Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Holiday Offerings at Disney Parks

[Disney4me]

Grab a hot cocoa and put on your favorite festive attire because the holiday season is underway! Around the world, Disney parks and resorts are celebrating with a plethora of joyous holiday offerings for the whole family. From holiday-themed attractions to enchanting entertainment, unique photo opportunities and fla-la-la-lavorful dining options, there’s no place like Disney for young kids and their families to create everlasting memories.

Let’s discover all the wondrous things only found at Disney parks that your family can enjoy together during the holidays.

Disneyland Resort

Jump with joy because the holidays have kicked off at Disneyland Resort and there are so many things for little ones! Catch the fun Monday through Friday right outside the entrance to Paradise Gardens Park with the new “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” at Disney California Adventure park! Kids and their families may sing along with Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and her friends as they celebrate the spirit of the holidays with an endearing musical presentation featuring beloved songs from the film.

In the evenings, “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure continues the holiday joy. Grab your family for a heartwarming mix of stories and timeless songs brought to life by Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland, accompanied by graceful dancers, as they deliver bilingual performances in this new celebration of the holidays. This nighttime show ends with a special appearance by Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” joining the group for a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night.”

New this year, Santa and select Disney friends will make appearances and pose for photos at “Holiday Fun with Santa & Friends!” at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland, while Santa will stop for photos at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure through December 24. From November 28 through December 24, Santa will also swing by Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel, so make sure to drop by and meet the jolliest of them all. Families exploring Town Square Disneyland may also find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends in all-new holiday outfits ready to strike a pose that’ll “sleigh” any holiday photo. And at Disney ¡Viva Navidad! in Disney California Adventure, kids may encounter Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” or The Three Caballeros.

Looking for attractions covered in holiday cheer? “it’s a small world” Holiday at Disneyland park is adorned with thousands of dazzling lights, ornaments and more as dolls representing the children of the world don festive attire and the iconic music we all love is enhanced with the caroling classics “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” Over at Disney California Adventure, the residents of Radiator Springs spared no parts for the holidays as Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree have undergone “tow-riffic” seasonal transformations to become Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Starting November 22, 2024 through January 1, 2025, hunt for special ornaments along the all-new Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail in the Downtown Disney District. Make sure you stop by select shopping locations to purchase an activity map that’ll guide you in a fun, family-friendly pursuit for ornaments hidden on holiday trees. Redeem your map at World of Disney or Disney’s Pin Trader’s for a memorable holiday keepsake.*

Families can enjoy an extraordinary meal and meet Disney characters during special holiday dining experiences at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. This year from November 19, 2024 through January 1, 2025, Storytellers Cafe at Grand Californian will host the new Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch where you can enjoy a delicious meal with some holiday-themed bites as Disney friends sport all-new cozy pajama fashions. Make sure to check the availability and book reservations in advance!

The character dining fun doesn’t end there because Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays is back at Disneyland Hotel from November 19, 2024, through January 2, 2025, and Goofy and his friends can’t wait to show you their merry best, plus a special menu of seasonal flavors great for the whole family.

Check out all the delicious details here from our friends at Disney Eats!

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is a must-visit family destination with a variety of kid-friendly experiences during the most wonderful time of the year! During the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth from November 29 through December 30, young children and adults alike can experience Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt and search for holiday “traditions” that Olaf has gathered – and lost – around World Showcase in EPCOT. Stop by select shopping locations to purchase the map and stickers used during the journey. Once done, redeem your map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler for a gift worth melting for!** After completing Olaf’s quest, relax on Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, a peaceful boat voyage through greenhouses full of twinkling lights that’ll make any child’s eyes sparkle.

Got little ones who absolutely love Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic film “Frozen”? Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, catch a showing of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” where iconic moments from the movie play on-screen. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf even join the fun to sing along to popular songs like “Let It Go,” with a special holiday finale included for the season!

After singing your heart out, step into Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land and experience toy-sized holidays with the whole family. Not only can you find eye-catching seasonal décor, but Pixar favorite “Toy Story” friends dressed up in their holiday best too – you’ll be buzzing with excitement!

Experience the magic of Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park as the Merry Menagerie puppeteers near the Tree of Life bring beautifully crafted wintry animal puppets, such as polar bears, foxes and more, to life. This enchanting setting is not only great for capturing memorable photos with your loved ones, but the puppeteers may also engage with you for an unforgettable experience! Speaking of photos, you may also find Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday wear at Adventurers Outpost.

Marvel as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf from Disney Animation’s “Frozen” take the stage in their holiday best for a “Frozen Holiday Surprise” at Magic Kingdom Park. During this wondrous show, friends from Arendelle herald the season and transform Cinderella Castle into a glimmering crystallized palace. You also can’t forget about the transformation of Jungle Cruise to Jingle Cruise, complete with holiday décor and skippers that can’t wait to mistletoe around with festive jokes on the jolly journey. Or if you’re looking for an exclusive merry and bright experience, the separately ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party adds to the most wonderful time of year on select nights through December 20.

Disneyland Paris

Families exploring Disneyland Paris during the holidays will want to catch the family-favorite musical “Let’s Sing Christmas” at Videopolis Theatre! Join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and more friends for a fun time singing classic Christmas carols like “Little Santa Claus” and “Jingle Bells.” The lyrics will even be displayed right up on screen so you and your kids can sing along in a cozy atmosphere.

Over at the Castle Courtyard, meet Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Sleeping Beauty” for a special greeting during the holiday season – it’s perfect for little ones who love Disney Princesses! If you’re looking for more Disney friends, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Winnie the Pooh, and more may be found with characters like Stitch, Goofy and Jack Skellington, even dressed as Santa.

After meeting all your holiday favorites, grab a warm and cozy meal at Victoria’s Home-Style Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A., plus a variety of holiday treats and hot chocolate. Plenty of specialty sweet treats will also be available at various restaurants such as the Chestnut Mousse with a blackcurrant filling, Mickey Mouse-shaped gingerbread and themed cake pops.

Right before the nighttime spectacular “Disney Illuminations” kicks off, the holiday spirit will light up Sleeping Beauty Castle with the jaw-dropping “Disney Electrical Sky Parade,” which snagged the Parksmania Award for European Top New Attraction 2024. This extravaganza will fill the sky with new festive vibes, lighting up the castle in holiday colors, nutcrackers, decorated trees, gifts and even giant candy canes.

Just a short walk from Disneyland Park, you’ll find Disneyland Hotel decked out for the holidays! This season, the new show “The Keeper of Time and the Winter Light” takes over the lobby, featuring an experience that brings Christmas stories to life in a funny and enchanting way. The guards even teach kids the special words to unlock the magical book of time, lighting up the Christmas tree with the Winter Light. After a full day of celebrating the holidays, kids can relax in the Disneyland Hotel Spa by Clarins featuring kid-friendly products and a “kid’s only” pool or paddling pool.

Tokyo Disney Resort

This year, Tokyo Disney Resort is a fantasy-filled holiday full of delightful experiences for all ages! Young children and parents will love the heartwarming parade “Disney Christmas Stories ‘Fond’ Farewell,” featuring beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios celebrating the holidays with their loved ones. This special show brings together seven enchanting stories such as Donald dressed as Santa enjoying a festive holiday with Daisy, Huey, Dewey and Louie, a story of Mickey and Minnie celebrating with their friends and more. Your family won’t want to miss giving this beloved offering a heartfelt farewell as it celebrates its final year.

At Tokyo DisneySea, catch the “Disney Christmas Greeting” through December 25 on the waters of Mediterranean Harbor! In this experience, Mickey, Duffy, and more pals appear in their holiday best aboard a barge decked out in festive décor with Santa Claus himself.

Clap your hands and stomp your feet, through January 13, 2025 at Tokyo Disneyland, as The Country Bear Theater brings back the festive fun with “Jingle Bell Jamboree” for the first time in five years! Get ready for a lively celebration as the Country Bears crank up the holiday spirit with a joyful mix of winter tunes for the whole family.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea, witness “Dazzling Christmas in New York” at American Waterfront where the residents of New York are performing a variety of holiday songs.

There’s even a selection of special goodies for the season, including items featuring Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Li’l RingRing. New this year is an adorable ring set that has a bell attached, perfect for kids to show off their festive flair. Over at Plaza Pavilion Restaurant, find a Li’l RingRing Topping Dessert that’ll come with a topping kit to customize your own desserts, making it a fun activity for the family. The topping kit can also be purchased separately with other eligible desserts at Sweetheart Cafe for extra decorative fun!

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Get ready for a winter wonderland like no other because “A Disney Christmas” has arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort through Jan. 1, 2025! For the first time, Elsa has used her Ice Magic to create an unforgettable snowy holiday at World of Frozen, perfect for families with young kids! The entire kingdom of Arendelle is buzzing with excitement as they’ve adorned the kingdom with sparkling Christmas garlands, snow-capped Christmas trees and adorable snowgies, while royals and residents are also dressed in winter attire, ready for the holiday celebration.

The holiday season at Hong Kong Disneyland is nothing short of amazing, and there’s so many great opportunities to capture lifelong memories with your family’s favorite characters. Catch all your favorites in “Mickey and Friends Christmastime Ball” castle stage show full of Christmas music, dancing and extraordinary performers to help make winter wishes come true amidst falling snow. On this same stage, your family can also see “Wish Upon a Star” Photo Moment where Duffy and Friends dance along to holiday music in their festive fashions. And if you can’t wait to meet Duffy and his friends, they’re sporting all-new nutcracker themed outfits over at Winter Edition “Duffy and Friends Play House!”

The charm of old-world traditions comes alive with the debut of the Ye Olde Christmas Market, a European-style wonderland, in Fantasy Gardens. Discover Mickey’s gingerbread hideaway and snap seasonal photos at every corner to capture memories with your family! Winnie the Pooh and Friends await in their brand-new Christmas outfits, and you may also encounter Santa Mickey, Santa Goofy and other Disney friends dressed for the season.

On the charmingly decorated Main Street, U.S.A., gather around the giant tree for “A Holiday Wish-Come-True” Tree Lighting Ceremony. During this magical show, Santa Goofy leads Christmas carolers to kick off this illuminating tradition full of holiday tunes as your surroundings come to life with wintry projections, dazzling lights, wondrous snowfall and an unforgettable drone display, transforming Main Street, U.S.A. into a winter wonderland.

Make your way to the dazzling Castle of Magical Dreams stage for “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!,” a spectacular performance full of heartfelt emotion. On three consecutive weekend nights starting November 23, join Mickey and Friends as they come together with choir members from The Hong Kong Children’s Choir to fill the night with music and a touch of magic. Each night, one of the remarkable singers from across the region, including Gin Lee, Morissette and Janice Yan*** will join the choir as they perform a series of beloved Disney songs.

No holiday is complete without a delicious family feast, right? Come enjoy the Explorer’s Christmas Dinner Buffet with Disney Friends Encounter at Explorer’s Club Restaurant, where your children can meet Disney friends dressed in festive outfits! And don’t miss the Main Street Corner Cafe Hosted by Coca-Cola, serving up a classic holiday meal along with some live Christmas carols performances. If you’re still looking for a treat afterward, discover all-new festive confectionaries and snacks at the outdoor vending carts in Fantasyland.

Extend the holiday fun if you’re staying at any of the three resort hotels. Stay in all the trappings and traditions of a classic Christmas in Kingdom Club “Sparkle All The Way” themed rooms or experience the unique festive spirit of Arendelle in dazzling “Sparkle All The Way” suites themed to “Frozen” with traditional Arendellian Christmas trimmings. During the season, you and your children are invited to enjoy captivating paid recreational activities such as creating a “Frozen”-themed mosaic night lamp, decorating a holiday balloon, customizing cookies and enjoying a “Frozen”-themed starlight picnic!

Shanghai Disney Resort

Over at Shanghai Disney Resort, there are so many ways to capture lifelong holiday memories with your family. This year, the legendary “Disney Winter Magic Cavalcade” will once again make a grand return bringing to life winter scenes from beloved Disney stories. Watch in delight as Disney friends ride stunning floats and see Mickey and Friends and Duffy and Friends in festive outfits that change from Christmas to Spring Festival themes as the seasons change.

Donald’s Dine ‘n Delights has crafted a kid’s menu fit for young foodies! These delicious dishes such as the Shrimp Salad, Tomato Wagyu Beef Meatball with Coconut Rice, and Panna Cotta with Pineapple Jelly with a drink are just the thing to keep your kids going for all the holiday fun!

Speaking of holiday fun, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel are hosting activities throughout the season! Both hotels will have a special Christmas DIY Workshop multiple times a day in the hotel playrooms where your kid can unwrap their creativity with wintry arts and crafts such as mosaics, clay art and badge-making. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, your kids are also invited to the hotel playrooms for a heartwarming gift exchange. Also at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, join kid-friendly Nighttime Storytelling sessions and immerse yourself in festive tales while joined by beloved Disney pals.

We can’t wait for you and your little ones to enjoy the holidays at Disney Parks! Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and Disney Parks social for more merry and bright family offerings around the world.

_{*Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail pursuit is subject to cancellation or change without notice including, without limitation, dates, keepsakes and prices. Purchase limits apply. Whether you choose to search for the ornaments or not, return your map for a small keepsake. 1 Map = 1 Keepsake. Maps are valid for redemption through 1/1/2025, or while keepsake supplies last.}

_{**Olaf’s Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is subject to cancellation or change without notice including—without limitation—dates, surprises and prices. Maps, stickers and game boards available while supplies last. Limit 5 game board purchases per Guest. One surprise per game board. Game board valid for redemption November 29 through December 30, 2024, or while surprise supplies last.}

_{***The performers, content and other arrangements of the show are subject to change without prior notice.}

The post Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Holiday Offerings at Disney Parks appeared first on Disney Parks Blog.

View the full article