California’s theme parks are preparing for the holiday season with a variety of celebrations starting in mid-November and running through early January. The events include themed entertainment, seasonal food offerings, and special activities at major attractions across the state.
At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, festivities begin November 14. Disney California Adventure Park will host the Disney Festival of Holidays, featuring observances for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, Diwali, and Christmas. Guests can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to sample dishes such as Hot Nashville Turkey Sliders and Gingerbread Mickeys. Three Kings Day will be marked on January 6 with dedicated decorations and photo opportunities. At Disneyland Park, visitors can see Sleeping Beauty’s Castle illuminated for the holidays, watch A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and experience Haunted Mansion Holiday. The evenings conclude with fireworks and bubble “snow” during Believe In…Holiday Magic Fireworks. Downtown Disney District offers a scavenger hunt along Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail until January 7.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration also starts November 14. The park will feature over one million lights, including a tunnel of lights and a decorated SkyTower. Entertainment includes Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas show with celebrity seals, character meet-and-greets with Rudolph and Winston the Walrus, live performances such as A Stocking Full of Soul and Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Parade, plus the Snowflake Seeker’s scavenger hunt. The park ends each evening with Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show. Guests can upgrade their tickets to include a 2026 season pass; festivities run through January 4.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park launches Knott’s Merry Farm on November 21. Visitors can browse the Christmas Crafts Village in Ghost Town of Calico or attend nightly tree-lighting ceremonies at Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Ice skating shows like Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas and musical revues such as Home for the Holidays are part of the program. This year features a new Christmas tree adorned with over 7,000 lights and vintage-inspired ornaments. Events continue through January 4.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad begins its holiday events on November 22 with live shows including “Once Upon a Brick-Mas” and performances by LEGO-style toy soldiers. Families can meet characters like LEGO Snowman or pose for photos with life-size LEGO Santa near a large LEGO tree. Fireworks take place on select nights; New Year’s Eve features an early ball-drop party for children. Activities run until January 4.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita opens Holiday in the Park on November 28, offering themed walkways like Peppermint Path and Jingle Bell Way lined with illuminated ornaments. The North Pole Depot hosts Santa visits, crafts, photo opportunities, nightly tree-lighting ceremonies with performers, as well as seasonal foods including tamales and bread bowls. Festivities are available on select days through January 5.
Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights start November 28 on select evenings featuring ice skating, bubble “snow,” Santa meet-and-greets, live shows, tunnels of lights, and a family-friendly holiday feast December 20–21 (with free meals for children under twelve). Purchasing a 2026 Premium annual pass grants four bonus tickets valid during this year’s event period which ends December 31.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo is introducing Winterfest from November 28 with themed areas such as Gingerbread Town and Toyland. Attractions include nightly lightings of a large Christmas tree, live entertainment, cookie decorating activities, writing letters to Santa, and seasonal treats until January 4.
Universal Studios Hollywood begins its holiday programming on November 24 in Los Angeles featuring Grinchmas celebrations with The Grinch character experiences; decorations throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—highlighted by an evening show at Hogwarts Castle—and seasonal changes at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD including Mario-themed decor at Toadstool Café. Universal CityWalk also offers live entertainment through January 4.
These events are included with regular admission at most parks; some offer upgrades or passes that extend into next year.
