Credit: Disney Scoop Guy screenshot X It may still be Halloween at the Disneyland Resort, but the holidays are arriving early this year. Photos posted by Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) showed Sleeping Beauty Castle already decked out in festive decor, complete with what looked like a “snowstorm” effect right in the heart of the castle. In his post, Matt quipped, “There was a freak snowstorm overnight in Anaheim that only affected the middle of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland!”
That tongue-in-cheek photo hint says a lot: Disney is getting a serious head start on its Christmas transformation this season. With the holiday festivities scheduled to begin on November 14, 2025, the resort is beginning to roll out decorations a full month in advance. It’s a savvy logistical play—and a delight for fans who love to see the transformation happen in real time.
There was a freak snowstorm overnight in Anaheim that only affected the middle of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland! pic.twitter.com/ceyvgJTvFS
— Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) October 13, 2025
Disney’s Early Holiday Push: Why the Jump Start?
Turning a park from Halloween haunts to holiday wonderland is no small feat. The resorts have to swap theming, lighting, music, staff costumes, signage, and more across two parks, hotel lobbies, Downtown Disney, and backstage areas. In many respects, it’s a nightly transformation on top of a seasonal one. Starting early gives Disney more flexibility, fewer last‑minute headaches, and a buffer in case of supply or weather-related delays.
Matt’s photo suggests that the castle has already been outfitted with decorative “snow” and lights—discrete touches that let the holiday magic quietly bloom around the park even while Halloween is still active. It’s a clever compromise: keep the spooky season intact, but let guests catch glimpses of what’s coming next.
What to Expect This Christmas Season at Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort’s holiday offerings are legendary. Below is a breakdown of what’s in store for Holidays at Disneyland Resort 2025 (running November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026):
Disneyland Park
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Sleeping Beauty Castle / Wintertime Enchantment
The castle will become a centerpiece of the holiday spectacle, draped in 80,000 shimmering lights, serving as the backdrop for nightly “magical snowfall” during Wintertime Enchantment. Imagine flurries dancing down Main Street, giving that cozy, festive feel even in Southern California’s moderate climate. -
“Believe… In Holiday Magic” Fireworks
This nighttime spectacular returns, and with it the cascading snow effects along Main Street, U.S.A. A perfect way to cap off the day with seasonal sparkle. -
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
A nightly parade full of holiday cheer, featuring classic Disney characters in festive garb, toy soldiers, gingerbread dancers, and more. Prime viewing spots include near it’s a small world Holiday, along Main Street, or by the Matterhorn gallery. Disney’s guided Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort tour includes reserved parade seating. -
Character Holidays
Mickey, Minnie, and friends return in seasonal versions of their 70th Celebration outfits—rich reds, greens, and gold trims with nods to the golden anniversary motif. Expect these looks in character meet-and-greets throughout the park. -
Attraction Overlays
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it’s a small world Holiday
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Haunted Mansion Holiday
Both will receive their classic seasonal overlays—cheerful for the former, “merrily macabre” for the latter.
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Fantasyland Theatre / Holiday with Santa & Friends
This interactive show will offer guests festive crafts, sing-alongs, and photo ops with Santa and other holiday characters.
Disney California Adventure
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Festival of Holidays & ¡Viva Navidad!
A vibrant, cultural celebration with food, music, dance, and entertainment, spotlighting the holiday traditions of communities around the world.-
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! returns in Paradise Gardens, complete with folklórico, mariachis, samba performances, festive costumes, and appearances by Mickey, Minnie, and The Three Caballeros.
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The Festival of Holidays will continue rotating performances, holiday-themed food booths, and seasonal merchandise.
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Cars Land Holiday Magic
Think holiday lights strung across Radiator Springs, seasonal tunes, and ride overlays:-
Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl will get a holiday twist.
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Mater’s Jingle Jamboree will feature original lyrics to classic holiday songs—tailored just for the town of Radiator Springs.
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Holiday Eats & Sip & Savor Pass
Expect returning favorites (like braised pork belly adobo) and new seasonal bites. The Sip & Savor Pass provides six digital coupons to redeem across participating food and beverage kiosks. -
Carthay Circle & Buena Vista Street
Performances like A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel will add bilingual holiday flair, and a special Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season show (on select days) will bring Encanto magic into the mix.
Hotels, Downtown Disney & Resort-Wide Décor
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Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Lobbies will sparkle with decorations, carolers will stroll through, and Santa will make surprise visits. Special dining events include:-
Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Café
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Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party for breakfast and brunch
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Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays special menus
Hotel amenities will also get themed enhancements—think holiday spa treatments, festive beverages, and early park entry for overnight guests.
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Downtown Disney District
The district will transform into a festive corridor with shimmering lights, nightly snowfall effects, live holiday music, and seasonal food and drink offerings.
The returning Chip & Dale’s Ornament Trail invites guests to hunt for hidden ornaments—redeem them for a keepsake at the end. -
Merchandise & Seasonal Treats
Look for the Mickey Mouse Family Christmas Collection, holiday-themed home décor, clothing, accessories, and more throughout shops like Elias & Co., Emporium, and World of Disney.
Seasonal food and drinks will also abound—peppermint cold brews, gingerbread Mickeys, cozy cocoa, and more. -
Continued 70th Celebration Touches
Even while fully embracing holiday themes, some 70th Anniversary entertainment and projection elements will remain. The Tapestry of Happiness projections and World of Color – Happiness! show will continue in their current forms, while shows like Paint the Night may pause and return later.
Starting holiday décor early isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, crowd pacing, and guest experience. When guests arrive and immediately sense a seasonal overlay growing around them, it sets a tone of anticipation and continuity.
The overnight “snowstorm” photo is more than a tease—it signals that Disney is embracing the slow bloom of holiday magic, letting guests catch glimpses of transformation as the calendar turns. By integrating holiday elements quietly before Halloween ends, Disney avoids a jarring switch and lets that transition feel more natural.
We live for these transitions: watching a park evolve from pumpkins and spookiness to twinkling lights and carols. It’s part of the charm, and Disney knows that well.
Disneyland is already sprinkling Christmas dust over Sleeping Beauty Castle—and the rest of the resort is sure to follow. With decorations starting now and holiday programming debuting November 14, 2025, guests have something extra magical to look forward to.
If you’re planning a visit this fall, keep an eye out for the subtle changes. Catch a peek of that castle glow, watch the transformations roll out, and get ready for a holiday season that’s been building behind the scenes.