Planning a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth in 2026? 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 which events are hoppening when you visit because they can influence Disneyland crowd levels. In this guide, we've also included a few of the more popular "unofficial" events since they can also impact crowd levels.
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FAQs
- What are the special events at Disneyland Resort? From Lunar New Year to Holiday Time, Disneyland Resort hosts many year-round events, ranging from one-day events to months-long celebrations. This post dives into a little bit of all of them, including dates and links to our in-depth guides for more info.
- Are the special events free to attend? It depends. Most events are included with general admission, which you can save on tickets through Undercover Tourist! (Undercover Tourist also sells California Resident tickets and other promotional tickets for less!)
- Which special events require separate tickets? Disneyland After Dark events, Grad Nites and Oogie Boogie Bash require separate party admission since they continue after official park hours.
- What are "unofficial" events? Unofficial events, such as Dapper Day and Gay Days, are hosted by an outside organization or fans, not by Disneyland Resort itself. That said, we've listed some of the popular unofficial events because they can affect crowd levels.
- When does the 70th Anniversary Celebration end? The 70th Anniversary Celebration kicked off May 16, 2025, and will continue until its last day on Aug. 9, 2026. Wondrous Journeys and Paint the Night were extended through Aug. 20, 2026.
Disneyland Schedule of Events in 2026 (and Ongoing Celebrations)
Disneyland has confirmed the dates for all major events in 2026, which is perfect for your planning purposes. There are exciting events happening year-round at the resort, but in 2026, we're in for an extra special celebration as Disneyland Resort continues to celebrate turning 70! Use this guide to events at Disneyland and the Disneyland schedule when you're checking out the best times to visit Disneyland or planning your Los Angeles visit.
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary — May 16, 2025, to Aug. 9, 2026 (with some gaps during Halloween and Holiday Time)
The Happiest Place on Earth turns 70 — and we're all invited to celebrate! Running through Aug. 9, 2026, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will "celebrate happy" with special entertainment, food and beverages, new outfits for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends, and so much more.
Some of the 70th entertainment and some decor took a break for Halloween Time and Holiday Time. But you'll still enjoy ongoing 70th signage around the resort and on Sleeping Beauty Castle.
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- You'll find decorations around the resort, including a medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Mickey and pals will don their new celebration outfits in Disneyland Park once more beginning Jan. 8, 2026.
- With a new celebration comes an all-new nighttime spectacular, World of Color Happiness! running through Aug. 9, 2026.
- The fan-favorite Paint the Night parade is back at Disneyland Park as of Jan. 30, 2026.
- Wondrous Journeys projection show also returns to Disneyland as of Jan. 8, 2026 (fireworks added on select nights, mostly weekends).
- The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade that includes Duffy and friends returns Jan. 9, 2026.
- Walt Disney — A Magical Life debuted at the Main Street Opera House July 17, 2025. This new show tells Walt's story from the man himself, in his office, brought to life through Audio-Animatronics. Look for art and artifacts from Walt Disney's life in the lobby, as well as a look at the evolution of Audio-Animatronics.
- A new song: "Celebrate Happy," performed by the Jonas Brothers.
- Speaking of songs, "it's a small world," got a third and final verse that premiered on the ride at Disneyland on July 17, 2025.
- And speaking of "it's a small world," its façade has a nightly projection show called Tapestry of Happiness.
- You can enjoy a tribute to the Sherman Brothers — who wrote "it's a small world" and so many other Disney classics — in the Main Street Cinema as of July 17, 2025.
- At times, Carthay Circle Restaurant features lights, music and projection to "celebrate happy."
It's not too late to RSVP "YES"! Hop over to our full post to learn more about Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration!
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite — Jan. 22, 25, 27, Feb. 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 & 17, 2026, at Disneyland Park
The popular Sweethearts' Nite makes Disneyland the most romantic place on earth on nine nights in January and February. 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 Dec. 11, 2025, and always sell out quickly.
You can typically expect the following:
- A new cavalcade that celebrates the love of partners, families and friends
- A new musical look at love that ends in a Royal Ball
- A New Disney Duets karaoke experience
- 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 rare couples, royal couples and 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
Lunar New Year — Jan. 23 to Feb. 22, 2026
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 red decorations welcome you, while 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, complete free crafts and purchase some traditional Lunar New Year treats. There are also delectable Asian meals to taste at Paradise Garden Grill, as well as samplings 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. Hosted by Mulan and Mushu, Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession celebrates the Lunar New Year with colorfully costumed dancers, a dragon and drummers. 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend — Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, 2026
The last West Coast runDisney races (for at least a few years) will be the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in January 2026. Enjoy yoga in front of the castle, kids races, a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon or complete the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge (10K and Half Marathon).
Valentine’s Day Celebrations — First Half of February (including Feb. 14), 2026
Love is definitely in the air at Disneyland! The parks serve up delicious heart-shaped baked goods and love-themed delicacies in 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. Hop over to our post on romantic things to do at Disneyland for the whole lineup.
Disney California Adventure Park 25th Anniversary — starting Feb. 6, 2026
In 2001, Disneyland expanded with a second theme park, a second hotel and an outdoor shopping and recreation area that we now know as Disney California Adventure Park, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Downtown Disney District. And now it's time to celebrate 25 years of fun!
- Feb. 6:
- Mickey and Minnie Mouse dress in all-new outfits on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park for a limited time.
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- Soarin' Over California returns through July 1 (after which, the all-new Soarin' Across America will make its debut).
- Schmoozies! will serve up an all-new celebration cake shake, and a new novelty bucket modeled after the Pixar Pal-A-Round will become available at select locations.
- New merchandise to commemorate the 25th anniversary will make its debut
- Humphrey the Bear, an all-new character, made his debut at Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian Cafe during Donald's Tales of Adventure dinner buffet.
- Feb 8:
- While supplies last, guests entering California Adventure with a valid park ticket may receive a complimentary map to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the park's opening day!
For a limited time, you can find a 25th anniversary pin paying tribute to the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Acorns Gifts & Goods. You can also find a special anniversary tote and pin honoring Downtown Disney while supplies last at World of Disney.
Super Bowl Celebration — Feb. 9, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
Disneyland celebrates the Super Bowl champion the day after the game. There is usually an afternoon cavalcade with the MVP or other players. In 2026, it's Quarterback Sam Darnold and MVP Kenneth Walker III.
Sometimes the celebration is at Disneyland. In 2025, it was at Disney World. With the Super Bowl back in Los Angeles in 2027, there's a good chance it will be at Disneyland next year.
Celebrate Gospel for Black History Month — Feb. 20-21 and Feb. 27-28, 2026
Disneyland celebrates Black History Month with musical acts, art and more.
The event includes a "Celebrate Gospel" concert, featuring musicians and local community choirs. In 2026, performances will move to Downtown Disney District, featuring Hezekiah Walker (Feb. 21) and Yolanda Adams (Feb. 28). Other activities include special food and merchandise opportunities in Downtown Disney from black-owned businesses.
Anaheim Ducks Day — Feb. 22, 2026
Quack! Quack! Each year, the local NHL hockey team flocks to Disney California Adventure. Score! It is a day filled with activities, including a special cavalcade, games, meet-and-greets with Ducks players, photo-ops, special treats, merchandise and more.
This is a popular event, so get your reservations early and wear your Ducks jersey.
Here's what to expect:
- Enjoy a rally with Ducks players and the Power Players.
- Get hyped at the Fan Zone — filled with interactive photo-ops, games and music.
- Pose for pictures with Wild Wing.
- Meet and greet some of the players from the Anaheim Ducks. (Limited availability; arrive before park opening and get a wristband in Hollywood Land.)
- Listen to music with performances by Anaheim Ducks DJs.
- Learn how to draw some favorite Disney "Ducks" (and Agent P!) at Animation Academy and keep your art as a souvenir.
- Taste special treats throughout Hollywood Land.
- Purchase special Anaheim Ducks Days merchandise, including T-shirts, spirit jerseys, headwear, accessories, commemorative pucks, pins and more! (May need to join a virtual line.)
- Pick up free gifts for Magic Key holders. In 2024, it was a rally towel. In 2025, it was a cup.
- Do free crafts. Color a Ducks jersey and wave it during the cavalcade.
- Play games and collect prizes in Hollywood Land.
*Unofficial Event* Mini Gay Day — Feb. 28, 2026
Gay Days at Disneyland are traditionally held in the fall (now around mid-September), but there is a casual mini Gay Day meet-up in March. This is not an official Disney event, but it can affect crowds, and you’ll see several rainbow-colored Disneyland treats. Expect to see folks wearing red shirts in celebration!
Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites — March 3 and 5, 2026
This new 70th-anniversary-inspired, separately ticketed event brings back fan favorites across seven decades:
- Swing Dancing at the Royal Theatre
- Dancing and singing at Videopolis
- Line Dancing at the Golden Horseshoe
- Characters from decades past and sentimental photo ops
Tickets went on sale Dec. 11 (earlier for Magic Key holders). Read all about it in our 70 Years of Favorites' Disneyland After Dark Event post.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival — March 6 to April 27, 2026
This is a California foodie's paradise and one of the top Disneyland events! Taking place each year during March and April, the 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 activities for this event via the Disneyland app or website.
Tad and Lily love meeting Chef Goofy and decorating free cupcakes at the all-new Confection Purrfection with the SuperKitties show, featuring Minnie Mouse. Soarin' Over California returns for the festival, taking over Soarin' Around the World during that time. To celebrate DCA's 25th birthday, Soarin' Over California will actually run Feb. 6 through July 1, 2025!
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 even do some shopping, as there is a new line of festival-themed headwear, apparel, décor and cooking gadgets every year!
Women's History Month
Look for subtle nods to Women's History Month at Disneyland Park in March. You'll notice that the Mickey floral gets a bow and eyelashes to make it a Minnie floral each year.
In the Main Street Cinema, note the "Votes for Women" sash and outfit change for Tilly in the ticket booth. Can you spot any others in the park?
Eggstravaganza — March 3 through April 6, 2026
Hunt for giant, themed eggs in Downtown Disney and the theme parks. For about $11.99, you can buy a map (for one of the areas) to clue you in to the egg locations. When you spot an egg, place a corresponding sticker on the map. Find them all to receive a prize.
Bluey's Best Day Ever! Debut — March 22, 2026 (and continuing through the year)
Bluey made her grand debut with "Bluey's Best Day Ever!" at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. This family-friendly experience will transform the theater into Bluey's school, where you can join Bluey and her sister Bingo. They will appear live on stage alongside a troupe of entertainers for dancing, exploring and more. Enjoy themed food at Troubadour Tavern, including a $5.99 kids meal! Find out all the tail-wagging details in our Bluey at Disneyland post.
Savannah Bananas Day at Disneyland — March 26, 2026
This one-day experience returns March 26, 2026. This year, one of the newest Banana Ball Championship League teams, the Indianapolis Clowns, will join in on the fun. The fun hoppens in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, with appearances from select players from both teams in each park, special menu items and player meeting hopportunities.
At Disneyland, the Savannah Bananas Cavalcade takes place on the parade route. The team will also put on a special performance in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
At California Adventure, they'll put on a high-energy performance at the “World of Color” viewing area in Paradise Gardens Park, featuring surprises and unforgettable moments.
Our Savannah Bananas Day post has all the deets.
Disney+ Throwback Dance Party at Downtown Disney — March 27 to June 7, 2026
Head to the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and Lawn to rewind and unwind. The Disney+ Throwback Dance Party brings weekend daytime entertainment from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (along with a special photo op inspired by Disney Channel hits)! Shake it to bangers from The Proud Family, Camp Rock, The Descendants, High School Musical, Zombies, Hannah Montana and The Cheetah Girls.
Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland Park — April 12, 14 and 16, 2026
Disney Channel Nite returns in 2026! This separately ticketed event celebrates iconic Disney TV shows and films across various eras, as well as their beloved characters. Fans are in for a night of fantastic music, spunky characters, high-energy parties and extremely unique photo opportunities. Get ready to party and laugh along with the familiar stories and songs from this nostalgic era of TV! Guests love to dress up as their favorite Disney Channel characters, see cavalcades and attend dance parties.
Tickets go on sale for the general public Feb. 5 (and Magic Key holders can purchase starting Feb. 3).
New Star Wars Experiences
The May the Fourth celebrations and Star Wars Month expanded into a longer celebration called Season of the Force at Disneyland in recent years, but that is not listed as an official event for 2026. That being said, there are a lot of Star Wars openings and changes hoppening from late April through May. Stay tuned for more details about Star Wars experiences this spring. Highlights include:
- Hyperspace Mountain overlay has been confirmed to return April 28 through June 1, 2026.
- The original Star Wars trilogy characters started appearing in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge as of April 29, 2026. Look for Leia, Luke, Han Solo and Darth Vader. Read more in our characters of Galaxy's Edge post.
- The music of John Williams is coming to Galaxy's Edge. It's already part of Fire of the Rising Moons fireworks and Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga projection show. But it will now be part of the land all the time. No date has been given, but it could even occur before the characters arrive.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gets a new mission involving The Mandalorian and Grogu (and new jobs for people in the cockpit, especially the engineers) as of May 22, 2026.
Star Wars Nite at Disneyland — April 28, 30, May 4 & 6, 2026
Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park offers up a galactically good time! Tickets go on sale directly through Disneyland. Our Star Wars Nite post has all the details. Fans can usually celebrate with:
- Character encounters
- "Star Wars"-themed attractions such as Star Tours, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Enhanced décor and event collectible merchandise
- Unlimited PhotoPass downloads
- Lightsaber Training
- Lightsaber Resistance Show of Unity
- March of the First Order in Tomorrowland
- Projections on the castle, Main Street and "it's a small world"
*Unofficial Event* Dapper Day — April 19, 2026
Dapper Day is one of the most popular, and certainly the most fashionable, "unofficial” days at Disneyland. Guests get dressed up in their Sunday best to pay homage to the attendees when Disneyland first opened in 1955. There are two Disneyland Dapper Days each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. On Disneyland Dapper Day, many guests wear vintage clothes from the 1950s or other eras. Others choose to step out in style while showing off the latest fashion of today. Even though the Sunday of Dapper Day weekend is usually the main Dapper Day, you may see people dressed in their best on both days of the weekend.
*Unofficial Event* Bats Day in the Fun Park — May 1-2, 2027, with May 2 being the main event
You can expect to see guests dressed in goth, steampunk, Halloween, rockabilly attire 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. You bet this frog squad will show up all in black!
Grad Nites — May and June 2026
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 Grad Nites will occur.
Grad Nite dates for 2026 are:
- May 8, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 28, 29 and 31
- June 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12
Kids Rule Summer — May 22 through Sept. 7, 2026
This summer, kids rule at Disneyland with the Kids Summer Park Hopper Ticket offer. You can bring your tadpoles ages 3-9 to both parks at Disneyland this summer for as low as $48 per day when you purchase through Undercover Tourist. Look for special food, activities and entertainment to make this the best summer yet!
Did we froget to tell you that the kids make the rules this summer? Churros for breakfast? Why not? Stay up late to see the Paint the Night parade and other nighttime spectaculars? Of course! Eat vegetables made out of pretzel and chocolate? For sure! Ride a favorite ride again and again? Toadally!
Pride Nite During Pride Month — June 16 and 18, 2026
At this Disneyland After Dark, after-hours, separately ticketed event, guests can enjoy unique, themed experiences, exclusive photo opportunities, event merchandise and much more! Pride Nite specifically celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.
Guests can arrive three hours early at 6 p.m. Then, the private party begins at 9 p.m., ending at 1 a.m. Hop over to our Pride Nite post for all the details.
Pride Month — June 2026
Get ready to taste the rainbow with special rainbow-colored foods and beverages across Disney Theme Parks and Downtown Disney. Disney Pride merchandise is available for purchase around the Disneyland Resort (as well as at Walt Disney World in Florida). Hop over to our Pride Month foodie guide for all the yummy details.
Disney On the Yard - Yardfest: Powered by Celebrate Soulfully — June 19, 2026
During this one-day event in Downtown Disney, Yardfest celebrates the spirit and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities with drum majors and Drum Major Mickey Mouse accompanied by a drumline.
Soarin' Across America — Opening July 2, 2026
In honor of the 250th birthday of the United States, as of summer 2026, you can soar over the land, from sea to shining sea, on Soarin’ Across America at Disney California Adventure. Scents included! The journey will take you over a dozen locations to highlight the natural beauty and iconic cityscapes of our beautiful country. Don't worry, you'll be taking your favorite flight attendant with you.
Fourth of July — July 3-5, 2026, plus Patriotic treats as of May 21, 2026
Disneyland Park celebrates 250 years of America's independence with red, white & blue treats and drinks as of May 21, 2026. Look for new items, including an apple pie churro, a red, white & blue punch, s'mores marshmallow wand, blue rocket soda and, our favorite, a patriotic Mickey caramel apple! You can also purchase a Sam Eagle popcorn bucket. Parts of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are decorated with red, white & blue buntings.
The celebration features its signature Independence Day show — "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" — July 3-5, 2026. Keep in mind that the 4th of July can be one of the busiest days of the year! Disney California Adventure usually presents fireworks in a patriotic salute before World of Color on July 4.
Disneyland’s Birthday — July 17, 2026
"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. Of course, in 2025, we celebrated this anniversary in a BIG way! It's the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration, and it lasts over a year! In 2026, the 70th celebration continues until Aug. 9.
There are usually special souvenirs available on that day (such as pins) or special foods, 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 on some years. 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 bigger summer crowds in the Main Street U.S.A. area for the birthday cavalcade and lines for merchandise, but not terrible ride lines for rides.
Hop over to our post on the Disneyland birthday celebration for tips on celebrating and a peek at the birthday hoppenings. Hop up to the Disneyland 70th celebration to learn more!
*Unofficial Event* CHOC Walk — Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
The CHOC Walk is a fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Orange County. The walk takes place inside the theme parks before they open. If you want to fundraise for kids at CHOC, you can learn more here. Walkers with wristbands get free parking and can walk through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure early Sunday morning. The walk is filled with surprise entertainment and fun experiences — and it's all for a good cause.
Because many walkers will purchase tickets and stay for the day, this day will be more crowded than usual, especially in the morning. If you plan to visit then, purchase Disneyland tickets and reserve early. Expect to take more time to park your car and enter the park with so many more people than you would expect on a Sunday morning.
D23 Day at Disneyland Resort — Aug. 13, 2026
As a countdown to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, this one-day event includes magical surprises, themed moments and fan-favorite experiences.
Disney Jr. Let's Play! Party — Aug. 13-16, 2026
For one day in Disney California Adventure, this event, made especially for young tadpoles, features live entertainment, Disney Jr. characters and activities before extending the festivities into a three-day event in Downtown Disney District.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort — Aug. 21 to Oct. 31, 2026
Halloween is a big-time affair at Disneyland Park, with plenty of decorations, entertainment and other goodies through Oct. 31. During this 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. For the first time, Guido will sport a "car-stume" as he welcomes guests to Casa Della Tires. 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 Aug. 18 to Oct. 31, 2026
On select nights during Halloween Time, Disney California Adventure plays host to a major 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, usually in September and October — mainly Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. In 2026, Oogie Boogie Bash will take place on:
- Aug. 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
- Sept. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
- Oct. 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31
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 — Aug. 21 to Nov. 2, 2026
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 offers 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 the show “The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate The Musical World of Coco!" The show features dancing, storytellers and original songs from “Coco,” along with an amazing puppet performance from Miguel.
*Unofficial Event* Villains Day: Stalk Around the Park — Sept. 13, 2026
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 an official event hosted by Disney but by other parkgoers.
*Unofficial Event* Gay Days — Sept. 18-20, 2026
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 in Anaheim, but there are also days when attendees hit the parks dressed in red shirts. You can read all about Gay Days here.
*Unofficial Event* Dapper Day Fall Outing — Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
The second Dapper Day event of the year usually takes place early to mid-November. On Saturday and Sunday, hop by the free Holiday Market at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa's North Sequoia Ballroom, where you can find all your dapper duds and gifts. The actual Dapper Day in the park is usually on Sunday.
Mickey's and Minnie's Birthday — Nov. 18, 2026
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 sell special birthday treats and drinks that day.
There is also a special birthday cavalcade about 12:15 p.m., but check the Disneyland app that day for the time. Mickey and Minnie might even put on their birthday celebration outfits!
2026 Holidays at the Disneyland Resort — Begins Nov. 18, 2026
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 of the year! 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 stunning holiday light 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! Enjoy the stunning water spectacular, World of Color — Season of Light, at California Adventure. 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 Festival of Holidays, which offers many festival booths with tasty treats, as well as musical selections representing several cultures.
There is a nightly Christmas tree lighting on Buena Vista Street, as well as a special holiday edition of World of Color. You’ll want to join Mickey, Minnie and the Three Caballeros at the Disney Viva Navidad! Street Party on weekends or join Mirabel or Miguel for shows during the week. Two Cars Land rides receive holiday overlays: Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, both have exciting holiday songs. Three Kings' Day, in early January, commemorates the close of the holiday season by paying homage to the Three Wise Men’s visit to the nativity.
Candlelight Ceremony — TBD, but likely Dec. 5 and 6, 2026
The Disneyland Candlelight Processional 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 offers an inclusive message to all who watch. It is set up in Town Square and can affect the entertainment times of the parade and fireworks that day. 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 second showing is less crowded.
Every year, the ceremony features a famous narrator (shown here is Sterling K. Brown in 2021), choirs and musicians. Viola Davis was the narrator in 2022, Brie Larson took over in 2023, Kathryn Hahn narrated in 2024 and Benjamin Bratt narrated in 2025! 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.
New Year's Eve — Dec. 31, 2026
On New Year's Eve, you'll be treated to dance parties, photo-ops, special character appearances and not one but two fireworks shows. The parks are open late, and all the festivities are included in your theme park ticket.
Disneyland Hours
You can see the Disneyland hours schedule up to six weeks in advance on the Disneyland site. Our guide to the Disneyland schedule has more details on this.
Typical Disneyland hours are:
- Disneyland Park: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Disney California Adventure Park: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Exceptions are:
- The fall, when the parks may close an hour early
- January, after the holidays end, when hours may be shorter
- After Dark events, when the hosting park closes at 8 p.m.
- Oogie Boogie Bash when Disney California Adventure closes at 6 p.m.
- Private parties for Disney or other groups that close part or all of the parks early.
- New Year's Eve when Disneyland stays open until 2 a.m. and Disney California Adventure until 1 a.m.
Thanks for reading our guide to events at Disneyland! It's always a great time to visit the parks, 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
Hoppy planning!
