Disneyland Resort is a place where magic comes to life all year round, but during special events and seasonal festivities, the magic becomes even more enchanting. Read More
From holiday celebrations to unique festivals, Disneyland offers a variety of events that transform the park into a wonderland of sights, sounds, and experiences. Here’s how to make the most of these special occasions and ensure you have an unforgettable visit.
Halloween Time: Spooky Fun for Everyone
- Disney’s Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party: Held at Disney California Adventure Park, this separately ticketed event offers exclusive entertainment, trick-or-treating, and character meet-and-greets with a spooky twist. Don’t miss the Frightfully Fun Parade and Villains Grove, a walkthrough experience featuring lights, sounds, and special effects.
- Halloween Decorations and Attractions: Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure transform with Halloween decor. Be sure to check out the Haunted Mansion Holiday, a seasonal overlay that combines Halloween and Christmas themes, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, a thrilling nighttime transformation of the popular ride.
Holiday Season: A Winter Wonderland
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade: During the holiday season, Disneyland Park hosts A Christmas Fantasy Parade, featuring beloved Disney characters in festive attire, marching toy soldiers, and Santa Claus himself. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along Main Street, U.S.A.
- “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday: Two classic attractions receive festive makeovers. “it’s a small world” Holiday features dazzling lights and international holiday songs, while Haunted Mansion Holiday combines the eerie charm of Halloween with the cheer of Christmas.
- Festival of Holidays: At Disney California Adventure, experience the Festival of Holidays, a celebration of diverse cultural festivities. Enjoy live performances, delicious holiday treats, and activities inspired by traditions from around the world.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Cultural Festivities
- Multicultural Entertainment: Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure with live performances, including traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese music and dance. The celebration includes Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, a vibrant parade led by Mulan and Mushu.
- Delicious Festive Foods: Savor a variety of Asian-inspired dishes from festival marketplaces set up throughout the park. From dumplings to noodle dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
- Special Merchandise: Commemorate your visit with exclusive Lunar New Year merchandise featuring Disney characters in festive attire. Be on the lookout for limited-edition items that make perfect souvenirs.
Food & Wine Festival: A Culinary Adventure
- Tasting Your Way Through the Festival: The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival offers a culinary journey with a variety of food and beverage booths showcasing California-inspired cuisine. Purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to sample multiple dishes and drinks throughout the festival.
- Culinary Demonstrations and Entertainment: Enhance your culinary skills by attending cooking demonstrations and seminars led by celebrity chefs and Disney culinary experts. Enjoy live entertainment, including live music and family-friendly performances, throughout the festival.
Bonus Tips for Enjoying Disneyland’s Special Events
- Plan Ahead: Special events and festivities often draw larger crowds, so plan your visit well in advance. Check the Disneyland website or app for event dates, ticket availability, and schedules to make the most of your experience.
- Arrive Early: Arrive early to enjoy the parks before they get too crowded. This is especially important during popular events like Oogie Boogie Bash or during the holiday season when crowds can be larger.
- Dress for the Occasion: Embrace the festive spirit by dressing up for the occasion. Whether it’s wearing a Halloween costume, donning your favorite holiday sweater, or sporting festive accessories, dressing the part can enhance your experience.
- Capture the Memories: Take advantage of Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed throughout the park to capture your memories. Special events often feature unique photo opportunities with themed backdrops and characters.
- Stay Late: Some of the best experiences happen after dark. From nighttime parades and fireworks to seasonal attractions that come alive at night, staying late ensures you don’t miss out on any magic.
- Take Breaks: With all the excitement, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Take breaks to relax, enjoy a meal, or simply sit and soak in the atmosphere.
Disneyland Resort’s special events and seasonal festivities add an extra layer of magic to an already enchanting destination. By planning ahead and embracing the spirit of each celebration, you can create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re experiencing Halloween Time, the holiday season, Lunar New Year, or the Food & Wine Festival, Disneyland Resort offers something special for everyone to enjoy.