Disneyland Events and Festivals

Disneyland events occur throughout the year, with the most notable happening during holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and July Fourth. These times of year all offer festivities that include colorful parades, fireworks, twinkling lights, fabulous costumes, and extravagant seasonal decorations. However, special events take place almost every day at this theme park, whether they are park-wide events such as the nightly fireworks or daily parades, or more personal events that you can schedule for your group any time of year such as a wedding.

Disneyland New Years Eve is a particularly festive time of year, with the most spectacular fireworks of the entire year. All the dining spots get into the act with special menus, and the spirit of the holiday colors everything. Check both the Disneyland special events calendar as well as different hotels, many of which offer vacation packages during holiday periods.

But you do not need to plan your vacations around these limited holidays. Every day is an occasion here at the “happiest place on earth,” with fireworks displays, parades, and other entertainment offered almost daily. Once you have made your arrangements, check the Disneyland special events calendar for what will be going on during your visit. And all the entertainment is not just for children. Disneyland events in the Downtown Disney District (where alcoholic beverages are served) include the legendary House of Blues, with its signature Gospel Brunch, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. While these are geared primarily for the adults in your group, there are plenty of special shows and entertainment for children.

You don’t really need the Disneyland special events calendar for many special events, as they are held regularly. The fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s Disneyland Castle are the most iconic, held every evening throughout the summer and on holidays. The show changes with the seasons, and there are special displays for certain holidays. The Disney princesses and characters, beloved by generations of children around the world, can be seen parading and performing throughout the resort. Some Disneyland shows, like the nighttime spectacular World of Color lagoon show held at the California Adventure Park, have periodic extra performances open only to annual pass holders. These people have the opportunity to present their annual pass for a Fastpass in the evening, instead of first thing in the morning. They can then attend the show and additionally have exclusive use of some attractions. Watch as more than 1,200 fountains spurt water more than 200-feet high—a spectacular to rival the famous Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.

Some Disneyland events can celebrate very personal occasions, such as a Quinceanera, the gala celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday that is a tradition throughout many parts of Latin America. This is an elaborate affair that is comparable to a Bat Mitvah or Sweet Sixteen birthday party in other cultures. The park offers Quinceanera vacation packages that include a two-night or longer stay at one of the Disneyland hotels, lunch with Disney princesses at Ariel’s Grotto, and much more. Fairytale weddings are also popular, and there are vacation packages for these more sophisticated events. Make your arrangements in advance for family reunion picnics, graduation night festivities, and any other special occasion. You can book a princess for the special occasion, a sophisticated wedding and reception venue, or any number of characters including Mickey himself.