When the holiday season rolls around, several attractions at Disneyland Resort transform with special seasonal overlays. If you're planning a visit during the fall and winter months, here's what you'll encounter.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Haunted Mansion Holiday brings Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas to life at Disneyland Park. As you board your sleigh and move through the mansion, Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town have essentially taken over the space, creating scenes that blend two holidays together in the spooky, fun way only this attraction can pull off.
The ride features seasonal music, updated decorations, and Audio-Animatronic characters positioned throughout. One year-to-year element that guests look forward to is the gingerbread house in the ballroom scene, which features a new design each season and fills the space with that unmistakable holiday aroma.
Imageneers have also updated details over time. A few years back, they adjusted the Oogie Boogie figure near the ride's finale, refining his pose and silhouette. There's also a fun bit of Disney history here: when the holiday version debuted in 2001, the face of Madame Leota was created using Kim Irvine, an Imagineer at Disneyland and daughter of Leota Toombs, who was the original Madame Leota.
"it's a small world" Holiday
"it's a small world" Holiday has been an annual tradition since 1997. As you float along the Seven Seaways canal, each region celebrates the holidays in its own way. You'll move through scenes that layer festive touches onto the classic ones you already know: holiday cheer in the South Pacific, Christmas celebrations in Mexico, and New Year traditions reflected in Europe and Asia.
The iconic music shifts to blend holiday classics like Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls with the signature It's a Small World (After All) theme. The exterior of the attraction also becomes one of the best photo spots on the resort at night, with thousands of twinkling lights on the facade creating a stunning display.
Cars Land Overlays at Disney California Adventure
Over at Disney California Adventure, the residents of Radiator Springs shift into holiday mode with two attraction overlays.
Mater's Jingle Jamboree transforms Mater's Junkyard Jamboree into a holiday hoedown. The lovable tow truck leads things off with seasonal tunes full of his signature humor, while tractors spin and swing around a yard decorated with garland and holiday lights.
Luigi's Joy to the Whirl takes over Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters down the road. Luigi and his family celebrate with festive dances and synchronized choreography, with cars gliding and spinning around you to a wintry soundtrack.
Small Holiday Touches Throughout the Parks
Beyond the major overlays, you'll spot holiday details in smaller places across both parks. Look for themed trees near certain attraction exits, garland on boats, and wreaths on some of the classic Main Street vehicles.
