Disneyland Resort transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland now through January 7, 2026. Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are filled with festive décor. They feature energetic seasonal entertainment. Beloved Disney characters are dressed in their holiday best. If meeting characters is part of your holiday tradition, this guide points out the best places to find them. It also highlights the entertainment offerings you won’t want to miss.
Where to See Santa Claus Around Disneyland Resort
A holiday visit isn’t complete without meeting Santa Claus. Disneyland Resort gives guests multiple opportunities to greet him before he returns to the North Pole on December 24.
At Disney California Adventure, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail becomes a festive holiday playground. Families can enjoy games and activities. There is also a themed scavenger hunt while they wait to meet Santa. It all happens in one of the most charming seasonal locations in the park.
Beginning November 27, Santa also appears at the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. These hotel meet-and-greets offer relaxed photo opportunities in beautifully decorated lobbies. They are perfect for families who want memorable holiday pictures without the theme-park crowds.
Holiday Characters at Disney California Adventure Park
California Adventure offers a wide range of unique character appearances. There is also seasonal entertainment during Holidays and Disney Festival of Holidays.
Classic Characters on Buena Vista Street
Buena Vista Street features Mickey and Minnie. Extra classic characters are dressed in vintage-inspired holiday outfits. These outfits complement the land’s nostalgic holiday décor and 50-foot Christmas tree.
Mater’s Santa Hat in Cars Land
Mater joins the celebration with an oversized Santa hat that has become an iconic Cars Land holiday tradition. This is a popular photo stop for guests of all ages.
Seasonal Entertainment and Character Appearances
Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special
Deadpool returns for another season of humorous holiday storytelling near Avengers Campus. Guests can also catch Wolverine at select performances.
Mickey’s Happy Holidays
This daily, high-energy procession combines the Holiday Toy Drummers with appearances from a variety of Disney and Pixar characters. It’s a lively, upbeat addition to the park’s seasonal entertainment lineup.
Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season
Mirabel and friends host a Fiesta de Navidad celebration at Paradise Gardens Park on select days. Guests can sing along to popular songs from Encanto. They can enjoy a festive cultural performance filled with color and music. The storytelling is family-focused.
A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría and Miguel
Miguel from Coco performs alongside Mariachi Alegría at Carthay Circle on select evenings. Their bilingual renditions of holiday songs make this one of the most memorable cultural performances of the season.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
This returning celebration features live entertainment, themed dishes, and character meet-and-greets representing Latin American holiday traditions. Mirabel meets guests at Paradise Gardens throughout the season. On weekends, The Three Caballeros join folklorico dancers, samba performers, and mariachis for a vibrant, high-energy street party.
Holiday Characters at Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park features some of the resort’s most iconic character moments, beginning on Main Street, U.S.A. Mickey and Minnie will be in new holiday outfits. These outfits are inspired by elements of Disneyland’s 70th Celebration. They are refreshed with a festive twist for 2025.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
This beloved parade celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. It includes classic Disney characters, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, and prancing reindeer. It remains one of the park’s most popular holiday traditions.
Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!
This experience is held at Fantasyland Theatre through December 24. It includes character greetings and animated shorts. Visitors will enjoy musical moments and holiday-themed surprises throughout the day.
Holiday Character Dining at Disneyland Resort Hotels
The resort hotels offer several seasonal character dining experiences that combine delicious food with memorable character interactions.
Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers Cafe
From now through January 6, 2026, this breakfast and brunch invites guests to dine in their coziest attire. At Storytellers Cafe, in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & spa, guests will meet Daisy. They will also meet her friends dressed in plaid-inspired holiday outfits.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast
Also at Storytellers Cafe, the evening experience features Mickey Mouse and Scrooge McDuck. Other characters are in costumes inspired by the classic Christmas story. This is an excellent choice for families looking for a holiday dinner with character variety.
Goofy’s Kitchen Holiday Dining
At the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen offers holiday breakfast, brunch, and dinner now through January 6, 2026. Characters join you in colorful festive attire featuring classic holiday colors and whimsical seasonal details.
Using the Disneyland App for Character Schedules
The Disneyland app provides updated daily character locations and entertainment schedules. This tool is especially helpful for guests hoping to catch a specific character or performance during busy holiday periods.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season at Disneyland Resort is filled with opportunities to make lasting memories with your favorite Disney characters. The 2025 season includes Santa’s appearances and Encanto celebrations. It also offers culturally rich performances and festive hotel dining. This season promises to be one of the most magical yet. Find more information on what’s next for Disneyland in 2026 HERE.
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