Christmas in Disneyland: Attractions and Special Events
Visit the arcades or the shopping boutiques to get out of the cold and find some great gifts. Shops and other buildings are all decorated in a holiday theme with lights, garland and snowmen. The windows of the shops down Main Street feature stories of a common theme, such as “Fairy Tale Christmas”, with miniature models or other window scenes.
Christmas carolers travel around the park to perform popular Christmas tunes from around the world. As you stroll you eventually reach the Central Plaza which honors the most famous of Disney Princesses. The Christmas tree there towers a whopping 25 meter high with over 7000 candles twinkling. On the Castle Stage you’ll spot the Santa Claus workshop which is nestled among a snowy forest. Behind that is the ChÃ?¢teau De La Belle Au Bois Dormant which, too, is decorated beyond belief for the holidays. There you can step out on to the balcony of the castle that overlooks Fantasyland and the magical season splendor.
Endless choices of gifts await you at the Boutique du ChÃ?¢teau that carries a selection of unique items that is out of this world. After leaving the area visit the shops, restaurants and rides that are sparkling in the twilight. Fantasyland is also the home of Bell’s Christmas Village, located between Alice’s Curious Labyrinth and the Old Mill, in front of Storybookland. The Village from the animated classic has been recreated and includes the marketplace with the famous fountain on the terrace behind the Old Mill. Visitors can dance at the fountain with the characters or meet Belle and her friends while Belle reads from her book.
Afterwards, hop aboard the circus train, “Casey Jr.” for a ride past Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups and on to It’s A Small World. Board one of the boats and tour the world – a journey that celebrates children of other countries. The Disney Christmas Parade is a site to behold as the floats travel down Main Street, through Fantasyland and around It’s A Small World, towards the Town Square. The unique Christmas soundtrack plays as the Princes and Princesses of Disneyland, dressed in splendor, accompany Mary Poppins, dancing wooden soldiers, The Nutcracker, Mickey, Minnie and the gang. Upon a giant sleigh is Santa, himself waving to the crowds of cold but happy children.
Find a warm spot after the parade by visiting Frontierland. The Chaparral Theater, on the shores of the Rivers of the Far West, offer daily shows to Mickey’s Winter Wonderland, a musical comedy that will thrill all ages. Or locate the Fantasy Festival Stage in front of Fantasyland Station to sit under the glass roof and enjoy a musical called “Mickey’s Christmas”. Favored Christmas songs and Disney magic are only part of the show that’s been featured at Disneyland since the early 90’s.
After night has fallen witness the lighting of the Christmas Tree, a ceremony taking place on Central Plaza. Elves, Santa, Princes and Princesses gather around to share songs and dancing while Tinkerbell sprinkles magic dust. And don’t miss the Disney Fantillusion Parade, featuring floats with thousands of twinkling lights and magnificent costumes.
The Fireworks Display is the topper to a magical day at Disneyland during the holidays. Shot off above the castle, red and green fireworks accompany music and magic. Of course, if you’re not ready for the day to end, there’s always the Hollywood Christmas at the Walt Disney Studios, or the Disney Village.
Book your wintry Disneyland vacation from November through January for a spectacular array of lights, dancing, laughing, hot chocolate, shopping and the smiles of many kids. You’ve never seen anything like it.
