No Ticket Required: Downtown Disney’s 2023 Holiday Lineup!

December is here, and holiday time is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort! Although it’s the busy season, with crowds at their peak, it’s easy to see why. There’s really nothing quite like Christmas at The Happiest Place on Earth. While the Resort is enchanting all year long it receives a glow-up during the last few months.

If you’re looking for a taste of the magic, but don’t wish to spend an arm and a leg, Downtown Disney is a worthwhile place to find holiday cheer. While construction throughout the district undoubtedly leaves something to be desired, it’s worth overcoming for the holiday spirit. So, let’s see what’s on the docket this year at Disneyland’s shopping and dining district. Stroll into Downtown Disney with us as we explore its holiday lineup for 2023!

Downtown Disney Parking

While there’s no ticket required to enjoy Downtown Disney itself, as with many, similar, Southern California establishments, you still have to pay for parking. For those unaware, parking is located at the Simba Lot, off Disneyland Drive. It costs $10 for your first hour, and after that, you can obtain validations. For an extra 3 hours of parking, you simply need to make a purchase of at least $20, which is not hard to accomplish if you’re doing some shopping or grabbing a bite! Cast Members are pretty good about asking, but if they forget, set a reminder to get your parking validated!

Need more time? You can get up to 5 extra hours of parking if you validate at a table-service restaurant. After that, each additional hour is $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum $7. The daily max parking rate or lost ticket fee is $66. Be aware that restaurants and lounges at Disneyland’s hotels don’t validate for Downtown Disney.

Holiday Ambiance

While we’ve noticed it’s taken a bit longer to install this year, Downtown Disney’s decorations are finally up, providing an enjoyable holiday ambiance. Christmas trees, nutcrackers and twinkle lights add a nice touch! Grab your favorite seasonal coffee or hot chocolate from Starbucks and enjoy a festive stroll. 

 

Festive Performances on a NEW Stage

Although construction is still underway, slowly, but surely, there has been progress. Enter the new Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. We have to say, this whole area is a nice upgrade! Located on the perimeter, rather than in the middle of the walkway it dons an eye-catching mid-century design, enhanced with complimentary lighting, and an open lawn to kick back and enjoy the tunes.

We really like how this turned out! Dusty recently visited the stage with his sister, for MiceChat’s LIVE at 5! Check out our footage below, and follow along with us on YouTube and Facebook every Friday at 5 pm (Pacific) for your weekly dose of Disney magic!

For a schedule of performances at the new, Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage, simply visit Disneyland’s calendar of events, click on Downtown Disney, and view Atmosphere Entertainment in 1-day or 5-day view.

Enjoy a Winter Wonderland with NEW Snowfall

Dedicated Disneyland Park goers are well aware of the magic of snowfall during holiday time on Main Street, U.S.A. but this year, you can enjoy this special treat without a ticket! Head to the area near Tortilla Jo’s, Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes to experience a winter wonderland in Southern California. Snowfall commences nightly, November 24 to December 31, every half hour from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. MiceChat was there upon its debut! 

Festival of Holidays Crafts for Kids 

Those with littles always appreciate when there are activities for kids, and they can provide special family memories. Keep an eye out for Downtown Disney’s holiday crafts tables, where kids can make festive, paper garlands! Visit daily between 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Season of Giving

The Walt Disney Company has a long and meaningful history with Toys for Tots. If you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, you can drop off new, unwrapped toys in donation bins at Downtown Disney. Located at World of Disney and Star Wars Trading Post, donations can be made from November 1 through December 15, 2023. On December 9 and 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, US Marines will accept donations for the US Marines Toys for Tots Foundation near the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage.

Yuletide Scavenger Hunt

We love a good Disneyland scavenger hunt, and this year, guests can participate in Disney’s “Discover the Holidays Game”. In honor of the Festival of Holidays, embark on a quest to find 7 holiday icons to crack the case of the missing word puzzle. Your kids will love it!

Limited Time Holiday Eats and Treats

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get to the good part – the grub! Enjoy these festive menu options at Downtown Disney, while they last, from November 10 to January 7, 2024. Here’s the mouthwatering holiday lineup!

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

• Butternut Squash Salmon – Pan-roasted salmon with butternut squash puree, sautéed quinoa, pomegranate sherry reduction and arugula salad garnish

Beignets Expressed

• Maple-Bacon Glazed Beignets – Maple-infused icing topped with applewood smoked bacon

California Churro

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Churro – Churro rolled in chocolate sugar, drizzled with mint and chocolate icing and covered in peppermint candies

Kayla’s Cake

• Gingerbread Macarons – Made with gingerbread buttercream spiced with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and honey

Marceline’s Confectionery

• Holiday Treats – Including iconic caramel apples and more!

Naples Ristorante e Bar

• Breakfast with Santa Ticketed Event – Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s headed to Naples Ristorante at the Downtown Disney District! Watch the spirit of Christmas come to life with a festive breakfast feast, mesmerizing décor, holiday activities, treats for kids, a little bubbly for the adults and, of course, a visit with Santa and his elves. Purchase tickets here. (Limited Availability)

• Traditional Chiacchiere Italian Bow Tie Cookies – Slightly sweet fried angel wing pastries dusted with powdered sugar and blackberry dipping sauce (available at both Naples Ristorante e Bar and Napolini Pizzeria)
• Bah Humbug (alcoholic) – Peanut butter whiskey, white crème de cacao, green crème de menthe and half & half with a dissolvable holiday message
• Scrooged (alcoholic) – Peanut butter whiskey and eggnog, topped with holiday sprinkles

Splitsville Luxury Lanes and The Alley

• Winter White Cosmopolitan (alcoholic) – Vodka, orange liqueur, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup and white cranberry-peach juice
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Peppermint hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, peppermint candy cane, crushed peppermint candy, red sprinkles and cocoa powder (available December 1 to December 31, 2023)
• Holiday Churros (Disney Festival of Holidays) – Sweet, crispy dough coated in red and green sugar and topped with dulce de leche drizzle (available December 1 to December 31, 2023)

Tortilla Jo’s

• Cocina Navideña – A Holiday Cooking Celebration at Tortilla Jo’s Ticketed Event: Join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make some traditional Mexican Christmas dishes and hear the stories behind them. Then, enjoy snacking on Tortilla Jo’s famous chips and salsa and share in a holiday feast. Get tickets here. (Limited Availability) In each class, an expert Tortilla Jo’s chef will teach you how to make:
  • Christmas Pozole – A festive take on the hearty Mexican soup
  • Ponche Navideño – A traditional Christmas punch (served with tequila for Guests 21 and older)
  • Tamales Dulces and Mexican Buñuelos – Traditional Mexican sweet treats

• Traditional Holiday Pozole (Disney Festival of Holidays) – A rich brothy soup made with pork cushion, guajillo, hominy, garlic and onion powder, chicken base, salt, cumin, oregano, bay leaf and water
• Tamale Trio (Disney Festival of Holidays) – Pork, beef and chicken mole
• Mexican Buñuelos (Disney Festival of Holidays) – Traditional Mexican fried dough fritter dusted with powdered sugar and topped with condensed milk and strawberries
• Santa’s Margarita for Two (alcoholic) – Blanco tequila, peach liqueur, raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice and sweet and sour mix, garnished with a white sugar rim and fresh cranberries
• Chocolate Feliz Navidad (Disney Festival of Holidays, available in alcoholic or non-alcoholic) – Tequila, Irish cream liqueur and Mexican-style chocolate mix, garnished with toasted marshmallows

Do Some Christmas Shopping

Holiday time at Downtown Disney brings with it a slew of festive merchandise. For many Disney fans, myself included, it’s their favorite time of year to shop at Disneyland. From November 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024, you’ll find festive items at the following locations:

• World of Disney: Seasonal Collections – Disney Christmas Classics Collection, Disney Festival of Holidays Collection and more

• Disney Dress Shop: Seasonal Collections – Disney Christmas Classics Collection, Disney Festival of Holidays Collection and more
• Disney Home: Seasonal Collections – Disney Christmas Classics Collection, Disney Festival of Holidays Collection and more
• Star Wars Trading Post: Seasonal Collections – Disney Christmas Classics Collection, Disney Festival of Holidays Collection and more

• Lovepop: Disney Festival of Holidays – Specialty Holiday Pop-Up Cards and Bouquets
• Pandora Jewelry: Festive Charms
• Splitsville Luxury Lanes: Very Merry Socks (While Supplies Last)

Hotel Stroll

Don’t forget to take a stroll through Disneyland’s hotels while you’re there! Filled with their own unique decorations, it’s both fun and magical to meander.

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

• Disneyland Hotel

There you have it! While reimagining continues at Downtown Disney, guests can still enjoy a variety of shopping, entertainment, and dining offerings during the holiday season. If you can’t make it to the Parks, it’s a worthwhile alternative. From all of us at MiceChat, we hope you enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!

Are you a Downtown Disney fan? How does the 2023 holiday lineup look to you? Are you excited for the changes coming to Disneyland’s shopping and dining district? We’d love to hear your take! Let us know in the comments below.