When I think back to my childhood and those specific memories I have surrounding the holidays, it was the time we spent together that I remember vividly, rather than the gifts I received. Almost as soon as Halloween was over, my son began asking us about Christmas trees and lights. He is so excited about the holiday season and my hope is that both of my children remember the time we spent together fondly.
It’s become a tradition for us to spend some time at the Disneyland Resort during the holidays. There is always a nice mix of nostalgia and what’s familiar coupled with new magical surprises each year. Last week, I gave you a glimpse of Disney California Adventure Park, all dressed up for the holidays. This is the very first holiday season for Cars Land, Radiator Springs, and Buena Vista Street, and the vibe is warm, festive, and fun. You can read all about what’s hip and happening at the newly reopened park here.
As soon as you walk into Town Square, you’re greeted by the 60-foot Christmas tree, which is a spectacular display of lights at night. All along Main Street, shops display holiday cheer including ornaments, jewelry, holiday sweets and more. If you walk down Main Street towards Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at night, you’ll see the park’s holiday lighting and special-effects show which continues to the Christmas tree in Town Square. Of note, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle presentation actually unfolds in three acts, each of which features a dust of winter snow, concluding with the Believe…in Holiday Magic fireworks show. The show is beautiful and captures the essence of the season. I always find myself tearing up when White Christmas begins to play and snow swirls down around us.
During the day, families have several options for celebrating the joy of the season including “it’s a small world” Holiday (featuring more than 300,000 glittering lights), Haunted Mansion Holiday (what happens when two holidays collide?), A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and Jingle Jangle Jamboree.
One of our holiday favorites is A Christmas Fantasy Parade. It’s a delight to see our favorite Disney characters preparing for Christmas and the arrival of Santa through music, dance, and spectacular floats.
In previous years, my children have gravitated towards Big Thunder Ranch because it is the hub of holiday activities. This year, Jingle Jangle Jamboree offers a lively space for families to celebrate the magic of the season through music, crafts, games, cookie decorating, and character meet and greets! Additionally Santa and Mrs. Claus can be found here, ready to hear the wishes of little boys and girls.
As the season can get busy, you might consider the Holiday Time at Disneyland tour which provides entry into “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, reserved seating for the Disneyland “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a view of the new holiday décor in Disney California Adventure, a keepsake remembrance and entertaining information about the history of Disneyland holiday traditions. To book a tour, visit Guest Relations or call 714-781-TOUR.
You can celebrate the magic of the season at the Disneyland Resort through January 6th, 2012.
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No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to a press event at the Disneyland Resort and granted admission.
Photos: Rockin’ Mama
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