There’s something extra special about visiting Anaheim during the holidays. From festive décor and seasonal entertainment to beloved attractions with a holiday twist, November and December are two of the most memorable months to experience the Disneyland® Resort.
For families planning a holiday getaway, Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites offers a convenient home base in the Anaheim Resort area, with family-friendly accommodations and easy access to the magic.
Here’s what to know as you plan your 2026 holiday trip to Anaheim.
Experience the Holidays at Disneyland® Resort
The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are scheduled for November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027, bringing seasonal décor, entertainment, festive food and special experiences to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
At Disneyland Park, holiday favorites include A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday, along with festive decorations throughout the park.
Disney California Adventure also gets into the holiday spirit with Disney Festival of Holidays, featuring seasonal food, live entertainment and multicultural celebrations. Disney ¡Viva Navidad! also returns with music, dancing and holiday traditions inspired by Latin America.
See Disneyland After Dark
Even if you’ve visited Disneyland before, the parks feel completely different during the holidays once the sun goes down.
Seasonal lights, decorations and nighttime entertainment create an entirely different atmosphere after dark, making an evening in the parks one of the highlights of a holiday visit.
Family Travel Tip: If you’re traveling with younger children, consider taking an afternoon break before heading back to the parks in the evening. Staying nearby makes it much easier to recharge before round two.
Give Yourself More Than One Day
There’s a lot to experience during the holiday season, particularly if your family wants to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Instead of trying to fit everything into one marathon day, consider turning your visit into a multi-night Anaheim getaway. A little extra time gives everyone a chance to enjoy favorite attractions, holiday entertainment and seasonal food without feeling like you’re racing from one thing to the next.
It also gives families some breathing room for pool time, naps or simply relaxing between park days.
Make Time for Downtown Disney
You don’t have to spend every minute inside the theme parks.
Downtown Disney District is a great option for an arrival evening or a more relaxed break between park days, with dining, shopping and seasonal activities.
During the 2026 holiday season, families can also look for Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, a family-friendly search for holiday ornaments throughout Downtown Disney.
Visiting Anaheim for Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving can be a fun time to turn a long weekend into a Southern California family getaway.
Since Disneyland’s holiday season begins November 13, the festivities will already be underway by Thanksgiving week.
Consider arriving a day or two early or extending your trip into the weekend so you have time to enjoy both parks without trying to fit everything into one day.
Planning a December Disneyland Trip
December brings some of the biggest holiday energy of the season.
Families can enjoy festive décor, seasonal entertainment, holiday treats and limited-time experiences throughout Disneyland Resort.
Because December is also a popular travel period, it’s a good idea to make plans early. Disneyland currently requires guests to have valid park admission and a theme park reservation, with reservations subject to availability.
Make It an Anaheim Holiday Getaway
One of the best things about staying in Anaheim for several nights is having time to enjoy more than just the theme parks.
Consider leaving a little room in your itinerary for:
- A relaxed evening exploring Downtown Disney
- Holiday dining around the Anaheim Resort area
- Local seasonal events and activities
- A hotel afternoon to recharge between park days
- Exploring more of Orange County during a longer stay
Visit Anaheim maintains an updated calendar of local events, making it a good resource when planning your November or December trip.
Holiday Travel Tips for Families
- A little planning can make a big difference during a busy holiday trip.
- Book early. Thanksgiving week, Christmas break and the days around New Year’s can be popular travel periods.
- Check park reservations. Having a ticket alone may not guarantee entry, so review Disneyland’s current reservation requirements before your trip.
- Plan some downtime. Kids — and adults — may appreciate an afternoon break before heading back out for nighttime entertainment.
- Don’t overschedule. Leave space in your itinerary for spontaneous character sightings, holiday treats and simply enjoying the decorations.
- Consider a multi-night stay. Giving yourself an extra day can make the entire trip feel much more like a vacation.
Stay Close to the Magic at Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites
After a full day exploring Disneyland and Anaheim, having a convenient place to recharge makes a big difference.
Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites offers family-friendly accommodations in the Anaheim Resort area, making it an easy home base for Thanksgiving getaways, December Disney trips and Christmas vacations.
Staying nearby also gives families more flexibility. You can start early, come back to the hotel when everyone needs a break and head out again when you're ready.
Looking to add a little extra magic to your stay? Explore Portofino’s A Little More Magic offer when planning your Anaheim getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Disneyland holidays begin in 2026?
The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are scheduled to run from November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027.
Is November or December better for a Disneyland holiday trip?
Both months offer the full holiday experience once festivities begin November 13. November can work well for Thanksgiving travel, while December offers a classic Christmas-season getaway. Your best choice may depend on school calendars, travel dates and availability.
How many days should families plan for Disneyland during the holidays?
Many families may find that two or more park days allow for a more relaxed visit, particularly if they want to experience both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Do I need a Disneyland park reservation?
Disneyland currently requires valid park admission and a theme park reservation for entry, and reservations are subject to availability. Be sure to check Disney’s latest requirements before traveling.
Where should families stay near Disneyland during the holidays?
Staying in the Anaheim Resort area can make it easier to enjoy early mornings, afternoon breaks and evenings at the parks. Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites offers family-friendly accommodations close to Disneyland Resort.
Start Planning Your Anaheim Holiday Getaway
The holidays come around quickly, and November and December are popular months for family travel to Anaheim.
Plan early, give yourself enough time to enjoy the parks and leave a little flexibility for the unexpected moments that often become the best part of the trip.
Make your holiday getaway even more magical. Explore our A Little More Magic offer and start planning your Anaheim stay today.