Let's get merry: Details on Disney World and Disneyland holiday festivities are here
It may seem too soon for talk of Santa, snowmen and holiday spirit. However, we're officially halfway to the holidays and Disney is gifting us with the details of upcoming holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Just as many other pre-pandemic offerings have been easing their way back into the parks, this year marks the first time since 2019 that the holidays are back in full swing at Disney on both coasts.
At Disney World, this means the return of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, helmed by none other than Santa himself. This popular after-hours event includes entertainment, seasonal treats and decor, fireworks and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Over at Disneyland Resort, there's no separately-ticketed party. All visitors can revel in the holiday-themed decor, entertainment, treats and even a nightly "snowfall."
Here's what you need to know before visiting Disney World or Disneyland during the most wonderful time of the year.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket information
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event that takes place at Magic Kingdom after the park closes to daytime guests. The party typically starts at 7 p.m., but guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. and sneak in a few attractions before the party officially begins.
This year, Mickey's Very Christmas Party will take place on 24 select nights beginning Nov. 8, 2022, and running through Dec. 22, 2022. Ticket prices vary based on the date you select but will range from $149-$199 per person (discounted tickets are typically available for Disney World annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members).
Tickets go on sale beginning July 7, 2022.
Official event dates include:
- November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29.
- December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22.
During the party, guests can experience holiday stage shows like Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. There will also be photo opportunities, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and holiday ride overlays at Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party and the Jungle Cruise.
Even without a party ticket, if you visit Disney World any time during the holiday season, you'll be treated to decor, seasonal food and drink offerings, holiday merchandise and special appearances by Santa at all four Disney World parks.
The Holidays at Disneyland Resort information
As in past years, there is no after-hours party at Disneyland. That doesn't mean Disney doesn't transform the resort into a full-on winter wonderland, though.
Disney California Adventure Park celebrates winter holidays from around the world with music, dancing, food and more during the Disney Festival of the Holidays. Guests can also meet Santa at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and ride holiday versions of Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree in Cars Land.
At night, World of Color – Season of Light will take place at Paradise Bay in Disney's California Adventure, with dancing fountains, projections, holiday music and beloved scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar films.
Over at Disneyland Park, the Believe...In Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular will illuminate the night sky behind Sleeping Beauty Castle. You can even experience a southern California snowfall during the show. How's that for holiday magic?
"it's a small world" and the Haunted Mansion will both receive their annual holiday makeovers and "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade will take to the streets daily.
The holiday season at Disneyland resort officially kicks off on Nov. 11, 2022 and runs through Jan. 8, 2023.
Bottom line
Ready or not, here come the holidays. If you want to spend them at a Disney park, you have to plan well in advance of the actual holiday season.
Both Disney World and Disneyland still require guests to make advance theme park reservations and the parks still occasionally reach capacity on busy days.
If your only wish from Santa this year is to be at Disney for the holidays, start planning your trip now — even if it's still much too warm to break out those ugly Christmas sweaters.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
Rewards Rate
| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.Earn 125,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$125Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.