Hey howdy hey, Karen! Welcome to planDisney! Let’s light up the night and talk about one of the most dazzling parades at
Disneyland Resort!
You’ll be able to see the
Paint the Night parade during your visit this year if you plan to visit between January 30 and August 9, 2026. That is when the parade is currently scheduled to run as part of the
Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, which wraps up on August 9th. Paint the Night is one of
Disneyland Park’s most dazzling nighttime experiences, featuring over a million LED lights, vibrant music, and beloved Disney and Pixar characters. You’ll get to see Sorcerer Mickey’s magical swirls with possible appearances by favorites like Ariel, Buzz, Woody, Mike and Sulley, and one of my favorites, Mack from Cars. Mack’s illuminated trailer alone contains tens of thousands of lights, making him one of the brightest and most impressive floats in the entire parade. The parade route sparkles after sunset as these illuminated floats and performers wind down Main Street, U.S.A. in a celebration of color and storytelling.
Karen, to elevate your visit and ensure a great spot for viewing the parade, consider booking the
Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn. This dining package includes a delicious meal plus a voucher for a reserved viewing area for the first performance of the parade on the same day. It’s a great way to secure a prime spot without needing to stake out a place hours early, and it turns the whole experience into a special celebration.
Visiting during this time means you will be surrounded by anniversary magic, special entertainment, celebratory décor, and plenty of nostalgic touches honoring seven decades of Disneyland storytelling. Fun activity tip: With MagicBand+, go on a
treasure hunt for fun interactive surprises throughout the parks and
Downtown Disney District.
Karen, I hope your visit is as brilliant as the Paint the Night parade! Cruise back by if you have any additional planning questions!
Kimberly