda, vanilla cream, and marshmallow syrup (Non-alcoholic)
Sleepy Hollow — Dark rum, amaretto, chai simple syrup, lemon, vanilla, and bitters
New! Horned Shadow Elixir — Tequila, blood orange juice, honey, and lime juice
The Raven’s Revenge — Chili cacao vodka, espresso, vanilla, and coffee liqueur
California Churro (Available Available August 21st through October 31st)
New! Ube Matcha and Crème — Churro covered with matcha sugar and topped with whipped cream and ube condensed milk
Beignets Expressed (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Caramel Apple Beignet — Candied apple icing, caramel drizzle, and spooky sprinkles
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Midnight Roll — Creamy avocado, salmon, and cream cheese wrapped in black rice topped with masago, pickled onion, micro cilantro, and a smoky chipotle mayo drizzle
Black Spider — Blackberry liqueur, vodka or gin, cranberry, and fresh lime served with a sugar rim.
Witches’Brew — Melon liqueur, vodka, and blue curaçao topped with ginger soda and served in a martini glass with a sugar rum
Céntrico (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Pumpkin Flan –Traditional Mexican dessert with pumpkin and spices
La Calavera Roja — Tequila reposado, lime juice, cranberry, and spiced apple syrup
Paseo (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Pumpkin Dulce — Spiced sponge cake, maple syrup ganache, walnut crumble, pumpkin mousse, gruyere, and rosemary ice cream
La Calavera Roja — Tequila reposado, lime juice, cranberry, and spiced apple syrup
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available October 20th through November 2nd)
Trick or Treat Shake Flight
New! Kit Kat Shake — Chocolate frosted rim rolled in crushed chocolate-covered wafers topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle (Non-alcoholic)
New! Skittles Shake — Vanilla frosted rim rolled in Skittles Littles and candy gummy clusters topped with whipped cream, strawberry drizzle, and a cherry (Non-alcoholic)
New! Sweet and Salty Shake —Peanut butter shake with a chocolate and peanut butter frosted rim rolled in M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies topped with pretzel rods, peanut butter cups, and caramel and chocolate sauce(Non-alcoholic)
Ballast Point Brewing Co. (Available September 5th through October 31st)
New! Ghostly Glazed Pork Belly — Crispy pork belly tossed in a ghost pepper-pomegranate glaze served with miso butter acorn squash and roasted garlic “crawling critters”
New! Haunted Harvest Quesadilla — A spinach flour tortilla filled with creamy huitlacoche ricotta, Oaxaca cheese, and salsa macha grilled until crisp
New! Spooky Tiramisu — Espresso martini-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream finished with cocoa powder and raspberry coulis
New! The Cursed Apple — Frozen apple cider slush featuring Excelsior Imperial Apple Cider blended with apple juice, finished with a float of cinnamon whiskey for a warm cinnamon spice and garnished with a caramel apple lollipop and a dehydrated apple slice
Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Oreo Bitz — Original Bitz drizzled in a gooey layer of crème and topped with crunchy cookie pieces
Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available August 21st through October 31st)
Pumpkin Blooderscotch Cannolis — Pumpkin and butterscotch cream, whipped cream, red caramel drizzle, and a sugar knife
Kayla’s Cake (Available August 21st through October 31st)
New! Marshmallow Mummy Macaron — Macaron with homemade marshmallow and dark chocolate ganache topped with sugar candy eyeballs
Sweet Shops Throughout the Resort
Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets (Available August 21st through October 31st; available while supplies last)
New! Mickey Ghost Cake Pop — Ghost-shaped vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate and decorated with black-colored dark chocolate
Halloween Marshmallow Wand — Marshmallow wand dipped in milk chocolate and drizzled with orange-colored white chocolate and purple-colored white chocolate
Mickey Spiderweb Cereal Treat — Cookies and cream-flavored Mickey-shaped rice cereal treat dipped in black-colored dark chocolate and decorated with white chocolate and white sanding sugar
New! Mickey Swirl Marshmallow Pop — Mickey-shaped marshmallow pop dipped in orange-colored white chocolate and decorated with purple-colored white chocolate
Jack Skellington Caramel Apple — Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and white chocolate and decorated with black-colored dark chocolate (Only available at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets)
New! Minnie Halloween Caramel Apple — Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel, decorated with marshmallow ears, and milk chocolate dressed with white chocolate, orange sanding sugar, purple M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies, and topped with a purple and orange-white chocolate bow
Evil Caramel Apple — Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and red-colored white chocolate and decorated with green-colored white chocolate
Minnie Chocolate Cake Pop — Chocolate round cake pop decorated with milk chocolate and an orange-white chocolate bow
Minnie Skeleton Caramel Apple — Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel, decorated with marshmallow ears and white chocolate, dressed with black sanding sugar, white M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies, and topped with a black and white dark chocolate bow (Only available at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets)
We’re so excited to try these new fall items at Disneyland. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for full reviews and our Halloween foodie guide!
From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks!
Disneylandtruly feels like The Happiest Place on Earth when you have room to breathe.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland
When Disneyland is at its busiest, you can often find yourself dodging strollers, waiting HOURS to get on popular attractions, and sharing space with a bunch of strangers. While Disneyland is never truly empty, there are definitely weeks throughout the year when crowds are noticeably lighter. These are the absolute BEST times to visit the Southern California resort — and the good news is there may be more of these weeks than you’d think.
Planning your vacation around these slower periods can mean shorter waits, easier dining reservations, better Lightning Lane availability, and a much more relaxing park day. If your schedule is flexible, these are the weeks you’ll want to keep on your radar for 2027.
January 24th through February 13th
One of the best times to visit Disneyland comes immediately after the holiday rush ends. The actual holidays can be a nightmare at the resort. But the following weeks are often considered Disneyland’s “off-season.”
Christmas at Disneyland!
Once New Year’s crowds disappear, attendance drops dramatically. Weekdays from late January through February — before Presidents’ Day weekend — are traditionally among the quietest days of the year. With that said, remember that holiday weekends can change everything. Presidents’ Day weekend brings a significant spike in attendance, so you’ll want to plan around it. Basically, 3-day weekends WILL be rough.
Another underrated sweet spot arrives after most Spring Break vacations have wrapped up, but before Memorial Day crowds begin.
Disneyland
Weekdays during late April and early May often offer a nice balance of perfect weather and manageable crowds. It’s not uncommon to experience wait times that are far more forgiving than you’ll see during spring break or summer vacation. Mix that with the best weather of the year, and you’ve got yourself an A1 vacation.
After Labor Day, Disneyland often experiences one of its biggest attendance drops of the year. Kids are back in school, and the locals dominate the parks — which is good news for wait times and foot traffic. You’ll often find lighter crowds throughout mid-September. For many Disneyland veterans, this IS the best time to visit.
Disneyland crowds in September 2025
The best part? All of September features Halloween festivities!
Room to breathe!
Some days can be a pain if there’s a special Halloween event, but overall, September remains one of the most reliable low-crowd periods. If you love Halloween and Disney, this is the month where you can have your cake and eat it too.
The holidays are the busiest at Disneyland. Fortunately, there’s usually a brief lull between Thanksgiving week and the beginning of winter break. Those early December weekdays offer holiday decorations, seasonal food, festive entertainment, and holiday overlays on attractions. This stretch is kind of like September — albeit with a much shorter window.
Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland
However, you may only get one or two weeks of bliss. The closer we get to Christmas, all bets are off.
Traditionally, summer has been one of Disneyland’s busiest seasons. However, 2026 threw everyone a curveball. Attendance throughout much of June and July felt noticeably lighter than many recent summers. Walkways were easier to navigate, average waits were lower than many guests (me included) expected, and the parks simply didn’t feel as packed on many days. And when talking with Cast Members, they confirmed that summer attendance was down.
Disneyland security
There are several possible explanations. Rising vacation costs may have caused some families to postpone trips, while Southern California’s summer heat could also have encouraged guests to visit during cooler seasons instead.
Whatever the reason, it’s definitely a trend worth monitoring heading into 2027. If those patterns continue, summer may become a much more appealing option than many Disneyland fans have traditionally assumed.
Even during slower seasons, the day you choose can make a noticeable difference. Historically, Tuesdays and Wednesdayspost the lowest average wait times and lightest foot traffic throughout the parks. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, these are excellent choices for your busiest ride days.
Indiana Jones Adventure
On the flip side, Mondays tend to attract guests extending long weekends, while Saturdays are also rough. In 2025 and 2026, I found myself feeling that Monday was even worse than the weekend on several occasions. It seems this trend may be here to stay. If possible, center your vacation around the middle of the week.
Even on a busy day, your arrival time can completely change your experience. One of the smartest strategies is arriving for rope drop 30 to 45 minutes before official park opening. Those first couple of hours often deliver the shortest waits of the day — making it possible to experience several e-ticket attractions before crowds build.
Rope Drop crowds look bad at the front of the park, but dissipate once inside
Families with small children may take off in the late afternoon, and many guests head home immediately after the nighttime spectaculars — meaning the last two hours before park closing provide the best window of the day. Here, you’ll find the lowest wait times and shorter waits for pretty much everything.
Galaxy’s Edge
If your feet can handle it, staying late often pays off.
Disneyland’s Space Mountain
No Disneyland vacation is guaranteed to be crowd-free, but choosing the right weeks can dramatically improve your experience. These trends can always shift, so we recommend keeping it posted right here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disneyland tips, tricks, updates, and more!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
When is your favorite time to visit Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!
We love visiting the Disney Parks during the holiday season. Where else can you eat Christmas cookies, listen to holiday music, and meet Santa Mickey Mouse all in one place?
Sleeping Beauty Castle will look like this soon!
We especially love Disneyland Resort’s holiday celebration with “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Festival of the Holidays. But Disney announced that we’re about to get even more holiday fun this year, because the festivities are starting EARLY!
The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort will begin November 13th, 2026! This will bring so many fun celebrations to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Dozens of holiday traditions are returning this year, including Believe…In Holiday Magic, a special fireworks presentation over Sleeping Beauty Castle, which even features a dusting of snow! Speaking of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the park’s signature landmark is all dressed up with sparkling icicles in the evenings for Wintertime Enchantment.
Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty Castle
A Christmas Fantasy Parade delivers beloved Disney characters joined by a very special guest: Santa Claus! Other festive friends included reindeer, Toy Soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, and more.
We love this parade!
The return of Haunted Mansion Holiday presents some not-so-subtle nods to The Nightmare Before Christmas thanks to some extra decorations placed by the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington! Every year, the Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland is complete with a new gingerbread house in the ballroom. The 2025 theme was A Murder Most Fowl.
Haunted Mansion Holiday 2025
Both the outside and inside of “it’s a small world” Holiday present festive flair as the Happiest Cruise on Earth dons holiday tunes and glittering lights! Over 300,000 lights adorn the iconic attraction during the holiday season. The official lighting at dusk each evening is a Disneyland Resort tradition. After that, you can catch a special light projection show every 30 minutes. Inside, the ride overlay also features the dolls of the attraction all dressed in traditional holiday clothing from each of their respective cultures.
it’s a small world Holiday
Plus, Disney California Adventure’s Festival of the Holidays is returning on November 13th, too! This Festival — with celebrations for Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day — includes live entertainment, themed merchandise, and traditional cuisine from around the globe at Festive Foods Marketplaces.
Disney Festival of the Holidays
Disneyland Resort’s holiday season will run from November 13th, 2026, to January 6th, 2027, so you have plenty of time to join in on the holiday fun. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland news!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your favorite thing to do at Disneyland during the holiday season? Comment below!
If you weren’t dreaming of a Disneyland Christmas before, you will be now!
Christmas at Disneyland
Disney has finally announced all the details regarding Christmas at Disneyland Resort, which is coming on November 18ththis year, and now our minds are filled with anticipation and holiday cheer. We have lots to talk about regarding the most wonderful time of the year, from exclusive snacks to the Disneyland Christmas parade. Oh, and of course, the ride overlays!
Holiday Ride Overlays
Haunted Mansion Holiday
There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to the holiday season at Disneyland Resort. However, nothing excites us more than the holiday overlays for some of our favorite rides. Tons of rides across the resort transform with seasonal overlays, creating completely new and unique experiences. No ride does it better than the transformation from Haunted Mansion to the beloved Haunted Mansion Holiday!
Haunted Mansion Holiday
The Haunted Mansion Holiday arrives for the start of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, and stays until the end of the Christmas season. The ride overlay sees Haunted Mansion transform from the classic attraction into a seasonal ride inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
The ride features Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town, who have taken over the space, showcasing what happens when two holidays collide. It’s filled with festive scenes, updated decor, holiday-infused music, iconic characters, and so much more. It’s a completely different attraction during the spooky and holiday seasons.
Oogie Boogie!
The attraction also features an annual gingerbread house, which is a fan-favorite centerpiece located inside the ballroom scene. It even has an aroma that fills the room with that nostalgic Christmas feeling. The gingerbread house is created with a new design every season, and this ever-changing display has become a tradition for Disneyland guests. We always look forward to seeing what Disney Live Entertainment puts together every single year.
“it’s a small world” Holiday
Also returning this year is “it’s a small world” Holiday, bringing Christmas cheer, bright lights, and a stunning finale. Those who love Christmas lights will not want to miss out on this ride overlay, as the ride’s iconic scenes are covered with festive overlays. Each region in the attraction celebrates the holidays in distinct ways, from Mele Kalikimaka to Feliz Navidad.
it’s a small world Holiday
The attraction also blends the classic “It’s a Small World” song with holiday classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” into a continuous musical arrangement. However, the most stunning part of this overlay has to be the way the attraction looks on the outside. The Holiday Lighting throughout the night on the attraction’s facade sees thousands of twinkling lights come to life at once. Like we said, a Christmas lights lover’s dream!
Cars Land
Over at Disney California Adventure, Cars Land is the place to be! The holiday season brings Radiator Springs holiday music, plenty of festive personality, and two attractions with seasonal overlays. The first overlay is the transformation from Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree into Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. The ride features a collection of seasonal tunes, but with Mater’s own original lyrics. The ride is filled with garland, lights, and decor!
Mater is looking festive!
The other ride overlay is the transformation from Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl. Luigi and his extended family are celebrating the holidays with festive dances to tunes sung by Luigi himself.
Snacks
It’s not a holiday party without tasty treats! Disney teased a ton of the holiday snacks and drinks that are returning this year on November 18th, and they look delicious. Let’s take a look at the full list:
Mickey Elf Shake (at Schmoozies!): Mint and chocolate cookie shake with green whipped topping and crushed peppermint candy
Fried Chicken Cone (at Cozy Cone Motel: Chili Cone Queso): Chopped fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and cheese topped with green onions
Milk and Cookies Tree-shaped Macaron (at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe): Green macaron with milk buttercream, filled with chocolate cookie dough
Cranberry Crispy Chicken Sandwich (at Galactic Grill): Fried chicken sandwich with cranberry-orange marmalade BBQ sauce, provolone, onion rings, and arugula served on a toasted bun
Entertainment
All of the holiday entertainment we love is coming back again this year, including A Christmas Fantasy Parade and “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks. Don’t forget to check out Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty Castle, as you witness a shimmering spectacle that transforms the castle every evening.
Sleeping Beauty Castle during the Holiday Season
Characters
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and some of their friends are going to celebrate the holidays in festive attire at Disneyland Park. There will be activities with Chip ‘n’ Dale, Goofy, and Pluto, including crafts, sing-alongs, and more. Santa Claus will also be coming to town!
Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland in their Holiday Best!
Decor
Of course, the park is going to feature gorgeous decor in so many different places. You may spot a skipper-inspired Christmas tree in Adventureland, tiny pieces of garland while on the Storybook Land Canal Boats, or wreaths on Main Street. Oh, and the giant Christmas tree when you enter the park!
Christmas at Disneyland 2025
Downtown Disney will even have an activity fun for the whole family, Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail. It will have you go on a search for ornaments hidden on Christmas trees.
Chip ornament
There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to Christmas at Disneyland Resort this year. We won’t see it till November 18th, so we’ll be patiently waiting. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you going to Disneyland this holiday season? Let us know in the comments!
The holiday season at Disneyland Resort is my favorite time of the year, and while I certainly love some festive gingerbread snacks and a classic Disney Christmas parade, I have always been one who gravitates toward the rides.
During the holiday season, several favorite attractions across the resort transform with seasonal overlays. Music, storytelling, and thoughtful details come together to give these rides a festive perspective, sprinkled in with a perfect dash of holiday fun.
As you make your way past the Stretching Room, into your black sleigh, and through the eerie estate, you’ll notice Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town have taken over the space, showcasing what happens when two holidays collide.
With festive scenes, updated decor, holiday-infused music, and plenty of your favorite silly spooks that may sit by your side, the attraction has a distinctly different tone during the fall and winter seasons.
Haunted Mansion Holiday Fun Fact:
Last year, Walt Disney Imagineers worked to update the Audio-Animatronics figure of Oogie Boogie near the end of the ride, featuring an adjusted pose and silhouette design. For more information on this process, check out this Instagram post from 2025.
And, as many other guests will likely agree, one of the elements I anticipate each year is the attraction’s annual gingerbread house, a fan-favorite centerpiece inside the ballroom scene with an aroma that takes you back to the Christmas of yesteryear.
Created with a new design every season, this ever-changing display has become a tradition for returning guests who look forward to seeing what Disney Live Entertainment dreams up each year.
Beyond the ballroom, even more details have been layered throughout the attraction for those exploring the Mansion. While Jack and Zero greet you on your way into the graveyard, spot Sally and other residents of Halloween Town interacting with familiar ghosts, chiming in on a playful twist on Grim Grinning Ghosts, before a final showdown with the villainous Oogie Boogie.
Haunted Mansion Holiday Fun Fact:
When Haunted Mansion Holiday debuted in October 2001, new dialogue was required for Madame Leota. As a smooth solve, the holiday version of Madame Leota was cast using the face of Kim Irvine, an Imagineer working at Disneyland who also happens to be the daughter of Leota Toombs, a.k.a the original Madame Leota.
“it’s a small world” Holiday at Disneyland park
“it’s a small world” Holiday remains a seasonal must-do, drawing guests back year after year for its whimsical charm, bright lights, and signature finale.
If you love Christmas lights like me, travel along the Seven Seaways canal and discover familiar scenes with festive overlays. Each region in the attraction celebrates the holidays in distinct ways, from the Mele Kalikimaka cheer in the South Pacific to the Feliz Navidad fun in Mexico, alongside several New Year traditions reflected throughout Europe and Asia.
The attraction’s well-known music also takes on a seasonal twist, blending It’s a Small World (After All) with holiday classics like Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls into a continuous musical arrangement that you’ll be humming all night long.
“it’s a small world” Holiday Fun Fact:
Disneyland debuted this holiday overlay of the attraction in 1997, and since then, the ride overlay has become an annual tradition at The Happiest Place on Earth filled with decorations, lighting, festive soundtracks, costumes, props, and effects.
Of course, it’s hard not to also notice the exterior of the attraction, proving to be one of the most stunning nighttime photo spots across the entire resort.
Between trips right before Thanksgiving and last-minute Disneyland visits during winter break, my family has taken countless photos in this memorable spot over the years. Be sure to also check out the Holiday Lighting throughout the night on the attraction’s facade, and watch as thousands of twinkling lights come to brilliant life at once.
Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park
At Disney California Adventure, the residents of Radiator Springs have swapped their usual day-to-day routines for the fast-paced fun of the holiday season, featuring holiday music, plenty of festive personality, and two attractions with seasonal overlays.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree puts on its holiday best during Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, where the lovable tow truck takes the lead with a collection of seasonal tunes featuring his signature humor and original lyrics.
In addition to a queue filled with festive elements and Easter eggs, tractors spin and swing around the yard, as garland, lights, and decor transform the surrounding into a true holiday hoedown.
Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
Just down the road on Route 66, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters joins the Radiator Springs holiday fun with Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, where Luigi and his extended family are celebrating the season in style with festive dances to tunes sung by Luigi himself.
Once you’ve made your way through the queue, take a seat in a classic Italian import and enjoy the ride as cars glide, spin, pivot, and cruise to the music around you, participating in synchronized choreography and dancing along to a riveting, wintry soundtrack.
Holiday Decor and More Across Disneyland Resort
Beyond these attraction overlays, charming holiday details can also be found in more subtle areas throughout each land. You may spot a skipper-inspired tree in Adventureland near the exit to the Jungle Cruise, tiny pieces of garland while on board Storybook Land Canal Boats, or wreaths on the backside of some of the Main Street Vehicles.
It’s the sweetest time of the year as we celebrate Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and we’ve got a list of delicious ways to spice up your visit with everyone’s favorite treat – gingerbread! Our chefs have been busy baking up lots of cozy treats that capture the sights, smells, and spirit of the season – now available for a limited time for all to enjoy.
Be sure to bring your appetite as you begin your jolly journey to discover all the gingerbread delights waiting for you throughout the resort.
Gingerbread Food & Beverage Offerings
(Available now through January 7)
I can already smell the signature sweet and spicy aroma of gingerbread wafting across the resort this holiday season, and the source? These decadent drinks and desserts that highlight this festive flavor!
Whether you prefer your gingerbread in cookie, cake, or churro form, there is a treat for everyone to try.
Disneyland Park
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
(Mobile order available)
Mickey Gingerbread: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie (Limit five (5) per person, per transaction)
Gingerbread-Cranberry Cheesecake Trifle: Layers of gingerbread cake, cheesecake, and cranberry compote topped with gingerbread crunch, white chocolate mousse, and a mini gingerbread man
Market House
Mickey Gingerbread: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie (Limit five (5) per person, per transaction)
Plaza Inn
Gingerbread Cake with cream cheese filling and gingerbread crunch finished with buttercream, glaze, and a chocolate gingerbread cookie
Red Rose Taverne
(Mobile order available)
Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie with sprinkles
Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train
Gingerbread Churro: Classic churro rolled in gingerbread sugar dust
The Golden Horseshoe
(Mobile order available)
Gingerbread Sundae: Gingerbread cake with vanilla ice cream and whipped topping
Harbour Galley
(Mobile order available)
Gingerbread Cookies: Fresh-baked gingerbread cookies (Available in packs of six or 13 while supplies last)
River Belle Terrace
(Reservations highly recommended)
Gingerbread Pancakes: Gingerbread sauce, spiced streusel, and vanilla chantilly cream with choice of bacon or sausage (Available until 1:55 p.m. PT)
Disney California Adventure Park
Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe
Mickey Gingerbread: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie (Limit five (5) per person, per transaction)
Outdoor Vending Locations
Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie with sprinkles
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel
(Mobile order available)
Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie with sprinkles
Chai Ginger Latte: Espresso, milk, chai syrup, white chocolate sauce, and gingerbread whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (Available hot or iced)
Grand Californian Great Hall Cart at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
For a full list of holiday food & beverage offerings at Disneyland Resort, be sure to check out our Foodie Guide!
Gingerbread Displays
Spotting all of the Disneyland Resort gingerbread displays is always one of my favorite holiday traditions, and this year’s magnificent masterpieces are certainly a must-see.
Baked, assembled, and decorated by a talented team of pastry chefs, these confectionery creations are carefully crafted and overflowing with festive cheer.
Lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
This year’s glorious gingerbread display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is truly grand. The house’s facade mimics the architectural design of the hotel, specifically giving a nod to the new Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast character dining experience new this year at Storytellers Cafe. You can even spot characters like Scrooge McDuck, and 25 Hidden Mickeys are nestled into the piece!
Using features of the American Craftsman style of design and the distinct color palette of brown and green earthy tones seen throughout the Grand Californian, the talented pastry team added elements like snow, bows, and wreaths to make the house truly feel like a holiday home. It took 520 pounds of gingerbread dough and 720 hours to produce this festive feat, which guests can now find in the hotel lobby.
Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park
This year’s gingerbread house inside the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction is an homage to the Raven, one of the mansion’s ghostly inhabitants who guides guests on their journey, but takes a holiday of his own when the residents of Halloween Town come to visit.
Titled “A Murder Most Fowl,” the gingerbread house showcases 13 crows taking up residence in this haunting abode in his absence, and these feathered friends may be spotted moving from their perch, or watching you pass by with their glowing red eyes. A team of eight pastry chefs needed nearly 20 days and over 200 pounds of gingerbread to assemble this sweet spectacle, which stands at 13 feet tall.
This is a must-see and smell item for your holiday bucket list, especially because the mansion ballroom does indeed possess the scent of fresh gingerbread.
More Ways to Enjoy Gingerbread at Disneyland Resort
The gingerbread fun doesn’t stop there! Chip ‘n’ Dale can be found gleefully greeting guests in their festive gingerbread outfits for a limited time in Town Square in Disneyland Park. And as part of the seasonal celebrations, guests can spot some dancing gingerbread cookies in “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” as these cheerful characters make their way down Main Street, U.S.A.*.
In addition to these bites, beverages, and beautiful displays, don’t miss out on other sweet surprises – like the adorable gingerbread-themed merchandise from DisneyStore.com and at Disney Parks.
With so many ways to enjoy gingerbread, the Holidays at Disneyland Resort is truly a feast for the senses.
Never miss a moment of the magic this holiday season – keep an eye on the Disney Eats topics page and follow @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook for the sweetest food and beverage news.
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
(*Entertainment, experiences and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.)
At Disneyland park, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals are debuting new holiday looks that put a festive spin on their 70th Celebration attire.
Disney California Adventure park character entertainment includes ‘Mickey’s Happy Holidays,’ ‘The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special,’ and more.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel are hosting holiday character dining.
Disneyland Resort is absolutely enchanting during the holiday season. The entire resort is adorned in twinkling lights and countless ornaments. Plus, characters at both theme parks and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort don their festive finest for this joyous time of year.
The fun begins November 14, 2025, and continues through January 7, 2026!
Where to Find Santa Claus at Disneyland Resort
Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus himself makes stops around Disneyland Resort for photo opportunities and to hear families’ holiday wishes. Say ho-ho-hello to St. Nick through December 24, 2025.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California Adventure transforms into a jolly playground with games, festive activities, and a fun search for brightly colored presents along the trail.
At California Adventure, some characters sport Santa hats, dress up in classic holiday outfits, or add festive accessories. These photo ops and sightings are unique to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.
On Buena Vista Street, you may find classic Disney characters dressed in retro-inspired wintry wear. Their outfits complement the nostalgic décor on the park’s 50-foot-tall Christmas tree.
In Cars Land, Mater gets into the spirit by sporting a giant Santa hat. You “auto” stop by to see for yourself!
Holiday Characters on Buena Vista Street
Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Goofy
Donald Duck
Daisy Duck
Pluto
Clarabelle Cow
Holiday Characters at Grizzly Peak
Carl
Russell
Dug
‘The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special’
After making his Disneyland Resort debut last year, Deadpool is back for more holiday hilarity and super special seasonal stories. You can see him during “The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special” near Avengers Campus.
This limited-time entertainment offering celebrates the season in the way only Deadpool can. At select performances, Wolverine may also stop by.
Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure
Culinary creations, cultural entertainment and, of course, many Disney characters can be found throughout California Adventure during the vibrant Disney Festival of Holidays, November 14, 2025, through January 7, 2026.
‘Mickey’s Happy Holidays’
Groove along to magically merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers as they travel along the streets of California Adventure. You’ll also spot Disney friends and Pixar pals during this daily, high-energy holiday procession.
Featured Characters May Include:
Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Joy
Mr. & Mrs. Incredible
Frozone
Woody
Jessie
Bo Peep
‘Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season’
The greatest holiday gifts are the memories created with people we love. On select days, Mirabel and her friends gather at Paradise Gardens Park for their own Fiesta de Navidad celebration.
During this whimsical returning street performance, sing along to “Surface Pressure,” “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” and other catchy tunes from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto.
‘A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!’
Also on select days, you may encounter Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco at Carthay Circle as he joins Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland for heartfelt stories and holiday songs.
The daily cultural celebration at Paradise Gardens Park features live music, specialty dishes, and character appearances inspired by Latin American traditions – with a touch of Disney flair.
Meet Mirabel at the Paradise Gardens gazebo. On select days, other members of the Madrigal family may make appearances as well.
Sing, samba and shout “ay caramba!” On Saturdays and Sundays, The Three Caballeros – Jose Carioca, Panchito, and Donald Duck – are joined by folklorico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, and more during the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.”
Holiday Characters at Disneyland Park
Disney characters are dressed for the occasion at Disneyland park! When making stops at Main Street, U.S.A., Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals are wearing newly designed, festive outfits that put a “holiday spin” on their looks from the 70th Celebration.
In New Orleans Square, Santa Jack and Sally are sharing season’s screamings at the Royal Courtyard through December 24.
‘A Christmas Fantasy Parade’
A treasured tradition, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. It features many Disney characters and a procession of prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, and dancing gingerbread cookies.
Characters in the Parade May Include:
Buzz Lightyear and Woody
Green Army Men and Jessie
Anna, Elsa, and Olaf
Max Goof
Belle and Beast
Snow White and The Prince
Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip
Cinderella and Prince Charming
‘Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!’
This returning experience at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland features festivities throughout each day through December 24. In addition to greeting Disney characters, you can watch animated shorts, sing along to holiday songs, and more.
Characters You May Spot at the Fantasyland Theatre
Chip ‘n’ Dale
Goofy
Pluto
Elsa
Jiminy Cricket (on select days)
‘Disney Holiday Dance Party’ in Tomorrowland
Dance along to holiday tunes and upbeat jams, while Disney characters appear on stage, during a holiday dance party for the whole family at Tomorrowland Terrace.
The dance party begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues through 9:30 p.m., daily during the holiday season. Drop by at different times throughout the party. Who knows which characters you’ll encounter and songs you’ll hear?
Characters You May Find at Tomorrowland Terrace
Chip ‘n’ Dale
Stitch
Goofy
Pluto
Tip: Check Schedules with the Disneyland App
Select character locations and schedules are listed on the Disneyland app.* On the day of your visit, the app can be a helpful tool to find characters or check when a show is scheduled to perform.
Holiday Character Dining at Disneyland Resort Hotels
For a limited time, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel are hosting holiday buffets, with a selection of scrumptious, seasonal menu items. Disney characters make appearances throughout the meal, showing off festive outfits.
These experiences are an amazing value for all the delicious food you care to enjoy and the opportunity to meet multiple characters at one location. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Character Dining at Storytellers Cafe
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026, Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunchfeatures Disney friends in festive colors and plaid fabrics. You’re welcome to dine in your coziest fashion, including your pajamas.
For a memorable yuletide dinner, Storytellers Cafe presents Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026. Mickey Mouse, Scrooge McDuck, and more characters come together in looks inspired by the classic Christmas story.
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!
Over at the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen joins the seasonal festivities with a holiday breakfast, brunch, and dinner, November 17, 2025 through January 6, 2026. Goofy and his pals put on their merry best, mixing classic red and green colors with pastels, print, and snowy sparkles.
Douglas Fir at Downtown Disney District
New this year, you may encounter Douglas Fir, a talking Christmas tree, roaming around Downtown Disney District daily throughout the holiday season.
Learn More About Christmas Lights and Bites at Disneyland
Finding holiday characters is just some of the wintery wonderment that awaits during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Check out our guide to the décor, merchandise, nighttime spectaculars, and more to put on your itinerary.
For the foodies hungry for seasonal eats and peppermint treats, stay tuned! Disney Eats will release the full list of limited-time menu items for Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Festival of Holidays closer to opening day.
To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.
*Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
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