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Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is the most magical time of the year and the merry festivities return from Nov. 12, 2021-Jan. 9, 2022. Guests will enjoy a distinctly Disney holiday experience with beloved traditions that include the return of “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, and the breathtaking Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, all at Disneyland Park. At Disney California Adventure Park, the heartwarming celebration comes alive with Disney Festival of Holidays, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” and the merry motor-themed holiday décor on Route 66 in Cars Land.
For the first time, guests are invited to gather with family and friends to enjoy a celebration of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new musical comedy, “Encanto,” inspired by the people and cultures of Colombia. This joyful, limited-time experience brings a new cultural perspective to the immersive “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” festivities at Disney California Adventure, with live entertainment, interactive photo opportunities and special appearances by Mirabel, the young hero from the film, which opens only in theatres Nov. 24.
Throughout the parks, guests will see Santa Claus and Disney characters turned out in their holiday best, enjoy seasonal sweet treats at food and beverage locations, and shop at favourite Disney boutiques for memorable gifts for everyone on their lists.*
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort extends to the Downtown Disney District and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort with traditional décor and festive treats adding to the merriment.
At man in blue jacket and blue denim jeans walking on stairs during daytime
Guests entering Disneyland will be greeted by a magnificent 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., decorated with nearly 1,800 ornaments. The classic tree is an iconic symbol of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, as well as an ideal location for holiday photos. Guests may see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waving for photos, too, in festive new holiday attire.
Once again, guests will be thrilled to experience “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, a merry musical celebration along Main Street, U.S.A., with beloved Disney characters, prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen,” Santa Claus waving from his sleigh and more holiday magic.
Very popular seasonal transformations will once again take over two beloved attractions, resonating holiday cheer at“it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.**
At the entrance to Fantasyland, the holiday magic shines brightly each evening as Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle begins to sparkle with light and music fills the air, enchanting the night in a wintertime spectacle.
As their magical day comes to an end, guests will find the finishing touches to their holiday memories during the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, a guest-favourite experience that features a magical “snowfall,” colourful projections on Main Street U.S.A., and projections on the façade of “it’s a small world.” A heartwarming finale for guests is the “kiss goodnight” moment from several beloved characters who wave goodbye from the balcony of the Disneyland Railroad Train Station in Town Square.
Adding to the merriment this year is an all-new holiday store, Plaza Point. This Victorian-era boutique envelops guests with the warmth of the holidays, decorated with garlands, nutcrackers and festive décor and offering Christmas-themed treasures year-round. The shop on Main Street, U.S.A., reflects seasonal holidays around the world with ornaments, housewares, linens and accessories. At times throughout the year, Plaza Point will feature other holidays such as Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, spring and Easter, and fall and Halloween.
Also, new in 2021 at Disneyland is Disney Merriest Nites, a separate ticket, limited-capacity event that features six parties in one celebration. This five-night offering is sold out for 2021.
At Disney California Adventure Park
red and white ferris wheel near body of water under cloudy sky during daytimeGuests at Disney California Adventure Park will create new memories during the Disney Festival of Holidays as they discover the sights, sounds and tastes of a diverse season of celebrations, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. The festivities include live entertainment, shopping for themed merchandise and culinary delights at eight Festival Food Marketplaces, including Holiday Duets, Winter Sliderland and A Twist on Tradition. A team of Disney chefs drew on inspiration from their own unique stories to handcraft some of the new festive foods on the marketplace menus this year.
Guests may choose to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass as they taste their way through eight food or non-alcoholic beverages from the participating Festival Food Marketplaces, as well as other participating locations, including the festival carts.
The celebration comes alive with “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” as Disney characters host a fun street party along with Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their fiesta best.
In the Paradise Gardens area of the park, guests will enjoy festively themed food and beverages plus live music and performers, for a limited time. As part of the joyful cultural experience that welcomes Mirabel from the film “Encanto,” guests may enjoy a delicious and special arepa con queso and listen to live bands. Guests also may learn more about the film and its Colombian setting with an activity booklet, available while supplies last.
At Pacific Wharf, guests will find holiday-themed menus with special food and drink to be savoured while listening to The Mistletoes, a capella ensemble that performs classic holiday songs with rhythm and soul. Here as well, younger guests will discover craft stations and cookie decorating kits to add to their holiday fun.
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” presents a cheerful seasonal celebration with Mickey Mouse and friends as they travel through the heart of Disney California Adventure. Guests are encouraged to join in the fun with Disney and Pixar characters, dancing and marching along to the high-energy music and merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers, several times daily.
The four-wheeled residents of Radiator Springs will be pulling out all the stops with their holiday décor in Cars Land. The yuletide spirit shifts into high gear beginning with a snow-covered billboard at the land’s entrance and stretching all the way to the hubcap-studded tree decorating the front of the courthouse. Guests will enjoy a plethora of cleverly themed automotive ornamentation all along Route 66 where two attractions will rely on a little festive magic to transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
More Information about the Disneyland
Guests are encouraged to visit Disneyland.com/experience-updates for important information* to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort, including the latest health and safety updates.
For information on planning a celebration or vacation at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call 866-60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. Disney fans can join the Holidays conversation on social media @Disneyland and look for #DisneyFestivalofHolidays, #DisneylandHolidays, #MagicisHere and #LaMagiaEstaAqui.
*Both valid admission and theme park reservation for the same park on the same day is required for park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and are not guaranteed for any specific date or park. Other restrictions apply. Attractions, experiences, entertainment and offerings may be modified, limited in availability, or unavailable, and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please check Disneyland.com for entertainment performance times, which may vary.
**Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Edited by: Stephen Morton