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Credit: armadillo444, FlickrA Disney Christmas experience will not be coming to this Disney Resort, disappointing millions of guests.
Are Disney Resorts Canceling Christmas? Holiday Events Scrapped
A festive Disneyland holiday tradition just quietly got pulled from the lineup—and many fans didn’t see it coming.
With the park’s glittering 70th anniversary celebration in full swing, Disneyland Resort is shifting its usual seasonal schedule in a way that’s both exciting and disappointing for longtime visitors. If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, you’ll want to know what’s changing, what magical shows are still running, and how to make the most of your time—especially as some beloved experiences take a backseat this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the surprise entertainment switch-up, and how to navigate the season like a pro.
What’s New (and What’s Not) for Disneyland’s 2025 Holiday Season
In a surprising move, Disney has confirmed that Paint the Night and other entertainment offerings will pause temporarily during the holiday season, resuming after the 70th anniversary celebration winds down.
The official word from Disney Parks Blog reads:
“Paint the Night parade and other entertainment experiences will pause temporarily during the holiday season and resume at a later date.”
Additionally, the beloved holiday version of World of Color—Season of Light—will not return this year. Instead, the new 70th anniversary spectacular, World of Color – ONE: Happiness!, will continue to perform through the holidays.
According to the official Disneyland webpage:
“World of Color – Season of Light will be unavailable during the 2025 holiday season. Guests are invited to enjoy our World of Color Happiness! show which will run through the Disneyland Resort 70th celebration.”
Thankfully, not all is lost. The seasonal “Tapestry of Happiness” projection show on ‘it’s a small world’ will continue through the holidays, along with the resort’s 70th anniversary overlays, photo ops, MagicBand+ interactive points, and themed decor.
How to Maximize Your Holiday Trip at Disneyland Resort
While it’s a bummer to lose Season of Light and Paint the Night for now, here’s how to still capture that festive Disneyland magic:
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Plan around the 70th celebration offerings. The limited-time World of Color – Happiness! show is filled with vibrant projections, music, and emotion—it’s a worthy swap for Season of Light if you haven’t seen it yet.
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Visit ‘it’s a small world’ after dark. The “Tapestry of Happiness” projection show is visually stunning and features dazzling lighting that brings even more life to this classic attraction.
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Use the Disneyland App. Real-time showtimes, mobile ordering, and Lightning Lane planning are your best friends during the busy holiday season.
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Book park reservations early. With fewer nighttime shows on the schedule, demand may shift toward dining and character experiences. Secure your spot well in advance.
Hidden Magic: What Frequent Guests Know That You Might Not
Even without the holiday shows, Disneyland is still packed with magical extras—if you know where to look:
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Use the MagicBand+ interactions to unlock exclusive effects during the 70th celebration. Many guests miss the interactive lock stations scattered throughout both parks.
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Check out under-the-radar photo ops. There are anniversary-themed backdrops hidden in quieter corners of the park (Fantasyland and near Grizzly Peak offer great lighting with fewer crowds).
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Arrive early or stay late. With nighttime shows paused, crowds may thin earlier in the evening—giving savvy guests a chance to enjoy shorter lines at popular rides.
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Grab seasonal treats. Limited-edition holiday snacks are still expected throughout the parks. Ask Cast Members for off-menu surprises or lesser-known locations.
Why This Matters to Disney Fans
For many, World of Color – Season of Light is more than just a show—it’s a tradition. A dazzling spectacle full of nostalgia, joy, and heartwarming Disney holiday moments. The decision to replace it—even temporarily—marks a significant emotional shift.
But this also signals a broader trend: Disney is leaning harder into milestone celebrations and limited-run experiences, creating more urgency (and sometimes, tension) around when and how to visit.
Social media is already buzzing with mixed reactions—some fans are excited for the continuation of the 70th celebration, while others are mourning the temporary loss of classic holiday experiences.
Still, Disneyland remains a powerhouse of seasonal joy, and this shake-up might just be a chance to see the park in a whole new light.
What This Means for Future Disney Christmas Celebrations
Whether you’re a die-hard holiday regular or a first-time visitor, navigating this year’s entertainment changes will take a little extra planning—but the magic is still there, waiting to be discovered.
✅ Book your trip early
✅ Check the app often for updates
✅ Watch World of Color – Happiness! at least once—it might surprise you