The countdown to Christmas at Disneyland just got a whole lot more interesting. The resort has officially unveiled its 2026 holiday lineup, and it's packed with fresh twists on old favorites alongside some genuine surprises for the festive faithful.
From November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, Disneyland Resort transforms into a winter wonderland with new character costumes that capture what the park is calling "the spirit of holiday travel and an alpine gathering." Mickey, Minnie, and their pals will debut these fresh looks in Town Square at Disneyland Park, swapping their familiar ensembles for something inspired by mountain lodge vibes and cozy getaway aesthetics.
The costume refresh signals what's become clear across theme parks worldwide: even beloved traditions need visual refreshes to keep guests coming back. That said, Disneyland hasn't abandoned what actually works. The parade lineup includes the time-tested "A Christmas Fantasy Parade" rolling down Main Street with toy soldiers, dancing reindeer, and enough gingerbread props to make you forget you're in Southern California. The "Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks show returns too, complete with artificial snowfall and all the yuletide sparkle you'd expect.
Where to Find Santa and What Else Is New
Santa's getting a location change this year. He'll be stationed at Mickey's Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin from November through December, then shifts over to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure. If you're planning a holiday trip, knowing Santa's exact spots helps you schedule your family photos accordingly.
The seasonal attraction overlays are back and expanded. "Haunted Mansion Holiday" and "it's a small world" Holiday return to Disneyland Park, while Disney California Adventure gets Luigi's Joy to the Whirl and Mater's Jingle Jamboree in Cars Land. Sleeping Beauty Castle transforms into Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, lit by over 80,000 lights each evening. "World of Color: Season of Light" launches on November 13 at California Adventure, joining the Disney Festival of Holidays, Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, and "Mickey's Happy Holidays" cavalcade.
Beyond the Gates
Holiday cheer spills beyond the theme parks into Downtown Disney District, which will feature seasonal decorations, food vendors, live entertainment, and nightly simulated snowfall. Chip and Dale's Ornament Trail returns from November 11 through January 6, giving collectors another chance to hunt for limited-edition holiday trinkets across the property.
The merchandise wave is massive. New collections include the Mickey Mouse and Family Christmas Collection and Disney Vintage Holiday Collection, featuring festive apparel, home decor, and accessories. The novelty items lean heavy: expect a Mickey Train Light-Up popcorn bucket and a Holiday Stitch Christmas Tree sipper. Food items get equally creative, with offerings like the Cool Mint and Chocolate Cookie Mickey Elf Shake at Schmoozies and the Merry Cranberry Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Galactic Grill.
For serious Disney devotees planning their calendar around seasonal events, the 2026 holiday season slots in as a major refresh year. The new Mickey and Minnie costumes alone will drive photography and social media buzz, while the expanded food and merchandise lineups give the resort enough novelty to justify multiple visits during the seven-week run. Whether you're a first-timer soaking in the Disney magic or a veteran chasing what's changed since last year, Disneyland's winter push has something genuinely new wrapped into its deeply familiar formula.
