Snow caps are already on Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world” closes Oct. 30 for its holiday makeover and Viva Navidad is moving. Here’s what’s changing before Nov. 13.
Halloween isn’t even over, and Disneyland is already getting ready for Christmas.
Crews started putting fake snow on the rooftops of Sleeping Beauty Castle earlier than ever this year, WDW News Today reported on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Two days in, almost every blue roof was capped, with just a couple of peaks left to finish.
Wreaths, garlands and icicles come later. The full holiday season at the Disneyland Resort runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 6, 2027.
The snow-covered castle is just the start. A few bigger changes are coming, too, including a new spot for one of Disney California Adventure’s holiday parties.
Here’s “it’s a small world” Holiday on its opening night last year, from Waltz On Main:
When does “it’s a small world” close for the holidays?
On Oct. 30. The Fantasyland ride runs as usual until then, then closes for its holiday makeover and reopens Nov. 13 with the holiday overlay, Disney Dining reported, citing Disneyland’s schedule.
Crews have already hung Christmas lights on the facade, but they won’t switch on until Nov. 13. A Santa hat goes on the clock face once the ride closes.
Inside, the dolls get holiday outfits, there’s a holiday soundtrack and thousands of lights. The facade also gets nighttime projections starting at dusk, Attractions Magazine noted.
Where is Viva Navidad moving at Disney California Adventure?
To the area near Award Wieners and Schmoozies. The street party used to run between Jumpin’ Jellyfish and Paradise Gardens Park, but it’s moving because of construction on the upcoming Coco attraction, MickeyBlog reported.
The lineup sounds the same. Look for the Three Caballeros, Mickey and Minnie, folklorico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, drummers and 12-foot mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where is Santa at Disneyland this year?
He has a new spot. Santa will be at Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn, near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, through Dec. 24, Attractions Magazine reported. He’ll also turn up at other spots around the resort.
What holiday events are coming back to Disneyland?
Most of the favorites, all running Nov. 13 through Jan. 6, according to Attractions Magazine:
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade” on Main Street, U.S.A.
“Believe ... in Holiday Magic” fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle, with snow effects
Wintertime Enchantment, when the castle lights up in stages each evening
Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, including Viva Navidad
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl in Cars Land
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade
Festive Foods Marketplace, with the Sip and Savor Pass
“World of Color - Season of Light” is coming back too, but its schedule isn’t out yet. So is “Holiday Fun with Santa & Friends!” at the Fantasyland Theatre, though Disneyland hasn’t posted dates. Last year it ran Nov. 15 through Dec. 24.
Over in Downtown Disney, Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail returns Nov. 13, while supplies last.
The map cost $10 last year, and this year’s price hasn’t been announced, Attractions Magazine noted. Mickey and his friends also get new winter outfits this season. Haunted Mansion Holiday has been running since Aug. 21 and stays through Jan. 6.
Is Disneyland having a Halloween merchandise sale?
Yes, and it’s early. Disneyland marked down some Halloween merchandise by up to 40% with two weeks still to go, WDW News Today reported. A few examples:
Mickey and Minnie light-up jack-o’-lanterns: $23.99, down from $39.99
Pastel Minnie ghost blow mold: $41.99, down from $69.99
Pumpkin boxed jewelry sets: $29.99, down from $49.99
The rest of the Pastel Cutie Ghost Collection is 30% off, including apparel, ear headbands and home goods. Look for it at Disney Showcase, the Emporium and other stores around the resort.
When does Halloween Time end at Disneyland?
Halloween Time runs through Oct. 31, and the holiday season starts Nov. 13. That leaves about two weeks where the castle wears snow and the stores still have pumpkins.
So if you’re visiting in early November, you’ll see the decorations going up without most of the holiday entertainment. Small world, at least, will be back to its full Christmas glow by the 13th.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
WDW News Today (Oct. 14, 2026), the castle snow, holiday dates and the Halloween sale
Disney Dining (Oct. 14, 2026), the small world closure and reopening
MickeyBlog, Cassie Agundes (Oct. 14, 2026), the Viva Navidad move and lineup
Attractions Magazine, Philip Hernandez (Aug. 26, 2026), holiday events, dates and Santa’s spot
Waltz On Main on YouTube (Nov. 16, 2025), the small world video
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.