The Best Things to Do at Disneyland this Holiday Season with Kids

Looking to have some fun? Disneyland during the Holidays will definitely give you life long memories with the fun, the music, and the FOOD. We just had the best time kicking off the Holidays at Disneyland

If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation, make sure to use Get Away Today- they offer the best prices & services guaranteed! Plus, you can save an additional $10 on packages using promo code Camille.

We were so honored to be invited as guests to the Festival of Holidays at Disneyland. I have been told of the magical wonder of Disneyland during Christmas time but this was the first time we had been and did NOT disappoint.

We were able to see the upcoming toys, treats, and special entertainment and I cannot wait to share it all here with you!

Is Disneyland busy during Christmas?

In general, it is busies during Veteran’s Day weekend, (it is a Californian holiday) and as you get closer to the Christmas holiday. Pick the week days if possible, late November and early December aren’t bad!

How long Does Christmas at Disneyland Last?

Experience the Most Magical Time of Year with Celebrations Throughout Both Parks—from November 8, 2019 to January 6, 2020!

Is December a good time to go to Disneyland?

Absolutely! Even with a busy holiday weekend I am so glad that we were able to come and take in the splendor of the Holiday season. It is least busy in early November, but if you make a plan and buy the MAX pass you won’t have any troubles at all.

Do not miss the magic of “It’s a Small World” ride! It takes on a whole new life at Christmas time. Pic via @DisneyHungry

This was my first time seeing Disneyland at Christmas time and I was blown away with the added magic all around. You can enjoy this special time from November 8, 2019 to January 6, 2020! Now is the time to take advantage of the sales happening on Disney travel. Use code Camille for an additional $10 off. 

You will find new treats, activities, characters, and decor every where you go. Here is a list of my favorite must do’s with all the things to do.

Add more magic to your trip by booking your stay at the Disneyland Resort hotels.

First and foremost the customer service and location literally in the park cannot be beat. You can enter the parks with your own private entrance and you can access the park an hour earlier than everyone else!

The magic hour alone can save you lots of time especially if you are going to see the new Galaxy’s Edge! You can check this post out here to read all my tips for your visit there. 

Here is an example of events happening at the Disney Grand Californian:

Write a letter to Santa, enjoy festive goodies and drinks, create your own gingerbread house as a family that you can take home, Meet and greet Santa, take a photo with the real as life gingerbread house, and enjoy the incredible caroling around all around.

 

Here is a checklist for you to keep track: 

Food you must try at Disneyland this Holiday Season

The Best of the Sweets

  • Christmas cake from Plaza Inn
  • The Peppermint Christmas hat at Jolly Holiday
  • The Churro Shake from DCA’s Schmoozies Baby
  • Milk and Cookies Churro from DCA’s Hollywood Land Churro Cart
  • Mickey Gingerbread Man Cookie from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Red Rose Tavern, Market House, Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe, Clarabelle’s Hand scooped Ice Cream
  • Mickey Snowman Candy Apples from most bakeries
  • Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Funnel Cake from Hungry Bear Restaurant

The Best of the Savory

  • Reimagined Beef Stroganoff at A Twist on Tradition
  • Stuffing Mac n’ Cheese Brews and Bites
  • Shrimp & Grits with Andouille Sausage from Holiday Duets
  • Turkey Stuffing with Cranberry Relish from Merry Mashups
  • Fried Turkey Slider from A Twist on Tradition

Festival Foods Marketplace Locations

  • A Twist on Tradition
  • Brews & Bites
  • Favorite Things
  • Grandma’s Recipes
  • Holiday Duets
  • Making Spirits Bright
  • Merry Mashups
  • Winter Sliderland

Dining Locations

  • Cappuccino Cart
  • Cocina Cucamonga
  • Pacific Wharf Café
  • Paradise Garden Grill
  • Smokejumpers Grill
  • Sonoma Terrace
  • Willie’s Churros

Each Sip and Savor Pass is $56, including tax. In addition to a reduced price, Annual Passholders will also receive a special Passholder lanyard. To receive the Passholder price and keepsake a valid Annual Pass and photo ID must be shown upon purchase.

If you are really wanting to save time make sure you try the MOBILE ordering available through the Disneyland App! It will save you so much time! You can also purchase the

Special Christmas Events you Wont want to Miss

Meet with Santa Claus at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Wanting a picture with Santa? This is the place to go!

This whole area is made special during the holidays and could easily fill up at least an hour of time.

If you have never been here before this is a map to show you where to find it. Photo via Disneyland.com

Test Your Skills
Search for special toys and figures hidden by the special elves with a map that you can receive upon arrival. Enjoy the zip line, take a picture with the big man himself, and enjoy some holiday fun in a way like never before.

Get a special photo with Sleeping Beauty’s Christmas Castle

The best way to snag the photo you really want is to take the photo from the side. It seems as though you’re there enjoying the castle all on your own. The Photo PASS photographers will take it from the side as well if you’d like and the line is generally shorter.

Don’t miss the stunning Christmas Tree on Main Street, U.S.A

 Around 5 pm every night the Christmas tree is lit. Everyone stands around and counts down the lighting of the tree. It is so magical and the perfect place to snap a special Christmas photo.

Make sure you do not miss the Christmas Fantasy Parade! I would suggest saving your seats 30-40 minutes in advance. This is the perfect time to grab your favorite holiday themed popcorn bucket. I saw this show during the day and at night, both were so magical, but you really get a good look at all of the special details more during the day.

If you have the option to see it day and night I would! The Christmas trees all lit up with their lights and Santa coming in on his sleigh is really special!

Another fun parade that happens in California Adventure three times a day is the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party! Enjoy the season with a celebration featuring mariachi and samba musicians, folklórico dancers, some of your favorite Disney Characters and incredible 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus!

 You will see the characters


Take a Visit to Another Galaxy

Okay, I know it’s not exactly “holiday themed” but if you’re even remotely a Star Wars fan you MUST see the new Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.

The ride was a little intense for our three year old, but he still loved the epic adventure of riding the Millennium Falcon. If you would like to make a visit please remember to use your magical hour or go in as early as possible to avoid long lines.

You can read my full review on what to do and eat at Galaxy’s Edge HERE.

Finding magic at Disneyland has to be one of the best things we’ve ever done. Have you ever been for the holidays?

Thank you so much for having us Disney! Until next time!

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If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation, make sure to use Get Away Today- they offer the best prices & services guaranteed! Plus, you can save an additional $10 on packages using promo code Camille.

Bringing a baby to Disneyland

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  • Becky V

    We were there just a week after you and LOVED every bit of it! We loved the Peppermint Beignets from Mint Julep (Mobile ordering was the best because their line is always long) and the Hot Cocoa Macarons from Making Spirits Bright Cart. I loved all the holiday shows, especially the World of Color. I loved all of your tips for our trip!ReplyCancel

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Hello! I am Camille, a wife, mother of four, Disney obsessed, certified teacher, and reality optimist. Motherhood comes with its ups and downs, and I hope while you're here you'll find something that makes your #momlife easier!

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