If you’re headed to the happiest place on earth for the holiday season, then you can experience one of the best Disneyland Holiday Events! The Disneyland Festival of Holidays for 2023 is November 10, 2023- January 7, 2024, and includes a slew of cultural festivities, music, food and fun. With Disneyland Festival of Holidays Food spread across both Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney, you can enjoy this event with and without a park ticket! Take a look at the Disneyland Festival of Holidays 2023 Guide for all the details.
Disneyland Holiday Events
Visiting Disneyland for the holidays is always magical. With the Gingerbread Display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, you can hunt for hidden Mickeys, and grab gingerbread treats while you’re there. Or head to Holiday Tea at the Disneyland Hotel for something vintage and elegant. Perhaps you’re just looking for Free Things to Do at Disneyland for Christmas? Whatever your merry mission know that the Disneyland Festival of Holidays should be on your Disneyland Christmas Must-Do list. Check out our Christmas at Disneyland 2023 Guide for all the details on events throughout the season.
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade: See Santa and Disney characters dressed in their holiday best for this Disney Christmas Parade! Featuring the Toy Soldiers, holiday floats, and music.
- “It’s a Small World” Holiday: This classic Disney ride gets decorated with thousands of Christmas lights, and tidings of great joy!
- Believe in Magic Holiday Fireworks Spectacular: A Christmas fireworks show at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland brings color and holiday music to the evening. Complete with a sprinkling of snow!
- Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle: The castle at Disneyland Park gets covered in lights, and garlands to help ring in the season.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday: Disney’s Haunted Mansion gets a macabre overlay with the Nightmare Before Christmas! Featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero, along with all the NBC cast, this is one of the best rides at Disneyland for the holidays.
- Christmas Decorations: Flurries, Garlands, Wreaths, and over 50,000 lights on the “it’s a small world” attraction make Disneyland Park a fantasy wonderland for the holidays.
Disneyland Festival of Holidays 2023 Entertainment
- Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure Park: Honoring an array of cultural cuisine and festivities for the holidays
- Disney Viva Navidad!: A celebration of holiday traditions from Brazil, shared through cultural performances with dance and music.
- Disneyland Christmas Food: Across the parks, and Downtown Disney you can find new holiday treats and seasonal meals to match the season.
- Mickey’s Happy Holidays: This cheery Disney Character Cavalcade happens twice a day at Disney’s California Adventure!
- World of Color Season of Light: This Christmas version of the nighttime show at California Adventure Park brings color and holiday music to the stage with sky-high fountains and snowflakes to set the scene.
- Christmas Ride Overlays: Maters Jingle Jamboree, and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl get festive makeovers in Disney’s Cars Land at California Adventure. Complete with music and decorations.
- Christmas Decorations: Vintage decorations from the 1930s and a 50-foot Christmas Tree in Carthay Circle add to the majesty of the season here. Be sure to head to Cars Land for the Haul-idays, to see the decked-out streets and shops.
Outside the Parks
- Holiday Tea at Disneyland Hotel: Head to the Disneyland Hotel for holiday decorations and special events.
- Diwali at the Disneyland Hotel: Head to The Coffee House for an Indian chai Archisha Tea. And you can even see special performances to commemorate this celebration.
- Gingerbread Displays at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel: New each year, head to the resort to see what’s cooking up for the holidays with a new Gingerbread display and treats for purchase nearby!
- Holidays at Downtown Disney: Browse holiday shop windows, among wreaths, garlands, and lights throughout the season. Restaurants offer seasonal meals and treats. And you can bask in the glow of the multi-story Christmas Tree. Be sure to check out all the decorations strewn across the shopping center. And stop at a few Festival of Holidays kitchens too.
- Meet Santa Claus!: Santa Claus is all set up for jolly family photos beginning with the holiday season at Disneyland Hotel through December 24, 2023.
Disneyland Festival of Holidays 2023 Dates
As one of our favorite things to do at Disneyland for Christmas, the Festival of Holidays runs from November 10, 2023- January 7, 2024. And adds to an already full season of Christmas Events at Disneyland.
Disneyland Festival of Holidays 2023 Food Menu
Disneyland Christmas Snacks can be found across the parks and Downtown Disney. But, you won’t find anything as delicious as the food at the Festival of Holidays at Disneyland Resort. These booths are located down the parade corridor of Buena Vista Street and at the entrance of Pixar Pier
A Twist on Tradition (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese
- Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese with herb breadcrumbs, sour cream and chives (New)
Guava-Melon Lassi
- Guava-Melon Lassi: Guava nectar, rock melon syrup, yogurt, and honey garnished with cinnamon whipped cream and honey-flavored cereal (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Glacier Margarita
- Glacier Margarita: Blanco tequila, blue curaçao, coconut and rosemary syrups, and white cranberry and lime juices garnished with champagne bubbles candy (New)
Brews & Bites (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- IMPOSSIBLE Chorizo Queso Fundido with house-made tortilla chips
- Churro Ale with Frozen Beer Slush: Churro ale with a frozen slush of beer, butterscotch, gingerbread, and house-made churro toffee syrups (New)
- Garage Brewing Co. Churro Ale (New)
- Boulevard Brewing Company Quirk Hard Seltzer – Cranberry Apple Cinnamon (New)
- Two Coast Brewing Co. Saint Father Authentic Oktoberfest Festbier
- Unsung Brewing Co. Agents of Anaheim Vienna Lager (New)
- Golden Road Brewing Christmas Cart Wheat Ale
- Eureka Brewing Co. Hibiscus Bloom Blonde Ale (New)
- Ballast Point Brewing Co. Grunion Pale Ale (New)
- Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Mouthful of Miracles Cold IPA (New)
- Brewery X Feliz Guavidad IPA (New)
- Rogue Brewing Co. Hazelnut Brown Nectar Brown Ale (New)
- Allagash Brewing Curieux Bourbon Barrel-Aged Golden Ale
- Bottle Logic Brewing Co. Study Break Sweet Stout (New)
- Holiday Flight (New)
- Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Mouthful of Miracles Cold IPA
- Ballast Point Brewing Co. Grunion Pale Ale
- Unsung Brewing Co. Agents of Anaheim Vienna Lager
- Bottle Logic Brewing Co. Study Break Sweet Stout
- Festive Favorites (New)
- Two Coast Brewing Co. Saint Father Authentic Oktoberfest Festbier
- Eureka Brewing Co. Hibiscus Bloom Blonde Ale
- Brewery X Feliz Guavidad IPA
- LA Bodega Brewing Co. Mama Coco Coconut Milk Stout
- Brewed Traditions (New)
- Boulevard Brewing Company Quirk Hard Seltzer – Cranberry Apple Cinnamon
- Golden Road Brewing Christmas Cart Wheat Ale
- Allagash Brewing Curieux Bourbon Barrel-Aged Golden Ale
- Rogue Brewing Co. Hazelnut Brown Nectar Brown Ale
Favorite Things (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Braised Pork Belly Adobo with garlic rice
- Mad Santa Macaron Inspired by the Disney+ series “The Santa Clauses”: Chocolate macaron filled with ganache, peanut butter mousse, and salted pretzels (New)
- Cherry Mango Punch: Mango purée, cherry and peach syrups, and lemon juice garnished with a frozen peach (Non-alcoholic beverage)
- Churro Toffee Cold Brew Latte: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Mexico Origin Coffee, cinnamon sugar, vanilla bean, and almond milk garnished with churro syrup-flavored whipped cream and toffee crumble (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Grandma’s Recipes (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Barbacoa Tamal de Res with Oaxaca cheese, tomatillo salsa and crema (New)
- Berry Pomegranate Paloma: Blanco Tequila, blueberry purée, lime, cranberry, and pomegranate juices, and agave syrup topped with fresca mixed vodka spritz and garnished with an orange wheel and chile lime seasoned rim (New)
- Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc
- Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon
- McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé (New)
- Winter Wineries Flight (New)
- Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc
- Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon
- McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé
Holiday Duets (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese with salsa macha and spiced puffed rice
- Chocolate Tart Made with TWIX Cookie Bar Pieces: Sugar tart filled with caramel and chocolate mousse, topped with TWIX cookie bar pieces and holiday sprinkles (New)
- Cuban Parranda Cocktail: White rum, falernum and maraschino liqueurs, soursop nectar, grapefruit juice, and mint syrup garnished with a dried grapefruit wheel (New)
- Cantaritos Pineapple (New)
Making Spirits Bright (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- IMPOSSIBLE Chicken Curry Bites with lemon raita and coriander chutney (New)
- Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake: Layers of New York-style cheesecake, pumpkin gooey cake, and graham cracker topped with spiced Chantilly and a chocolate decoration
- Tiramisu Yule Log Cocktail: Vodka, hazelnut liqueur, oat milk, tiramisu syrup, and chocolate bitters garnished with chocolate shavings
- Chocolate Mint Stout Shake: Garage Brewing Marshmallow Milk Stout, coffee liqueur, crème de menthe, horchata cream liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup garnished with cookie crumbles (New)
Merry Mashups (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Southern Mac & Cheese with andouille sausage and spiced panko crunch
- Santa’s Milk & Cookies Hot Cocoa Inspired by the Disney+ series “The Santa Clauses”: Whole milk, cookies and cream powder, and white chocolate with whipped cream
- Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum: Dark rum, butter, hazelnut paste, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with a salted caramel whipped cream
Winter Sliderland (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Togarashi Karaage Chicken Slider with furikake mayo slaw on a Hawaiian roll (New)
- Beef Brisket Slider with smoked onions and horseradish ketchup on a pretzel roll
- Spiced Pear Mule: Pear vodka, gin, apricot liqueur, house-made spice syrup, pear nectar, and lemon juice garnished with a white orchid (New)
Cappuccino Cart (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7; mobile order available)
- Cafe de Olla Cold Brew: Piloncillo-sweetened coffee spiced with star anise, clove and cinnamon topped with a hot chocolate cream cold foam (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
Hollywood Lounge (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 9; mobile order available)
- Three Gifts Flight: Includes Gin Lavender Lemonade, Smoky Hibiscus Orange Cocktail, and Shimmering Apple Pie Cocktail (New)
Lamplight Lounge (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Holiday Special Duck Confit: Duck confit with celeriac purée, cherry gastrique, rutabaga, and arugula citrus salad (New)
- Pan Dulce Donuts: Warm and fluffy donuts dipped in cajeta and topped with pan dulce crumbles paired with a champurrado dipping sauce (New)
- Holiday Cocktail: Chai Tea-Oat Mix, vanilla vodka, and Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur topped with chocolate liqueur and ground cinnamon (New)
Pym Test Kitchen (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 9; mobile order available)
- Cold Brew Infusion: Cinnamon & Spice: Cinnamon caramel cold brew with cardamom cream foam (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Smokejumpers Grill (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7; mobile order available)
- Kielbasa with Pierogi: Kielbasa served with potato and cheese pierogies, sautéed peppers and onions, and Dijon-sour cream (New)
Sonoma Terrace (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7; mobile order available)
- Pan con Pollo: Braised chicken, spiced tomato sauce, mayonnaise, and mustard dressing in a French bread roll served with pickled vegetable slaw (New)
- Bottle Logic Brewing Holiday Hopscotch: Golden ale with creamy vanilla and butterscotch (New)
Studio Catering Co. (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 9; mobile order available)
- Holiday Turkey Empanada: Fried empanada filled with turkey, stuffing and gravy with cranberry dipping sauce (New)
Terran Treats (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Hot Chocolate Churro: Chocolate chile churro with chocolate and chile streusel, mini marshmallows, and hazelnut spread
Outdoor Vending Locations (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Chicken Chile Verde Empanada served with a side of slaw and salsa roja (New)
- Honey-glazed Turkey Leg (New)
- Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie
- Cantaritos Pineapple
Seasonal Snack Locations Throughout the Park (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Chicken Chile Verde Empanada served with a side of slaw and salsa roja (New)
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Cake: Pumpkin cake with cinnamon streusel finished with icing and sprinkles (New)
- Cantaritos Pineapple
Churros near Goofy’s Sky School (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 22)
- Fresas con Crema coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with strawberries saturated in condensed milk (New)
Churros at Hollywood Land (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Yule Log Churro: Crème filled chocolate churro with berry drizzle and powdered sugar (New)
Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Chocolate Peppermint Churro: Churro coated with crushed candy canes and drizzled with chocolate and vanilla sauce
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7) Downtown Disney District
- Holiday Churros: Sweet, crispy dough coated in red and green sugar and topped with dulce de leche drizzle (New)
Tortilla Jo’s (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7) Downtown Disney District
- Traditional Holiday Pozole: Pork cushion, guajillo, hominy, garlic and onion powder, chicken base, salt, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and water
- Tamale Trio: Three different types of tamales – pork, beef, and chicken mole
- Mexican Buñuelos: Traditional fried dough fritter dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with condensed milk and strawberries
- Chocolate Feliz Navidad: Tequila, Irish cream liqueur, Mexican-style chocolate mix, and garnished with toasted marshmallows (Non-alcoholic version also available) (New)
Chrismas Novelties Across the Park
(Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7; limit 2 per person, per transaction)
- Holiday Swizzle Stick
- Holiday Travel Tumbler
- Mickey Mouse-shaped Peppermint Glow Cube
Disneyland Festival of Holidays 2023 Sip and Savor Pass
If you’re planning to be at Disneyland Resort for the holidays and staying a couple of days, then consider grabbing a Sip and Savor Pass. This pass offers eight entitlement tabs you can redeem for select foods and nonalcoholic beverages. You can use your Sip and Savor Pass at several of the marketplaces and participating dining locations in Disney California Adventure Park. And you can even use it throughout the entirety of the festival.
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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