Disneyland Holiday To-Do List

The holidays are an extra magical time of year at the Disneyland Resort because there are so many special things to see and do that only come around once. Don't miss out on all the fun! Take this to-do list to the parks with you and have a very merry time! The best part is that there are several things on this list that involve little to no wait so you're not wasting a ton of time standing around.

• GET A PICTURE IN FRONT OF SLEEPING BEAUTY'S WINTER CASTLE​

The castle is always a great place to snap a picture, but it's even better when covered in snow! You can wait in line to have the Disney PhotoPass photographers take it or save time with a cute selfie or asking another guest to take one for you. There are really no bad angles for castle pics!​​​

• "IT'S A SMALL WORLD" HOLIDAY

Jingle all the way around the world and see holiday celebrations from all different cultures aboard the happiest cruise that ever set sail. For some added magic you can also stop by and watch them light up the exterior just before dark. You'll want pictures of this one, too!

• HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY

Jack Skellington and his friends have invaded the Haunted Mansion and sharing their holiday cheer with the ghoulish residents there. Enjoy a twisted take on Christmas with all your favorite characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas and don't miss the giant moving gingerbread house in the dining room! It's different every year!

Gotta love these beignets!

• PEPPERMINT BEIGNETS

While in New Orleans Square, stop by the Mint Julep Bar next to the French Market Restaurant and pick up a bag of fresh peppermint beignets! They're warm, soft, and full of minty goodness! I can't get enough of them!

• HAND-PULLED CANDY CANES

Speaking of peppermint fans, stop by the Crystal Palace on Main Street, USA during select times of the season to watch master candy makers pull, stretch, and form hand-made candy canes through the windows. If you come by early enough in the day you can pick up one to enjoy for yourself!

• WATCH "A CHRISTMAS FANTASY" PARADE

Grab your little ones and find a seat along the parade route in Disneyland Park to watch this Christmas daytime parade. It will fill everyone up with holiday cheer and put a smile on your faces!

• VISIT CARS LAND

Drive over to California Adventure and take a stroll through Cars Land as they have the whole street decorated for the holidays! Every time you walk by a wall or window you'll see a new little detail you've never noticed before so it never gets old. While there, you can also take a ride on the holiday versions of some of the attractions there like Luigi's Joy to the Whirl and Mater's Jingle Jamboree. There are usually also many PhotoPass photographers around that will be happy to take some festive shots for you - and there are plenty of great photo ops around!

• TRY SOME FOOD FROM THE FESTIVAL OF HOLIDAYS MARKETPLACE

The Festival of Holidays at California Adventure has quickly become a fan favourite tradition. The Marketplace is an especially good place to find holiday treats inspired from countries around the world and many more local to southern California. Take some time to try one or two tasting portions. They won't get you too full or break your budget but they're always tasty!

• VISIT SANTA

Santa's Holiday Visit is at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Grizzly Peak. You can put your name on the nice list and sit on his knee. Afterwards, you can enjoy elf games and other activities throughout the trail while completing tasks on the trail guide. It's a lot of fun - even if you don't meet the big man himself.

Snowfall after fireworks? Amazing!

• ​CATCH A WINTERY NIGHTTIME SPECTACULAR

The Disneyland Resort has two wonderfully festive nighttime spectaculars for you to choose from to end your day. World of Color - Season of Light brings the holidays to life in Paradise Bay featuring popular carols and scenes from some of your favourite films. Get your FastPasses for this one early before they're gone.

My personal favourite is "Believe . . . in Holiday Magic" fireworks at Disneyland Park. The skies are lit up with the sounds of the season but nothing beats the finale - SNOW! Main Street, USA is never so peaceful and filled with wonder as after this fantastic show.

Of course this is just a taste of what there is to see and do at Disneyland for the holidays! Make sure to check our Holiday Guide for more tips, news and more to make your trip extra magical.

If you're still looking for a great place to book your Disneyland trip, check out Get Away Today, our preferred travel partner. They can hook you up and help you plan your perfect holiday vacation the whole family will love!