I mentioned the other day in our Jake and the Neverland Pirates party post that Disneyland and California Adventure hosted our family for Disney Holidays. It was SUCH a blast! Living in California all this time, I can't believe I had never made it to the Disney parks during this time of year before.
The lights at Disney Holidays have long been on my seasonal bucket list, and I plan to make it an annual tradition for us. Here are some of the top festive sights to see at Disneyland and California Adventure now through January 6th.
Must-See Disney Holidays Sights
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle is all decked-out, offering inspiration to jump-start your own holiday decorating fest at home.
It's a Small World gets a classic holiday makeover with over 300,000 glittering lights.
“A Christmas Fantasy” Parade. Santa joins Mickey and all the Disney Princes and Princesses on Main Street. And yes, you will get a chance to see Anna, Elsa and Olaf. Of course.
The Haunted Mansion is done Disney Holidays-style as Jack Skellington from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” takes over with his skewed vision of the holidays.
Spot all the lost holiday decor on Jingle Cruise! The animals have run amuck with a rogue shipment of shiny balls and baubles. This calm ride is also a good spot for the wee ones to embark on their afternoon nap.
Jingle Jangle Jamboree. Call or go online and make reservations ahead of time to see in Disneyland's Big Thunder Ranch. The food at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue is all-you-can-eat (score!) and you'll be treated to Western entertainment and crafts. Santa and Mrs. Claus are known to make frequent appearances, too, so this is a good chance to snap some Disney Holidays photos.
This dining spot is always a favorite highlight of the day, and it's extra-special during Disney Holidays.
The Giant Disney Holidays Tree is absolutely picturesque at night, and makes a good backdrop for family photos. If you stick around for the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, you'll be treated to a White Christmas with snow falling on Main Street, the “It's a Small World” mall and New Orleans Square. Across the way at California Adventure, Buena Vista Street also features a dazzling tree adorned with vintage-style ornaments
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Head on over to Paradise Pier in California Adventure for a celebration of lively Latino traditions. In attendance are feathered friends, mariachi and samba musicians, folklorico dancers and 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stop by Paradise Garden Grill and order up a selection of seasonal Mexican delicacies to accompany all the action.
Cars Land embraces Christmas with a photo opp up-front and tons of adorable holiday decor.
Don't miss the chance to see “Santa Mater” at the Cozy Cone Motel and the tire tree at Luigi's Casa della Tires.
World of Color – Winter Dreams. This, hands-down, is the perfect way to end the day full of wonder. The dancing-water-and-lights show has added new songs from the “Frozen” soundtrack as well as a ton of old favorites.