Disneyland and Disney World Unveil Holiday Magic

Holiday Magic at Disneyland and Disney World

As the summer sun shines, the magic of the holidays is already in the air for Disney fans. Disneyland has unveiled its 2025 holiday plans on July 23, coinciding with its ongoing 70th-anniversary celebration. While it may seem early, visitors know that planning ahead is essential, as the holiday season is one of the most popular times to visit both resorts.

Walt Disney World shared its holiday plans earlier in the month, with ticket sales for seasonal after-hours events now available. For those looking to experience the festive spirit, here’s what you need to know about spending the holidays at the Happiest and Most Magical Places on Earth.

Holidays at Disneyland

Disneyland’s holiday celebrations will run from November 14 through January 7 and are included with standard theme park admission. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will wear new 70th-anniversary inspired holiday looks, while most resort experiences will return as favorites.

At Disneyland Park, more than 80,000 lights will once again transform Sleeping Beauty Castle into a sparkling wonderland. The "Holiday Fun with Santa & Friends" event will return to Fantasyland Theatre, and both "it's a small world" and the Haunted Mansion will get their annual holiday overlays. The Haunted Mansion Holiday debuts during Halloween time.

The A Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Believe...in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular will also make a return. At Disney California Adventure, CarsLand will be decked out with holiday overlays for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters.

The Disney Festival of the Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad! will return with multicultural performances and foods. Highlights include Mickey's Happy Holidays cavalcade and, on select days, the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party, Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season, and A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!

The Downtown Disney District will offer seasonal entertainment and foods along with nightly “snow.” Disneyland’s resort hotels will get in the spirit with special decor and dining, including a new Mickey's Christmas Carrol Feast at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Throughout the holiday season, the California resort will continue to celebrate its 70th anniversary with World of Color Happiness! at Disney California Adventure and Tapestry of Happiness projections at Disneyland Park on select nights. However, the Paint the Night parade and other anniversary entertainment will take a holiday pause.

Holidays at Disney World

Two of Disney World’s biggest holiday events are not included with standard park admission—Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights—but there are plenty of other ways to celebrate across the Florida resort.

Guests can enjoy the holiday-themed Jingle Cruise at Magic Kingdom or glide along Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses at EPCOT. They could also watch Sunset Seasons Greetings projections at Disney's Hollywood Studios or Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition in Disney's Animal Kingdom, interact with snowy animal puppets in Animal Kingdom's Merry Menagerie, see ornate gingerbread displays at select resort hotels, or take the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs, among other activities.

EPCOT has a whole holiday festival. Most of Disney World's holiday celebrations will run from November 14 through December 31, 2025, but the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starts later. This year, the festival runs from November 28 through December 30.

The multicultural festival honors holiday traditions from around the world with storytelling and live performances, including JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season and the fan-favorite Candlelight Processional, which is narrated by different celebrities. Guests pay for festive foods and drinks from the event's Holiday Kitchens, but the rest of the festival is included with park admission.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be held at Magic Kingdom on specific dates, including November 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30, and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21. Tickets start at $169, with the most expensive dates topping out at $229.

Disney Jollywood Nights will return at Disney's Hollywood Studios on specific dates, including November 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, and December 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22. Tickets range from $159 to $199, depending on the date.

These events offer exclusive experiences such as parades, fireworks, dance parties, and special character greetings, making them must-see attractions for any Disney enthusiast.