The holidays have officially arrived at the Disneyland Resort, and this year’s celebration feels richer, more heartfelt, and more culturally meaningful than ever. During Disneyland’s 2025 Holidays Preview inside the Disneyland Hotel offered a first look at everything guests can expect from Holidays at the Disneyland Resort 2025, running November 14, 2025 through January 7, 2026, all while continuing the ongoing Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration.
With new culinary creations, returning favorites, expanded entertainment, thoughtful cultural touchpoints, and a renewed emphasis on diversity and community, this year’s festivities bring together the best of holiday magic and the rich heritage that helped shape California itself.
A Celebration Rooted in Culture, Heritage, and Heart
One of the strongest takeaways from this year’s preview is how intentionally Disneyland continues to honor the communities that shaped California’s cultural foundation. The cuisine, storytelling, music, and artistry showcased throughout Disney Festival of Holidays highlight the traditions of families, immigrants, and cultures that remain essential to the state’s identity.
Speaking with chefs, merch teams, and spokespeople made it clear:
This festival isn’t just about flavor — it’s about recognition.
There is real beauty in seeing Latino chefs preparing and presenting dishes inspired by their own heritage, giving these foods the respect and authenticity they deserve. Their pride came through in every description, every ingredient, and every detail. Festival food has always meant something special, but this year the magic is deeply personal, and it shows.
The same spirit of individuality shines through the new customizable holiday merch — especially the special headbands. Mickey ears have always been a form of self-expression, and seeing guests light up as they build something that reflects who they are reinforces the message of the season: everyone belongs here, and everyone should feel seen.
This year’s offerings embrace that sentiment more boldly than ever.
Festival Marketplaces: Holiday Flavor Elevated
Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park brings together festive dishes inspired by Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and more. This year’s lineup includes nearly 30 new dishes across returning marketplaces:
- A Twist on Tradition – Fresh spins on classic flavors
- Brews & Bites – Unexpected pairings
- Favorite Things – Decadent delights and fan favorites
- Grandma’s Recipes – Generational comfort food
- Holiday Duets – Perfect flavor pairings
- Merry Mashups – Creative fusion dishes
- Disney ¡Viva Navidad! – Celebrating Latin American tradition in Paradise Gardens
- Marketplace & dining location offerings throughout the park
Chef Alonso Enriquez Neira (Manny) confirmed 240 dishes across the resort this season, with 90 new creations introduced specifically for the holidays. Pastry Sous Chef Graciela Gomez emphasized the joy and responsibility in carrying forward Latin American holiday flavors, honoring the cuisines she grew up with and the communities that shaped them.
Interviews and Insights From the Holiday Team
We had a chance to speak with:
Chef Alonso Enriquez Neira (Manny) – Discussing new dishes, updated offerings, and the massive culinary range of this year’s festival.
Efrain de los Santos Garcia (Holiday Merchandise – Spanish Interview) – Highlighting international design influences and the cultural warmth embedded in every item.
Arielle Harris (Holiday Merchandise) – Showcasing peppermint and plaid mouse-eared mini backpacks and the personality-focused approach to festive merch.
Chef Graciela (Gracie) Gomez – Bringing Latin American flavors to life for Disney Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
Rachel Rose Moran – Presenting Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration treats, toys, and merchandise updates.
Each conversation reinforced how special this season is. The creators behind the experience are pouring themselves into each detail, and the result is a celebration that feels not only festive, but soulful.
Holidays at Disneyland Park
Guests can enjoy beloved classics and returning favorites throughout Disneyland Park, including:
- Mickey, Minnie, and friends in shimmering 70th Celebration holiday outfits
- “it’s a small world” Holiday
- Haunted Mansion Holiday
- “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”
- “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks
- “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends”
The park feels transformed, wrapped in shimmering décor and elevated by nostalgia and new traditions.
Disney California Adventure Park Highlights
Disney Festival of Holidays delivers some of the most exciting offerings of the entire season:
- Cultural performances including Mostly Kosher, Yamila Guerra Cuban Latin Band, Karmagraphy, and more
- Nearly 30 new dishes across the Festive Foods Marketplaces
- “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” entertainment
- Disney ¡Viva Navidad! featuring diverse traditions, storytelling, and food
- Latin American dishes prepared by Latino chefs who understand and honor their roots
The heart of the festival lies in its authenticity. From the music to the ingredients, these celebrations feel meaningful rather than decorative — a reflection of real cultures and the people who carry them.
Downtown Disney District & Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Beyond the parks, the holiday spirit stretches across the entire resort:
- Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Café
- Festive live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and Lawn
- Nightly “snow”
- Holiday sweets, drinks, and limited-time merchandise
- Visits with Santa across the district
- Seasonal décor and photo opportunities
Hotel guests can also take advantage of limited-time savings:
- Up to 20% off select 3-night stays at Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel (through Dec. 19, 2025).
- Available Magic Key passes for Inspire or Believe tiers, with new payment options for California residents.
Disneyland 70th Magical Savings Event
Beginning November 18, guests can enjoy up to 50% off select merchandise at World of Disney and other retail locations across the resort. It’s a rare, time-sensitive opportunity — and a perfect tie-in with both the holiday season and the ongoing 70th Celebration.
Final Thoughts
This year’s holiday season at the Disneyland Resort is built on more than festive décor and limited-edition treats.
It is built on representation, cultural appreciation, family traditions, and the kind of culinary artistry that tells a story with every dish. There is magic in the food, in the merchandise, in the music, and in the people who bring these celebrations to life.
This is a season that doesn’t just shine — it embraces.
It makes guests feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.
Disneyland has always been about storytelling.
This year, the holiday story feels beautifully personal.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.