Planning a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth? You may want to consider picking your dates based on specific Disneyland events! While the parks are delights unto themselves and reasons enough to visit, the Disneyland Resort offers a ton of fun annual and one-time events that may just be the cherry on top. Our Frog Family gets an extra leap of excitement during these special events. It's also good to know what events are hoppening when you visit because they can influence Disneyland crowd levels. In this guide to Disneyland events, we've also included a few of the more popular "unofficial" events, since they can impact crowd levels.
We have listed the confirmed events, as well as approximate dates for events that normally occur for your planning purposes. Use this guide to Disneyland events when you're checking out the best times to visit Disneyland and as a companion to planning your Los Angeles visit.
Schedule of Events at Disneyland in 2023 and 2024
Look at the dates carefully as some dates are 2023 and others are 2024 for events that have been announced.
JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2023 and 2024
Three Kings' Day — January 2-8, 2023
When the Christmas season has come to a close, there is still more to celebrate in the new year. The twelfth day of Christmas is celebrated in Mexico and South America. At Disney California Adventure, you can celebrate Three Kings' Day with decorations, coloring, creating a custom jeweled crown, listening to stories or trying traditional treats such as Rosca de Reyes cake.
Anaheim Ducks Day — Jan. 12, 2023, in Disney California Adventure (with additional activities in Downtown Disney Jan. 12 and 13)
The NFL Hockey team is flocking to Disney California Adventure. Score! Are you making it your New Year's goal to be there? If so, you'd better get a ticket and make a park reservation soon! (Did you know we now sell refundable 1-Day Disneyland tickets?)
Here's a schedule of activities in Disney California Adventure or Downtown Disney that day:
1:30 p.m. — Anaheim Duck Cavalcade on parade corridor.
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Fan Zone in Hyperion Courtyard where you can test your hockey skills, enjoy interactive photo opportunities and more. Purchase merchandise outside the Super Store featuring Avengers Campus.
2:15 p.m., 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. — Meet and greet Anaheim Ducks players at Hollywood Backlot Stage.
All day — Learn how to draw Disney "ducks" at Animation Academy.
All day — Find sweet treats inspired by the Anaheim Ducks for purchase:
- Hockey puck brownie at Studio Catering Co.
- Orange crème puck at Trolley Treats and Marceline's Confectionery
- Orange cotton candy at Hollywood Land vending cart
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 12 and 13 — In Downtown Disney (near the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and between Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Tortilla Jo’s) meet the mascot, pose with photo ops and enjoy surprise and delight moments hosted by one of the Anaheim Ducks DJs.
Disneyland Half Marathon — Jan. 11-14, 2024
Ready, set GO! We are so hoppy that runDisney makes its triumphant return to Disneyland in 2024! The event includes three endurance events, a challenge and more at the Happiest Place on Earth. Hop back for more frogciting details as they are announced!
Disney 100 Years of Wonder — Kicking Off Jan. 27, 2023
Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration will begin in Disneyland Resort and include new décor, specialty food and beverages, character experiences and more to commemorate 100 years of the Walt Disney Company. Characters get new costumes, and two new nighttime spectaculars will thrill guests: Wondrous Journeys fireworks at Disneyland Park and World of Color — One at Disney California Adventure.
The castle will be adorned with festive bunting and the three Good Fairies who illuminate it with shimmering pixie dust. The moat will receive two water fountains on either side. To top it off, you can make a wish on the wishing star sparkling from the tower. You can expect special food, beverage, merchandise and more. The parks will be decorated in shining platinum. Mickey, Minnie and pals will be sparkling in their new celebration outfits. Keep hopping back to learn of new magical moments yet to be announced.
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Opening — Jan. 27, 2023
Remember ... it all started with a mouse. Just in time for the 100th anniversary celebration, a new ride themed after Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse opens in Toontown. This ride opens ahead of the renovated Toontown, which reopens on March 8, 2023. The ride will have a queue that differs from the ride in Disney's Hollywood Studios at Disney World. The ride will not have a standby line once it opens, but instead, offers a free virtual queue or an individual Lightning Lane for purchase and faster access. Our virtual queue post has all the deets.
Lunar New Year — Jan. 20 through Feb. 15, 2023
The Lunar New Year Celebration is a multi-cultural event that includes food, authentic performances and your favorite Disney characters. This event takes place at Paradise Gardens inside Disney California Adventure. Colorful lanterns and other décor welcome you, while hanging banners written in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese wish you a Happy Lunar New Year. You can join the time-honored tradition of writing wishes of good fortune and happiness for your friends and family, receive customized Chinese calligraphy and brush art, color, do free crafts and purchase some traditional Lunar New Year treats. You can find delectable Asian meals at Paradise Garden Grill, or try a sampling of Asian cuisine from the Lunar New Year festival marketplace kiosks and other participating restaurants.
Lunar New Year is a well-attended event. You can meet characters (such as Mickey, Minnie, The Three Little Pigs, Mulan or Mushu) dressed in their Lunar New Year’s best. In 2023, we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and the Cat. Raya from "Raya and the Last Dragon" also appears. Hosted by Mulan and Mushu, Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession celebrates the Lunar New Year with colorfully costumed dancers, a dragon and drummers.
Super Bowl Surrounding Days — Feb. 9-13, 2023
Most years, Super Bowl Sunday tends to be a significantly more crowded day. Depending on the location of the Super Bowl and the team that wins, there can be a Super Bowl Cavalcade the day after the Super Bowl (sometimes it hoppens at Disney World). The day after the Super Bowl may affect crowd levels and park entertainment for the day … or not. There is no way to plan for this, but there is usually an announcement right after the big game. If you are in town the day after the Super Bowl, you might want to take these factors into consideration when planning your itinerary.
With the 2022 game being played at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area, it brought the game to nearly Disneyland's backyard. That meant, the Super Bowl Championship cavalcade hoppened at Disneyland the very next day. There were so many guests in Rams jerseys. Many fans flocked to the park to celebrate too; although being a local team, many people came just for the cavalcade and left after, so it did not seem to affect ride wait times. It was frogciting to see the players with Mickey on a float and all the confetti flying down Main Street U.S.A.
The 2023 Super Bowl will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 12. Maybe Disneyland will get to host another cavalcade (our froggy fingers are crossed), but this is not usually announced until after the game.
In 2022, ESPN hosted a five-day Super Bowl Tailgate party at Disney California Adventure and in Downtown Disney. ESPN broadcasted news, analysis and commentary segments in front of Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure in the days leading up to the game on Feb. 13, 2022. ESPN broadcasted from California Adventure between 12 and 6 p.m. on Feb. 9-12 and 8-11 a.m. on Super Bowl Sunday. Guests needed a theme park ticket and reservation to watch.
Guests also enjoyed an outdoor Super Bowl fan experience at Downtown Disney from 1 to 7 p.m. Feb. 10-13, 2022. There were free games, activities and giveaways, which were available on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as a limited number of free giveaways.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations — First Half of February (Including Feb. 14) 2023
Love is definitely in the air at Disneyland! The parks are serving up delicious heart-shaped baked goods and love-themed delicacies this February. In the first half of February, you can expect these special food and beverage offerings all around the resort, including the Downtown Disney district.
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite — Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 16, 2023
The popular (sold-out) Sweethearts' Nite returns in 2023 to make Disneyland the most romantic place on earth for seven romantic nights! Plan a date night with your sweetheart at Disneyland. This separately ticketed event inside Disneyland Park takes place after the park closes, with access to the park starting at 6 p.m. (no park reservation required). Tickets went on sale as of Dec. 14, 2022, to the general public and are subject to availability. Magic Key holders were able to purchase tickets during the pre-sale which started on Dec. 12, 2022 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT). You can expect the following:
- A special themed fireworks show
- Projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.
- A jazz ensemble aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat and more live entertainment
- Selfies with some of your favorite Disney couples
- Opportunities to meet darling Disney couples, including Cinderella and Prince Charming, Aladdin and Jasmine, and, of course, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
- Romantic photo-ops themed after sweet scenes from iconic Disney films, plus unlimited digital PhotoPass downloads
- Valentine's-inspired décor, food and beverage offerings
- A ball hosted by Aladdin and Jasmine
Reservations are open for special dining packages at Plaza Inn and Cafe Orleans.
Celebrate Soulfully for Black History Month — February 2023
Disneyland celebrates Black History Month with musical acts, art and more. In 2023, festivities include:
- "Celebrate Gospel" at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, 2023, from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. On Feb. 18, recording artist Jekalyn Carr takes the stage with special guest, singer-songwriter Melvin Crispell III, and the a cappella gospel group Sacred Groove. On Feb. 25, Grammy award-winning singer and radio host, Erica Campbell, is joined by special guest DOE and vocal ensemble, The Singers of Soul. On both days, local community choirs also perform.
- Troubadour Tavern sells African-inspired food and beverages year-round but adds special items to the menu on "Celebrate Gospel" days. More food is yet to be announced.
- At Downtown Disney, nightly outdoor concerts features R&B, Gospel, reggae, funk, Motown, doo-wop and jazz music throughout February. The groups include Forward Motion, The Rhythm & Blues Brothas, LALA Brass and more. On select weekend days, Sacred Groove and The Singers of Soul kick off the afternoon with Gospel music performances.
- During the month of February, Downtown Disney offers family crafts inspired by Black heritage, live music and special offerings in honor of Black History Month.
- Chalk muralist Marcella Swett created a new chalk mural each week. We will see if she returns.
- Black-owned food truck, Wings ‘N Waffles, will serve up sandwiches, plates and more near Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney.
- At Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, The Mood Indigo Group plays live jazz in the lobby each evening.
- Overnight guests at the Disneyland Hotel can paint an animation cel using artwork depicting Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.”
- Artists Ryan Riller and Larissa Marantz are featured in artist showcases and signings from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Disneyana in Disneyland park on Feb. 25. They are at the WonderGround Gallery pop-up location in Downtown Disney on Feb. 26.
- Lovepop features two cards designed in collaboration with artist Anthony Conley for Black History Month.
Villains Day: Stalk Around the Park — Feb. 4, 2023
This unofficial fashion theme day is one in which fans of villains show off their villain-themed attire (all following the Disneyland guidelines for costumes and attire, of course). So polish your apple and sharpen your horns to join their flock for group photos, rides and other dark fun. This is not put on by Disney but by other parkgoers.
Magic Happens — Feb. 24, 2023
This "EARidescent" magical parade ran for just two weeks before the pandemic shuttered the park, but we are hoppy to say it comes back in March 2023! It brings many magical Disney moments to life and has a catchy song that you'll be singing for days after you see this toadally awesome parade.
Mini Gay Day — March 4, 2023
Gay Days at Disneyland are traditionally held in the fall (now around mid-September), but there is a mini Gay Day casual meet-up in March. This is not an official Disney event, but it can affect crowds, and you’ll see a number of rainbow-colored Disneyland treats. Expect to see folks wearing red shirts in celebration!
Princess Nite — March 7 and 9, 2023
This new Disneyland After Dark event is princess themed. Partygoers can gain access to the park as of 6 p.m. during this event. While the park closes at 8 p.m. for daytime crowds, the party kicks off at 9 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m. for Princess Nite. A limit of eight tickets per person, per event date, is in place for this event. Tickets went on sale as of Dec. 14, 2022, (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) to the general public and are subject to availability. Magic Key holders could purchase tickets during the pre-sale, which started on Dec. 12, 2022 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT).
You can expect the following:
- A royal welcome at the Disneyland Train Station with Princess Minnie Mouse and Princess Daisy Duck accompanied by fanfare trumpeters.
- A musical concert, accompanied by live vocalists, that celebrates heartwarming, adventurous heroines such as Moana, Merida and more.
- A candy-themed dance party at Tomorrowland stage with Vanellope Von Schweetz and female DJs.
- Dance along to jazz music with Tiana in New Orleans Square.
- Specialty menu items fit for a princess (available for purchase).
- Photo backdrops inspired by Disney films such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess Diaries.”
- Unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party.
Reservations are open now for a prixe frixe tea service at Cafe Orleans. The tea service
includes your choice of Twinings hot tea and a wide selection of exquisite eats, including:
- Adult Tea Service: Short Rib, Caviar Egg, Crab Avocado Toast, Monte Fritter, Creole Chicken & Apple Pecan Salad Po’ Boy, Crepe Layer Cake, Blueberry-Almond Scone, Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry-Chocolate Cream Puff.
- Adult Tea Service (Plant-Based): Impossible Sandwich, Roasted Potato, Avocado Toast, Ratatouille Sandwich, Cucumber & Watercress Salad Sandwich, Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Raspberry Bar, Fruit Cobbler and Blueberry-Almond Scone.
- Kid’s Tea Service: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Grilled Cheese, Meatball Po’ Boy, Assorted Fruit and Cream Puff.
The packages cost $60 per adult and $30 per child, plus tax and gratuity. A valid special event ticket for Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite is required to book this dining event and is not included in the price of the package.
Reopening of Mickey's Toontown — March 8, 2023
Mickey's Toontown is currently undergoing renovation. The land will feature new eateries and park-like spaces. Hop over to our Toontown, Disneyland post for all the deets.
Donald's Boat and Goofy's House have been reimagined with plenty of sensory experiences for tadpoles and people of all ages. They will be reopening with some new additions. Goofy's How-To-Play Yard is a playground perfect for tadpoles of all ages with a soft, spongey ground, an elevated clubhouse and a sound garden. Donald's Duck Pond has a splashy play area featuring giant spinning water lilies, balance beams and rocking toys.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival — March 3 through April 25, 2023
This is a California foodie's paradise, and one of the top Disneyland events! Taking place each year during March and April, Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival offers guests the chance to partake in delicious food and wine offerings every day, plus special seminars, tastings and experiences on the weekends. Look for expanded bookable events. Tad and Lily loved meeting Chef Goofy and decorating cupcakes at the "Alice's Wonderland Bakery" Unbirthday Party. Soarin' Over California returns for the festival, taking over Soarin' Around the World during that time.
Guests can visit Festival Marketplaces themed around different tastes and drinks of California and reserve their seats at a Winemaker's Reception. You’ll also encounter musical entertainment and special character meet-and-greets, including opportunities to meet some rarely seen characters. You can do some shopping, with a new line of festival-themed headwear, apparel, décor and cooking gadgets.
Eggstravaganza — March to April 2023
Hop over to the Disneyland Resort for the biggest Easter egg hunt around! In 2022, it hoppened in three locations. You can participate at Downtown Disney, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Eggstravaganza is a fun (but low-key) scavenger hunt that sends guests scurrying around the Disneyland Resort to find huge hidden eggs during April. The location of the hunt may vary each year.
Guests can purchase a game board map and stickers ($9.99) and record their finds by placing the corresponding egg sticker on their map to represent that location. Returning your map to a redemption location is a rewarding experience. Keep your eye out for Easter Bunny meet and greets in the park during this season, as well as springtime balloons and treats!
Dapper Day — April 16, 2023
Some of the "unofficial" Disneyland events are the best. There are two Dapper Days each year at Disneyland. Guests dress up in their vintage “DisneyBound” to pay homage to the way guests used to dress when Disneyland first opened in the 1950s. These events are unofficial and independently organized, but they do affect crowds. The Dapper Day Expo is at the Disneyland Hotel on April 15-16, 2023, and you'll likely see people dressed up on both days in the parks that weekend.
New Orleans Square Mardi Gras — Spring 2023 (Date Varies Each Year)
While it's always festive inside New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, the area gets decorated even more for Mardi Gras. New Orleans Square gets festooned with beads and masks, and the restaurants offer themed foods and free beads for guests to wear. The real party hoppens at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney, where guests enjoy Mardi Gras decorations and a special menu that included Fat Tuesday specials, colorful Mardi Gras Bread Pudding and some discounted drinks.
You can always put on your Mardi Gras Minnie Mouse ear headband and celebrate Mardi Gras year-round by eating the New Orleans-inspired foods inside Disneyland and trying to catch beads when the bands play in New Orleans Square. You can also hop aboard the Mark Twain and maybe even meet or dance with characters from "The Princess and the Frog!" Look for special menu items at French Market or, sometimes, at Cafe Orleans. This is not a large-scale event at Disneyland.
MAY AND JUNE
Bats Day Fun in the Fun Park — May 7, 2023
You can expect to see guests dressed in goth, steampunk, Halloween, rockabilly and more for Bats Day. Bats Day, like Dapper Day, is independently organized and usually takes place in May. This event always makes me long for my frog goth days. There have been rumors that Bats Day organizers may be ending Bats Day, but it's still hoppening in the park this year. (The events that occur outside the park are canceled). You bet this frog squad will show up all in black!
Grad Nites — May and June 2023
Throughout May and June, you may see daytime crowds surge with high school seniors in both parks for local high school Grad Nite celebrations. After 9 p.m., the parties move to a location in Disney California Adventure Park, but Grad Nite celebrators may be in either park during the morning and throughout the day. You can check the Disneyland Calendar up to six weeks in advance to confirm which days host Grad Nites in 2023.
Grad Nite dates for 2023 are:
- May 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 30 and 31
- June 2, 4, 7, 9, 14 and 16
Black Music Month — June 2023
In 2022, we enjoyed daily live entertainment and specialty food offerings, art and more at Disneyland Resort. In 2023, Disney California Adventure Park will feature daily live music celebrates Black music genres from Doo-Wop to Motown. Get caught up in the nostalgia of Carthay Circle and enjoy Philly Phonics, an a capella group that performs snazzy, jazzy, tunes from the 1920s through today. Five & Dime also sings '20s and ‘30s tunes! In the evening, the Hollywood Backlot hosts a special block party, featuring nightly live musical acts.
At Downtown Disney, the art exhibit, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” can be found adjacent to the Star Wars Trading Post. You can also enjoy nightly music and a DJ on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. There are crafts and other activities taking place in Downtown Disney.
JULY
Fourth of July — 2023
Disneyland Park celebrates America's independence on July 4 with red, white and blue decorations, treats and drinks. The celebration features its signature Independence Day show, "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky." This can be one of the busiest days of the year. Disney California Adventure also usually presents fireworks in a patriotic salute before World of Color.
Disneyland’s Birthday — July 17, 2023
"To all who come to this happy place; welcome." Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955. Every year on this anniversary, the park celebrates Disneyland’s birthday. We'll be celebrating 68 years of Disneyland in 2023! There are usually special souvenirs available on that day, and some people choose to dress dapper for the occasion. You may expect a birthday cavalcade or other form of entertainment with many Disney characters at points throughout the day. You may be able to take pictures holding birthday signs. Some people try to attend every year despite the crowds. Even though Disneyland does not actively promote this day (except on large anniversary years), everyone seems to be hopping in droves to the park to join this birthday party. If you plan to attend this day, arrive early and expect typical summer crowds.
Hop over to our post on the Disneyland birthday celebration for tips on celebrating and to see the birthday merchandise.
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort — Early September through Oct. 31, 2022
Halloween is a big-time affair at Disneyland Park, with plenty of decorations, entertainment and other goodies that typically take place from early September (often the Friday before Labor Day) through Oct. 31. During that time, Main Street, U.S.A. is turned into a pumpkin festival with hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins on display. You can gather with some of Disney's biggest villains, along with other favorite Disney characters, for meet-and-greets — in costumes, of course! Jack Skellington and Sally are popular in New Orleans Square. After they leave for the day, you can meet characters from the Haunted Mansion. Cruella de Vil and the Queen of Hearts stalk about Main Street and near the park entrance. We've spotted Maleficent and the Evil Queen near the castle too.
Guests can enjoy seasonal entertainment, plus special eats and drinks. There are also seasonal overlays to some of the resort's very best rides, including the Haunted Mansion Holiday hosted by Jack Skellington. The Halloween Screams show is now a projection and special effects show that will light up Disneyland Park most nights of the Halloween season. The show is enhanced with fireworks on select nights (typically weekends).
Disney California Adventure Park gets into the spirit too. Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land has the residents of Radiator Springs dressing in silly costumes and decorating their homes and shops. Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree are two ride overlays in Cars Land. Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission Breakout! also gets a Halloween overlay, becoming Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark after 5 p.m. (4 p.m. on party days).
Disneyland Halloween Time festivities are included with regular park admission! We've got a full guide to Halloween Time, so be sure to check it out!
Oogie Boogie Bash — Select Nights from early September to Oct. 31, 2023 (Sold out in just days in 2022)
On select nights during Halloween Time, Disney California Adventure plays host to the Halloween Party — Oogie Boogie Bash. The whole family is invited to dress up in costumes and trick or treat throughout the park. Some of the treat trails are themed after villains and have a live villain to entertain you as you gather candy. The magical Villains Grove is a delight. The party takes place on select nights in September and October. You'll enjoy character encounters with Disney Villains and photo-ops with rare Disney characters and Pixar pals. Catch the Frightfully Fun Parade as it passes through the park with Jack Skellington, Mickey, Minnie and a gang of villains. Hop over to our post on Oogie Boogie Bash for more screaming details.
Plaza de la Familia — Early September to Nov. 2, 2023
Plaza de la Familia celebrates the Disney-Pixar film “Coco” and the bonds of family at Disney California Adventure. Taking place at Paradise Gardens, this celebration features Mariachi music, delicious Mexican foods, a Tree of Life interactive photo exhibit, wing photo walls, free coloring and crafts and the chance to meet Miguel. The highlight of this Dia De Los Muertos celebration is “A Musical Celebration of Coco” — a show that features dancing, storytellers and original songs from “Coco,” along with an amazing puppet performance from Miguel and some dancing skeletons.
Disney+ Day — TBD for 2023, but was Sept. 8, 2022
Disney+ Day has moved to September in 2023. You can enjoy special complimentary photo-ops and Early Entry. Disneyland hotel guests can enter the park 60 minutes early this day! Disney+ subscribers and their travel party can enter the theme park 30 minutes early this day.
Keep an eye out for chalk art in Downtown Disney and at the Disneyland Hotel. Find photo-ops featuring Mater and Lightning McQueen in Hollywood Land. Guests staying at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are invited to a special movie screening at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Disneyland is making it blue with blue food and beverage choices throughout the Disneyland Resort. Chomp on blue-dusted churros on Buena Vista Street and Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure Park. You can also find them near Sleeping Beauty Castle and Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park. In the Downtown Disney District, you can drink a variety of blue cocktails, including an Ocean Breeze at Naples Ristorante E Bar, a Blue Hawaiian at Uva Bar & Cafe and a Tropical Margarita at Tortilla Jo’s.
Gay Days — Sept. 22-24, 2023
Gay Days is an independently organized, three-day event that typically takes place in the fall. There are off-site events and parties associated with Gay Days Anaheim, but there are also days when attendees hit the parks. Participants wear red shirts. In 2023, the official Gay Days are Saturday, Sept. 23 at Disneyland Park and Sunday, Sept. 24 at Disney California Adventure Park. This event can affect crowd levels. You can read all about Gay Days here.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Dapper Day Fall Outing — Nov. 11-12, 2023
The second Dapper Day event of the year usually takes place early to mid-November. In 2023, the weekend-long event will fall on Nov. 11 and 12. The Saturday event includes an Expo at the Disneyland Hotel, where you can find all your dapper duds. The actual Dapper Day in the park is usually on Sunday.
Mickey's and Minnie's Birthday — Nov. 18, 2023
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have the same birthday. While this is not a planned event that you'll find on any schedule, if you hoppen to visit Disneyland on this day, you might get treated to some birthday surprises to celebrate these special characters. Disneyland has been known to hand out free special birthday buttons. There is also a special birthday cavalcade. Mickey and Minnie might even put on their birthday celebration outfits.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort — Early to mid-November 2023 to early January 2024
Like Halloween, Disneyland goes all out during Christmas. The parks transform into a winter wonderland from mid-November until early January. This is one of the biggest Disneyland events! Sleeping Beauty Castle is alight in sparkling icicles and thousands of shimmering lights. Snow falls nightly. Beautiful Main Street, U.S.A. is decked out in fabulous holiday décor. Jack Skellington's takeover continues at Haunted Mansion Holiday. The "it's a small world" overlay is the merriest cruise that ever set sail. Once the sun goes down, the façade turns into one of the most beautiful holiday lights displays you'll ever see … be sure to catch the ceremonial lighting and projection show each evening! You'll definitely want to stay for A Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Believe … In Holiday Magic fireworks show too! Santa Claus greets guests in both parks. You can find more details in our guide to Holidays at Disneyland.
Across the way at Disney California Adventure Park, Buena Vista Street and Cars Land are decorated for Disney's Festival of Holidays, which offers many festival booths with tasty treats and musical selections representing several cultures.
There is a nightly Christmas tree lighting on Buena Vista Street, as well as a special holiday World of Color. You’ll want to join Mickey, Minnie and the Three Caballeros at the Disney Viva Navidad! Street Party. Two Cars Land rides receive holiday overlays: Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl both have exciting holiday songs. The celebration wraps up with Three Kings' Day in early January.
Candlelight Ceremony — Usually first weekend of December 2023
The Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony usually takes place the first weekend in December. The ceremony has two shows per night on Saturday and Sunday. It is a religious ceremony, but with an inclusive message to all who watch. It is set up in Town Square and can affect entertainment times that day for the parade and fireworks. Chairs are set up for invited guests, and other parkgoers can stand around the outside and watch. If there are empty seats, cast members may invite others to fill them in before the show starts. The later showing is less crowded.
The ceremony has a famous narrator (shown here is Sterling K. Brown in 2021), choirs and musicians. Viola Davis was the narrator in 2022. For the first showing, the choir proceeds down the parade route from "it's a small world" to Town Square. For the second ceremony of the night, they walk from the Hub to Town Square. No matter which religious celebration you may or may not observe, it is a beautiful sight to see.
Thanks for reading our guide to events at Disneyland! It's always a great time to visit the parks, but especially with so many terrific Disneyland events. Have you visited during any of these events? Share your memories in the comments below. Have a question about any of the events? Ask away!
Related: Best Time To Visit Disneyland
Related: 10 Best Disneyland Snacks and Where to Find Them
Hoppy planning!
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