Hello Shelley!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Christmas time at the
Disneyland Resort is my favorite time of the year at the parks!
There’s nothing like walking down Main Street U.S.A. with the sights and sounds of the holidays. It smells like coffee, gingerbread and it even snows! It's our family tradition to take a picture with Santa at the parks every year. We also recreate a picture of my kids with Mickey Mouse in his holiday best every year. It truly is the Most Magical Time of the Year!
Just like you mentioned, there are no special tickets to buy or after hour events for
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Everything is included for you to enjoy at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park with your paid admission. During the holidays, you’ll find
A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland Park. It’s quite popular and there are typically two showings per day. I personally like the second showing as it just becomes night time and it makes all the lights shine a little brighter. I won’t spoil it for you but let’s just say Santa makes a special appearance.
In the past few years it’s been different as to what runs during the holidays. I’ve gone when both the current parade and A Christmas Fantasy Parade run on the same day. But more recently, it’s only been the holiday parade. The current parade is
“Magic Happens'' and it just made its debut a few months ago. Because of how new it is and how much people love it, it may be a possibility but I wouldn’t plan on it. I spoke with a cast member and they said it’s too early to tell and the only way to know would be to check the schedule once it’s released. You could always plan your trip a few days before the holidays officially start so that you could catch both parades in one trip.
Well Shelley, I hope this information helps you plan your trip. If you have any more questions please let us know!
Remember, always believe in the magic!
Andres