Disney Christmas is back, and it's bigger and more dazzling than ever this 2023! The world's beloved holiday celebration is ready to cast its spell on Disney enthusiasts and families around the globe.
Get ready to be transported to a magical wonderland where dreams come true amidst twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the unmistakable joy that Disney delivers. From the iconic Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Florida to the magnificent Magical Christmas Tree Lighting in Paris, we're about to go on a jolly journey across the continents to discover how Disney is making Christmas merrier than ever.
So, grab your Santa hats (or your Mickey headbands!) and join us as we unwrap the enchanting world of Christmas at Disney this year!
1. Christmas at Disneyland Resort California
When is the best time to visit?
Gear up for a holly, jolly extravaganza as Disneyland Resort California transforms into a winter wonderland! Holidays at Disney have already started last November 10, 2023, and will last till January 7, 2024. Make sure to plan your visit ahead and soak up all the yuletide cheer.
What shows and parades can I expect?
The park is adorned with the most marvelous holiday decor that'll leave you absolutely spellbound. One of many attractions is Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, which is decorated with icicles and snow-capped turrets. Don't miss the life-sized gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, inspired by sweet treats and pastries. And here's the best part: "snow" is scheduled to fall every night, making it feel like a genuine winter wonderland!
We have more for you. Holiday magic surrounds you at every turn! You'll be serenaded with choruses of jolly tunes as you glide along the wintry waterway of the "It's a Small World" Holiday, a water-based boat ride located in the Fantasyland area. And Jack Skellington from "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" has redecorated the Haunted Mansion, transforming it into the frightfully festive Haunted Mansion Holiday, complete with a new and hauntingly delightful gingerbread house. Get ready for some extra cheer in Disney California Adventure on Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, which both undergo seasonal spins for the "haul-idays."
You can also watch your favourite Disney characters get into the holiday spirit as Mickey, Minnie Mouse, and all their friends sport all-new outfits, putting a modern spin on the classic red and green. Then head over to the Christmas Fantasy Parade, which will spread cheer with appearances from characters in Disney Animation's "Frozen," Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story," and many more. When the sun sets, be sure to catch the Believe... In Holiday Magic nighttime spectacular, featuring breathtaking fireworks and sprinklings of snow to light up the night sky.
For those seeking even more holiday magic, the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour offers a hosted experience with select seasonal offerings and reserved viewing for "A Christmas Fantasy Parade."
What festive foods should I try?
Are you a foodie on the hunt for tasty treats at Disneyland? Good the park has various delectable options and a fun, friendly atmosphere; you're in for a scrumptious holiday adventure that will leave you craving more! Savour new and returning favourite food and beverages at the Disney Festival of Holiday's marketplaces. As you munch away, groove to the beats of music and enjoy the lively dance performances at the Palisades Stage and Sonoma Terrace.
Oops, we got more! Disney ¡Viva Navidad! is back and celebrating its tenth season in Paradise Gardens Park. This year, you can taste your way through an all-new menu at Paradise Garden Grill, where the season's flavours come to life with a festive twist. A must-try are the Minnie Santa Hat Apple, it's a green apple dipped in caramel with two marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate, and the Mickey-shaped Candy Cane Beignets dusted with peppermint powdered sugar.
The holiday cheer is served on every plate, from mouthwatering traditional dishes to innovative culinary creations!
Now that you know all about the Disney Christmas cheer at Disneyland California, do you want to know how you can make the most out of your time here? Check out this comprehensive guide to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park to plan your trip ahead like a pro!
2. Christmas at Walt Disney World Resort Orlando
When is the best time to visit?
Hey there, holiday adventurers! Prepare to deck the halls and have a magical time at Walt Disney World Resort Orlando this Christmas.
First, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is back, kicking off the Disney Christmas season. From November 9 to December 22, 2023, you can experience the sheer joy of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show. And here's the sweet part: cookies and cocoa are on the house—available in select locations at no extra cost! It's like a dream come true for your sweet tooth.
What shows and parades can I expect?
Disney Jollywood Nights is here to jazz up your holiday nights with live bands, a musical variety show, and the return of the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. Check out the Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition—each evening, marvel as the park's majestic symbol shimmers and sparkles, accompanied by a lovely musical composition. This show starts at dusk and is subject to change. Dance the night away at swanky venues and themed entertainment areas. And remember, they've got speciality sips and bites that'll treat your senses just right, including savoury dishes, sweet treats, classic cocktails, and a bunch of specially-curated holiday beverages for those aged 21 and up.
What festive foods should I try?
Over at EPCOT, the International Festival of the Holidays is the event to be from November 24 to December 30, 2023. With Holiday kitchens scattered around the World Showcase promenade, you can savour delights like Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing at the American Holiday Table and indulge in Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl at Bavaria Holiday Kitchen. It's like a passport to deliciousness!
So, pack your holiday spirit and stretchy pants—you're in for a tasty, sparkly, and fun-filled adventure at Walt Disney World Resort Orlando.
Discover how to experience the most magical time at the Happiest Place on Earth by reading this all-encompassing guide to Walt Disney World Resort Orlando!
3. Christmas at Tokyo Disney Resort
When is the best time to visit?
Ho-ho-hold onto your Santa hats 'cause Tokyo Disney Resort is ready to make your Christmas merry and bright from November 8 to December 25, 2023! Wondering when’s the best time to visit? November is your golden ticket, with fair weather at around 12°C (54°F) on average. Come December, it gets a bit nippy, around 8°C (46°F), with evenings occasionally dropping below freezing and for that white Christmas vibes.
Klook Tip: December can be as chilly as Olaf's dream vacation, so bundle up with layers, and don't forget to bring your favourite moisturiser to keep your skin happy.
What shows and parades can I expect?
And speaking of merry and bright, a 50-foot-high Christmas tree is set to return to World Bazaar, wearing the Resort's 40th Anniversary crest as its statement piece. But that's not all; the Christmas fairy "Lil Lin Lin" is sprinkling her magic all over the place with enchanting ornaments. The hub area in front of Cinderella's Castle is where you'll find the holiday decorations that make you feel like you're really stepping into a fairy tale.
Get ready for the Disney Christmas Stories Parade, featuring your favourite Disney characters strutting in their best Christmas outfits. And don't miss the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights, where the classic parade meets Christmas magic, with Mickey and Minnie Mouse leading the way in their sparkling Christmas costumes.
But the fun doesn't end there! The Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare is a must-see from September 14, 2023, through January 8, 2024. Like in its sibling parks in the US, it's a special program based on Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas", and it's a spook-tacular experience you won't want to miss.
What festive foods should I try?
Feeling hungry after all that fun? Dive into Tokyo Disney's Special Menu and try out delectable sets like the Mickey Waffle with Strawberry Whip, Grilled Beef Loin, Hot Coffee Cocktail, and so much more. It's the perfect way to refuel for more Disney Christmas adventures.
Now, are you ready to gather your reindeer and sleigh and head to Tokyo Disney Resort this Christmas? It's the season to be jolly, and they're pulling out all the stops to make your holiday sparkle with Disney magic!
You can also sit back, relax, and let a professional chauffeur whisk you away to Tokyo Disneyland, Mount Fuji, ski resorts, and more with convenient hotel pick-up or drop-off service—your ticket to a stress-free adventure!
Visiting Tokyo Disneyland for the first time? We’ve got you. Here’s everything you need to know about Tokyo Disneyland—tickets, attractions, the works—so you’d have the most fun inside the happiest place on Earth.
Spending your holidays in Asia? You can get your Disney fix and new unique twists in Hong Kong Disneyland!
4. Christmas at Disneyland Paris
When is the best time to visit?
Disneyland Paris has started sprinkling some Disney Christmas magic from November 11, 2023, to January 7, 2024! It's the season to be merry, and they've got a sleigh-load of festive fun waiting for you.
What shows and parades can I expect?
Make sure to see the Let's Sing Christmas! musical show, where you can belt out your favourite carols with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. There's nothing like a festive sing-song to warm your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit!
And speaking of warming up, you can also check out the Magical Christmas Tree Lighting, where a 78-foot-tall Christmas tree will be lit in Town Square—like a beacon of holiday cheer. Prepare for sparkly eyes and plenty of oohs and aahs!
Now, get ready for some Merry Meets and Greets, where you can capture unforgettable moments with Disney Characters decked out in their festive finery. And guess what? You can even drop in and have a chat with Santa Claus before he jets off on his around-the-world trip!
And if you're on the hunt for gifts, Disneyland Paris has you covered. Discover the exclusive Disney Christmas Collection in festively decorated boutiques. Whether it's Disney Christmas decorations, souvenirs, or gifts for your loved ones back home, you'll find something for everyone.
What festive foods should I try?
Feeling peckish? Taste the Flavours of Christmas with Disney-licious dishes and seasonal snacks. Warm up with a hot chocolate from the L'Hiver Gourmand Christmas Market or savour a hearty meal at one of the many hotel or park restaurants like the famous hot chestnuts, spiced mulled wine, and beef bourguignon.
After learning about all the fun shows and tasty treats in Disneyland Paris, it's time to gather your friends and family together for an unforgettable Disney Christmas, with all the joy and brightness to add to your festive season!
With so many things to do and see, planning your trip can take time and effort. So, before you pack your cameras and Minnie Mouse headband, here’s everything you need to know about Disneyland Paris before you go.
Whether you're singing carols with Mickey, savouring Disney-licious treats, or capturing magical moments with your favourite characters—have a fun-filled Christmas at Disney parks this year. Merry Christmas, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and enchantment!
Written by: Dayday Africa