Disneyland Holiday and Christmas Events, Info, and News

[Aladdin]

Disneyland Resort Holiday and Christmas Related Topics and Event Tracker

Please check the following threads for any questions and updates. As schedules are made known, the general information about these topics will be updated in this post. PLEASE see the particular topics for more specific details and information. The Thread Links are in dark blue

We want to highlight and capture all of the special sights and sounds of all the Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, and other holiday celebrations, throughout the entire Disneyland Resort.

In this topic, we will point you to the right topic here at MiceChat, to learn more about these events. There are so many different activities going on at Disneyland during the Holidays, it's easy to miss out on some of the magic Disney has to offer.

As schedules are made known, the general information listed below, will be updated. But please continue to see the particular topics for complete detailed information, as Disney may change schedules at anytime.

Likewise, if you know of some holiday happening at the Disneyland Resort, that hasn't been mentioned, or if you have updated information please share that information with all of us.

And here's wishing everyone a joyous Christmas, and a Happy Holiday Season!


DISNEYLAND - The Merriest Place on Earth

Disneyland Closing at 6pm on Monday December 8th and Tuesday December 9th
Christmas Parade runs at 4pm both days
Fireworks are at 5:45pm both days
DCA is open until 8pm both nights

Candelight Processional:
This Annual Christmas Tradition has been around since Walt's days.
Several choirs combine their talent and provide the most beautiful pageant down Main Street, toward the Main Street Train Station which is the stage for the telling of the 1st Christmas as read from the Bible. The choir leads in singing several traditional Christmas songs during the celebration. A big name personality serves as the narrator for the program.

Dates: Saturday December 6 and Sunday December 7, 2008
Location: Main Street Train Station
Narrator: John Stamos
(Christmas Parade runs early on both days at 1:15pm and 3:15pm)

Ticket Information:
Tickets are sold out - Standing Room only.

Packages were as follows:
Napa Rose $135
Steakhouse 55/ Yamabuki $105
Hook's Pointe/Storyteller's Cafe: $80
(this does not include entrance ticket to DL)

Again, all tickets are sold out.

Candy Cane Schedule
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Candy Shop on Main Street schedules just a very few days where they make large homemade candy canes. Check this topic for pictures and video from last year.

Schedule: Sillyup10 confirmed 2 more days for candy canes: Saturday, December 13th and Saturday, December 20th


Christmas Tree at Disneyland
The new artificial Christmas Tree for DL's Christmas Tree Point, has arrived, has been assembled, And was placed in it's spot in Disneyland EARLY on 11-12-08! We are waiting for pictures!
Keep your eye on this thread for updates, and if anyone has pictures, please post some here!

Also, See this Andy Castro update for pictures of the Tree backstage and also picture of the light netting on trees in the hub.

Video of Lighting Tests The Tree is still backstage in the video.

Here is a thread that has video of the "snowfall light show" on Main Street. The Castle, Garland, and Tree all look Great! New lighting in the Hub Trees, Garland on Main Street, and the Christmas Tree.

When will the Christmas Decorations be up
All the Christmas festivities, including the Parade, begin November 21st. The earliest of the activities started are with The Haunted Mansion Holiday, which opened at the end of September. Jack Skellington brings his own version of "Sandy Claws" cheer to the Mansion, which continues through at least January 4st.

New Orleans Square: Abominable Snowman and Darkbeer have provided pictures for this Andy Castro update ~ New Orleans Square Streets are all decked out for Christmas!

Main Street has the Tree up, and the garland over the street is up, too! Netting for special Christmas lighting has appeared on some trees in the Hub, mid October.

Snow Covered Castle Progress
Darkbeer has some new pictures from around the Disneyland Resort - Click here for his 11-5-08 pictures. The castle decorations are completed, and their is even lighting on the backside of the castle this year.

Thanks to SingingAngel7242 for the above picture!
Taken on 10-31-08

Toontown
Toontown Decorations are in place!

A Christmas Fantasy Parade
The Christmas Fantasy Parade
Daily shows Friday November 21, 2008 thru Sunday January 4, 2009
Please check thread for specific times.


Christmas Parade Filming
Guest Stars for the Christmas taping included:
Jose Feliciano, The Jonas Brothers, and Corbin Bleu.

YES The Jonas Brothers and Jose Feliciano did appear at DL 11-8-08
PezzLightyear was present and has video of the Jonas Brothers at DL here

Darkbeer has hundreds of pictures from the parade taping on 11-8-08
Here is the link direct to his pictures

Here is video of part of the parade that was filmed on 11-8-08, AND
it also has Corbin Bleu singing the theme song for next years Birthday Promotion:
Corbin Bleu performing "Its the Time of Your Life"?


It's a Small World Holiday
Small World Holiday! Returns in it's Christmas Colors on November 21, 2008
The Santa Hat on the Clock tower has appeared!
Anticipating that it will have the after dark light show immediately after striking the quarter hour.
Several Threads have pictures of Small World Holiday and Check the recent Mice Chat updates!
Almandot Had the 1st photo report of SWH's return. And as always, has some phenomenal Pics.
Take a look here: It's a Small World Holiday - Soft openings have begun


Believe . . . In Holiday Magic Fireworks
The Christmas Fireworks Show followed by "Snow" in selected areas.
Daily shows on Friday November 21, 2008 thru Sunday January 4th ,
ALL Firework Shows Begin at 9:25pm (except as noted below)
Dec 1, 2, 3, 4 at 7:45pm
Dec 8, 9 at 5:45pm
Dec 24 at 8:45pm

Santa's Reindeer Roundup
The White House Pardoned Turkeys will be making their home here in DL.
Real Reindeer will also be on display.
Shows in the Big Thunder Ranch with Woody Jesse and Bullseye
Coloring pages and crafts for kids also.
11-21-08 thru 1-4-09


New Years Eve
Many different entertainment venues are set up for NYE
Specail DJ's and bands are set up throughout BOTH DL and DCA
Expect special bands and DJ's at the locations listed below:
what is disneyland like on new year's eve?

Keep an eye on this thread for MiceChat New Year's Eve meet here:
New Year's Eve

At Disneyland
Small World Mall - usually Radio Disney DJ's are playing the music and the whole mall becomes a dance area
Tomorrowland Terrace - Usually a band has the energy on high
New Orleans Square
Castle Countdown -
All of Main Street transforms sometime after 6pm with party music

At DCA
Hollywood Backlot Stage and the surrounding street become a dance area
Paradise Pier has a local Radio Station also set up for dancing
All of the Parade corridor and Entry area has a DJ


DCA

The Candy Cane stripes are on the "CALIFORNIA" entry letters. Candy Corn Acres has been harvested. No Santa's Beach Blast will be set up this year. But the Hollywood Backlot has old fashioned decorations on the street posts. Flik's Fun Fair has their decorations up, and the Golden
State Tree is up and decorated.

Hyperion Theater - Aladdin Show
Anticipated re-opening on Friday December 12
Disney dot com shows last day for Refurbishment of the the Hyperion is on 12-11-08



DISNEYLAND HOTEL
GRAND CALIFORNIAN
PARADISE PIER HOTEL

In Room Christmas Trees and Christmas Stockings
Disney Hotels offer a limited number of in room trees and stockings that guests may take home, at an additional cost

BE SURE TO GO AND SEE THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE GRAND CALIFORNIAN LOBBY!

DOWNTOWN DISNEY CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

Gingerbread House Decorating Event
Location: Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen -Downtown Disney Anaheim
Date: Unknown
Status: Not yet announced for 2008

© Disney

SPECIAL MERCHANDISE OFFER
Dates: November 2nd through December 24th
Woven Holiday Throw - $15 with a $50 Purchase
See the link above for details from DisneyGallery dot com
Would someone confirm if the above picture is the image on the throw - thanks!







Additions and Updates to this thread will occur, as new topics are added and information is learned. Please be aware that Disneyland may change their entertainment schedules at any time.

Most recent updates:

12-4-08 - update to candy cane dates and link to New Year's Mice Chat Meet thread
11-22-08 - updated info to show all decorations are up, added link to Almandot's Small World Photo Report and link showing video of new lighting on Christmas tree in DL and the new lighting in the garland on Main Street. No Santa Beach Blast at DCA this year.
11-18-08 - added info to Candy Cane thread.
11-14-08 - Added info that John Stamos is the narrator at the processional this year.
11-12-08 - Linked the New Year's Eve thread to the holiday Tracker.
11-12-08 - Christmas Tree has been placed in DL!
11-10-08 - Link added for topics on coverage of the Parade taping on 11-8-08, confirmed that Toontown decorations are up.
11-8-08 - added link to Pezzlightyears video of the Jonas Brothers performing at DL for the Christmas special
11-7-08 - added info about the taping at DL on 11-8-08, and that rumored musical guests might be Jonas Brothers and Jose Feliciano
11-6-08 - added link to Darkbeers pictures from 11-5-08, and a link to his parade filming info. Also added link to topic for DL's official Christmas website.
11-2-08 - added special merchandise offer link from disneygallery dot com
11-2-08 - updated reservation info for Candlelight Processional, info from Pattimelt
11-1-08 - added picture from SingingAngel7242 of Castle Snow from Halloween.

11-1-08 - added link to Andy Castro Update, with pictures of New Orleans Square all Decked out, Also reports of Christmas Snow beginning to cover the castle - New thread has been linked.

10-29-08 - update times for Fireworks show, add some gerneral New Years Eve Info

10-28-08 - Edited to add A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Small World Holiday, and Believe in Holiday Magic . . . All scheduled to begin on 11-21-08 according the to calendar at the Disneyland dot com website.

10-28-08 - Big Thunder refurbishment scheduled to end 11-20-08, but no confirmation of Woody's Christmas Round Up.

10-28-08 - confirmed date of Candelight Processional as Dec 5 and 6, parade is schedule earlier both days

10-28-08 - anticipated opening for Hyperion Theater is 12-12-08, also DL closing early on 12-8 and 12-9 early showing of Christmas parade, and 5:45pm showing of fireworks,

10-28-08 - confirmed opening of small world holiday, thanks to darkbeers info from 10-5-08,

[Micoofy Duck]

oh this is perfect for us going during the holiday season! Thanks and Be Merry!

[Mad Madame Momba]

Great news! Thanks Aladdin!

[ttrocc7007]

On Sunday October 26, most of the Halloween merchandise was already gone and Xmas stuff was for sale in its place. I already picked up a couple of lovely metal and glass lanterns, and many others were doing quite a bit of shopping for ornaments, tree skirts and other decorations.

[Rex Dopey24]

thanks

[Darkwing]

Aladdin,

Thanks for the great post. We will be down the second week in December and this is great for one stop info.

I did notice your dates for the candlelight processional are one day off (6th,7th instead of 5th,6th) .

[BassBone]

December 5th and 6th are a Friday and Saturday.

Otherwise, thanks for the listing! Is there an announcement for when the tickets are available for the Candlelight?

[Tea]

Thanks for the info.

Is there any dates known for when they film the ABC christmas special at the park?

[Aladdin]

Originally Posted by Darkwing

Aladdin,

Thanks for the great post. We will be down the second week in December and this is great for one stop info.

I did notice your dates for the candlelight processional are one day off (6th,7th instead of 5th,6th) .

Thanks! The number dates have been corrected!

[Aladdin]

Originally Posted by Tea

Thanks for the info.

Is there any dates known for when they film the ABC christmas special at the park?

Last year, if I recall correctly, Disney Did filming on two Saturdays in November, One of those Saturdays, They had a Camera at Christmas Tree Point, and the following Saturday, the Tree was up, so they could take film of that. There were some different stages they had set up for different musical guests, on the different Saturdays. They filmed a "special version" of the Christmas Parade, for airing on TV, at that time also.

This year Halloween will still be going on Nov 1 and 2, so IF they do the filming similar to last year, Sat Nov 8th and Sat Nov 15th would be possible filming dates. Perhaps the 22nd might be a filming date - instead of the 8th. Or they might decide to do filming on other days this year. And Veterans day is Tues November 11th, so the 8th could be a busy day at DL.

Any information on When DL will be filming this year would be appreciated.

Oh, Didn't Miley Montana perform on one of those Saturdays in November, last year? I know we have some reports from that, somewhere here at micechat!

And word on this years performers would be appreciated, too!

Also, looks like we are still awaiting word on the exact times for the Christmas Processional,
as well as who the narrator(s) will be, although, sometimes that isn't announced until much closer to the processional.

[Squirt_101]

Thanks so much for the info, I'm going in early January so it will be nice to see what's still going on Christmas-wise when we are there!

I do have a question, however. I am going with some friends next weekend, the weekend of the 8th of November. Do you know exactly what Christmas or pre-Christmas I should say decor. will be up? Will the castle lights be up?

[Aladdin]

A couple more updates have been added to the 1st post!

First, Andy Castro's most recent update shows the streets of New Orleans Square all decked out for Christmas.

Also, NewguY posted the first report of the "Snow caps" being added to the castle this year! AND Club 33 Mike Posted the FIRST picture of the "snow cover" progress! Keep the pictures coming!!!!

Thanks to all you, for keeping us updated!

[Mac Daddy]

Thanks for the Holiday Thread Aladdin. I was hoping someone would put a sticky up as we will all have questions regarding where the snow falls, the lighting, candlelight, etc.

Speaking of Candlelight, it is now the beginning of November and I've heard NOTHING about the ceremony for this year. I just did another google search and found a ton of info from 2007, but nothing from this year yet.

I'd really love to know...

a) When and how tickets will be distributed
b) Are those the official dates?
c) Train Station or Fantasyland theater.
d) Narrator

I'm still ticked about last year as I went on EXACTLY at the time posted and got to the point where all I needed to do was input my credit card info, and suddenly everything locked up.

I wanted to jump on it early this year, but so far, nobody seems to know much about this year's ceremony at all.

Anyone? Darkbeer? Andy?

[Aladdin]

Are restaurant reservations at DL, still only taken 30 days before?

[Aladdin]

Thanks to SingingAngel7242 for the beatiful daytime picture of the Castle, partiallly covered in "Snow" on Halloween!!! Click on the Snow Covered Castle link for a larger picture!