What’s going on this season at our favorite theme parks? Here’s a roundup of holiday activities for you.
Disneyland Resort
Disney is known for its spectacular holiday decorations (and crowds) that look even better after dark. And some 75 limited-time holiday foods will be for sale around the resort during the holiday period, which runs through Jan. 7.
Disney California Adventure: The annual Festival of Holidays returns, celebrating traditions and foods of different cultures and countries, including Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Special foods are for sale and live performances. A Sip and Savor pass can be purchased offering 8 coupons for holiday treats. Disney ¡Viva Navidad! returns to Paradise Gardens Park for its 10th season. This year, new menu items will be available. And the traditional Latin street party will take place. Also live music and dancing and more.
ALSO SEE: 12 Disneyland Festival of Holidays foods ranked from best to worst
Disneyland Park: The annual transformation of Sleeping Beauty’s castle with, along with holiday décor such as lighted icicle trim, along with the classic giant Christmas tree. “A Christmas Fantasy” parade stars characters from Disney Animation’s “Frozen,” Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” and more. The “Believe … In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular illuminates the night sky over Disneyland Park with breathtaking fireworks and sprinklings of snow. “Snow” is scheduled to fall at various times in Disneyland and also Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney: Decorated Christmas trees predominate in the district and hotels. “Snow” is also scheduled to fall in the Downtown Disney District nightly every half hour from 6. to 10 p.m. between Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes starting Friday, Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, a new gingerbread house inspires awe. Live music is available at times. Learn more at disneyland.disney.go.com.
Knott’s Berry Farm
The park transforms into “Knott’s Merry Farm” through Jan. 7, with thousands of lights and garlands.
The melodrama company puts on “A Calico Christmas Carol,” based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale inside The Bird Cage Theatre, which also presents the Knotts version of O. Henry’s classic “The Gift of the Magi, 1885.” Thousands of lights blink to Christmas music while “snow” gently falls throughout Ghost Town. The Wilderness Dance Hall becomes Santa’s Christmas Cabin and the Calico Carolers perform songs of the season, along with more live music.
Over at the Walter Knott Theater, the Knott’s Ice-Skating Ensemble and Snoopy retelling the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” reimagined Peanuts style. Special Christmas food treats will also be available, along with the annual Christmas Crafts Village. Knotts.com.
ALSO SEE: Halloween and Christmas are the new summer at theme parks
Legoland California
“Holidays at Legoland” offers parkgoers the chance to meet Santa, the Toy Soldier and Gingerbread Man, available for selfies and holiday hugs. There will be holiday shows along with holiday-themed food and drinks through Jan. 7.
There’s a nearly three-story-high Lego tree, fireworks, sweet treats and two new Lego characters: LEGO Snowman and LEGO Reindeer Girl. Sing and dance with Benny’s Ugly Sweater Party, try Granny’s Apple Fries and watch fireworks on select nights. Also check out the festive zones — including Peppermint Plaza, Merry Mistletoe Town, and Wizard’s Winter Hill — each offering seasonal entertainment,
On Dec. 31, enjoy the Kids’ New Year’s Eve countdown to “midnight” (OK, really 7 p.m.) with fireworks, treats, entertainment and more. legoland.com
SeaWorld San Diego
A giant Christmas tree and light tunnel are among the attractions during the holiday season, which runs through Jan. 7. Feel the “snow” falling and watch Mrs. Claus’ Christmas parade twice a day. Visit Santa and, for only $80, you can skip the line to see him. Enjoy O.P. Otter’s Holiday Sing-A-Long at the Mission Bay Theater. Fridays through Sundays, find Bryan Cheatham of “America’s Got Talent” performing at the Nautilus Amphitheater in “A Stocking Full of Soul.”
There’s a Coca-Cola branded Christmas market including a family photo opp, decorations and treats, and a lighted pathway with candy cane inspired lights, music and holiday treats with, of course, holiday Coca-Cola beverages.
Then there’s Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show running lightly with a canopy of laser beams, and “snowfall” nightly. seaworld.com
Six Flags Magic Mountain
“Holiday in the Park,” which runs through Dec. 31, includes many holiday light displays, entertainment and a visit with Santa. Holiday Square features thousands of twinkling lights, snowfall approximately every 20 minutes and a visit from the Traveling Toy Soldier Troupe.
Peppermint Path is lined with thousands of red and white candy cane lights. Plus enjoy live country holiday music from Drivin’ Mama Crazy starting at 4 p.m. on select Holiday in the Park days. Jingle Bell Way offers 30-foot-tall walk-through ornaments and a new dancing light show. Arctic Alley has a whimsical light show choreographed to festive music. Polar Bear Pass offers a holiday photo opp and fire pit to roast marshmallows, along with meet-and-greets with Looney Tunes characters in holiday dress. The North Pole Express Train runs and visits with Santa start at 1 p.m. on Holiday In The Park days through Dec. 24.
HollyRock! is a 1950s rockabilly holiday with thousands of lights, classic cars, jugglers and more. www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
ALSO SEE: Universal Studios Hollywood announces dates for its 2023 holiday festivities
Universal Studios Hollywood
The park is welcoming this year’s return of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” with a new Who-Bee-Do-Wops musical show. Universal’s holiday celebration kicks off Friday, Nov. 24 and continues through Jan. 1.
The Harry Potter land is transformed with lighting, garlands and wreaths. Guests can take in a cappella performances by the Frog Choir and try festive fare to eat. Nightly at dusk, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” light projection show illuminates Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Holiday merchandise will be available for purchase.
The “Grinchmas” Who-bilation also returns with a new daytime show featuring the Who-Bee Doo-Wops group. The familiar, topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights, will have a nightly lighting ceremony and snowfall flurry within Universal Plaza. “Grinchmas” activities will include photo opportunities with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max, a chance to spend time with Cindy-Lou Who as she leads daily story time for young guests looking to learn “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and visit to the Who-ville post office to mail a merry postcard sharing three good deeds.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
