Holidays
12 Can't-Miss Holiday Attractions For A Day At Disneyland

Consider this your festive checklist for 2021.

by Rachel Chapman
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Courtesy of Disney Parks

The holidays have arrived at the Disneyland Resort in California. With a menu of festive treats, seasonal entertainment, and Mickey and friends dressed in their best, a day at Disneyland during the holidays is a must.

Rachel Chapman

Before you travel to “the happiest place on Earth” this time of year, check out these must-do holiday offerings at Disneyland for 2021 to plan out the merriest of vacays.

Rachel Chapman

Grab Something Sweet To Eat

It’s always a good idea to start your Disneyland day by stopping at a bakery. The Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland has a whole menu of seasonal items like a Mickey Gingerbread and Santa Hat Macaron.

Rachel Chapman

Snap A Holiday Photo In Front Of The Castle

While a castle photo is a must on any Disneyland trip, it’s especially necessary during the holidays as Sleeping Beauty Castle has that extra bit of pixie dust — aka icicle lights and snow — on top.

Rachel Chapman

Check Out Haunted Mansion Holiday

Fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas will love seeing their fave characters like Jack and Sally take over the Haunted Mansion during the holidays.

Rachel Chapman

Stop By Cars Land For The Decor

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure doesn’t hold back with the festive decor. Between tire Christmas trees and car pun holiday movie posters, every inch of this land is Insta-worthy.

Rachel Chapman

Ride Mater’s Jingle Jamboree

Even the rides in Cars Land have been given a haul-iday makeover. After riding Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, check out Luigi's Joy to the Whirl for a festive spin.

Rachel Chapman

Feast At The Disney Festival Of Holidays

At California Adventure, they’re celebrating with their annual Festival of Holidays and an assortment of Insta-worthy holiday foods. Foodies will love snacks like the Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese and Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron.

Rachel Chapman

Celebrate At Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Located at the Paradise Gardens Park in California Adventure, you’ll find the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! celebration which has special characters dressed in holiday attire, food, and even a street parade.

Rachel Chapman

Snap Selfies With Festive Disney Characters

Mickey and his friends are dressed in their holiday best this time of year, so you’ll definitely want to snap a selfie (or two) with your fave characters.

Rachel Chapman

Shop For Holiday Presents

Disney’s holiday merch this year includes new Mickey ears and festive spirit jerseys that anyone on your list would love to receive, so stop by the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A.

Rachel Chapman

There’s Even New Holiday Characters

Aside from the Fab Five, Disneyland has a few new characters debuting just in time for the holidays. Now, you can visit Maribel from Encanto and Kate Bishop from Hawkeye at California Adventure.

Rachel Chapman

Watch The Christmas Parade And Fireworks Show

Disneyland has tons of holiday entertainment to enjoy like their A Christmas Fantasy Parade and "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular, which are happening now through Jan. 9, 2022.

Rachel Chapman

See The Lights On "It's A Small World" Holiday

While "it's a small world" Holiday may be closed for refurbishment right now, the lights outside are a must-see. You can even watch the fireworks from in front of "it's a small world" for a truly breathtaking view.

Rachel Chapman

Keep in mind the CDC still recommends delaying domestic travel until you’re fully vaccinated, and you’ll want to check out any local and park health guidelines while visiting Disneyland.

Courtesy of Disney Parks