03/10/2024 2:57 PM

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Disneyland brings beloved holiday traditions back with a bang

Sleeping Beauty’s castle is decorated, special holiday treats are warming in the oven, and Main Street USA looks like a winter wonderland.

The holidays have returned to Disneyland Resort for the first time in nearly two years as it brings back the popular “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks and other seasonal favorites.

From now through Jan. 9, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim are decked out for the holidays from front to back and everywhere in between.

Throughout California Adventure and Disneyland, guests will see Santa Claus and Disney characters dressed in their holiday best.

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Mickey and Minnie warmly welcome guests back to Disneyland Resort for the holidays. Guests will find cheerful entertainment, yuletide treats, specialty merchandise, sparkling decor and seasonal transformations of select attractions.

At Disneyland, a 60-foot holiday tree adorned with nearly 1,800 ornaments – a tradition for the park – greets guests as they enter Main Street USA.

Also returning with the celebration is “A Christmas Fantasy” parade on Main Street, a holiday favorite that includes beloved Disney characters, prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen,” Santa Claus waving from his sleigh and more.

Jack Skellington and company continue their occupation of Haunted Mansion over the holidays, and Sleeping Beauty’s castle sparkles with lights that turn it into a wintertime spectacle when the sun goes down.

"Believe...in Holiday Magic" holiday fireworks are seen over Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle at Disneyland Park.

The “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular includes “snowfall” and colorful projections on Main Street USA and the façade of “It’s A Small World.” A heartwarming finale for guests is the “kiss goodnight” moment from several beloved characters who wave goodbye from the balcony of the Disneyland Railroad Train Station in Town Square.

An all-new holiday store, Plaza Point, has also opened on Main Street, USA. The Victorian-era boutique is decorated with garland, nutcrackers and festive décor and offers Christmas-themed treasures year-round. The shop reflects seasonal holidays around the world with ornaments, housewares, linens and accessories.

Plaza Point will feature other holidays such as Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Easter and Halloween at various times throughout the year.

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Meet Mirabel at California Adventure

Guests at Disney California Adventure Park can create new memories during Disney Festival of Holidays as they discover the sights, sounds and tastes of a diverse season of celebrations, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day.

At California Adventure, the Disney Festival of Holidays returns with “Disney Viva Navidad!” with live entertainment, interactive photo opportunities and special appearances by Mirabel, the young hero of “Encanto.”

“Encanto” is a new feature-length film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, inspired by the people and cultures of Colombia. It’s due to open in theaters Nov. 24.

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