Again this year, my family was lucky enough to get to spend the weekend at the Disneyland Resort. It was a great weekend to be there because Disneyland was kicking off their holiday season. There are so many special events going on at the park during the holiday season I am not even sure where to start! I even got to be part of a blogger scavenger hunt!
When it comes to enjoying the magic of the holiday season with family and friends, there’s no place like Disneyland Resort. The holidays shine brightly throughout the resort from Nov. 12 through Jan. 8, 2012. This event will create memories for a lifetime. 
Visitors can enjoy the return of Disneyland Resort’s most popular offerings, including special holiday versions of “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion, along with “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, colorful holiday décor and a nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Yes, snowfall. I wish you all good have seen my little guys eyes when the snow started falling. It was a memory both he and I will never forget! Truly priceless!
Do you want to know my personal favorite part of the whole day at Disneyland? Well, other than all the beautiful holiday decorations. I got to see reindeer! Santa Claus and his reindeer greet Disneyland guests at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, Frontierland. Kids and their families can chat with St. Nick and see real reindeer grazing in a corral. I had not idea and I was super excited. I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I got to see those reindeer.
Other holiday highlights at Disneyland include the traditional snowdrifts and icicles adorning Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. After dark a sensational holiday lighting and special effects show carries the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the Christmas tree in Town Square. The 60-foot-tall Disneyland Christmas tree presents a nightly holiday light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights. The tree is a perfect place to snap the perfect holiday card photo. This one is a can’t miss (literally you can’t miss it – it is huge!)
One of the highlights of our day at Disneyland was the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, which takes guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of “White Christmas,” along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square. This is by far the best fireworks show I have ever seen. The music and the fireworks were spectacular and I could not have asked for a better memory with my little one. I spent more time looking at the awe in his eyes than at the fireworks themselves. Then the snow caps it all off. It was amazing!
Another fun part of our day (and a new tradition for us) was the “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, in which Disney characters join together to celebrate the magic of the season. Guests watch as the characters wrap gifts, bake holiday treats and prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus, who shouts a jolly greeting to spectators along the parade route. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse even take to the ice for some skating fun. It is so much fun to see all the children shout as their favorite character comes along the parade route and waves to them. Finally to top it all off Santa comes too. Can it get any better? I think not!
New This Year:
Look for new, holiday additions to two popular shows
– “The Magic, Memories & You” at “it’s a small world” and “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure (the elves from “Prep and Landing” make an appearance!).
At Disney California Adventure, don’t miss the giant ornaments at “a bug’s land,” the beautiful Christmas tree near Paradise Bay and a special Santa.
All of these make great photo opps!
OHHHHHH! I have to mention my son’s favorite part of the day! The lively street show “Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party” gets a merry twist at Disney California Adventure park, with holiday décor and songs. The show is performed several times a day in Paradise Pier. My son was dancing and having some of the most fun I have ever seen him have! I wish my phone had not died or I would have posting a video for you!
If you are looking for a place to create some priceless family memories this holiday season, I can not recommend a better place than Disneyland. The holiday season is such a magical time at the park with all the decorations and events they have lined up. For my family this is going to be a tradition from now on!
To find out more and buy tickets head over to the Disneyland Holiday page
“Deal”icious Mom Disclaimer: I was provided with complimentary tickets to Disneyland in return for an honest and insightful review of their holiday event. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. My opinion as always remain my own.
That sounds like such a good time, and Disney in the holiday season sounds so magical. I’m one of those people who has never been and has no childhood nostalgia, and so I can go either way when reading about Disney, but this is one of those Disney stories that makes me really wish I’d been. It’s never too late! Thank you so much for getting me into the holiday and Disney spirit!
Lucky you! I’ve never been to Disney! Shoot, I have only left the state a few times to go to TN, so most of my whole life, I haven’t left AL. Disney in FL isn’t cheap at all! Wayyyyy too much for me to afford! Nice review though 🙂
I have never been there in the winter but i would LOVE to see the reindeer!
There is nothing better then Disney at Christmas time. I have never been to Disneyland for the holidays, but we do go to Disney World every other year. The decorations are amazing and it really puts you in a holiday mood.
Wow, that looks fun. Ny daughter would love it.
It is my goal to one day take all of my children to Disney for a vacation. I never imagined their holiday events would be so beautiful. Perhaps Christmas in Wonderland would be ideal for us in a few years!
oh, thank you so much for sharing this information. We are actually planning to go next year and are doing all of our research and planning. I can’t wait. Going to Disneyland during the Holidays would definitely be magical. I would love to go one day during that time with the family. Great post! Thanks again.
Thanks so much for participating in my Simple Sundays Blog Stroll! I’m was already following back but stopped by to say hi. Thanks so much again!
Disneyland was so much fun when I visited years ago! But, I would LOVE to visit during the holidays
I love Disneyland during Christmas..it is always such a special place to visit, but Christmas time is super special. Plus, if your kids are old enough, it is a memory they will hold for a lifetime!
I thought your favorite part was seeing me? LOL! Love your post!
Disneyland is fun anytime, but I LOVE going during the holidays. It’s just that much more “magical” with the snow and all the decorations. Can’t wait to take my kids.
I’ve never been to Disneyland but would love to go. We are Disneyworld fanatics though!