Credit: armadillo444, FlickrDisneyland Resort has unveiled some major changes for its 2026 holiday season.
Typically, Disneyland Resort kicks off its holiday season in the second half of November. This marks the beginning of festive decor, limited-time food, and entertainment across both parks.
Disney Confirms Change to Holiday Dates
Earlier this year, Disney confirmed that the holidays would begin on November 18, 2026. However, it’s now backtracking on that date.
The holidays will now begin at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on November 13 – five days earlier than originally planned – and will conclude on January 6, 2027.
That means guests can enjoy nearly a week more holiday fun than expected, and a gap of less than two weeks after the end of the Halloween season.
At Disneyland Park, A Christmas Fantasy Parade will bring Santa Claus, Disney characters, toy soldiers, and dancing reindeer to Main Street, U.S.A. Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks will return with festive music and simulated snowfall, while Sleeping Beauty Castle receives its nightly Wintertime Enchantment.
“it’s a small world” Holiday will feature thousands of exterior lights and scenes celebrating traditions from Europe, Asia, Mexico, and the South Pacific. Inside, the attraction’s familiar soundtrack is blended with “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls,” alongside seasonal costumes, props, and effects.
Haunted Mansion Holiday will continue its Nightmare Before Christmas takeover – for which Haunted Mansion temporarily closes in two weeks – complete with Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and a newly designed gingerbread house in the ballroom. Cars Land will also receive two overlays: Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.
Disney Festival of Holidays will return to California Adventure, pairing multicultural food marketplaces with live entertainment and merchandise inspired by Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. Disney ¡Viva Navidad! will feature musicians, dancers, Mickey, Minnie, and the Three Caballeros.
Mickey, Minnie, and friends will appear in seasonal outfits, while Santa Claus will meet guests around the resort. Downtown Disney will host Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, alongside festive dining and entertainment, while holiday decor will extend through both parks, the shopping district, and Disney’s three hotels.
2026 Disney Holidays Around the World
Elsewhere, Disney Enchanted Christmas begins at Disneyland Paris on November 7, followed by Disney Christmas at Tokyo Disney Resort on November 11 and Walt Disney World’s resort-wide celebrations on November 13 – the same day as Disneyland Resort. However, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party officially begins on November 8, while Disney Jollywood Nights starts on November 7 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort have not yet announced their late-2026 holiday dates. However, in 2025, the holidays began at Hong Kong Disneyland on November 14 and at Shanghai Disney Resort on November 7.
Are you visiting a Disney park over the holidays this year?
