Disneyland Festivals
There are holidays, seasons, anniversaries and celebrations, and then there are DISNEY FESTIVALS.
Disney has taken festivals to a whole new level, making them an immersive and memorable experience that you don’t want to miss. You are sure to make some core memories when you attend.
Each festival is unique, offering a variety of entertainment, food and celebration, and attendance is included with your park ticket admission. There are some signature events that may require reservations or separate tickets.
Read on for all the festival fun in store for you! Dates below are for 2024, but generally speaking Disneyland follows a similar timeline each year.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival | March 1 to April 22
What brings people together better than food? This festival will take you on a culinary adventure with a variety of food native to the different regions of California. Here’s what to expect from the food & wine festival, besides the obvious … delicious food.
Celebrate the food grown and prepared best in California
Meet winemakers and learn about pairings at Carthay Circle
Enjoy culinary demonstrations from guest chefs
Discover an expanded menu of cocktails, craft brews, snacks and more at Sonoma Terrace hosted by CORKCICLE
Have character meet and greets with chef Goofy and Jammin Chefs
Join the "Confection Purrfection with the SuperKitties," a hands-on cookie & cupcake decorating activity for kids starring characters from the Disney Junior series
Check out Soarin’ when it becomes Soarin’ over California
Reservations are required for the following events:
Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions
Disneyland Hotel Food and Wine Experiences
Trader Sam's Mixology
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Food and Wine Experiences
Get more info on tickets for the signature events HERE
Star Wars Season of the Force | April 5 - June 2
“May the Force be with You” at one of the most popular festivals of the year! Dare I say that Star Wars fans are possibly some of the most loyal fans out there?
The Season of the Force offers lots of opportunities to immerse yourself into the galactic world of Star Wars. Enjoy Star Wars themed fireworks not only in front of the castle but also in Batuu where you can hear the music and see it from a unique angle. Disney Photo Pass will offer Star Wars lenses. Visit the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa for Star Wars themed sweets and treats. New merchandise and collectables will be available for purchase and Space Mountain transforms into the uber-popular Hyperspace Mountain.
Disneyland goes ALL IN during this festival. There is much more than what’s mentioned here. You’ll just have to go and see what else you can discover!
Pixar Fest | April 26 - August 4
Imagine what the world would be like without the master storytellers of Pixar? No Buzz, Nemo, Dug, Lightning, or Miguel?! How much would we all be missing without these beloved characters. It’s too much to even consider! Since 1995, Pixar has brought many a smile, (and let’s be honest, lots of tears, too) to our faces and dedicating an entire festival dedicated to these stories that have inspired and changed us for good is the best way to celebrate.
During this festival, you will see a parade, eat food, see fireworks and more all featuring the stars of the movies we all love. And believe it or not, Disneyland is one of the only places ON THE PLANET (no exaggeration) that you will be able to see these characters. Just another reason Disneyland is known as “The HAPPIEST place on Earth.”
PLAZA DE LA FAMILIA - A Celebration of Coco | August 23 - November 2
Speaking of Pixar, come celebrate with Miguel at the Plaza de la Familia. Create your very own spirit guide, enjoy a meet and greet with Miguel and leave a message for a loved one on the ofrenda. What will you say to the person you love and miss so dearly?
And in El Zocalo Park experience a traditional Dia De Los Muertos with authentic cultural displays.
Halloween Time | August 23 - October 31
For more than two months, Disney magically transforms the park into a Halloween wonderland. And, not that I’m biased or anything, I think Disney does Halloween the best. Here’s what you’ll find at the festival at each park.
Disneyland
Haunted Mansion Holiday - Our favorite 999 ghosts go on vacation while Jack and Sally visit the haunted mansion. Don’t forget to wave hello to Zero!
Main Street Pumpkin Festival - Hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins adorn Main Street, U.S.A. Be on the lookout for your favorite Disney characters.
Halloween Screams - Visions of Villains and frightful tunes take over the fireworks show on select nights.
Disney’s California Adventure
Guardians of the Galaxy Monsters After Dark - Race around with Rocket to rescue a Guardian.
Costumed Cars Cruise the Park
Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween attraction
Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree attraction
Halloween Party with Oogie Boogie - separate tickets and reservations are required*
*This is one of Disneyland’s most popular events, so if you want to get your spot be ready to get tix right when they go on sale, usually in May or June.
The Holidays Begin Here | Starting November 15
Southern California practically never ever sees snow, but make a visit to Disneyland and you’re in for a snowy night indeed! You can’t help feel the spirit of Jack Frost when you see Sleeping Beauty’s castle adorned in snow crystals and icicles, and those flurries on Main Street U.S.A. bring a delightfully frigid feeling to the air.
During this festival, you can find the festive friends from Nightmare Before Christmas at the Haunted Mansion, the delightful dolls of Small World are decked out in the holiday spirit, World of Color turns into the Season of Light and nighttime fireworks bring the magic with the “Believe In Holiday Magic” show. Not to mention the Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Candlelight Processional. There really is no better place to feel the holidays than at Disneyland. You’ll be immersed in the spirit of this most magical time of the year as soon as you pass through the gates.
Rosalie Mastaler
Rosalie is an adventurer at heart. She loves to explore new places and never tires of adding to her list of travel must-see spots.
