Hi Krystal!
Welcome to planDisney! I’m thrilled your family had such a magical time on your son’s first trip. Seeing the joy and wonder of the Disney parks through your child’s eyes creates memories that stay with you. It definitely makes you want to return again and again. Especially when you add in the sparkle of the holiday season!
Vacation packages and
hotel rates for 2026, including the first week of January, will likely be released around August 2025. While we’re still waiting for a specific release date, this timeline can shift slightly from year to year. I recommend keeping an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog. It’s the best source for the latest updates on vacation packages, resort news, and all things Disneyland Resort.
Krystal,
theme park tickets and
reservations can typically be booked up to 180 days in advance, though that window is always subject to change. Since you're hoping for a January 2026 visit, I suggest checking for ticket availability and reservation openings around July 5, 2025. The Theme Park Tickets page on the Disneyland website will be your go-to for the most accurate, up-to-date information.
The Disneyland Resort truly shines during the
holidays, offering so many ways to make the season bright. At Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle glistens with icicles and thousands of twinkling lights during the breathtaking
Wintertime Enchantment moment. Over in Fantasyland, the façade of
“it’s a small world" Holiday becomes a brilliant canvas of color, and inside, the children of the world share joyful seasonal traditions. It’s always one of my favorite sights in the park!
Across the esplanade, Disney California Adventure celebrates with the Festival of the Holidays, featuring winter traditions from cultures around the globe. Buena Vista Street sparkles with vintage-style decorations, while Cars Land goes all-in on its whimsical “haul-iday” theme. Be sure to catch the holiday overlays on
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters!
We haven’t even gotten to Mickey and his pals in their cozy winter outfits, or a visit with Santa himself, who brings holiday cheer to both parks! Here’s a Q-Tip to help make your winter visit even more magical: be sure to spend at least one evening on Main Street to catch
A Christmas Fantasy Parade, enjoy the snowfall, and watch the
“Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks light up the night sky. It’s pure Disney holiday magic from start to finish.
Krystal, I hope this helps you as you plan your next Disneyland adventure! If you have more questions or would like help fine-tuning your itinerary, we’d love to welcome you back to planDisney.
Wishing you a visit full of happiness, holiday sparkle, and unforgettable memories,
David