It’s time!!! The Christmas countdown has begun, and we’ve got your complete guide to this year’s holiday lineup at the Merriest Place on Earth! During the 2025 yuletide season, guests will be treated to some of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary additions on top of returning favorites, so there’s a lot to celebrate. The most wonderful time of the year kicks off on November 14, 2025, and runs through January 7, 2026. But Festival of Holiday booths are opening early, the decor is up, and it already feels like Christmas at the Disneyland Resort. So, let’s get to unwrapping!
Quick Glance Holiday Character Guide
We’ve got full details on Disneyland’s holiday events below, but if you’re looking for festive photo ops, check out our quick glance guide to learn where you can find your favorite characters during the holidays. But first, here’s where to spot Santa Claus!
NOTE: Character appearances are subject to change. Make sure to check the Disneyland app for availablity during your visit.
Santa Sightings
- Fantasyland Theatre – Disneyland Park: November 14 through December 24, 2025
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – DCA: November 14 through December 24, 2025
- Disneyland Hotel- Main Lobby: November 27 through December 24, 2025
- Pixar Place Hotel – Main Lobby: November 27 through December 24, 2025
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Great Hall: November 27 through December 24, 2025
Disneyland Park
It’s the all-important question! Every year, guests look forward to seeing what their favorite characters will be sporting for the frosty festivities. Last year, Mickey and Minnie donned creative costumes with a letter-writing theme. This year, their looks are more traditional with a classic red and green color scheme.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Mickey and Minnie’s 2025 Christmas outfits pay tribute to their 70th Anniversary garb. Note Mickey’s long jacket and Minnie’s frilly skirt. Say hi to the beloved pair and their pals on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
‘A Christmas Fantasy Parade’
Characters in the Christmas Fantasy Parade may include:
- Buzz Lightyear and Woody
- Green Army Men and Jessie
- Anna, Elsa, and Olaf
- Max Goof
- Belle and Beast
- Snow White and The Prince
- Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip
- Cinderella and Prince Charming
‘Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!’
Characters you may spot at ‘Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!’ in Fantasyland Theatre:
- Chip ‘n’ Dale
- Goofy
- Pluto
Disney California Adventure Park
California Adventure is brimming with characters during the holidays.
Buena Vista Street
Disney characters deck the halls in wintry retro attire on Buena Vista Street.
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Goofy
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Pluto
- Clarabelle Cow
Grizzly Peak
They sport festive accessories in Grizzly Peak.
- Carl
- Russell
- Dug
Near Avengers Campus
Check out “The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special,” featuring select appearances from Wolverine near Avegers Campus.
- Deadpool
‘Mickey’s Happy Holidays’
Featured characters in ‘Mickey’s Happy Holidays’ may include:
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Joy
- Mr. & Mrs. Incredible
- Frozone
- Woody
- Jessie
- Bo Peep
‘Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season’
Visit Paradise Gardens Park to see characters from Encanto.
- Mirabel and friends
Cars Land
Swing by Radiator Springs to visit Mater.
- Mater in his giant Santa hat
‘A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!’
Stop by Carthay Circle to see Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland and a beloved Coco character.
- Miguel on select days
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
Visit the Paradise Gardens gazebo to meet Mirabel and other Madrigal family members (on select days).
- Mirabel
“Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party”
On Saturdays and Sundays, spot The Three Caballeros.
- Jose Carioca
- Panchito
- Donald Duck
Holiday Character Dining at Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney character appearances are part of limited-time holiday buffets hosted by Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.
Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch
Visit Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026, to see characters dressed in colorful plaid outfits.
- Daisy Duck
- Donald Duck
- Chip ‘n Dale
- Pluto
Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast
Visit Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026, to see looks inspired by the classic Christmas story.
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Scrooge McDuck
- Goofy
- Clarabelle Cow
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!
Head to Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026, to see characters in cheerful pastels and classic red and green for a holiday breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
- Minnie Mouse
- Goofy
- Pluto
- Chip ‘n Dale
2025 Holiday Lineup: Disneyland Park
Although holiday festivities take place across the Disneyland Resort, there’s no place like home, so let’s begin with Disneyland Park’s lineup!
Sleeping Beauty Castle Glow-Up
We don’t need an official announcement to know that Disneyland’s castle becomes even more magical during the holidays, thanks to its annual Christmas overlay. Dubbed Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle,” it truly is a beautiful sight as icicles, wreaths, and elegant decor create a sparkling palace that makes for the perfect holiday selfie backdrop.
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular + Snowfall
Christmas at Disneyland wouldn’t be the same without the magical “snowfall” that wraps up the evening. This longtime tradition continues to put smiles on guests’ faces, as does the holiday fireworks show, touching music, bright lights, and dazzling pyrotechnics. Guests can experience the snowfall along the Rivers of America, outside of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and on Main Street, U.S.A.
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade” (Repeat)
It’s back! Although many Disneyland guests are ready for something new, A Christmas Fantasy Parade returns again this year, complete with the fan-favorite prancing reindeer, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread, and of course, the man with the bag himself, Santa Claus. Prime viewing spots can be found near “it’s a small world” Holiday, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and along Main Street, U.S.A. If you want to ensure a solid location, purchase the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour for reserved viewing. And as an added bonus, we can almost guarantee you’ll have the soundtrack in your head long after leaving the park!
Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour
This 2.5-hour daily walking tour takes guests on a journey through Disneyland’s holiday traditions and shares heartwarming holiday stories about Walt Disney and his family. It also includes reserved seating for A Christmas Fantasy parade (as mentioned above), holiday treats, a ride on “it’s a small world” Holiday, and more. (Each year, new surprises are added!)
“Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!”
Last year, Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre boasted a festive new environment called “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” This year, the offering returns! Festivities include craft making, storytelling, sing-alongs, photo ops with Santa Claus and select characters when they appear throughout the day, and more.
“it’s a small world” Holiday – it’s a tradition!
In addition to the festivities on Main Street U.S.A., “it’s a small world” is a huge draw during the holidays (and one of my personal favorites). Not only does the attraction’s exterior light up nightly in an impressive display, but the interior gets a full-fledged holiday makeover complete with the sights and smells of Christmas and classic holiday tunes. We love seeing guests gather for the transformative Holiday Lighting moment.
This year, guests will not only be able to enjoy holiday projections on the attraction’s facade, but also the 70th Celebration show Tapestry of Happiness!
Experience our sped-up, 4-minute version of the ride here:
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Guests can get their annual Nightmare Before Christmas fix at Haunted Mansion Holiday, and say hello to Jack, Sally, Zero, Oogie Boogie, and more via the festive overlay.
2025 Holiday Lineup: Disney California Adventure Park
Many consider Disneyland to be the heart of the Resort, but California Adventure also has its fair share of magical Christmas festivities for guests to enjoy, like the nightly Buena Vista Street Tree Lighting. Which park do you enjoy spending holiday time in the most?
Festival of Holidays
Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays returns to delight guests this year featuring “a seasonal celebration of diverse cultural festivities with music, food, and fun for all.”
Festive Food Marketplaces
Throughout the park, guests will find festive food marketplaces with new and returning eats and sips. Those interested in sampling a variety of menu offerings can opt for a Sip and Savor Pass, which comes with six digital coupons and can be used to redeem select food and nonalcoholic beverages around DCA.
Here are the menus for this year’s Festival of Holidays at DCA:
Disneyland Holiday Menus 2025: Disney Festival of Holidays Eats & Treats
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays”
Get ready to see some of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters this Christmas in the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade.
Holiday Toy Drummers
Keep an eye out for the amazing Holiday Toy Drummers (one of my personal favorites) during the Festival of Holidays. You won’t be disappointed!
“Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season”
New last year, “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” returns on select days to entertain fans with stories and songs from “Encanto.”
Check out one of last year’s performances here:
“A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!”
Also new last year, “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” returns at Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street with bilingual performances featuring beloved Christmas songs. Stick around until the end of the show for a chance to see Miguel from “Coco.”
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
There are many aspects to the Festival of Holidays, but the Latin American Disney ¡Viva Navidad! celebration featuring music, crafts, décor, dishes, and character appearances is always a hit with fans!
Head to Paradise Gardens Park for an upbeat street party that will get your toes tapping with Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and drummers, Mickey and Minnie, the Three Caballeros, and iconic 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus (on select days).
On January 6, Three Kings Day closes out the season with themed decor and a photo op.
It’s a Cars Land Christmas
Cars Land is one of the jolliest spots at DCA during Holiday Time, with whimsically themed decor to match the land. In addition to its yuletide ambiance, two of the land’s three attractions receive a holiday makeover.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
During the holidays, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, and Luigi’s Rollickin Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl. The great thing about these rides is that they’re fun for the whole family. New tunes and festive decor add a delightful holiday twist!
We’re still awaiting news about all the yuletide goodies coming this Christmas, but we do know that a new item, Jerry’s Junk Truck Cone, will debut at the Cozy Cone Motel. Yeehaw!
2025 Holiday Lineup: Disneyland Resort Hotels
The parks aren’t the only place to partake in Disneyland’s holiday celebrations. There’s plenty of festive fun to be found at the Resort Hotels!
Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast
This year, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is hosting yet another new dining experience, and we’re loving the theme. Check out the nostalgic costumes for Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast, a dinner experience at Storytellers Cafe.
Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party
That’s not all! Storytellers Cafe will also host Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party for breakfast and brunch, featuring Donald and Daisy Duck.
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!
This year, the Disneyland Hotel will, once again, feature Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays. Reservations will be available soon, so keep checking back!
Broken Spell Lounge Goes Holiday
A holiday-themed beverage menu will return to the Disneyland Hotel’s Broken Spell Lounge this year, showcasing seasonal favorites like hot chocolate and eggnog with a twist. Enjoy jazz music on select days.
2025 Holiday Lineup: Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney is a worthwhile destination during Christmastime, complete with festive decor, seasonal food, and sensational shopping.
There’s even nightly snowfall! Plus, enjoy the sounds of the season at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Don’t miss it during the holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail
New last year, Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail returns, inviting guests to embark on a scavenger hunt to find ornaments among Downtown Disney’s holiday trees and lights. You even get a holiday keepsake as a prize! Activity maps can be obtained at the following shopping locations:
Downtown Disney
- World of Disney
- Disney’s Pin Traders
- WonderGround Gallery
- Disney Home
- Disney Storyland Boutique
Disneyland Resort Hotels
- STOR-E (Pixar Place Hotel)
- Disney’s Fantasia Shop (Disneyland Hotel)
- Acorns Gifts & Goods (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa)
Return your map to World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders for your holiday keepsake (which you’ll receive whether you found the ornaments or not).
2025 Holiday Lineup: Merch
Disneyland’s 2025 holiday merchandise has already landed at popular shops like the Emporium, Elias & Co., and World of Disney. Take a look at this year’s Mickey Mouse Family Christmas Collection and more in our full holiday merchandise guide!
2025 Holiday Lineup: Eats & Treats
Here are a couple of treats to look forward to as we await Disneyland’s holiday foodie guides! The peppermint cold brew and Mickey-shaped gingerbread cookie will return in 2025.
2025 Holiday Lineup: Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration
It’s a special year commemorating seven decades of the Happiest Place on Earth. During the 2025 holiday season, select 70th entertainment will be available to fans, including “Tapestry of Happiness” at Disneyland, and “World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure.
Note that “Paint the Night” and other experiences will be paused during the holidays. But, they’ll be back as Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebrations continue through the summer of 2026. There will still be celebratory touches in areas and attractions around Disneyland, and MagicBand activations like the Key to Disneyland will also be available.
And with that, we send you off with holiday cheer and warm wishes for a magical season ahead!
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Let’s Hear From You!
Are you excited for this year’s holiday celebrations during Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary? What are you most looking forward to? What new festivities would you like to add to this lineup? Let us know in the comments!
