8 Must Dos for Those Visiting Disneyland This Holiday Season

October 23, 2017

With the Holiday Season inching ever closer, those planning on visiting Disneyland this Christmas are in for a real treat. There is so much to see, do and explore across the two theme parks, that narrowing in on must-dos for your Christmas hit-list can be a bit of a challenge. We think just being at Disneyland during the Yuletide Season is magical enough with Main Street U.S.A decorated and the Sleeping Beauty Castle adorned with thousands of lights. But, for those looking to really experience all that Disneyland has to offer start by giving some of our 8 Christmas must-dos a try!

1. Ride the Attractions with Christmas-themed Overlays. Each year, Disney converts a couple of its much loved holiday attractions into Christmas-themed wonderlands providing an experience you won’t get any other time of year. “it’s a small world” Holiday sees the classic attraction transformed with nearly 300,000 magical lights. Inside you’ll also find the animatronic dolls signing Christmas classics like Jingle Bells or Deck the Halls. Starting during the Halloween Season, Jack Skellington, Sally and friends also take up residence at The Haunted Mansion giving it a Halloween/Christmas makeover. You’ll be amazed at the amazing details and storylines brought in making it feel like a brand new attraction. Also be on the lookout for the giant gingerbread house. A new gingerbread creation is assembled each year and is bound to “wow.”

2. Treat yourself to the Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour – Perfect for Disney-lovers and Christmas-lovers alike, this 2.5 hour walk tour takes guests through both parks and provides a close-up look at how Disney undergoes its seasonal transformation. The tour typically includes the chance to ride some of the specially themed holiday attractions, reserved seating for A Christmas Fantasy Parade, a tasty treat or two, as well as a collectable pin. The tour will be offered daily from November 10 – January 7, 2018 and the cost is $85 per person. A valid theme park admission ticket is required to attend. Guests can make reservations online or by calling 714.781.TOUR.

3. Check out ¡Viva Navidad! – Definitely set aside time to check out this Celebration of Latin American Christmas traditions taking place at Disney California Adventure Park. The festivities will kick off in November where visitors to Paradise Gardens can enjoy an amazing lineup of guest artists including bands, comics and storytellers on hand to spread the Christmas cheer. The Paradise Garden Grill also serves up a mouth-watering array of seasonal Mexican specialities. Guests should also keep an eye out for much-loved Disney characters who have been known to make appearances at this event all dressed up for the holidays!

4. Line-up to get a hand-pulled Candy Cane – There’s nothing more synonymous with Christmas at Disneyland than getting your hands on the hand-pulled candy canes that are released in very limited batches each year. Nabbing one of these tasty treats can be pretty competitive as the parks will only release them on select dates. They’re typically available at Candy Palace at Disneyland and Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure and will set you back $12.99. We’ll let you know as soon as Disneyland releases the list of this year’s on-sale dates.

5. Stay for the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular: The ultimate send-off for your Disneyland Christmas visit, this breathtaking evening fireworks display features incredible pyrotechnics, seasonal songs and 80,000 glowing lights transforming Sleeping Beauty Castle into a Winter palace complete with snow-capped roofs and dangling icicles. There’s also a magical snow flurry that falls down Main Street U.S.A. , nears Rivers of American and in front of “it’s a small world” Holiday providing you with breathtaking memories you’ll never forget. Performances start on November 10, 2017 and will run until January 7, 2018.

6. Tell Santa whether you’ve been naughty or nice – Those hoping to cozy up to Santa and tell him what’s on your holiday wish list are in luck. He makes an appearance each year at both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. Visitors can find him at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California Adventure Park where you can also take part in other festive activities including character photo ops, and elf games. Or for those visiting Disneyland park, you’ll find him in Critter Country. Guests staying at one of Disneyland’s three onsite resorts should also check with the front desk as Santa has been known to pop up at each of the hotels in the lead-in to Christmas.

7. Celebrate the Season with “World of Color -Season of Light”- Slated to make a return in 2017, this amazing nighttime show will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. This production taking place on Paradise Pier offers an impressive combination of water projections, pyrotechnics, classic holiday songs and is tied together by key scenes from much-loved Disney animated films. Highlights include clips from Lady and the Tramp, Toy Story, Lilo and Stitch and the Three Caballeros just to name a few.

8. Stake out your spot for A Christmas Fantasy Parade – You’ll definitely want to take time away from the rides and attractions to enjoy this seasonal afternoon parade. Guests can ring in the Holiday Season with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy as well as the Disney Princesses in this much-loved celebration. The parade features marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread men, prancing reindeer and there’s even a visit from Santa himself. The parade is on the schedule from November 10, 2017, and is slated to run twice daily at 1:00 and 3:30pm. Guests should note that slots fill up quickly, especially those along Main Street U.S.A so arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to find your perfect spot.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this taste of what’s to come during this year’s Holiday Season. Keep following along with Disney Addicts and our sister site Chip and Co. for the latest in Disneyland Christmas news and updates.

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