These are all of the things that you need to know if you are going to Disneyland in December of 2025. This information will help you better plan your vacation. This is the busiest time of the year at The Disneyland Resort, so it is good to have a plan and know what to expect on your vacation.
Holiday Season
The holiday season started on November 14th and goes through January 7th, so the holiday season will be going for the entire month of December. This includes characters in holiday outfits, holiday merch for sale, special Christmas entertainment, holiday themed treats, and so much more.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is on Thursday December 25th. The parks will likely be busier this day, especially in the afternoon and evening. Disneyland will be open 8am to midnight and California Adventure will be open 8am to 10pm.
Increased Crowds
You can expect increased crowds in the month of December, but especially the week of Christmas and the week of New Years.
Winter Break
A lot of people in America have school and work off for two weeks around Christmas and New Years. This means a lot of people will go on vacations to Disneyland during this time.
Weather
The weather at Disneyland cools off a bit in December, but is still pretty mild. The average high is 66 to 70 degrees and the average low is 47 to 49 degrees. There are typically more rainy days in December than previous months. You’ll likely want to wear a sweatshirt in the mornings and evenings and bring a poncho in case it rains.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve this year is on Wednesday December 31st. This is known for being the busiest day of the entire year at Disneyland. California Adventure will be open until 1am and Disneyland park will be open until 2am. They usually have special live entertainment, parties, and a special fireworks show at 9pm and midnight at Disneyland.
Nighttime Entertainment
There are a lot of different nighttime shows at Disneyland in December. Check the event schedule for the days you will be there for specific times. California Adventure has World of Color Happiness every night. Disneyland has Believe… In Holiday Magic Fireworks, Fire of the Rising Moons, Shadows of a Memory: A Skywalker Saga, and Tapestry of Happiness.
Christmas Foods
Disneyland and California Adventure both have a lot of cute and delicious holiday food items right now like the Mickey Gingerbread Cookie. See more of the foods here.
Rides With Holiday Overlays
Disneyland has It’s A Small World Holiday at Christmastime and Haunted Mansion Holiday with the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. Cars Land in California Adventure has Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.
Where to Meet Santa
There are a few places to meet Santa at The Disneyland Resort. You can meet him at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure, at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland, the main lobby of Pixar Place Hotel, the main lobby of the Disneyland Hotel, and the Great Hall in the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Closures
As of right now the only ride closure at Disneyland in December is Indiana Jones Adventure from December 1st through 3rd. The walkway between Avengers Campus and Cars Land is currently closed and so is the restaurant Napa Rose in the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
A Christmas Fantasy Parade runs daily in Disneyland at 3pm and 5:15pm. The parade route goes from It’s A Small World to Main Street, USA.
Christmas In Radiator Springs
Christmas time in Cars Land is super magical. There are car themed decorations everywhere and Mater wears a big Santa hat.
Festival of the Holidays
Festival of the Holidays runs all of December in California Adventure park. They have multicultural performances, festive food and more fun.
Holiday Character Dining
Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party for breakfast and brunch will be daily through January 6th at Storyteller’s Cafe. Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast for dinner is also daily through January 6th at Storyteller’s Cafe. Goofy’s Kitchen will do Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays daily through January 6, 2026.