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 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.
Disneyland has confirmed the dates for all major events in 2024 (and we have a few dates for 2025 as well) — which is perfect for your planning purposes. 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 Schedule of Events in 2024
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary — TBD in 2025
Disney confirmed that it will be celebrating 70 years in 2025, but the details and dates will be announced at a later date. We did catch a tease of the Paint the Night Parade returning! We are all wondering, "When can we do this again?" More details to come about its return and which park will host this amazing parade.
runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend — Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2025
The West Coast saw the return of runDisney races with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in January 2024. 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). General registration for the 2025 event opens June 18, 2024.
Opening of Pixar Place Hotel — Jan. 30, 2024
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel has a new theme, as of Jan. 30, 2024! Pixar Place Hotel weaves Pixar touches all throughout the property: Check out the new room designs with touches from Pixar films! Headboards, bedding and pillows are themed after Pixar and its films.
Hop over to our Pixar Place Hotel post to learn more and see more photos!
Lunar New Year — Jan. 23 to Feb. 18, 2024
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 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. 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. In 2024, we celebrated the Year of the Dragon.
Magic Happens Parade — Returned Feb. 2, 2024
Calling all dreamers! This magical daytime parade returned in 2024. Featuring floats and characters from many classic and modern Disney and Pixar stories, "Magic Happens" is a parade you do not want to miss. There are over 90 performers in the parade. The dancers are in colorful costumes, and their enthusiasm is magically mood-lifting! To learn more about it and see more photos, hop over to our Magic Happens Parade post.
Super Bowl Winners' Celebration — Feb. 12, 2024
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). Since 2022, Super Bowl celebrations (with the winning team) have taken place at Disneyland the day after the Super Bowl 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.
The 2024 Super Bowl was played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV on Feb. 11. The Kansas City Chiefs and San Fransisco 49ers competed in the Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs won the game in overtime, so we saw Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs at the celebration at Disneyland on Feb. 12, 2024! The cavalcade travels from "it's a small world" toward Main Street U.S.A at 2 p.m. New Orleans will host the 2025 Super Bowl, so we'd expect the celebration to occur at Disney World (unless the winning team is local). The 2026 and 2027 host cities will be San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively, so we could see it return for those two years as well.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations — First Half of February (including Feb. 14) 2024
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. Hop over to our post on romantic things to do at Disneyland for the whole lineup.
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite — Jan. 23, 25, 30, Feb. 1, 6, 8, 12 & 14, 2024
Sweethearts' Nite returned in 2024. The popular Sweethearts' Nite makes Disneyland the most romantic place on earth for eight 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).
You can typically expect the following:
- A Royal Cavalcade ending in a Royal Ball
- 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
Celebrate Gospel for Black History Month — Feb. 17 & 24, 2024
Disneyland celebrates Black History Month with musical acts, art and more. The 2024 events included "Celebrate Gospel" at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park on Feb. 17, headlined by Martin Sapp, and Feb. 24, 2024, headlined by Tasha Cobbs Leonard (usually from 2:30 – 7 p.m.). On both days, musicians and local community choirs also perform. Other activities may include:
- Troubadour Tavern sells African-inspired food and beverages year-round but adds special items to the menu on "Celebrate Gospel" days.
- At Downtown Disney, nightly outdoor concerts feature 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 February, Downtown Disney offers family crafts inspired by Black heritage, live music and special offerings in honor of Black History Month.
- 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.” (It's on Tuesday afternoons only.)
- 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.
Anaheim Ducks Day — Feb. 22-23, 2024
Each year, the local NHL hockey team flocks to Disney California Adventure. Score! It is a day filled with activities, including a special cavalcade, 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 happened in 2024:
- Enjoy a cavalcade with current players on Feb. 22 and a Legacy Celebration cavalcade with Ducks alumni on Feb. 23.
- Get hyped at the Fan Zone in Hyperion Courtyard — filled with interactive photo ops, games and pictures with Wild Wing.
- Meet and greet some of the players from the Anaheim Ducks at Hollywood Backlot Stage. (Wristbands are distributed once the park opens in the Hollywood Backlot, and they go quickly.)
- Listen to music with performances by Anaheim Ducks DJs.
- See the Iconic Stanley Cup and take a picture with it at Paradise Park (World of Color viewing area) on Feb. 23.
- Learn how to draw some favorite Disney "Ducks" at Animation Academy and keep your art as a souvenir.
- Participate in a fun park-wide activity known as Seek & Find, which highlights key moments in the Anaheim Ducks' history.
- Taste treats such as a cake pop at Trolley Treats, as well as green and purple cotton candy and Brewery X Ducks Beer, Blonde Ale at outdoor vending locations throughout the park. Enjoy other special drinks and foods at Hollywood Lounge and Studio Catering Co.
- Purchase special Anaheim Ducks Days merchandise, including T-shirts, spirit jerseys, headwear, accessories, commemorative pucks, pins and more! (Purchasing limits apply and no discounts are allowed. You can join the virtual queue in Hollywood Land.)
- Pick up free gifts for Magic Key holders. In 2024, it was a rally towel.
If you are a Ducks fan, snag great deals on Anaheim Ducks tickets (and other live events) through Undercover Tourist!
Villains Day: Stalk Around the Park — Feb. 4, 2024
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.
Mini Gay Day — March 2, 2024
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!
Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland Park — March 5 & 7, 2024
This new Disneyland After Dark event will take you back to your favorite childhood shows on the Disney Channel.
The cost is $139 for each night. The ticket includes music, memorable characters, high-energy parties, unique photo opportunities and more, including:
- The “High School Musical” pep rally with songs from the beloved “High School Musical” franchise
- The “Phineas and Ferb” DJ dance party in Tomorrowland
- “Camp Rock” Karaoke
- Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge at the Golden Horseshoe
- “Descendants” aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia with music from “Descendants” 1, 2 and 3 over the misty waters
- Photo backdrops represent favorite Disney Channel shows and movies, including "Camp Rock," “Lizzie McGuire,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Teen Beach Movie,” "Halloweentown," Zenon," the Disney Channel Logo and more
- A "glowing wand" photo opportunity. Step behind the glass, raise your wand and appear to “paint” glowing colors in the air around you!
- Themed foods and specialty dining packages
- Character experiences with iconic Disney characters
- PhotoPass downloads
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival — March 1 to April 22, 2024
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.
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!
Wondrous Journeys (Special Presentation) — March 22 to April 14, 2024
Just in time for spring break, the "Wondrous Journeys" fireworks show, which debuted in 2023 for the Disney 100 Years of Wonder Celebration, returns for a limited time. This show features all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date. The pyrotechnic and projection show is filled with artistry, music, storytelling and lots of heart. Projections turn Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas. “Wondrous Journeys” also features a new song titled, “It’s Wondrous.” Keep your eyes on the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle to see the Blue Fairy and Baymax fly by! This show is on fire (literally)!
Eggstravaganza — March 11 to April 9, 2024
Hop over to the Disneyland Resort for the biggest Easter egg hunt around! In 2024, it's hoppening in three locations — with a different map for each location. 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 plus tax) 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. (You get a Disney character egg, whether you complete the map or not.) Keep your eye out for Easter Bunny meet-and-greets in the park during this season, as well as springtime balloons and treats!
Season of the Force — April 5 to June 2, 2024
The May the Fourth celebrations, and Star Wars Month, expand into a longer celebration in 2024 with Season of the Force at Disneyland! Highlights include the Hyperspace Mountain overlay and specially themed food, beverages and merchandise.
New adventures aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, debut during the celebration. Look for new characters such as Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor and Din Djarin and Grogu as of April 5! Plus, there are new characters in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, such as Sabine Wren from "Ahsoka" and the cutest walking BD-X droids!
Plus, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge enhances the fireworks above Disneyland Park, with galactic music sweeping through the spires! Whaaat!? We are toadally frogcited about that! The celebration ushers in the return of Star Wars Nite Disneyland After Dark parties (on select dates) as well.
Star Wars Nite at Disneyland — April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 & 9, 2024
Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park offers up a galactically good time! In 2024, there are eight nights of Star Wars Nite in April and May! That's more dates than ever before. The parties fall during the Season of the Force.
In 2024, Star Wars Nite tickets went on sale to the public Feb. 23, 2024. A select amount of pre-sale tickets are available for Inspire Magic Key holders on Feb. 20, and then for other Magic Key holders on Feb. 21 and 22. A new "Notify Me" feature for purchasing Star Wars Nite tickets lets you leave your computer while you wait, as long as you still have a mobile device with you. For more information on how that works, check out our Disneyland After Dark events post.
Our Star Wars Nite post has all the details. Fans can usually celebrate with:
- Special "Star Wars"–themed fireworks
- 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
- Photo ops with
- Projections on the castle, Main Street and "it's a small world"
Dapper Day — April 7, 2024 
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. The Dapper Day Expo at the Disneyland Hotel takes place April 6-7, 2024.
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.
Pixar Fest — April 26 to Aug. 4, 2024
Pixar Fest returned to the Disneyland Resort in spring and summer with a new parade and a returning fireworks show! Pixar Fest is a celebration of friendship and beyond! Enjoy colorful palettes and themed menu items, as well as commemorative merchandise. The whole Disneyland Resort, from the theme parks to hotels, will have a Pixar twist of friendly fun.
This festival of friendship paints Pixar stories in a most positive and uplifting light! An all-new daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”, debuts at Disney California Adventure Park!
At Disneyland Park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes. During the celebration, meet new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red” and more.
Other fun activities in the parks include Club Pixar in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure. Take photos in front of Pixar-themed backdrops, play games and pose with characters. Come nighttime, Club Pixar takes over for a party with an interactive DJ, live performances, games, photo-ops, themed food and beverages and more.
While there are offerings all around the resort, as of May 10, there are six Pixar-themed marketplaces at Disney California Adventure Park that will remain through the end of the festival. Each location includes foods inspired by a Pixar film.
At Disneyland Park, you can dance with characters at the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre. Enjoy this high-energy show, interactive games, photo locations, activities and iconic Pixar shorts at this family-friendly party. You'll see so many Pixar characters in one spot! Some you can dance with and others you can meet and take photos with!
Bats Day in the Fun Park — May 5, 2024
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. 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 2025
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 in 2025.
Grad Nite dates for 2025 are:
- May 9, 12, 18, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 30
- June 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13
Pride Nite During Pride Month — June 18 & 20, 2024
In 2024, Disneyland Park will once again host a Disneyland After Dark event, Pride Nite! At this after-hours 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. Tickets are on sale as of sale April 11 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) and April 9 for Magic Key holders.
Pride Month — June 2024
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.
Black Music Month — June 2024
Enjoy daily live entertainment and specialty food offerings, art and more at Disneyland Resort all month long. Disney California Adventure Park features live music that celebrates Black music genres from Doo-Wop to Motown. Five & Dime also sings tunes from the '20s and '30s all year long! You can also enjoy live music at the hotels. Attend artist events on select dates. Hop over to our Celebrate Soulfully post for all the event details.
Fourth of July — 2024
Disneyland Park celebrates America's independence on July 4 with red, white and blue treats and drinks. The celebration features its signature Independence Day show, "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky." Keep in mind that 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, 2024
"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 are celebrating 69 years of Disneyland in 2024!
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 typical summer crowds.
Hop over to our post on the Disneyland birthday celebration for tips on celebrating and a peek at the birthday hoppenings.
CHOC Walk — July 21, 2024
The CHOC walk is a fundraiser for 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. It's possible the walk can affect Early Entry hours that day, so be sure to check the calendar.
D23 Day — Aug. 8, 2024 (D23 takes place Aug. 9-11)
The day before D23 starts is the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort. Both theme parks welcome ticketed D23 fans during the park hours. All visitors must buy a theme park ticket and make a park reservation that day. The event includes unique offerings, such as:
- Custom Cavalcade in Disneyland at 12:15 p.m. (includes the Disneyland Band, 23 characters and select Disney Legends.
- Processional on the parade route at Disney California Adventure at 10:30. It features, drummers, iconic Disney Jr. friends and Disney Jr.'s Ariel.
- Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace with Stitch and Disney characters from 1 to 6 p.m. A lively band kicks up the energy from 7 to 11 p.m.
- Photo locations, illusion art installations and a collectible commemorative guide with 23 recommended activities and details to discover.
- Special character appearances in both parks, such from Goofy and Max from the animated series "Goof Troop" in Mickey’s Toontown to Lotso from "Toy Story 3" in Pixar Pier! Meet Winnie the Pooh, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First and more in Hollywood Land.
- Disney Junior music-filled celebration at Disney California Adventure
- "Tarzan" merch location debuts on Aug. 8. Also look for special apparel and four new medallions.
- Complimentary D23 ear hats, while supplies last.
- Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure with favorite characters, crafts, cupcake decorating with SuperKitties and more!
- Aug. 4-11, Downtown Disney guests can take advantage of special offers, decor and magical moments.
- From Aug. 9-11, the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party fun continues at the Downtown Disney District from 1 to 4 p.m. The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage presents a family-friendly entertainment, from a high-energy DJ leading dance parties with Disney Jr. music, to upbeat live performances featuring favorite Disney Jr. characters and a bubble show inspired by “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.” Guests can check the Disneyland app for show times (closer to the event). Preschoolers can play and do crafts inspired by the live performances and “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.”
- Complimentary PhotoPass photo dowloads (for photos taken that day).
- Beginning Aug. 8 and while supplies last, Create Your Own Headbands return to Disneyland Resort at The Mad Hatter on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure.
2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend — Sept. 5-8, 2024
What's this? What's this? A new race takes place during Halloween Time in 2024. The Disneyland Resort treats participants with four days of Halloween-themed events, including yoga, kids races, 5K, 10K, half marathon and challenge. Club runDisney registration was Feb. 6, 2024, and general registration was Feb. 13, 2024. The races sold out in under an hour. Learn more about this and upcoming runDisney events in our runDisney Disneyland events post.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort — Aug. 23 to Oct. 31, 2024
Halloween comes earlier than ever before in 2024! 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). A Halloween dance party for the tadpoles becomes available every day of the Halloween season in 2024.
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 Aug, 25 through Oct. 31, 2024 (on sale to everyone June 27)
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. Will we see August dates in 2024? Hop back later for the official dates and details!
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. 23 to Nov. 2, 2024
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 a new 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.
Gay Days — Sept. 13-15, 2024
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. In 2024, the official Gay Days are Saturday, Sept. 14 at Disneyland Park and Sunday, Sept. 15 at Disney California Adventure Park. This event can affect park reservation availability. You can read all about Gay Days here.
Dapper Day Fall Outing — TBD November 2024
The second Dapper Day event of the year usually takes place early to mid-November. In 2023, the weekend-long event fell 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, 2024
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!
Opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure and Bayou Country — Nov. 15, 2024
Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens in a newly imagined land (formerly Critter Country) on the same day that Holiday Time starts in 2024! Also opening are the other existing attractions, new shops and the reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort — Nov. 15, 2024, to early January 2025
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's 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. 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 usually the first weekend in December
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 offers 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.
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 and Brie Larson took over in 2023. 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, 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!
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Hoppy planning!
