Happy early holidays, Sandra. Thank you so much for bringing your merry and magical question to planDisney.
I am thrilled for you to be spending Christmas at
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Want to know a little secret? It is my favorite Disneyland Resort Hotel. The moment you step into the lobby, it feels cozy, elegant, and welcoming, and during the holidays it becomes something truly special. The towering Christmas tree, crackling fireplace, and seasonal music create a festive atmosphere that feels like a classic holiday postcard brought to life.
I took a look at the availability calendar and I have great news. Rooms are currently available through the end of 2026, which means you can go ahead and book your extra-special Christmas stay now. The Grand Californian is especially popular during the holidays, so booking early gives you the best chance to secure your preferred room type and dates.
The holidays are truly one of the most magical times of year at Disneyland Resort. While official holiday dates for 2026 have not yet been announced, historically the parks and hotels are fully decked out in holiday splendor by mid-November. For reference, the 2025 holiday season officially began on November 14. With your arrival planned for the week before Christmas, you can feel confident that you will be experiencing the holidays in all their full-swing beauty. Keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for the latest news and announcements of official dates.
One holiday experience you will definitely want to keep on your radar is breakfast at Storytellers Cafe. During the holiday season,
Storytellers Cafe typically offers a festive character dining experience. Our large group visited in early December of 2025 and had an absolute blast at Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party – Breakfast and Brunch. Seeing Daisy and friends in their cozy holiday pajamas was such a fun and memorable way to start the day. While character offerings are always subject to change from year to year, there is usually a holiday-themed character breakfast available, and it is one you can make
advance dining reservations for. I highly recommend booking as soon as your reservation window opens, as holiday character dining fills up quickly.
A few extra tips to make your Grand Californian Christmas even merrier:
- Consider booking as soon as your dates are set. Holiday rooms at this hotel tend to fill quickly.
- Keep an eye out for special holiday dining offerings and seasonal treats in the hotel lobby. They add an extra layer of festive fun to your stay. Be sure to enjoy some quiet lobby time.
- Grabbing a warm drink and relaxing by the fireplace is one of my favorite holiday traditions at the Grand Californian.
- If plans change, remember that Disney hotel reservations often allow modifications or cancellations within the stated policy, which can offer a little peace of mind when booking far in advance.
Sandra, your Christmas at the Grand Californian sounds absolutely magical, and I know it will be filled with cozy moments, festive cheer and unforgettable memories. If you have any more questions as you plan, we are always happy to help here at planDisney.
Many merry magical memories to you!
Kimberly