Disneyland Resort’s holiday season officially kicked off last Friday and runs through January 3, 2010, though some of the attraction overlays and decorations may linger a bit beyond that. Not only are the two parks sporting festive attire and decor for the season, the resort has put together a list of seasonal events that guests can look forward to as well.
- “it’s a small world” Holiday – Both inside an out, the ride is adorned with Christmas decorations. This holiday overlay will be the most lingering of the seasonal changes as the ride won’t close until January 18 to remove the overlay.
- Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks – A special holiday-themed fireworks spectacular that will show through January 3, with one performance each night. Show times will vary depending on the date, but on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will take place at 9:45 pm.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade – This is Disneyland’s traditional holiday parade that follows the standard parade route, performing twice a day most dates (and always on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) but some days will have only one show.
- Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle – Once it gets dark in the park the decorations on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle take center stage, with a brief lighting effects show that happens several times throughout the evening.
- Disney’s Electrical Parade – While there is nothing special done to the parade itself to reflect the holidays, the holiday season does mean its return to Disney California Adventure —but for only about two weeks, starting on December 18.
- Santa Claus – In Disneyland, Big Thunder Ranch has been turned into Santa’s Reindeer Round-up. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on site with several of their reindeer, and even some Disney characters dressed for the holidays. It may cause some confusion with the children, but Santa is also available for some lap time over in DCA, in his “Seaside Pavillion” at Paradise Pier.
- Gingerbread Cookie Decorating – Get creative with some cookie decorating outside of the AP Processing Center at Plaza Pavilion.
- Special Drinks and Treats – Several locations throughout the parks are offering up special seasonal offerings such as peppermint stick ice cream at Gibson Girl or egg nog lattés where specialty coffee drinks are available.
- Candlelight Processional – The traditional telling of the Christmas story will be presented on Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, and narrated by actor Jon Voight. Unless you book a special package or invitation, viewing is on a first-come, as-available basis.
Be sure to check the resort’s entertainment schedule for specific times and dates of each event.
