California’s theme parks are preparing for the holiday season with a variety of events, light displays, and themed entertainment starting in mid-November. Many parks are including celebrations for multiple holidays and traditions, while also offering food options and evening festivities.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will launch its holiday events on November 14. Disney California Adventure Park is holding the Disney Festival of Holidays, which includes observances of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, Diwali, and Christmas. The Sip and Savor Pass allows guests to try several small plate treats at the Festive Foods Marketplace. Three Kings Day will be marked on January 6 with special decorations and photo opportunities.
At Disneyland Park, visitors can view Sleeping Beauty’s Castle illuminated for the season, watch A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and see Haunted Mansion Holiday. Each evening ends with fireworks during Believe In…Holiday Magic Fireworks. Downtown Disney District is hosting a scavenger hunt called Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail through January 7.
SeaWorld San Diego begins its Christmas Celebration on November 14. The park features more than one million lights including a tunnel of lights and a decorated SkyTower. Entertainment options include Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas show and Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Parade. Visitors can participate in the Snowflake Seeker’s scavenger hunt for prizes or upgrade their tickets to include admission throughout 2026.
Knott’s Merry Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park starts on November 21. Guests can visit the Christmas Crafts Village in Ghost Town Calico or attend nightly tree-lighting ceremonies at Santa’s Christmas Cabin. This year features a new Christmas tree with over 7,000 lights and Victorian-inspired ornaments.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad opens its holiday events on November 22 with live shows like “Once Upon a Brick-Mas” and character meet-and-greets including LEGO Snowman and Gingerbread Man. The park hosts fireworks on select nights as well as an early New Year’s Eve party.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita launches Holiday in the Park on November 28 with attractions such as Peppermint Path and Jingle Bell Way lit by thousands of lights. Activities include crafts at North Pole Depot, nightly tree-lighting ceremonies, traditional seasonal foods like tamales, bread bowls, enchilada soup, sweets, thrill rides such as CraZanity and X2, plus visits from Santa.
Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights begin November 28 with ice skating sessions, bubble “snow,” live shows, meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, light tunnels, family feasts during December weekends (with free meals for children), and bonus tickets available when purchasing annual passes.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo starts Winterfest on November 28 featuring themed areas like Gingerbread Town and Candy Cane Lane alongside live entertainment. There is also a nightly lighting ceremony for the park’s 70-foot tree.
Universal Studios Hollywood kicks off its festivities on November 24 with Grinchmas performances featuring The Grinch characters; holiday displays in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; decorations throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD; themed foods at Toadstool Café; as well as additional music and entertainment along Universal CityWalk.
