Christmas at the Disneyland Resort

On November 16, 2007 Disneyland Resort in Southern California magically transforms into a Christmas Wonderland. If you have never been this is something that is not to be missed. As you enter Disneyland you will be awestruck by the decorations. Town Square welcomes you with a 60 foot Christmas tree. Just by looking at the tree and noticing all the small details you will feel like a kid all over again. The streets are trimmed with garland and wreaths. Sit down and relax while the Dickens Carolers entertain you with holiday music. Enjoy all the special food and entertainment that is there only for the Christmas season.

If you have children a must do is cookie decorating on MainStreet USA and New Orleans Square. Drop by Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer are celebrating Christmas "Western Style". See real reindeer in the corral, participate in special holiday crafts, play reindeer games and dance your day away. Most of all, make sure you've been nice and bring your list to Santa.

Small World does a holiday make over every year. Over 300,000 dazzling lights are used to decorate this ride. It is so popular that "It's a Small World Holiday" has FastPasses available. All ages will enjoy this ride, and you won't leave with a song stuck in your head! However, you might be singing Jingle Bells in several languages the rest of the day.

For the bigger kids check out Haunted Mansion Holiday. This overlay starts in September and stays thru the beginning of January. Jack Skellington moves in and takes over. Jack stars in the movie "A nightmare before Christmas" and brings in all the excitement and holiday cheer with him. Check out what happens when Halloween and Christmas collide.

Make sure you watch "A Christmas Fantasy Parade". Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all the characters are sure to show up to everyone's delight. Gingerbread men, snowflakes, and other Christmas characters join in on the fun. "Believe...In Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular" will wow and fascinate even the most discerning crowd. Make sure you are on MainStreet USA or New Orleans Square when you watch them. After the fireworks finish the (pseudo) snow starts and White Christmas is sung throughout the area.. It is absolutely magical. It snows in Disneyland; how can anyone beat that?

If you have some extra time sign up for the "Holiday Time" tour. You will be given an exclusive tour of Disneyland Park and see how it is decorated for the "Merriest Christmas on Earth". The tour includes priority boarding on "It's a Small World Holiday" and "Haunted Mansion Holiday", you get VIP seating for the special Christmas parade, and you get to take home some exclusive collectable items.

Disneyland's "Christmas Candlelight Procession" is a holiday tradition that takes place on MainStreet USA and features a full Orchestra, Christmas Tree Chorus performing traditional Christmas songs and a retelling of the Christmas Story narrated by a different celebrity each year. In the past this event has started on MainStreet and wandered back to one of the stage areas. This is a ticketed event and tickets can be hard to come by. If you are thinking you might like to go now is the time to contact Disneyland Resort and get the scoop on how to get the tickets.

Across the Esplanade Disney's California Adventure also shows off their Christmas Spirit. As you enter DCA you will be welcomed with garland, wreaths and lights along the Golden Gate Bridge. A 60 foot Christmas Tree is located in the Hollywood Pictures Back Lot for your joy and amazement. The Pacific Wharf area has holiday lanterns hanging throughout the area.

If it's a party you want be sure to check out "Santa's Beach Blast". Join in on a California style Christmas Beach Party where Santa welcomes you dressed in his own beach wear. Santa takes the time to pose for pictures with you in front of his very own "Woody" wagon sleigh. Children of all ages will love the interactive games and the Lilo and Stitch limbo. So if you are up for a good time, party on with Santa and his gang.

The official Holiday Season is from November 16, 2007 until January 6, 2008. Thanksgiving week and the last two weeks in December are the busiest times. Perhaps even busier than the Summer crowds. If your thinking of vacationing during this time of year I could not suggest a better destination to visit.