Holidays at the Disneyland Resort started Nov. 13 and run through Jan. 6. A Christmas Fantasy Parade is back, and World of Color: Season of Light returned after skipping 2025.
The holidays have officially arrived in Anaheim.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort began Friday, Nov. 13, and run through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027, Disneyland Resort announced. The season brings back holiday parades, fireworks, ride overlays and seasonal food at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
The biggest change this year is a returning show that sat out last season.
Is World of Color: Season of Light back at Disneyland?
Yes. World of Color: Season of Light returned to Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure on Nov. 13, Fox LA reports.
The holiday version of the nighttime water show did not run in 2025. Disney kept World of Color Happiness going during the Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration instead, Deep Arrival reports.
This year’s Season of Light includes scenes from “Beauty and the Beast” and “Inside Out,” WDWMagic reports.
Disney also plans a World of Color: Season of Light Dessert Party. Details are expected later.
What holiday shows are at Disneyland Park?
Two big favorites are back at Disneyland Park:
A Christmas Fantasy Parade: The parade features toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, prancing reindeer and Disney characters, with Santa Claus in the finale. It runs daily during the holiday season, Disney Tourist Blog reports.
Believe In Holiday Magic: The fireworks show includes snowfall effects over Main Street, U.S.A.
Good parade viewing spots include the area near “it’s a small world” Holiday, near Matterhorn Bobsleds and along Main Street, U.S.A., according to Disney Tourist Blog.
Which Disneyland rides get holiday makeovers?
Two Disneyland Park classics get their holiday overlays:
Haunted Mansion Holiday: The attraction takes on a theme from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
“it’s a small world” Holiday: The ride gets holiday music and decorations, and its exterior is lit with about 400,000 lights, WDWInfo reports.
Over in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl also return with holiday overlays, Fox LA reports.
What is new at Disney California Adventure for the holidays?
Disney Festival of Holidays is back at Disney California Adventure, with multicultural entertainment and seasonal food and drinks.
Viva Navidad returned for the 2026 festival, WDW News Today reports. The street party features the Three Caballeros.
Mickey’s Happy Holidays Cavalcade is also rolling through the park, according to WDW News Today. The Holiday Toy Drummers and Mickey and friends in winter outfits appear on Buena Vista Street, WDWInfo reports.
The Disney California Adventure Christmas tree has new, warmer lights this year, WDW News Today reports.
Where can you meet Santa at Disneyland?
Santa Claus has a new location in Disneyland Park this year, Attractions Magazine reports. Check the Disneyland app for times and the exact spot.
Mickey and friends are also wearing new winter outfits for the season.
Are there holiday tours or dining packages?
Yes. The Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour is back for an extra cost. It covers holiday traditions and stories about Walt Disney and his family, plus reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy Parade, according to Disneyland Resort.
Disney is also offering an A Christmas Fantasy Parade dining package at Plaza Inn, WDWInfo reports.
What is happening at Downtown Disney?
Chip ‘n Dale’s Ornament Trail has returned to Downtown Disney for the holidays, WDW News Today reports. Downtown Disney’s evening snowfall also returned, as we reported earlier this month.
New resort-themed holiday merchandise has also arrived across the Disneyland Resort.
How long do the Disneyland holidays last?
The holiday season runs from Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 6, 2027.
Late November and December are some of the busiest times of the year at Disneyland. If you are planning a visit, it helps to:
Arrive early for the best ride wait times.
Pick your parade spot at least 30 to 45 minutes before showtime.
Check the Disneyland app for show times, which can change daily.
Make dining reservations as early as you can.
Which Disneyland holiday tradition is your favorite? Tell us what you are most excited to see this season.
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:
Disneyland Resort (Aug. 26, 2026), the holiday season dates and offerings
Fox LA (Aug. 2026), World of Color’s return and the Cars Land overlays
Deep Arrival (2026), why Season of Light skipped 2025
WDWMagic (Aug. 26, 2026), World of Color scenes and dining packages
Disney Tourist Blog (2026), A Christmas Fantasy Parade viewing tips
WDWInfo (2026), “it’s a small world” Holiday lights and Buena Vista Street entertainment
WDW News Today (Nov. 14, 2026), Viva Navidad, the Cavalcade, the tree and the Ornament Trail
Attractions Magazine (2026), Santa’s new location
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.