Are you planning a Disneyland vacation in 2023? We’ve collected all the Disneyland Special Events in 2023; holidays, festivals, and events happening at Disneyland to help you plan better. If you’re traveling to Disneyland in 2023 get ready for extra magic! Here is the Disneyland Calendar of Events to help you get started and plan the best time to visit Disneyland this year.
DISNEYLAND 2023 CALENDAR
Of all the Disney Parks, Disneyland is by far the one that is able to host last-minute events. But that doesn’t stop us from trying to nail down all the important dates throughout the year. This is most helpful for out-of-state Disneyland travelers who may not have the ease of visiting anytime. We’ve broken this down by month so that you can see what dates events are happening, how holidays fall into the mix, and be aware. Getting a handle on what will be happening while you’re on vacation, can help you plan better. Let’s dive in.
Note: Events labeled TENTATIVE TBD have not yet been formally announced. Date ranges are based on annual historical data. As Official Dates from Disneyland are confirmed this post will be updated. Check out What’s New at Disneyland in 2023 for more details.
JANUARY 2023
Disneyland in January is most noted for the New Year’s Celebrations that take place at both Disneyland and California Adventure. with Mickey and Minnie dressed in their best outfits to celebrate a Disney Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year’s Event brings new snacks, a parade, and merchandise. The animal for the Chinese Lunar New Year in 2023, is the Rabbit, so we can expect to see the Rabbits of Disney on merch in some way.
January 1-3, 2023: Holiday Activities
January 1, 2023: New Year’s Day
January 12, 2023: Anaheim Ducks Day
January 20 – February 15, 2023: Lunar New Year Celebration
January 14-18, 2023: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
January 27, 2023: 100th Anniversary of Walt Disney Company Kickoff Begins
January 27, 2023: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opens
January 27, 2023: World of Color One Opens
January 27, 2023: Wondrous Journey Fireworks Show Debut
January 31- February 16, 2023: Disneyland After Dark- Sweethearts’ Nite (Select Nights Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023)
FEBRUARY 2023
February is all about Black History Month. As such Disney offers loads of musical appearances throughout Downtown Disney in the Celebrate Soulfully Event! This month also welcomes Valentine’s, and as Disneyland is such a hot spot for Valentine’s Day fun, and proposals, there’s typically new snacks, and merchandise to celebrate the romantic season.
February: Celebrate Soulfully! Celebrate Gospel” at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, 2023, from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m.
January 20 – February 15, 2023: Lunar New Year Celebration
January 31- February 16, 2023: Disneyland After Dark- Sweethearts’ Nite (Select Nights Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 2023)
February 12, 2023: Super Bowl Sunday
February 9-13, 2023: Super Bowl Weekend
February 11-15, 2023: Valentine’s Day
February 17-21, 2023: President’s Day Weekend ( February 20, 2023)
New Orleans Square Mardi Gras
February 18- February 24, 2023: Mardi Gras Week
February 21, 2023: Fat Tuesday
February 22, 2023: Ash Wednesday
February 24, 2023: Magic Happens Parade Returns
February 25, 2023: Single Rider Day. An Unofficial Disney Day
MARCH 2023
One of the biggest events of the year, happening in California Adventure, is the Disneyland Food and Wine Festival! This festival brings new foods, cultural delights, and new snacks to the forefront. Find them at pop-up kitchens throughout the park. And be sure to check out the Disneyland Marketplace Food Kitchens before you go for the menus, and foods to find.
March- April: Egg-stravaganza at Disneyland Park
March 3- April 25, 2023: California Adventure Food and Wine Festival
March 8, 2023: Re-Opening of Mickey’s Toontown
March 7, 9, 2023: Disneyland After Dark Princess Nite
March 17, 2023: St. Patrick’s Day
March 5-27, 2023: Spring Break
APRIL 2023
Most notable in April are the throwback nites, offered select nights, honoring all things classic. And much in the same vein, Dapper Day’s main events also happen in April. This includes the EXPO which highlights vendor booths, dancing, and bands, as well as the Spring outing, for guests to show off their dapper best.
March 3- April 25, 2023: California Adventure Food and Wine Festival
April 2, 2023: Chip and Dale’s 80th Birthday
April 7, 2023: Good Friday
April 8-11, 2023: Easter Weekend
April 16, 2023: Dapper Day at Disneyland Resort Spring Outing
April 18-20, 2023: Disneyland After Dark Throwback Nite (April 18, 20, 2023)
April 9, 2023: Easter Sunday
MAY 2023
May at Disneyland hosts Grad Nites, which are highly popular events and see loads of crowds on select nights. In addition to those evening events, there are also Star Wars and Cinco de Mayo events. Expect a variety of Star Wars merch, Star Wars snacks, and more as part of the fun. And for fans of Coco, Cinco de Mayo brings new snacks and merch too.
May 2 -May 11, 2023: Disneyland After Dark Star Wars Nite ( May 2, 4, 8 & 11, 2023 )
May 4, 2023: Star Wars Day. May the Fourth Be with You!
May 7, 2023: Bats Day Fun
May 5, 2023: Cinco De Mayo
May 12- June 16, 2023: Disneyland Grad Nites
May 14, 2023: Mother’s Day
May 27-31, 2023: Memorial Day Weekend ( May 29, 2023)
JUNE 2023
Summer is busy at Disneyland as many kids are out of school, as such the “events are minimal. June sees Black Music Month, featuring live performances at Downtown Disney, and Pride parades, events, and snacks. While the extra things at Disneyland Resort are limited, it’s still a great time to visit.
June: Black Music Month at Disneyland Resort
May 12- June 16, 2023: Disneyland Grad Nites
June 13, 15, 2023: Disneyland After Dark Pride Nite
June 18, 2023: Father’s Day
June 30- August 31, 2023: Rogers: The Musical at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Limited Time!
JULY 2023
The biggest thing happening in July at Disneyland is the park’s official birthday. Often bringing special events, a parade, and snacks. There is also specialty merchandise honoring the park, and depending on the birthday year, may also include extra fanfare.
June 30- August 31, 2023: Rogers: The Musical at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Limited Time!
July 1-5, 2023: Fourth of July Weekend
July 17, 2023: Disneyland Birthday Celebrations
AUGUST 2023
Another summer month with minimal things to do, August usually sees the beginning of the refurbishment for the Haunted Mansion ride. As such, if you’re visiting Disneyland with the hopes of riding the Haunted Mansion, check the Disneyland website before you go. August also welcomes Disney Princess Week, which includes Princesses everywhere, new Princess Snacks, and special events and activities.
June 30- August 31, 2023: Rogers: The Musical at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Limited Time!
August 20- 26, 2023: World Princess Week
August 31, 2023: San Fransokyo Square Opens
SEPTEMBER 2023
The beginning of Halloween season typically starts September 1st at Disneyland. With this comes the most magical time of year at the parks. If you’re visiting between September and December, get ready to be amazed! Beautiful decorations cover the park, new snacks arrive, and special events pop up. September includes the Nightmare Before Christmas takeover of Haunted Mansion, and Plaza de Familia, running through November. Plus the beginning of Fall and Halloween events.
September 1 – October 31, 2023: Halloween Time at Disneyland
September 1, 2023: Haunted Mansion Holiday
September 1- November 3, 2023: Plaza de la Familia
September 3-6, 2023: Labor Day Weekend ( September 4, 2023)
September 5 – October 31, 2023: Oogie Boogie Bash ( select nights)
September 7, 2023: Tiana’s Place Restaurant OPENS
September 8- October 31, 2023: Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit in Downtown Disney
September 15-17, 2023: Rosh Hashanah
September 22- 24, 2023: Gay Days at Disneyland
September 24-25, 2023: Yom Kippur
September 28, 2023: Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Open
OCTOBER 2023
Halloween at Disneyland Resort covers both parks in more ways than one! With Ride overlays, the Oogie Boogie Bash and Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit in Downtown Disney, and the arrival of Halloween treats, there is plenty to do! It’s a magical, and busy time of year, so be sure to avoid the Columbus Weekend if you’re looking for lower crowds. We recommend weekdays before 4 pm if you can manage it! Check out our Halloween at Disneyland posts for tips and details.
September 1 – October 31, 2023: Halloween Time at Disneyland
September 1, 2023: Haunted Mansion Holiday
September 1- November 3, 2023: Plaza de la Familia
September 5 – October 31, 2023: Oogie Boogie Bash ( select nights)
October 7 – 11, 2023: Columbus Day Weekend ( October 9, 2023)
October 16, 2023: 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company
October 31, 2023: Halloween
NOVEMBER 2023
Disneyland finishes up the fall season as soon as Thanksgiving arrives and shifts gears to Christmas. This month includes the beginning of the Holiday season, which means even the Disney Hotels get decorated. You can also count on new snacks, new holiday merchandise, and more. And as usual, avoid the holiday weekends if you want to stay out of the crowds!
New Asha Character Meet and Greet Disneyland Park
September 1- November 3, 2023: Plaza de la Familia
November 7, 2023: Election Day
November 10, 2023- January 7, 2024: Holidays at Disneyland Resort
November 10, 2023: Adventureland Treehouse Opens, Inspired by Swiss Family Robinson.
November 11, 2023: Veterans Day
November 11-12, 2023: Dapper Day at Disneyland Resort Fall Outing
November 18-26, 2023: Thanksgiving Week
November 18, 2023: Mickey and Minnie’s 95th Birthday
November 23, 2023: Thanksgiving
November 10, 2023 – January 7, 2024 Disney Viva Navidad
November 10, 2023 – January 7, 2024 Holidays at Disneyland Resort
November 10, 2023, to January 7, 2024, Disney Festival of Holidays
DECEMBER 2023
Christmas arrives at Disneyland right after Thanksgiving and offers up special parades, events, snacks, and merchandise. Be sure to browse the parks, and take in the decorations and ride overlays. Christmas at Disneyland is one of the best times to visit, but also the busiest! Be sure to check out our Disneyland at Christmas posts for tips and details.
November 10, 2023- January 7, 2024: Holidays at Disneyland Resort
December 2-3, 2023: Candlelight Processional at Disneyland
December 18-31, 2023: Christmas Weeks
December 25, 2023: Christmas
December 31, 2023-January 1, 2023: New Year’s Celebrations
November 10, 2023 – January 7, 2024 Disney Viva Navidad
November 10, 2023 – January 7, 2024 Holidays at Disneyland Resort
November 10, 2023, to January 7, 2024, Disney Festival of Holidays
JANUARY 2024
runDisney Coast to Coast Challenge 2024
January 11- 14, 2024: Disneyland Half Marathon
Disneyland Events 2023
As you can see from this list, there is no shortage of things to do at Disneyland this year. From new festivals, and After Dark events, to classic things like Grad Nite, there is plenty to do. Check out our Disneyland Vacation Planning page for all the details, tips, and tricks!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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