There’s something extra magical about Disneyland during the holidays, especially when you’re standing under falling snow…indoors. At a recent media trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” my plus-one (teen daughter) and I had the pleasure of experiencing the food, clothing, décor, events and indoor snow marking the November 14- January 7, 2026 Disneyland 2025 holidays.

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Need more? Read more: Walt Disney’s dream lives on: More Disneyland 70th anniversary attractions and savings

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Holidays at Disneyland 2025: behind-the-scenes magic

Disney always does fun, food and fanfare like no other, and this holiday season is no exception. Much of what we saw for the 2025 Disney holidays reflects the vibrancy and spark of the park’s 70th Celebration, which kicked off this summer. 

Chef Manny talks cultural holiday dishes

During our press event, we had an opportunity to speak with Chef Manny Enriquez Neira about new Disneyland and California Adventure culinary creations. Chef Manny highlighted how the convergence of cultural influences played a part in curating holiday menu items. 

“All of the inspiration and creation of the holiday menu, we take great pride in,” he says. 

He explains how regions such as his native Peru, combine with nods from Venezuela and Colombia (as examples), come together in dishes like the Arepa de Cochinita Pibil: Crispy corn arepa with refried beans, cochinita pibil (Yucatán Peninsula-inspired pulled pork), avocado salsa, cotija cheese and spicy pickled red onions served with tortilla chips (available at California Adventure’s Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante through Jan. 7).

“We don’t plan these dishes 30 days at a time,” Chef Manny says. “We work six months in advance and really think about what the weather is going to be like, how cold it’s going to be and what will be taking place at that time.”

Standout dishes infused with culture and creativity:

• Al Pastor Mac & Cheese with tortilla crumble and cilantro
• Barbacoa Tamal de Res with Oaxaca cheese, tomatillo salsa, and crema 
• Spicy Cajun Loaded Fries: Cajun fries topped with hot links, cheddar cheese, corn, and bell peppers 

More than 240 seasonal food and beverage offerings, including 90 new items, will be available across the resort, including the new Philly cheese potato and yuletide carnitas torta.

EAT UP!

Holiday merch chat with Arielle

During our rounds, we connected with Merchandise spokesperson Arielle Harris, who highlighted some of the season’s most sought-after holiday merchandise. 

Loungefly lovers will lose their minds over the peppermint and plaid mouse-eared mini backpacks. The peppermint version has matching Mickey ears!

And to continue the peppermint theme, Disney debuted a bubble wand with an added twist this year. “Our bubble wand actually has a scent to it,” Harris says. “It’s like a 4D experience.”

Much like other Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration shopping scores, this year’s Disneyland holiday merch has a vintage feel. 

“Our red sweatshirt is a favorite with beautiful embroidery details and it’s very nostalgic with patterns and designs you’ll see with other holiday items,” Harris notes.

Don’t miss these festive attractions

Haunted Mansion must-see magic

Is it just me, or has Disneyland leveled up the Haunted Mansion this year? I know “Nightmare Before Christmas” has been a theme over the years, but something about the 2025 holiday season made the mansion extra magical. 

Truth be told, I’ve never seen Tim Burton’s famed movie from beginning to end (I know, I know), but even not being extra familiar with the details, I still loved this holiday attraction. 

More than 400 flickering candles create a ghostly glow on the façade of the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction. Each night, more than 100 jack-o-lanterns shine their ghoulish light.

FUN FACT

It’s a Small World Holiday highlights

I could go on It’s a Small World 500 times and never grow tired. During the holidays, this sentimental Disneyland treasure is even sweeter. 

If you’ve never seen the countries of the world come together for holiday songs, attire and unity, make this the year to do so. 

The holiday entertainment that actually makes the magic

Of course, any Disney holiday must include entertainment. This year, you’ll definitely want to check out:

Disneyland events:

• “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” 
• “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks 
• “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends”  

California Adventure happenings:

• Cultural performances by groups including Mostly Kosher, Yamila Guerra Cuban Latin Band, Karmagraphy and many more. The talent of these musicians is off the charts! We enjoyed several at the media event. 
• Culinary creations from Festive Food Marketplaces, including nearly 30 new items: This is where the Sip and Savor Pass comes in (more on this soon!)
• “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” 
• Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, celebrating Latin American traditions in Paradise Gardens 

New holiday magic at Disneyland for 2025: Fave character run-ins

I loved seeing Mickey, Minnie and friends in their shimmering 70th Celebration attire, and was equally enamored with their shiny new holiday outfits (also inspired by the 70th celebration).

My daughter and I got to goof around (or should I say goof-y-around) with Mickey, Minnie, Chip ‘n’ Dale — who I learned are NOT twins — and the Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Brazilian parrot José Carioca and Mexican rooster Panchito Pistoles. 

By the way, the Three Caballeros were very impressed that we have four live birds in our household. 

The Disneyland Resort app lists designated meet-and-greet locations and times with your favorite characters. 

HOT TIP

Downtown Disney & Disneyland Resort hotels bring the holiday cheer, too

The parks aren’t the only places to pack in holiday cheer. In addition to all the holiday shopping your feet and credit cards can muster, there’s much more to see and do in Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort.

Downtown Disney holidays

Downtown Disney has live music, holiday dining and even a bit of nightly snow.

Hotels of the Disneyland Resort get festive

Goofy is in full swing, hosting the holidays at Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Resort and more character dining opportunities like Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Cafe inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

In Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Ornament Trail, guests can participate in a hunt for special hidden character-themed ornaments hung on holiday trees throughout Downtown Disney District to earn a keepsake from Nov. 14 through Jan. 7, 2026.

DID YOU KNOW?

Disney deals and steals 

Right now, the Disneyland Resort is offering a limited-time savings up to 20% on select stays of three or more nights at Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel through Dec. 19, 2025, subject to availability and restrictions. 

Stay tuned for more 2025 Disney holiday coverage, including tips for how to make the most of your holiday visit.