Disney Holidays will forever be changed for the 2025 Christmas season, as Disney has made the unfortunate decision to exclude several offerings.
The Disney Holidays Are Changing in 2025: And Maybe Not for the Best
For many Disneyland fans, the holiday season is synonymous with dazzling nighttime shows like Paint the Night and World of Color – Season of Light. But this year, those familiar festive favorites are taking a break as Disneyland focuses on celebrating its 70th anniversary.
Disney recently announced that the Paint the Night parade will pause performances throughout the 2025 holiday season, with plans to resume after the anniversary festivities conclude. Similarly, the annual World of Color – Season of Light holiday edition at Disney California Adventure will not be offered this year.
Instead, the brand-new World of Color – ONE: Happiness! nighttime spectacular will continue to run, highlighting the 70th anniversary with vibrant visuals and uplifting music. Alongside this, the enchanting Tapestry of Happiness projection show on it’s a small world will still light up the evenings through the holiday period.
The official Disneyland website confirms:
“World of Color – Season of Light will be unavailable during the 2025 holiday season. Guests are invited to enjoy our World of Color Happiness! show which will run through the Disneyland Resort 70th celebration.”
Despite these changes, guests can still find plenty of holiday cheer with special 70th anniversary photo spots, interactive MagicBand+ features, festive decorations, and themed experiences across both parks.
What Holiday Visitors Need to Know
While the absence of Paint the Night and Season of Light is a shift from tradition, the 70th anniversary shows offer a fresh, exciting alternative for guests this holiday season. The World of Color – ONE: Happiness! show combines classic Disney magic with new storytelling and impressive effects.
For the perfect evening, don’t miss the Tapestry of Happiness projections on it’s a small world, which bring a beautiful, seasonal glow to the iconic attraction.
To get the most out of your visit, utilize the Disneyland app for the latest show schedules, Lightning Lane access, and dining reservations—especially during busy holiday days.
Insider Tips to Enhance Your Disneyland Holiday Experience
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Engage with the interactive MagicBand+ stations that feature special 70th anniversary effects—these hidden surprises add a layer of fun to your day.
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Seek out less crowded anniversary-themed photo spots in Fantasyland and Grizzly Peak for unique holiday memories.
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Consider visiting early in the day or staying late to enjoy popular rides with shorter wait times.
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Indulge in seasonal snacks and treats available throughout the parks—ask Cast Members for recommendations on limited-time offerings.
What’s Next for the Disney Holidays Entertainment
For many guests, World of Color – Season of Light and Paint the Night are integral parts of their holiday traditions at Disneyland. Their temporary pause this year highlights the park’s dedication to celebrating major milestones but leaves some fans missing familiar festive moments.
Social media has seen a mix of excitement for the 70th anniversary shows and nostalgia for the paused holiday spectacles. Nonetheless, Disneyland continues to offer a magical holiday experience with new and classic offerings alike.
Disney plans to bring back Paint the Night and World of Color – Season of Light after the 70th anniversary celebration wraps up. Until then, visitors can immerse themselves in the unique joy of the anniversary season and all the interactive surprises it brings.
