Disneyland lights up for holidays with new, returning celebrations

Sleeping Beauty’s castle is decorated, special holiday treats are warming in the oven, and Main Street USA looks like a winter wonderland.

The holidays have returned to Disneyland Resort for the first time in nearly two years as it brings back the popular “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks and other seasonal favorites.

From now through Jan. 9, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim are decked out for the holidays from front to back and everywhere in between.

Throughout California Adventure and Disneyland, guests will see Santa Claus and Disney characters dressed in their holiday best.

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At Disneyland, a 60-foot holiday tree adorned with nearly 1,800 ornaments – a tradition for the park – greets guests as they enter Main Street USA.

Also returning with the celebration is “A Christmas Fantasy” parade on Main Street, a holiday favorite that includes beloved Disney characters, prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies, Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen,” Santa Claus waving from his sleigh and more.

Jack Skellington and company continue their occupation of Haunted Mansion over the holidays, and Sleeping Beauty’s castle sparkles with lights that turn it into a wintertime spectacle when the sun goes down.

The “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular includes “snowfall” and colorful projections on Main Street USA and the façade of “It’s A Small World.” A heartwarming finale for guests is the “kiss goodnight” moment from several beloved characters who wave goodbye from the balcony of the Disneyland Railroad Train Station in Town Square.

An all-new holiday store, Plaza Point, has also opened on Main Street, USA. The Victorian-era boutique is decorated with garland, nutcrackers and festive décor and offers Christmas-themed treasures year-round. The shop reflects seasonal holidays around the world with ornaments, housewares, linens and accessories.

Plaza Point will feature other holidays such as Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Easter and Halloween at various times throughout the year.

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Meet Mirabel at California Adventure

At California Adventure, the Disney Festival of Holidays returns with “Disney Viva Navidad!” with live entertainment, interactive photo opportunities and special appearances by Mirabel, the young hero of “Encanto.”

“Encanto” is a new feature-length film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, inspired by the people and cultures of Colombia. It's due to open in theaters Nov. 24.

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The theme park also offers eight food marketplaces, plus Luigi’s “Joy to the Whirl” and Mater’s “Jingle Jamboree” plus merry motor-themed decor on Route 66 in Cars Land.

At Pacific Wharf, guests will find holiday-themed menus with special food and drink to enjoy while listening to The Mistletoes, an a capella ensemble that performs classic holiday songs with rhythm and soul. There are also craft stations and cookie decorating kits for younger guests to add to their holiday fun.

“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” presents a seasonal celebration with Mickey Mouse and friends as they travel through the heart of Disney California Adventure. Guests are encouraged to join in the fun with Disney and Pixar characters, dancing and marching along to the high-energy music and merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers, several times daily.

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort extends to Downtown Disney District and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort with traditional décor and festive treats adding to the merriment.

Know before you go

Guests are encouraged to visit Disneyland's website for important information before visiting Disneyland Resort, including the latest health and safety updates.

Reservations are required to visit either theme park and can be made when purchasing tickets in advance on the Disneyland website.

USA TODAY reporter Sherry Barkas can be reached at sherry.barkas@thedesertsun.com. Follow her on Twitter @TDSsherryBarkas