Holiday Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort
There is never a bad time to visit the Happiest Place on Earth; however there is something magical about seeing the resort decked out for the holidays with glistening lights, holiday music and a number of exclusive offerings for the season.
It may not feel cold in the Southern California climate, buts it hard not to resist a cup of hot chocolate in the evenings as Yuletide music fills the air.
Disney California Adventure is currently playing host to a new event called Disney’s Festival of the Holidays. Guests are invited to celebrate holiday festivities that are inspired by cultural traditions from around the world. If you’ve been to EPCOT; think of the event as the famous Food and Wine festival on a smaller scale but themed to the merriest time of year. Kiosks have been set up along the parade route between Buena Vista Street and Paradise Pier; offering a variety of food and drink options which are specialities of their region. In addition, you can learn about the local cultural traditions of many regions through arts and crafts, music and dance.
World of Color – Season of Light is a brand new show that debuted for the 2016 holiday season. It’s a charming show combining the latest technology with classic Disney storytelling to take you on a journey that surely does bring a tear to the eye. World of Color is back to its former glory with the new show and keep an eye out for some special surprises in and around Paradise Park during the show.
Celebrate the holiday season with Disney Viva Navidad at Disney California Adventure Park. Be sure to catch the daily Latin-American street party which takes place several times throughout the day. It’s an all singing, all dancing fiesta extravaganza. Aside from all the dancing, be sure to check out the delicious food that’s on offer from Paradise Garden Grill and pop-up street entertainment throughout the day.
Across the street at Disneyland; A Christmas Fantasy has returned for its daily run along the parade route. It might be a bit bizarre to see dancing snowmen and snowwomen when it’s about 85F outside; but at Disney anything is possible.
For those whom love to see “It’s a small world” adorned in thousands of sparkling lights, then you’ll be pleased that this holiday favourite has returned and still commands a very popular wait time. Set sail on a merry-themed voyage around the world and discover how different cultures celebrate Christmas. Believe me, the song will be stuck in your head for quite some time.
You can’t have the Holidays at Disneyland without Sandy Claws making an appearance. Everyone’s favourite Pumpkin King Jack Skellington has returned to spread “holiday fright” throughout the Haunted Mansion, which includes a charming Gingerbread House. Rumour has it that Sally may even be making an appearance this year, but what’s the fun if I confirm or deny this rumour?
The charming fireworks show Believe… In Holiday Magic also makes a return to Disneyland after a hiatus due to Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration. Witnessing Sleeping Beauty’s Castle transform into a Winter Wonderland really is a sight to behold. Add some snowfall on Main Street U.S.A and it really is a magical atmosphere.
For a limited time, Disney’s Paint the Night Parade will be making its way along the parade route once more. It’s hard not to start dancing to the catchy theme tune as thousands of sparkling LED lights pass by.
Of course Christmastime means there is shopping to be done. Whether it’s for your friends, family or just yourself; you could end up spending quite a bit on all the holiday-themed merchandise. I’ll take the Chip & Dale holiday plush please.
Throughout the theme parks, Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort; you’ll find the entire place has been decorated for the season. The Gingerbread House inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa really is something to be admired.
There is simply so much going on at the Disneyland Resort during the holidays, that I simply couldn’t list it all. What’s your favourite part about the merriest time of year at Disney?
