Disneyland Unveils Entertainment Lineup for Holiday Season

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Fri November 8, 2024

Disney enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the return of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, which will transform both theme parks, the Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort Hotels from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025, into an even more enchanting winter wonderland.

This year’s lineup will feature a wide range of festive, family-friendly entertainment, from character encounters to street parades, live music and special nighttime spectaculars. And, in addition to returning fan favorites, there will be brand new musical and dance performances on this year’s docket.

Disney California Adventure’s Holiday Season Entertainment Highlights

NEW! “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season”
Hosted weekdays outside Paradise Gardens Park, this new musical presentation features Mirabel and her friends from “Encanto” as they celebrate the holidays with songs from the beloved film, creating a festive and family-friendly atmosphere that encourages guests to sing along.
NEW! “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel
Taking place on Buena Vista Street during weekday evenings, this bilingual holiday show features the soulful sounds of Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland, accompanied by colorful dancers and traditional Christmas music. Miguel from Pixar’s “Coco” joins the performance for a touching rendition of “Silent Night”.
Rendering of "Mirabel's Gifts of the Season" at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California. (Photo Credit: Disneyland Resort)
Expanded Variety of New and Returning Live Musical Acts
This year’s Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure boasts an expanded roster of live bands and cultural performance groups that cover a range of genres, including jazz, klezmer, mariachi, Latin pop, fusion, reggae, polka and more. New acts include Joy, Rangoli Rhythms, Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, and Keali’i O Nālani & Daniel Ho. Returning The daily schedule varies, so checking showtimes is recommended.
“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” and Holiday Toy Drummers
In a rousing display of seasonal spirit, iconic Disney characters lead the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” street show down Disney California Adventure’s parade route, accompanied by the stirring beats of the Holiday Toy Drummers. The Holiday Toy Drummers will also drum up seasonal cheer throughout the day at Paradise Gardens Park.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party
On weekends, The Three Caballeros host the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party, featuring Mexican folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and more, along with appearances by Mickey and Minnie in their most flamboyant fiesta attire.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California. (Photo Credit: Disneyland Resort)

Disneyland Park's Holiday Season Entertainment Highlights

NEW! “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at Fantasyland Theatre
This daily happening invites guests of all ages to meet Santa Claus and various Disney characters for photos, crafts, sing-alongs and atmospheric festive music. Santa and his friends bring a concentrated dose of holiday cheer to Fantasyland Theatre, creating memorable yuletide moments for families.
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade”
A time-honored Disneyland tradition, the daily “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” brings characters from “Frozen”, “Toy Story” and other classic Disney films to the parade route, in a magical display of festive joy. You’ll also see many staple holiday characters, such as jolly elves, dancing gingerbread cookies, marching toy soldiers and prancing reindeer merrily making their way down the route—which runs from “it’s a small world” past the Matterhorn Bobsleds and down Main Street, U.S.A.—and Santa Claus joins in for the finale as the ultimate embodiment of holiday cheer.
“Disney Holiday Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace
Held nightly at the Tomorrowland Terrace stage, this family-friendly dance party features festive music and surprise appearances by Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest.
"A Christmas Fantasy" parade at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California. (Photo Credit: Disneyland Resort)

Holiday Nighttime Spectaculars at Both Theme Parks

“Believe…In Holiday Magic”
This nightly fireworks display lights up the skies over Sleeping Beauty Castle, which shimmers with over 80,000 glistening lights, sparkling “icicles” and snow-capped turrets. After the presentation, guests on Main Street, U.S.A, near “it’s a small world” Holiday and along the Rivers of America can also enjoy a moving “snowfall” experience accompanied by stirring holiday music.
“World of Color – Season of Light”
At Disney California Adventure, the usual World of Color nighttime water and light show is replaced with a special holiday edition, which transforms Paradise Bay with an array of colorful fountains and a medley of scenes from such beloved films as “Inside Out” and “Frozen”, all set to a rousing musical score, Starting November 15, for a limited time, an exclusive animated short from the upcoming film “Moana 2” will appear prior to the show’s main performance.

“World of Color – Season of Light” at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California. (Photo Credit: Disneyland Resort)

Seasonal Entertainment Highlights Across the Resort

Special Character Appearances
Every day, across various locations in Disneyland Park, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends will show off their festive new outfits, inspired by the warmth of sending holiday greetings to loved ones. Throughout both parks, keep an eye out for special holiday character appearances, including Mirabel and friends from Disney’s “Encanto” at the Paradise Gardens gazebo in Disney California Adventure Park on select days. At the Disneyland Resort Hotels, guests can also meet beloved characters during specially-themed dining experiences at Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers Cafe.
Meet Santa Claus at Disneyland Resort
Families and kids can meet jolly old Saint Nick himself in multiple locations throughout the resort to snap some photos, share holiday wishes and create lasting memories. Santa Claus will be found at Disneyland park from November 15 through December 24 and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure from November 28 through December 24. But, once Santa has flown back to the North Pole, Santa Goofy will take his place as this location from December 25 through January 6. Guests will also get a chance to see Santa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel from November 28 through December 24.

Rendering of Mickey & Friends' holiday outfits for 2024, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California. (Photo Credit: Disneyland Resort)

If you’re looking for more in-depth information or resources for planning your holiday season visit, the Disneyland Resort has just released its own comprehensive entertainment guide for the 2024 holiday season, and you can always check the Disneyland app or Disneyland.com for the latest performance schedules.