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 Disneyland and 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.

DATES AND RETURNING ATTRACTIONS ANNOUNCED FOR DISNEYLAND’S HOLIDAY SEASON

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What’s your favorite holiday overlay at Disney? Tell us in the comments!

Disneyland has announced that it will debut a new verse to the iconic “it’s a small world” song on July 17th. The new verse will be added to the attraction in honor of the late legendary composer Richard M. Sherman. This new verse is Sherman’s final contribution to Disney. Here’s the announcement from Disneyland:

Additionally, we are honored to share that we will be premiering this third and final verse in the “it’s a small world” attraction at Disneyland, beginning July 17. 

There is no word on whether or not the new verse will also debut at Walt Disney World.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!