Holiday season officially kicks off at Disneyland Resort, with seasonal parades, specialty food and more

ANAHEIM, Calif. () — It’s officially the most magical time of the year at the Happiest Place on Earth! Holidays at the Disneyland Resort kicked off on Friday, bringing seasonal food, festive entertainment and transformed attractions to the theme parks for the season.

Guests marked the first day of the Disney holiday season on Friday by wearing their holiday best and taking in the decorations.

“I love to see Mickey and Minnie. They’re absolutely adorable,” said Tisha Kay of Los Angeles.

For Kay, the start of the holiday season also offered another reason to celebrate.

“Of course, the first day of Christmas, it’s so magical! But I’ve had an annual pass for like 20 years, and I’m a cancer survivor, so this month, 20 months in remission, so I’m always trying to celebrate. Every day is a gift!” she said.

The holiday offerings include new and returning seasonal food and beverages, along with the Christmas Fantasy Parade.

The parks have undergone a complete holiday transformation. Main Street, U.S.A., was decorated with a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, while Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle features 80,000 shimmering lights.

Haunted Mansion Holiday continues its seasonal run, and It’s a Small World has been transformed to showcase holiday celebrations from around the globe.

“The moment you first walk into Downtown Disney, all the snowflakes are already on with the Christmas decorations, and then when you walk into Disneyland, you get to see the Christmas tree. I think that’s like the best thing you get to see,” said Berenice Perez of Glendale.

The first day of the season drew visitors from around the world, including Jenna Prem and Dallas Jackson of Vancouver. The couple celebrated their sixth anniversary and the beginning of the holiday season with a proposal.

“This was months in the making. I hope she didn’t know,” Jackson said.

“I didn’t! It’s always been my dream in Disneyland, yeah,” Prem said.

The holiday celebrations continue through Jan. 6, 2027.

For more information, visit Disney’s 2026 Guide to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

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