Experience the Magic: What Holidays Does Disneyland Decorate For?
Chantelle KincyAre you wanting to visit the Disneyland Resort and wondering what holidays the park will be decorated for?
As a Disney Certified travel agent and a frequent visitor to the enchanting world of Disneyland, I’m thrilled to share my expertise and experiences with you.
If you’ve ever wondered about the holidays Disneyland celebrates and how they transform the park into a wonderland of magic and joy, you’ve come to the right place!
Join me on this exhilarating journey as we explore the holidays that Disneyland decorates for, the captivating decorations you can expect, and the delightful special events that make each celebration even more extraordinary.
As Alice says ” Every adventure begins with the first step“, so let’s get to it!
What Holidays Does Disneyland Resort Decorate For?
Halloween Time at Disneyland
Halloween Time at Disneyland is a spooky delight that you won’t want to miss!
From the first week of September to the beginning of November, guests can expect a host of chilling activities, decorations, and thrilling events.
The entire park is decked out in ghostly garlands and colorful pumpkins, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.
[mailerlite_form form_id=5]Guests can join in on Halloween-themed parades filled with fun costumes and energetic dancing.
The Main Street USA area is full of pumpkins carved into classic characters from your favorite Disney movies.
But don’t forget about all the spooktacular treats! Sweet and savory snacks such as ghoulishly good cupcakes and caramel apples are available throughout parts of the park for those looking for a tasty treat.
When does Disneyland Decorate for Halloween?
Disneyland decorates for Halloween every year from September 1 to October 31.
What are the Decorations at Disneyland at Halloween?
Pumpkins, pumpkins, everywhere! It’s Halloween, so expect to see jack o lanterns where ever you turn, in a way that only Disney can produce.
Hand Carved jack o lanterns in the shapes of your favorite Disney Characters adorn gates, windows, ride turnstiles, and other fun surprise places.
Immediately upon entering the park, you will be greeted by a gigantic Mickey-shaped pumpkin at the beginning of Main Street USA.
All of your favorite Disney Characters will be dressed up for the holidays too! Snap some fun pics with Mickey and the gang all dressed up in their best Halloween attire. Keep an eye out for special appearances from Jack Skellington and Sally too!
Find ghoulish Halloween treats at all of your favorite restaurants and snack carts throughout the Halloween season.
Be on the lookout for Halloween-themed cupcakes, and candy apples at Main Street Bakery, specially-themed Churros, and other autumn treats.
During the Holiday Season (starting Sept 1) Jack Skellington takes over the Haunted Mansion and it becomes a haunted mansion holiday. With theming from The Nightmare Before Christmas, the mansion is transformed into a fun and spooky journey through the film’s beloved characters.
Be sure to stick around the park after dark and head towards the castle to watch the light and projection show flash across the castle, as you sing along with Halloween Tunes.
Some nights, this event is followed up by the famous Disneyland Fireworks. Be sure and check your Disneypark app, to see if fireworks are planned during your visit!
Over at California Adventure, you can find Halloween Decorations too, as Cars Land is transformed into a ghost town. Look for Luigis Honkin Haul o Ween and Maters Graveyard JamBOOre.
What special events are there at Disneyland during Halloween?
🎃 Starting September 8, you can join in on Plutos Pumpkin Pursuit. This fun scavenger hunt is fun for the whole family.
Here’s how to play:
- Pick up your game board and stickers for $9.99 plus tax at select merchandise locations.
- Have fun searching for hidden decorative pumpkins based on Disney characters and placing the corresponding stickers on your game board.
- Whether you choose to search for pumpkins or not, return your game board to a redemption location—for a keepsake.
You can get your game board at
- Acorns Gifts & Goods (Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa)
- Disney Home
- Disney’s Fantasia Shop (Located at the Disneyland Hotel)
- Disney’s Pin Traders
- small world Gifts & Sundries (Located at the Disneyland Hotel)
- The Disney Dress Shop
- WonderGround Gallery
- World of Disney
After you have completed the hunt, you can receive your prize at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders.
👻 On select nights in September and October, you can enjoy the Oogie Boogie Bash. The celebration is located at California Adventure and requires a ticket to the party, other than your normal park ticket.
You can wear your favorite costume to help really get in the Halloween Spirit. At the Oogie Boogie Bash, you can find fun photo opportunities, trick-or-treating parades, and unique character interactions.
With your Oogie Boogie Bash ticket, you can enter Disney California Adventure Park 3 hours before the party starts. The party lasts for 5 hours.
Does Disneyland cost more at Halloween?
Disneyland does not cost more at Halloween, but you will have to pay extra (and book early) for extra experiences such as the Oogie Boogie Bash.
Is Disneyland Busy at Halloween?
Yes. Disneyland is super busy during the month of October. Be prepared for crazy crowds, especially on weekends.
I recommend arriving at the park 30 minutes before opening and then taking advantage of the rope drop to get to the popular attractions first.
Día de los Muertos
Have you seen Coco? If so, you may have a general idea of what Dia de los Muertos is. If you’ve never heard of “Dia de los Muertos,” you might be wondering what it’s all about. Well, hold onto your Mickey’s ears because we’re about to dive into this vibrant and magical Mexican tradition!
Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a super colorful and festive holiday celebrated in Mexico. But here’s the twist – it’s not a spooky Halloween-like event! Instead, it’s a beautiful celebration to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.`
Picture this: imagine the streets filled with vibrant marigold flowers, colorful papel picado (fancy cut-out paper decorations), and delightful sugar skulls everywhere! It’s like stepping into a kaleidoscope of happiness and love.
The heart of Dia de los Muertos is the belief that on this special day, the spirits of the departed come back to visit their families. But don’t worry, these spirits are not scary ghosts; they’re actually welcomed with open arms and warm hearts.
Families create colorful altars adorned with photos, candles, favorite foods, and even toys for the children who have passed on. It’s a joyful reunion with lots of love and laughter.
Now, let’s talk about the yummy part – Families prepare delicious feasts during Dia de los Muertos. There’s pan de muerto (a sweet bread shaped like bones), tamales (mmm, those savory-filled corn husks!), and of course, lots of scrumptious Mexican dishes that will make your taste buds dance.
But wait, there’s more! One of the coolest parts of Dia de los Muertos is the Calavera makeup! Kids and grown-ups alike paint their faces to look like whimsical sugar skulls, turning the streets into a magical masquerade party! It’s like Halloween meets a vibrant carnival.
So, if you ever find yourself in Mexico during late October and early November, get ready to experience Dia de los Muertos. You’ll be enchanted by the joy, the colors, and the love that fills the air during this heartwarming celebration.
Dia de los Muertos at Disneyland
From September 1- November 2 you can find Dia de los Muertos celebrated at Disneyland. Head over to Frontier Land and visit El Zólcalo Park (near Big Thunder Mountain).
You’ll see calacas (skeleton figures) set up as mariachi musicians, flowers, and other decorations common to Dia de los Muertos. To really get in the festive spirit, grab dinner at Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante.
Christmas at Disneyland
Christmas at Disneyland is nothing short of pure magic. It’s honestly my favorite time to visit the parks. Yes, it is busy, but it is so worth it.
There is Christmas magic around every corner, from treats to decorations, gingerbread scented snowfall, Disney at Christmas is a must-do event for true Disney lovers.
When does Disneyland Decorate for Christmas?
Christmas season comes early at Disney, and you can begin celebrating on the 2nd weekend of November. The celebration lasts through the first weekend of January.
What decorations are at Disneyland and Christmas?
All the Christmas decorations. Everything you can imagine is decorated. At the start of Main Street USA, you’ll find an enormous Christmas Tree decorated with elaborate decorations.
Down the street, the light posts are adorned with wreaths and garland spans from one side of the street to the other.
The castle is decorated in icicles and is absolutely stunning when lit up. You can also watch a holiday-themed projection show on the castle, its small world, and main street buildings during the fireworks show.
All of your favorite Disney friends will be decked out in their holiday attire. You can find delicious holiday treats including the famous Disney hand-pulled candy canes.
Some of the attractions will have holiday theming as well including the Haunted Manion themed from Nightmare Before Christmas, It’s a small world that has a Christmas overlay too.
What special activities are at Disneyland during Christmas?
Be sure and check your Disney app to help you schedule your time in the parks to not miss any of the holiday celebrations.
If you have more than one park day, you can try and do a couple of celebrations each day instead of trying to get them all on one day.
The Christmas Fantasy Parade is my favorite part of Disney Christmas. All your favorite characters are there along with some Christmas-time special guests like life-size toy soldiers (the best part), gingerbread men, and even Santa Claus makes an appearance. Get a spot early to see the parade.
Sleeping Beauty’s castle celebrates winter enchantment every evening, and you can watch it shimmer and shine in the most beautiful light display in the parks.
Small World Holiday Display lights up each night with bright colored lights and animations. It’s a lot of fun to count down to its lighting.
Fireworks show and projections- enjoy a special holiday-themed fireworks show. Try to get a spot in front of the castle to enjoy the magical snowfall after the show. The snow smells like Christmas, and happiness, and is so much fun! If you have kids or want to feel like a kid again, the snow will be the perfect way to end your night.
You can watch the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony each night, shop for holiday merchandise, listen to carols sung by the Dapper Dans or watch the candlelight processional.
If you want to enjoy one of the hand-pulled candy canes, you’ll need to line up early on Mainstreet. Only a certain number are given each day. Once in line, you will be given a number, and you can use that number to pick up your candy cane later in the day.
Does Disneyland Cost Extra During Christmas?
No, park tickets do not cost extra during the holiday season.
Is Disneyland Busy at Christmas?
Disneyland is extremely busy at Christmas. If you want to experience the holiday magic with fewer crowds, try to go in mid-November, or the very first week of December.
Disney Festival of Holidays
At Disney California Adventure, you can experience holiday magic, even if you don’t celebrate Christmas.
Festival of Holidays celebrates, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Three Kings Day, and Kwanzaa. You’ll be immersed in holiday magic from delicious treats to festive decorations to lively parades.
You can join a street party like ¡Viva Navidad!, watch musical performances by the toy drummers, enjoy holiday decorations down Buena Vista Street, and a special holiday World of Color presentation.
Kids can meet Santa Clause at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Lunar New Year
Celebrating the rich traditions of the East, Disneyland embraces the Lunar New Year with vibrant decorations, thrilling entertainment, and delicious food offerings.
Join Mickey, Minnie, and friends as they don stunning traditional attire, and immerse yourself in the joyful festivities.
The park features decorative lanterns, ornate gardens, and beautiful displays that honor the Chinese zodiac. Delight in special performances, including traditional dances and music, and savor the delectable flavors of Asian cuisine.
This celebration is located in Disney California Adventure and is held in January.
Final Thoughts on Disney During the Holidays
Disneyland is a place where magic knows no bounds, and their holiday celebrations are no exception.
Disneyland’s decorations and special events will captivate your imagination and create memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, experiencing the park during these holiday seasons is an absolute must.
So, plan your trip accordingly and get ready to be swept away by the enchantment that Disneyland has to offer!
Remember, as a Disney Certified travel agent with extensive firsthand knowledge, I’m here to assist you in creating the most magical and unforgettable Disney vacation. I can help you take advantage of the Disney payment plan, as well as secure dining reservations and magical extras.
Contact me for personalized guidance and tips to make your trip to Disneyland as magical as possible.
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