The magic of the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begins today! 2022 marks the 67th holiday season at the Disneyland Resort. Yes, Christmas/Holiday Time has been celebrated every year since that first operating season in 1955. While holiday merchandise was available for 2020, we can’t officially count that since the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks were not open.
Christmas/Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort is very special, and gets more magical every year. There is always so much to see and do, plus we can enjoy many holiday traditions and yummy food. But what I’m thankful for is that the time we share with family and friends in the Parks during the holidays. Whether it’s watching the fireworks or Christmas parade, or even enjoying a hot chocolate and a favorite holiday treat, there’s nothing like the Holidays at Disneyland Resort.
I remember growing up and one way of knowing that Christmas time was around the corner was hearing and seeing the commercials on radio and TV. “Very Merry, Merry Merry Christmas! Christmas Time at Disneyland.” I know a few of you are singing that commercial jingle right now! It was very catchy, and it’s something that I remember 30 years later.
Years ago, you would be able to leave Disneyland on Thanksgiving night and the next morning the Park would be decorated. Now, it’s a process that takes a few weeks, and that’s okay. The combination of Halloween and Christmas during the last couple of weeks of October could remind you of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” I just enjoy the holiday season no matter when the décor goes up.
For me, I enjoy the Christmas tree, the garland across Main Street, U.S.A., and the lights throughout the Park, especially on “it’s a small world” holiday. 2022 not only marks the 25th anniversary of “it’s a small world” holiday, but also the 25th season of the attraction overlay. I couldn’t imagine holidays at Disneyland without “it’s a small world” holiday and all the lights and décor. And for that, I’m thankful too.
I’m also thankful for all of the holiday entertainment. I still remember seeing “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks for the first time in December 2001. It was special. I just loved the music, and I may have shed a tear during “Silent Night.” That same year was also the first time I saw the Candlelight Processional and Ceremony. It was at the Fantasyland Theatre that year, and I could only imagine being at Disneyland during the early years of Candlelight and knowing that the tradition continues even to this day. Candlelight is a holiday tradition that I continue to enjoy year after year.
It takes many talented Cast Members and Imagineers to bring the holidays to life at the Disneyland Resort, and as well as Disney Parks around the world. And for that, I want to say “Thank You.” Thank you for bringing so many holiday traditions to life for many guests to enjoy. Thank you for all the hard work you do in planning this time of the year.
From “it’s a small world” holiday to “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade to holiday swing music with Phat Cat Swinger and even timeless traditions like Candlelight, there’s no better time of the year than Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. I hope that when you visit the Parks during the holiday season that you are able to enjoy your time and be thankful as well for the magic and memories made during this special time of the year.
