Disneyland bringing back fan favorites for the 2022 holidays

Disneyland Resort is getting ready to transform itself for the holidays, with a lineup of seasonal nighttime spectaculars, transformations of favorite attractions, special food and beverages and more.

Nowhere are the transformations more dramatic than at Disneyland’s iconic attractions, the Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world. “it’s a small world” Holiday highlights the distinctive holiday traditions of each country. And in New Orleans Square, the Haunted Mansion Holiday is a spectacular collision of Christmas and Halloween, thanks to Jack Skellington and friends. (Any “Nightmare Before Christmas” fan should see this at least once.)

And for those of us who miss the icicle lights of Cinderellas Castle at the Magic Kingdom, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will dazzle with shimmering icicles and twinkling lights.

Disneyland Resort’s holiday season begins Nov. 11, 2022, and runs through Jan. 8, 2023.

Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure as well as the Disney resorts and Downtown Disney shopping district will display Christmas trees and decorations. And guests can meet characters in their holiday outfits in both parks.

Here’s more what you’ll find if you make a holiday pilgrimage to the West Coast this year:

Disneyland

In addition to the makeovers of Haunted Mansion and ‘it’s a small world,’ Disneyland is bringing back several fan favorites:

• “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade: Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen” join Mickey, Minnie, Santa and more to celebrate the season in a daily musical procession of floats, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more. Some characters will debut new holiday outfits for the occasion.
• “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular: Magical “snowfall” and colorful projections on Main Street USA and the facade of “it’s a small world” complement the fireworks.
• Holiday Time at Disneyland Park guided tour: A hosted experience will feature select seasonal offerings and include reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. The 3-hour small group tour was last offered before the pandemic, and we’re excited it’s coming back.

Disney California Adventure Park

California Adventure’s centerpiece for the holidays is the makeover of Cars Land, including the transformation of two attractions, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. In addition, guests can look forward to:

• World of Color — Season of Light: The park’s nighttime spectacular leans into cherished holiday music and memorable moments from Disney animated films.
• Disney Festival of the Holidays: Live entertainment, culinary delights and special traditions make this the west coast’s answer to Epcot at the holidays. Festival marketplaces serve a special holiday menu, and guests can choose to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to taste their way through the marketplaces. A nightly holiday concert will take place at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park.
• Mickey’s Happy Holidays procession: Disney and Pixar characters dance and march along to the rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers.
• Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse don fiesta attire and are accompanied by Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and giant mojiganga puppets.
• Character meet and greets: Mirabel will greet visitors at Paradise Gardens Park, and Santa Claus will once again be found in his rustic home in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Around the Disneyland Resort

All three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will display Christmas trees and feature performances from carolers and visits from Santa Claus. The Disneyland Resort culinary team is also continuing its annual gingerbread house display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Downtown Disney District will offer musical entertainment and special offerings from shops and restaurants.