The holidays and Disneyland go hand in hand. The parks are decked out in Christmas joy and holiday cheer, some areas more than others. We had a chance to enjoy the Disneyland Resort in the rain this December, and it was magical. It inspired us to compose a list of our top ten decorated spots for the holidays at the Disneyland Resort. And don’t forget to watch the video below for even more detailed photos and walk-throughs! If you have a chance to visit this Christmas, these are definitely must-see spots. (We did not include Downtown Disney’s neon forest. It was, unfortunately, the coal in the Christmas stocking this year.)
10. Buena Vista Street
Buena Vista Street has seen many changes over the years, but one thing is consistent: it is beautiful during the holidays. Vintage shiny and bright ornaments are perched in the windows while streetlamps are wrapped with green garland and big, red bows. The giant tree across from Carthay Circle is dotted with oversized Radko-style ornaments and billowy tinsel garland. A colorful train revolves around the base where you’ll find other charming toys and presents. You can even see the toy soldiers on blocks informing guests of the Festival of Holidays.
9. Mickey’s ToonTown
Mickey’s ToonTown may not be my favorite entertainment spot at the Disneyland Resort, but it is adorable at holiday time. Each character’s house is flocked with green garland and matching themed ornaments, while town square buildings are more humorous. At the Gag Warehouse, you’ll see jumbo bulbs along with rubber chickens in Santa suits. The bank’s roofline is peppered with huge dollar bills, and Daisy’s Diner boasts giant daisies. Another reason ToonTown is on our list might be that it’s a sweet, quiet place at night. It’s a great place to hide from the post-parade madness for a few minutes. But note that it closes before fireworks.
8. Redwood Creek Santa’s Holiday Visit
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail turns to Redwood Creek Santa’s Holiday Visit in the month of December. It’s one of a few places kids can find Santa in the parks. They can take their picture with him, decorate cookies at designated picnic tables, and play elf games. The obstacle course equipment is also open as usual, but with sprinklings of holiday cheer throughout. Poles are flanked with painted wooden decorations to match the California forest theme, and ornaments throughout the trail area are animals made from natural fibers.
Kids can take pictures with Santa in the Redwood Creek area
7. New Orleans Square
New Orleans Square seems warm during this season, even though it’s outdoors. In this cheerful corner, each and every balcony is draped in suitable decorations, from jumbo vintage ornaments to glittered jesters and musical instruments. Shop windows are decked with wreaths and baubles, and shiny Mardi Gras beads have been tossed to adorn the light strands above.
6. The Grand Californian Hotel Lobby
The moment you walk into the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel your senses will be filled with Christmas sights, sounds, and smells. The pianist is playing Christmas music by the side of a massive tree packed with ornaments to match the hotel’s craftsman style. There are garlands hung on every banister, and lights twinkling everywhere. But the showstopper of this relaxing place is the life-sized gingerbread house. The details in this masterpiece are stunning, including 25 hidden Mickeys, painted fondant stained glass windows, and my personal favorite, the stockings above the fireplace themed after Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto.
If you want to get in on the action, you can even sign up to build your own Gingerbread House, or attend a meet-and-greet with one of the pastry chefs who helped create the massive one in the lobby. Kids can take their picture with Santa, and if you’re lucky, you can catch the Holiday Handbell Carolers. Watch a clip of their performance in our video, or catch the whole show on our channel.
5. Haunted Mansion Holiday
Haunted Mansion Holiday is both Halloween and Christmas themed, so it’s no surprise that it made our list. With Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas as its theme, it’s equal parts scary and magical. You’ll recognize all the movie characters you love, and will no doubt be singing along with the creepy songs. You’ll spot garland made of bones and man-eating plants, and the familiar Leota in the crystal ball summoning spirits.
The famous gingerbread house sits in the dining room while ghosts twirl around the tree. Even the cemetery is decked in ghostly white snow as the caroling ghosts sing along with the infectious song. Gravestones become packages with bows, the invisible horse is groomed in ribbon, berries, and pumpkins, and giant ice angels mark your exit to the material world.
It’s amazing to see that every inch of this attraction has been altered to fit the theme, from the front entrance gate to the last second of the exit. Honestly, I absolutely loathed the Nightmare Before Christmas movie (my kids love it), but the Mansion is still a favorite of mine.
4. Main Street, USA
Sparkling, twinkling, glittering, and glistening are how I would describe Disneyland’s iconic entry street during the holidays. When you step onto Main Street in front of the 60-foot tree, you can’t help but gasp in amazement. The Christmas magic truly lives here. As you stroll past each brightly lit shop, you’ll note unique sights. The scalloped garland stretched across the street features Mickey-shaped wreaths. Even the balloons being sold by vendors in the street are in on the holiday cheer.
It’s all so festive, and as you continue to your planned destination, that castle is beaming, just beckoning you toward its glory. And, this brings us to our number 3…
3. Sleeping Beauty Castle
This stunner is fully transformed into an icicle-coated wonder, complete with a light show called Winter Enchantment. (We show a clip in our video below, and if you want to see the entire show, it’s on our channel.) Even the rooftops of the turrets are completely covered in twinkly snow!
2. Cars Land
In the esteemed runner-up spot is Cars Land. This area is already fun and imaginative at any time of the year. But, add the holiday overlay and you’ve got ingenious Christmas creativity. In the garland above the street, the wreaths are tires and the snowflakes are wrenches. The trees are crafted of hubcaps, route signs, and stacked tires. How would a car celebrate the holidays? This is it!
I want versions of all of these decorations for my house. Is that weird? Even the music changes to fit that 50’s sock hop, cruising the boulevard at Christmas time vibe. The rides are great, but we don’t even need to ride them. We just want to hang out here.
And now, our number one spot on the list is – drumroll please – can you guess?
1. Small World Holiday
How could it not be Small World? From the bright lights and projection show on the exterior to the heartwarming display on the inside, this ride is a pure tribute to the Christmas spirit. One MiceChatter posted a time-lapse video of the decorating crew that strung lights by hand, strand by strand. (Thank you, MiceChat community!) In the video, the water is even drained so they can perfect every detail. I must have watched that 15 times. It is fascinating! Here it is:
https://youtu.be/6XR0WXZkb7M
This attraction is home to multiple shows, which is another reason it’s worthy of number one. In our YouTube video, we show you all of them, along with the entire interior of the ride. (Did you know it’s almost a 15-minute experience?) If you haven’t had the chance to see it at Christmastime, it’s worth the time. As a family, we make sure to ride it once (and once only for our teenage son) to launch into the season.
One of my favorite things in the park is a light show on the façade. We watched while waiting in line. It’s quick and fun for all ages.
Every quarter-hour, the clock strikes and the toys parade around the front. During the day, it’s bright white and shining gold, and the clock face is wearing a Santa hat for extra whimsy. The sign even changes for the holidays. Each “land” inside the ride is decorated for the holidays as if its family is coming to visit. The dolls seem a little happier at Christmas time, even more so than usual.
Our Disneyland Resort Holiday Video
Please watch our video here and tell us what you think. We’d love to hear from you!
It’s Not Too Late To Give A Disney Vacation
We’ve got some great news for you. Our partners at Get Away Today are helping you save money on Disney theme park tickets and travel packages. AND, through Christmas, they’ve got some great ways for you to gift Disney trips for a reduced deposit:
- For Discounted theme park tickets and travel packages, always start HERE: Get Away Today (When calling, always mention MiceChat so you get your special rates and deals!)
- For a limited time, MiceChat readers can book a trip for just $99 down with an interest-free Layaway Plan!
- Layaway Plans must be booked by December 25, 2019 to get the $99 reduced deposit.
- Book for travel for dates through December 31, 2020.
- Payments can be made at any time and in any amount, with final payment due just five days before travel.
- Layaway Plans can be used for any of our Southern California vacations and can be combined with any of our specials – like Extra Day Free Tickets and Extra Night Free Hotel Specials.
If a Disney vacation sounds like the perfect Christmas gift, there’s still time for you to book something amazing – HERE
Let’s Hear From You
What are your favorite holiday spots at the Disneyland Resort? What’s number one on your list? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!
