From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

As a seasoned Disney enthusiast who has visited the magical park numerous times and even celebrated a few holidays there, I must say that this year’s holiday offerings at the Disneyland Resort are nothing short of enchanting!


There’s no place like Disneyland for the holidays. From Nov. 15 through Jan. 6, 2025, the Happiest Place on Earth is transformed into the Merriest Place on Earth as Disney decks the halls with festive decor, holiday-themed attractions transformations, and limited-time seasonal entertainment offerings at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. And in the time-honored traditions of a classic Christmas, there’s a visit from the big guy in red who gives the gift of holiday cheer: Deadpool, the merry Merc with a Mouth. (Of course, Santa Claus comes to town, too.)

Here’s a list (and we double-checked it) of 12 fun ways to celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, featuring characters like Deadpool and Wolverine, The Princess and the Frog, Encanto, Coco, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and many more. Enjoy!

1. The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

After Deadpool’s introduction at the Avengers Campus, Wade Wilson and his grumpy companion, Wolverine, continue to cause mischief rather than good deeds (yet still suitable for all ages) in the fresh Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special. The official summary: “Deadpool is brimming with holiday spirit and ready to share some new, exceptionally special, seasonal tales. These stories will bring joy, enchantment, and festive cheer in a way only Deadpool can.

2. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

It’s a joyful celebration all year round with Princess Tiana. Newly opened on Nov. 15, the Disneyland version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure lets riders drop into a musical Mardi Gras party brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineering’s most advanced Audio-Animatronics yet. Previously Splash Mountain, the thrilling water ride has been re-themed to the 2009 Disney Animation film The Princess and the Frog and is the “next chapter story” for Tiana.

Where: Bayou Country, next to New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park
When: Park open to close (check the Disneyland app for hours)

3. Festival of Holidays: Sip and Savor Pass

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Experience the delightful flavors of Festival of Holidays by obtaining a Sip and Savor Pass, your gateway to a “wonderful culinary journey” showcasing diverse holiday dishes and drinks. The pass is accessible in either four or eight coupon versions, which can be digitally redeemed for select food and non-alcoholic beverages at the seven Festive Food Marketplaces scattered across Disney California Adventure Park: A Twist on Tradition, Brews & Bites, Favorite Things, Grandma’s Recipes, Holiday Duets, Merry Mash Ups, and Winter Sliderland.

Each 8-entitlement Sip and Savior Pass is $63 (tax included) and $58 for Magic Key holders; each 4-entitlement Sip and Savor Pass is $32 (tax included).

Where: Disney California Adventure Park
When: Nov. 15, 2024 — Jan. 6, 2025

4. Haunted Mansion Holiday

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Celebrate the Spooktacular Holiday Mash-Up! Assemble at Disneyland’s New Orleans Square for a unique blend of Halloween and Christmas, brought to life by characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. This special seasonal overlay, Haunted Mansion Holiday, transforms the classic Haunted Mansion with Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, Oogie Boogman, and Santa Jack, who spread a mix of merriment and macabre cheer.

5. Disney Festival of Holidays Shows: Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season, A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel, and Mickey’s Happy Holidays

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

2024 sees Disney’s cultural festivities expand with two fresh experiences: Mirabel’s Seasonal Presents and A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel. During the day, join Mirabel Madrigal and her companions for a lively Fiesta de Navidad celebration in Mirabel’s Seasonal Presents, where you can sing along to tunes from Encanto. As night falls, immerse yourself in A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel, an evening of heartwarming tales and classic songs inspired by Coco, showcasing the in-house mariachi group. Tobi Longo, Director of Disney Live Entertainment Shows, shares that this expanded offering is made possible by the new schedule change, “¡Viva Navidad!” now available on Saturdays and Sundays, leaving Monday through Friday for these two new experiences to be developed.

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Following the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas, the evening procession culminates near the Carthay Circle Restaurant’s fountain, where traditional Christmas carols in both Spanish and English are sung together. Miguel graces the stage to lead a beautiful, vibrant, energetic, and emotional candlelit rendition of “Silent Night,” creating an unforgettable experience as described by Longo.

In simpler terms, during the “Disney Viva Navidad!” event, characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Mirabel, The Three Caballeros (Donald Duck from America, Panchito Pistoles from Mexico, and José Carioca from Brazil), make appearances. On weekends, there’s a lively street party performance. Furthermore, visitors can join in the fun by dancing with Mickey and friends as they march to the festive beats of the Holiday Toy Drummers during “Mickey’s Happy Holidays”.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t wait to experience the enchanting charm of Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season, located just outside Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure Park. The show runs five times daily from Monday to Friday, with performances taking place at 1:10 pm, 2:10 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45 pm, and 5:45 pm.

6. Mickey Mouse & Friends Decked Out in New Holiday Outfits

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

This winter season, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Clarabelle Cow are all dressed up in fresh winter attire. This year, Elf Mickey and Elf Minnie’s outfits have sparked a flurry of new themed merchandise, such as the Elf Mickey Shake (a delightful mint and chocolate cookie milkshake adorned with green whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies) or the Mickey Elf Bucket, available at various locations across Disneyland, the Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Similarly to the charm of the 1952 animated short “Pluto’s Christmas Tree”, visitors can pick up a map in the Downtown Disney District and embark on Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail adventure. From November 22 until January 1, this scavenger hunt invites you to locate twelve festively decorated ornaments hidden within Downtown Disney. Completing the hunt rewards you with a small memento.

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

During Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers Cafe Breakfast and Brunch from November 19th to January 1st, you can dine with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Chip, Dale, and other beloved characters while they are all dressed in their festive sleepwear! Reserve a spot for this magical event, as it offers several unique experiences such as the Character Brunch on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), the Character Dinner on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), the Christmas Day Brunch (Dec. 24 and Dec. 25) with Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party, and the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Character Dinners at Storytellers Cafe. For more information about pricing and reservations, please visit Disney dining.

At: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney District; utilize the Disneyland app during the time period of November 15, 2024, to January 6, 2025, to find your favorite characters.

7. Treat Yo Elf to Festive Foods

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Beyond just the 2024 Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass, you’ll also get to taste various holiday-themed treats scattered throughout the Disneyland Resort. If you’re after characterful treats, give a try to the new Christmas Mickey-shaped Cookie (a shortbread cookie dipped in white chocolate and adorned with holiday sprinkles and a chocolate Mickey decoration), the Peppermint Mickey Mallow (marshmallows dipped in dark chocolate and coated with crushed peppermint), or the Gingerbread Mickey Cereal Treat (cereal treats dipped in milk chocolate, decorated with red and green colored-chocolate, and featuring a dark chocolate Mickey face).

Marvel at the Alien Reindeer Macaron, reminiscent of Toy Story, filled with salted caramel buttercream, chocolate ganache, and brownie bits, and savor the Holiday Green Drink, an apple-flavored beverage adorned with caramel foam and sprinkles. For Star Wars enthusiasts, delight in the newly created Darth by Peppermint, a delectable layering of chocolate sponge, chocolate pudding, and peppermint mousse, topped with crunchy pearls, cookies and cream pieces, candy cane sprinkles, and festive Darth Vader and red lightsaber decorations.

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Disney has given a fresh take on traditional theme park delights such as the recently introduced Cranberry Pomegranate Mint Julep (a refreshing blend of classic mint julep, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice), the Peppermint Bark Dipping Sauce (chocolate peppermint bark combined with a sprinkle of peppermint powdered sugar), and Mickey-shaped Beignets infused with peppermint flavor and dusted with powdered sugar (all available at the Mint Julep Bar, nestled within Tiana’s Palace garden patio, conveniently near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

8. Handmade Candy Canes

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland’s Handcrafted Candy Canes Schedule for 2024:

9. A Christmas Fantasy Parade

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Dearest Disney personalities team up with Santa Claus for a lively and melodious festive extravaganza that makes its way along Main Street, U.S.A. This grand event includes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, characters from Toy Story like Buzz, Woody, and Jessie, Frozen’s Anna, Elsa, and Olaf, a Candlelight Ball with the Disney Princesses – not forgetting Santa and his dancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, and other delightful additions. It’s a 40-minute cheerful carnival that you wouldn’t want to miss! (While waiting for the parade on Main Street, enjoy watching as the 65-foot tree in Town Square is adorned with countless sparkling lights at exactly 5:00 pm during the daily Tree Lighting ceremony.)

10. Believe…In Holiday Magic Nighttime Spectacular

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

As I stand there, immersed in the enchanting ambiance of Disneyland Park, I can’t help but let out a excited exclamation: “Bring on the snow!” The festive fireworks display, a cherished tradition, transforms this magical realm into a winter wonderland. From strategic spots along Main Street, U.S.A., the Rivers of America, and Fantasyland, we witness this spectacle with “snowfall” in the air.

Where: Disneyland Park
When: Nightly at 9:30 pm

11. World of Color Season of Light Holiday Show

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

For eight years now, the seasonal presentation of Disney California Adventure Park’s renowned nighttime spectacle in the Paradise Bay has been transformed into a holiday extravaganza. This showcase features over 1,200 water fountains synchronizing their dance to joyful tunes as sparkling “snowflakes” illuminate the entire 3.5-acre bay. Throughout a 23-minute performance, you’ll be amazed by scenes from beloved Disney animated films such as Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasia, Frozen, and Inside Out, along with a medley of music and Goofy’s hilarious musical light display.

This year, I’m thrilled to share that my favorite show, World of Color – Season of Light, starts with a sneak peek of the brand-new animated short titled “Boat Snack” before it graces the screens at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 (opening in theaters on November 27). As the lights dim around Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure Park, the lagoon comes to life with a symphony of thundering drums, animated projections, towering fountains, dazzling lasers, and mesmerizing lighting effects. It’s like being magically whisked away onto the ocean for an unforgettable adventure that promises fun for the whole family! The spectacle begins at 9:00 pm or 10:15 pm in Paradise Gardens Park. Can’t wait to be there!

12. Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends

From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Santa Claus is now sporting a retro-style Santa suit and will be making appearances at several locations within Disneyland. From November 28th to December 24th, he can be found at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park, as well as Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel. During the day, he will also greet guests along with other characters at the Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends! event at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. After Santa heads back to the North Pole on December 24th, Santa Goofy will take over his post at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail until January 6th.

At the Fantasyland Theatre within Disneyland Park, you’ll find a charming winter setting perfect for capturing photos against festive backdrops. Here, you can snap shots with an ever-changing lineup of Disney characters, as well as Santa Claus himself, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

During the period from November 18th to December 27th, 2024, subscribers of Disney+ have an exciting opportunity! They can purchase a 3-day ticket (one park per day) and receive one day free with the Disneyland Holiday Ticket Offer. Head over to the Disneyland Resort website for your tickets.

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2024-11-21 21:41