2025 Holiday Characters to Spot at Disneyland

The Disneyland Resort becomes truly magical during the holiday season, with the entire area decorated in sparkling lights and countless ornaments. Characters in both theme parks and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort dress in their festive best for this joyful time of year.

Looking forward to taking holiday photos with characters or seeing them in a seasonal show? Here are some highlights to enjoy while visiting the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park.

The festivities start on November 14, 2025, and continue through January 7, 2026!

Where to Find Santa Claus at Disneyland Resort

Coming straight from the North Pole, Santa Claus visits Disneyland Resort, offering photo opportunities and listening to families' holiday wishes. You can greet St. Nick until December 24, 2025.

At California Adventure, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail turns into a festive playground filled with games, holiday activities, and a fun search for brightly wrapped presents along the trail.

From November 27 to December 24, Santa also visits the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as part of his resort tour.

Holiday Characters at California Adventure

At California Adventure, some characters wear Santa hats, dress in traditional holiday attire, or add festive accessories. These photo opportunities and sightings are exclusive to the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

On Buena Vista Street, you might encounter classic Disney characters in retro-inspired winter clothing. Their outfits match the nostalgic decorations on the park’s 50-foot-tall Christmas tree.

In Cars Land, Mater embraces the holiday spirit by wearing a giant Santa hat. You “auto” stop by to see for yourself!

‘The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special’

Following his debut at Disneyland Resort last year, Deadpool returns for another round of holiday humor and uniquely festive tales. Visitors can catch him at “The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special” close to Avengers Campus.

This exclusive entertainment experience celebrates the holiday season in true Deadpool style. During certain performances, Wolverine might also make an appearance.

Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure

Throughout California Adventure, you can enjoy culinary delights, cultural performances, and numerous Disney characters during the lively Disney Festival of Holidays, taking place from November 14, 2025, to January 7, 2026.

‘Mickey’s Happy Holidays’

You can dance to the magically festive beats of the Holiday Toy Drummers as they parade through the streets of California Adventure. Additionally, you can see Disney friends and Pixar pals during this energetic, daily holiday procession.

‘Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season’

The most cherished holiday gifts are the memories we create with our loved ones. On select days, Mirabel and her friends come together at Paradise Gardens Park for their Fiesta de Navidad celebration.

During this enchanting street performance, you can join in singing “Surface Pressure,” “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” and other catchy songs from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto.

‘A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!’

On select days, visitors may meet Miguel from Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco at Carthay Circle, where he joins Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland for touching stories and holiday songs.

“A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” is an evening street show featuring beautiful, bilingual versions of holiday songs.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

The daily cultural festivity at Paradise Gardens Park includes live music, specialty cuisine, and character appearances inspired by Latin American traditions, all with a Disney twist.

You can meet Mirabel at the Paradise Gardens gazebo. On select days, other members of the Madrigal family might appear as well.

Dance, samba, and exclaim “ay caramba!” Every Saturday and Sunday, The Three Caballeros – Jose Carioca, Panchito, and Donald Duck – are accompanied by folklorico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, and others in the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party.”

Holiday Characters at Disneyland Park

At Disneyland Park, Disney characters are dressed up for the festivities! As you visit Main Street, U.S.A., you'll find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends in newly designed, festive outfits that add a “holiday spin” to their attire from the 70^th Celebration.

‘A Christmas Fantasy Parade’

This beloved tradition, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” marks its 30^th anniversary in 2025. The parade showcases numerous Disney characters alongside a parade of lively reindeer, marching toy soldiers, and dancing gingerbread cookies.

‘Enjoy Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!’

This annual event at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland offers daily festivities until December 24. YOu can meet Disney characters, enjoy animated shorts, sing holiday songs, and much more.

Tip: Use the Disneyland App to Check Schedules

The Disneyland app provides information on where to find characters and their schedules.* On the day of your visit, the app can be a useful resource for locating characters or seeing when a show will take place.

Holiday Character Dining at Disneyland Resort Hotels

For a short period, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel are offering holiday buffets featuring a variety of delicious, seasonal dishes. Disney characters will appear during the meal, dressed in festive attire.

These experiences provide great value, allowing you to savor as much delectable food as they desire and meet several characters in one place. It is strongly advised to make reservations in advance.

Character Dining at Storytellers Cafe

From November 17, 2025, to January 6, 2026, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa hosts Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch, where Disney friends appear in festive colors and plaid outfits. You are encouraged to enjoy the meal in your coziest attire, including pajamas.

For a memorable holiday dinner, Storytellers Cafe offers Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast during the same dates. Mickey Mouse, Scrooge McDuck, and other characters will be dressed in attire inspired by the beloved Christmas tale.

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!

At the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen celebrates the season with a holiday breakfast, brunch, and dinner from November 17, 2025, to January 6, 2026. Goofy and his friends dress in festive attire, blending traditional red and green hues with pastels, prints, and snowy sparkles.

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Learn More About Christmas Lights and Bites at Disneyland

Discovering holiday characters is just part of the magical winter experience awaiting you during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Explore our guide to the decorations, merchandise, nighttime shows, and more to include in guests' plans.

For those eager for seasonal dishes and peppermint delights, stay tuned! I will unveil the complete list of limited-time menu items for Holidays at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Festival of Holidays as the opening day approaches.