Celebrating the Magic of Holidays at Disneyland

Disneyland Resort kicked off its holiday festivities on November 14, marking the start of a season filled with joy and celebration. Despite the rain, visitors were eager to experience the enchantment of the holidays. They braved the weather, armed with umbrellas and ponchos, to enjoy the park's festive offerings. The holiday season at Disneyland is a time of wonder and delight. One of the highlights is the 60-foot Christmas tree on Main Street, U. S. A. , which was lit up, casting a warm glow over the park. Families gathered to take photos with Santa Claus, who could be found in various locations throughout the resort. The Fantasyland Theatre offered a perfect spot for these memorable moments, along with Disney characters and fun crafts for kids. The park's iconic attractions, such as Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World, received their annual holiday makeovers, adding to the festive atmosphere. Live entertainment at Disney California Adventure featured a vibrant display of cultures, with Mexican folklórico dancers, mariachis, and Brazilian samba dancers performing at the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party. Fans of the animated film "Encanto" could enjoy "Mirabel's Gifts of the Season, " and Miguel from Pixar's "Coco" made a return appearance in "A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel. "Food lovers had plenty to look forward to as well. The Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure showcased six food marketplaces, each offering dishes inspired by various cultural holidays. Returning favorites like barbacoa tamal de res and braised pork belly adobo shared the spotlight with new additions such as vegetarian chorizo queso fundido and a holiday eclair. Graciela Gomez, a pastry sous chef with nearly 20 years of experience at the resort, predicted that the Holiday M&Ms eclair would be a hit, praising its silky milk chocolate mousse and festive decorations. Resort chef Manuel Enriquez highlighted the variety of seasonal food offerings, with 240 items available resort-wide. Of these, 90 were new for the season, while the rest were returning favorites chosen based on guest preferences. Enriquez expressed confidence that the gingerbread cake at Plaza Inn would become a new tradition, surpassing the popularity of the Mickey gingerbread cookies available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. The holiday celebration at Disneyland coincides with the park's year-long 70th birthday celebration, which began in May. Graciela Gomez emphasized the inclusive nature of the festivities, stating that there is something for everyone, regardless of what or how they celebrate. The resort's ability to make visitors feel at home is a testament to its enduring appeal.