Disneyland Resort has detailed its entertainment schedule for the 2026 holiday season. The celebration, which includes the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, runs from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027.
What's new
Several new character experiences and show versions debut this year across the resort:
* Santa at Mickey’s Toontown: Santa Claus has a new greeting location at the Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.
* Holiday Dance-Off: A seasonal version of "Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!" debuts at Avengers Campus, featuring Star-Lord and Deadpool.
* New Character Attire: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and friends will appear in new holiday outfits in Town Square. For the first time, characters in Mickey’s Toontown will also wear special holiday apparel.
* Downtown Disney Snowfall: Nightly "snowfall" moments will occur in the Downtown Disney District from November 6 through January 6.
When and where
Holiday offerings are spread across both theme parks, the hotels, and the shopping district:
Disneyland Park
* "Believe…In Holiday Magic" Fireworks: Nightly spectacular featuring snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., near "it's a small world" Holiday, and along the Rivers of America.
* A Christmas Fantasy Parade: Daily performances along the main parade route.
* Lighting Moments: Thousands of lights and projections activate nightly at "it's a small world" Holiday.
* Disney Holiday Dance Party: Nightly character appearances and music at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Disney California Adventure Park
* World of Color – Season of Light: Nightly water and projection show at Paradise Bay.
* Buena Vista Street Tree Lighting: The 50-foot tree is lit nightly starting November 13.
* Festival of Holidays: Includes "Mickey’s Happy Holidays," the Holiday Toy Drummers, and the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.
* Live Shows: "A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel" and "Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season" (featuring songs from *Encanto*) perform on select days.
Hotels and Downtown Disney
* Santa Visits: Santa appears at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and Mickey’s Toontown through December 24. From December 25 through January 7, Santa Goofy takes over these locations. Santa also visits the three Disneyland Resort hotels from November 26 through December 24.
* Live Music: Carolers and bands like The Sleigh Belles perform at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and at resort hotels on select days.
What it means for your visit
If you are planning to see World of Color – Season of Light, you should prepare to join the complimentary virtual queue via the Disneyland app. Reserved viewing is also available through dining packages or dessert parties; otherwise, remaining space is first-come, first-served.
For A Christmas Fantasy Parade, guests can book the "Holiday Time at Disneyland Guided Tour" to secure a dedicated viewing area that includes hot cocoa and a treat. Because the parade and fireworks draw significant crowds to Main Street, U.S.A., visitors should check the Disneyland app for specific showtimes and arrive early to secure a spot.
Those looking to meet Santa should note his departure on December 24. If you are visiting after Christmas Day, look for Santa Goofy at the Toontown Trolley Barn or Redwood Creek Challenge Trail instead.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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