The Holidays are in full swing at the Disneyland Resort. There’s an overwhelming number of things to see, do, and eat this year. But don’t worry, we sacrifice our stomachs for you and dive right in to bring you all the dazzling details.

First an overview of the holidays from pals Arielle Harris and Dusty Sage

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

For Your Listening Pleasure

While you are reading the update, click play below and listen to the brand new holiday MiceChat Podcast from Dusty Sage and Doug Barnes. The guys dish on the holidays, the SeaWorld buyout rumors, Themed Entertainment award announcements and a whole lot more.

Holiday Decor around the Parks

Disney was running to the finish line this year to meet the November 9th deadline for the start of the holiday the Season. They were swapping pumpkins for garland right up to the last minute, it was a lot of work to complete in a very short period of time. But it’s all merry and bright now.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

New Christmas Tree

The iconic Christmas Tree at the northern point of Town Square in Disneyland was replaced this year. The artificial tree has a more lifelike look with irregularly placed branches and a varied texture.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort



The Grand Californian Tree was up in record time, it was nowhere to be seen just a few days prior. , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

And Disney California Adventure’s tree is in the same spot as last year, at the end of Buena Vist Street near Elias and Co.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

Christmas Fantasy Parade

The beloved Christmas Fantasy Parade is now showing daily. It’s a long parade with many units and lots of performers. An old-school Disneyland offering.

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, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

Is the Christmas Fantasy Parade a classic or is it time for an update?

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party

One of the best little Christmas charms is in Disney California Adventure park, the delightful Viva Navidad! We highly recommend you take the time to celebrate with The Three Caballeros, giant puppets, musicians and Mickey at this high energy show!

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Festival of the Holidays

The holiday food festival is back with great new offerings and entertainment.

Below are some of the many treats you can find at this event. We’ve listed our favorites in red and green below.

  • A Twist on Tradition – try holiday classics infused with a festive kick like pozole rojo beef with hominy polenta or “chicken-less” mole with Spanish rice
  • Blissfully Braised – savor slow-cooked plates like pork belly adobo with garlic fried rice or cornbread cakes with collard greens and smoked bacon gravy
  • Brews & Bites – imbibe in a variety of brews followed by chorizo queso fundido with house-made tortilla chips
  • Favorite Things – indulge in holiday ham shanks and Reuben potato tots or sip an eggnog cocktail with whipped cream and nutmeg dusting
  • Grandma’s Recipes – head home for the holidays with time-honored treats like beef pot roast on a potato roll, candied yams and gingerbread Mickey cookies
  • Holiday Duets – harmonize with perfect pairings of shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage or curry cauliflower soup with braised lamb and mintchurri
  • Making Spirits Bright – deliver the perfect toast with pomegranate, pear or white cranberry mimosas as well as imported and domestic wines
  • Merry Mashups – kick things off with turkey-and-stuffing tamales, lox-and-everything-bagel nachos or “hot cocoa” marshmallow macarons
  • Spicy Celebrations – heat things up with Nashville hot fried turkey, jalapeño latkes and chocolate chipotle pot de crème
  • Visions of Sugarplums – make dreams come true with white chocolate cranberry blondies, warm sticky toffee pudding or horchata fudge
  • Winter Wonders – cozy up to pumpkin soup with maple cashew cream, chana masala with grilled garlic naan or a vanilla-and-cranberry trifle
  • Winter Sliderland – sink your teeth into roasted turkey sliders with cranberry sauce, holiday stuffing mac & cheese and milk chocolate-candy cane pot de crème

What are your favorites?

The festival booths are set up along the parade route again this year, with one additional booth on Grizzly Trail.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

You’ll also find merchandise and entertainment along the way.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

There’s a small selection of Festival of the Holidays Merchandise – shirts, pins, blankets and tumblers.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

Parkwide Food Offerings

It’s not just the Festival of Holidays at DCA where you’ll find seasonal dishes. Dusty Sage and Chef Toby chat about park-wide treats you’ll find this year!

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Popcorn and Drink holders are always in high demand.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Hot Chocolate Macaroon is a winner
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Holiday Themed Cake Pops

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
LIttle Green Men Macaroon
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Woopie pie.
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Churros, churros, churros

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort , The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Gingerbread fries. They are made from funnel cake batter and dusted with gingerbread flavor, caramel, and whipped cream. Delicious.

Holiday Merchandise

It’s still early in the season, but we’ve noticed that a lot of guests are already in the spirit and wearing Disney holiday attire. You’ll find Christmas clothes, ornaments and gifts throughout the resort.

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We’ve only just scratched the surface here folks. There’s a lot more to see and do. . .

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Small World Holiday
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Haunted Mansion Holiday
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Castle lighting ceremony
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Snow on Grizzly Trail at DCA
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Extensive Cars Land holiday decorations

And don’t forget Santa, who you can take photos with at both Disneyland and California Adventure.

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland’s Santa is in Critter Country.
, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort
DCA’s Santa is in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area.

That’s it for this holiday update, visit us again soon for more news, reviews and trip reports!

Join the chat:

Thank you for reading everyone! What are your holiday must-dos at the Disneyland Resort?

, The Holidays Begin Here at the Disneyland Resort