California theme parks are preparing for their annual holiday celebrations, with festivities beginning in mid-November and running through early January. The events will take place at several major parks across the state, offering a variety of themed entertainment, decorations, and seasonal food.
At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will feature holiday events starting November 14. Disney California Adventure Park will host the Disney Festival of Holidays, recognizing traditions such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, Diwali, and Christmas. Visitors can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass for small plate–style treats at the Festive Foods Marketplace. On January 6, Three Kings Day will be celebrated with special decorations and photo opportunities. In Disneyland Park, guests can see Sleeping Beauty’s Castle illuminated for the season, watch A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and experience Haunted Mansion Holiday. Evenings end with fireworks during Believe In…Holiday Magic Fireworks. Downtown Disney District will also offer a scavenger hunt along Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail until January 7.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration starts on November 14 and includes over one million lights and a tunnel of lights. Entertainment options include Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas show featuring seals, live performances such as A Stocking Full of Soul and Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Parade, character meet-and-greets with Rudolph and Winston the Walrus, and a Snowflake Seeker’s scavenger hunt. Nightly entertainment features Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show. Guests can upgrade to a Fun Card that covers the 2026 season.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park begins Knott’s Merry Farm on November 21. The park offers a Christmas Crafts Village in its Old West–themed Ghost Town of Calico and nightly tree-lighting ceremonies at Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Entertainment includes ice skating shows like Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas and musical revues such as Home for the Holidays. This year features a new Christmas tree with more than 7,000 lights.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad starts its holiday festivities on November 22 with live shows like Once Upon a Brick-Mas and appearances by LEGO characters including LEGO Snowman and Gingerbread Man. There is also a life-size LEGO Santa sleigh for family photos, as well as fireworks on select nights.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita launches Holiday in the Park on November 28 with illuminated attractions like Peppermint Path and Jingle Bell Way. Visitors can meet Santa Claus at North Pole Depot or participate in crafts before attending nightly tree-lighting ceremonies.
Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights begin November 28 on select evenings with ice skating, bubble “snow,” live shows, tunnels of lights, Santa meet-and-greets, and a holiday feast scheduled for December 20–21.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo is introducing Winterfest starting November 28. The park will be divided into themed areas such as Gingerbread Town and Toyland; activities include decorating cookies or writing letters to Santa under a nightly-lit 70-foot tree.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s holiday celebrations begin November 24 in Los Angeles. Grinchmas returns with characters from Dr. Seuss stories; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features music from the Holiday Frog Choir alongside an evening light show at Hogwarts Castle; SUPER NINTENDO WORLD has special decorations including Mario- and Luigi-themed snowmen.
Most festivities are included with regular admission tickets to each park; some experiences may require additional purchases or passes for extended visits into next year.
