Disneyland Christmas time

[wdwmom2+1]

So we have been to wdw tons but. Disneyland only once the opportunity has arose for us to have the opportunity to bring the kids for a surprise triptgere12/27-1/1
We have been to wdw many times during Christmas time. But wondering how will Disneyland compare?

 

[Californian Elitist]

For the most part, Christmas at the DLR is the same at WDW (decorations, special fireworks and parade, merchandise). The main differences are the attraction overlays and Disneyland doesn't have Christmas parties (yet). I also hear Disneyland decorates more than Magic Kingdom, but I don't know if that's true or not.

Haunted Mansion gets a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. This isn't a small change, everything in the ride is completely different.

Jack Skellington and Sally do meet and greets:

"it's a small world" also gets a Christmas overlay, but it's essentially the same. The song has some Christmas carols spread in there and there are Christmas decoration outside as well as inside the ride. The change is much less dramatic than Haunted Mansion. I actually prefer the Christmas version of "it's a small world."

There's usually reindeer at Disneyland, but they weren't present last year. Not sure if they're gone for good.

Examples of Christmas decorations at the DLR:

SBC:

Main Street:

Fantasyland (small world Holiday):

Frontierland:

Critter Country:

Toontown:

California Adventure:

Cars Land:

Buena Vista Street:

a bug's land:

Hopefully the photos give you a feel of place around Christmas.

 

[coachwnh]

Would love to see this!!!!!! Amazing!

 

[wdwmom2+1]

AWESOME!! looks great. what about crowds?? just as bad as WDW?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

AWESOME!! looks great. what about crowds?? just as bad as WDW?

Yes. The dates you've given for your visit are consistently the busiest days of the year, so plan accordingly. You'll want to be at the parks for opening each day or you won't get any big rides accomplished.

 

[Californian Elitist]

AWESOME!! looks great. what about crowds?? just as bad as WDW?

At the beginning of the Christmas season, crowds aren't bad, but during your dates, I'm afraid you will be seeing crowds. Like GiveMeTheMusic said, just plan accordingly.

I forgot to mention, World of Color will be receiving a Christmas overlay this year. Looks like you'll be catching that.

 

[dvitali]

when do they tape the disneyland parts of the xmas show in november? do i need to avoid the park those days?

 

[IndianaJones]

Welp, @raven24 beat me to it. I was all excited to talk about Christmas at DLR and she hit all the points I wanted to already.

I've been out there 3 times now and all three times was during the Christmas festivities.

You absolutely have to hit both Its a Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Two fantastic overlays that we do more than once every time..

The other big must see for me this lady time was how awesome Cars Land looked dressed up. This was the first time I was seeing Cars Land and that was an experience all in itself, but seeing all little decorations really brought it to another level.

I also really dig how they do the Candlelight Processional. We were standing but seeing all of the choirs come down Main Street was really neat.