Disneyland Resort is absolutely enchanting during the holiday season. The entire resort is adorned in twinkling lights and countless ornaments. Plus, characters at both theme parks and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort don their festive finest for this joyous time of year.
If you’re excited to take holiday photos with characters or spot them in a seasonal show, here are some highlights to check out while visiting Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park.
The fun begins November 14, 2025, and continues through January 7, 2026!
Where to Find Santa Claus at Disneyland Resort
Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus himself makes stops around Disneyland Resort for photo opportunities and to hear families’ holiday wishes. Say ho-ho-hello to St. Nick through December 24, 2025.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California Adventure transforms into a jolly playground with games, festive activities, and a fun search for brightly colored presents along the trail.
From November 27 through December 24, Santa adds the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to his route around the resort.
Holiday Characters at California Adventure
At California Adventure, some characters sport Santa hats, dress up in classic holiday outfits, or add festive accessories. These photo ops and sightings are unique to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.
On Buena Vista Street, you may find classic Disney characters dressed in retro-inspired wintry wear. Their outfits complement the nostalgic décor on the park’s 50-foot-tall Christmas tree.
In Cars Land, Mater gets into the spirit by sporting a giant Santa hat. You “auto” stop by to see for yourself!
Holiday Characters on Buena Vista Street
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Goofy
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Pluto
- Clarabelle Cow
Holiday Characters at Grizzly Peak
- Carl
- Russell
- Dug
‘The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special’
After making his Disneyland Resort debut last year, Deadpool is back for more holiday hilarity and super special seasonal stories. You can see him during “The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special” near Avengers Campus.
This limited-time entertainment offering celebrates the season in the way only Deadpool can. At select performances, Wolverine may also stop by.
Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure
Culinary creations, cultural entertainment and, of course, many Disney characters can be found throughout California Adventure during the vibrant Disney Festival of Holidays, November 14, 2025, through January 7, 2026.
‘Mickey’s Happy Holidays’
Groove along to magically merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers as they travel along the streets of California Adventure. You’ll also spot Disney friends and Pixar pals during this daily, high-energy holiday procession.
Featured Characters May Include:
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Joy
- Mr. & Mrs. Incredible
- Frozone
- Woody
- Jessie
- Bo Peep
‘Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season’
The greatest holiday gifts are the memories created with people we love. On select days, Mirabel and her friends gather at Paradise Gardens Park for their own Fiesta de Navidad celebration.
During this whimsical returning street performance, sing along to “Surface Pressure,” “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” and other catchy tunes from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto.
‘A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!’
Also on select days, you may encounter Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco at Carthay Circle as he joins Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland for heartfelt stories and holiday songs.
“A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” is an evening street performance with beautiful, bilingual renditions of holiday songs.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
The daily cultural celebration at Paradise Gardens Park features live music, specialty dishes, and character appearances inspired by Latin American traditions – with a touch of Disney flair.
Meet Mirabel at the Paradise Gardens gazebo. On select days, other members of the Madrigal family may make appearances as well.
Sing, samba and shout “ay caramba!” On Saturdays and Sundays, The Three Caballeros – Jose Carioca, Panchito and Donald Duck – are joined by folklorico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, and more during the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.”
Holiday Characters at Disneyland Park
Disney characters are dressed for the occasion at Disneyland park! When making stops at Main Street, U.S.A., Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals are wearing newly designed, festive outfits that put a “holiday spin” on their looks from the 70th Celebration.
‘A Christmas Fantasy Parade’
A treasured tradition, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” celebrates its 30thanniversary in 2025. It features many Disney characters and a procession of prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers and dancing gingerbread cookies.
Characters in the Parade May Include:
- Buzz Lightyear and Woody
- Green Army Men and Jessie
- Anna, Elsa, and Olaf
- Max Goof
- Belle and Beast
- Snow White and The Prince
- Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip
- Cinderella and Prince Charming
‘Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!’
This returning experience at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland features festivities throughout each day through December 24. In addition to greeting Disney characters, you can watch animated shorts, sing along to holiday songs, and more.
Characters You May Spot at the Fantasyland Theatre
- Chip ‘n’ Dale
- Goofy
- Pluto
Insider Tip: Check Schedules with the Disneyland App
Select character locations and schedules are listed on the Disneyland app. On the day of your visit, the app can be a helpful tool to find characters or check when a show is scheduled to perform.
Holiday Character Dining at Disneyland Resort Hotels
For a limited time, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel are hosting holiday buffets, with a selection of scrumptious, seasonal menu items. Disney characters make appearances throughout the meal, showing off festive outfits.
These experiences are an amazing value for all the delicious food you care to enjoy and the opportunity to meet multiple characters at one location. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Character Dining at Storytellers Cafe
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026, Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch features Disney friends in festive colors and plaid fabrics. You’re welcome to dine in your coziest fashion, including your pajamas.
For a memorable yuletide dinner, Storytellers Cafe presents Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast from November 17, 2025, through January 6, 2026. Mickey Mouse, Scrooge McDuck, and more characters come together in looks inspired by the classic Christmas story.
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!
Over at the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen joins the seasonal festivities with a holiday breakfast, brunch, and dinner, November 17, 2025 through January 6, 2026. Goofy and his pals put on their merry best, mixing classic red and green colors with pastels, print, and snowy sparkles.
Learn More About Christmas Lights and Bites at Disneyland
Finding holiday characters is just some of the wintery wonderment that awaits during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Check out our guide to the décor, merchandise, nighttime spectaculars, and more to put on your itinerary.
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