Disneyland Christmas Fantasy

Every year the Disneyland Resort becomes a Christmas fantasyland as the holiday decorations adorn the parks. The parades, shows, fireworks, children's activities and even some of the rides take on a Christmas theme. The parks also extend their hours so you have more time to enjoy the festivities.

Note: Not all holiday activities begin on the same date. Check the Disneyland website for current details.
View Photos of Christmas at Disneyland.
View Photos of the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade.

At Disneyland

Main Street USA is strung with lights and a 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with thousands of ornaments takes pride of place in Town Square.

Rides: The Haunted Mansion becomes the "Haunted Mansion Holiday" with characters based on Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas, mixing the traditions of Halloween and Christmas. The other big ride makeover is "it's a small world," which becomes "it's a small world Holiday," adding Christmas traditions from around the world to it's small figures and over 300,000 lights to its façade.

Fun and Games: Santa and Mrs. Claus hang out with their live reindeer at "Santa's Reindeer Roundup" in Frontierland. In addition to visiting Santa, kids can create souvenir crafts and play games.

Parade: When Santa's not at the Reindeer Roundup," he's riding his sleigh down Main Street in the "Christmas Fantasy" parade. Traditional Disney characters are joined by marching nutcrackers, toy soldiers and dancing snowmen.

Fireworks: The nightly musical fireworks display also takes on a holiday theme. It is topped off with snowflakes falling on Main Street.

Disney's California Adventure

At California Adventure Santa takes up residence at his Seaside Pavilion on Paradise Pier.

"a bug's land" is decorated with giant Christmas lights, super-sized ornaments and even bigger candy canes. The gaily lit Christmas tree at California Adventure can be found in Paradise Bay, where palm trees and other California natives are also festooned for the season.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney has a Tinkerbell themed ice skating rink that goes up at the beginning of November. A holiday village goes up a little later and the whole area gets decked out for the holidays.

View Photos of Christmas at Disneyland.
View Photos of the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade.
For basic information on visiting Disneyland, start with Disneyland for Beginners.

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