It’s hard to believe, but in just a few weeks, the holiday season will be back at Disneyland Resort, and Santa Claus will be getting ready for his arrival! This truly is the perfect time to visit The Happiest Place on Earth, as the holidays bring a wealth of festive experiences. Guests at Disney California Adventure Park can indulge in the culinary delights of the Festival of Holidays and Viva Navidad, two exciting food events.
Moreover, there are two incredible nighttime shows to look forward to: World of Color: Season of Light at Disney California Adventure and the Believe!… In Holiday Magic fireworks display at Disneyland Park. Be sure to catch the daily Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland Park as well! And let’s not forget the seasonal ride makeovers: “it’s a small world” transforms into “it’s a small world” Holiday, while Haunted Mansion Holiday continues to delight visitors well into the new year.
Related: Disney’s Halloween Vanishes Overnight—Replaced by Christmas Celebrations
This year, the resort will unveil three exciting new holiday dining experiences, including a beloved event that hasn’t been available since before the pandemic!
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you’ll find the Hearthstone Lounge, an inviting yet elegant space perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. Here, guests can savor specialty cocktails and delectable dishes. It’s also at the Hearthstone that Disney will host its Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the very first Afternoon Tea since before the pandemic hit.
The Afternoon Tea experience was first introduced at Disneyland in 2016 and has featured a variety of enchanting themed tea parties over the years. Guests have enjoyed unique events such as a Haunted Mansion-themed tea, an Alice in Wonderland (1951)-themed gathering, and even a Pixar-themed celebration during the inaugural Pixar Fest in 2018.
Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus will take place beginning December 3 and wrapping up on December 24, since Santa needs to get back to the North Pole! Reservations for this new event will open up on October 31 and are expected to fill up quickly, as do reservations for nearly all new events.
Here is more information on the festive event from Disney Parks Blog:
This isn’t your average tea party – Mrs. Claus has been hard at work putting together a tasty selection of holiday-inspired bites.
This elevated holiday experience also features a variety of premium loose-leaf teas, the finest tea sandwiches, and delicately prepared treats to put you in the spirit of the season. Some of the holly highlights include a caprese salad, shrimp salad, prime Holstein tea sandwiches, truffled Christmas egg, and scones. You can enjoy a Classic Tea, Premium Tea, or Deluxe Tea experience, with the Deluxe Tea including strawberries and chantilly cream and a glass of champagne.
Related: Stunning New ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Lounge Opens at Beloved Disney Hotel!
In addition to the Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Disneyland, visitors will have several other festive dining experiences to explore.
Beginning November 19 and running through January 1, Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch will invite guests to enjoy a buffet featuring a mix of classic breakfast offerings alongside seasonal specialties. Mickey, Minnie, and other beloved characters will be dressed in their cozy holiday pajamas, creating a joyous and engaging dining atmosphere.
Related: Beloved Opening Day Disney Ride Finally Gets Reopening Date!
The Storytellers Café will provide a special holiday dinner service. While character interactions will not occur during dinner, the all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet will offer a delightful assortment of traditional holiday dishes, making it a wonderful dining option for families visiting the park.
Moreover, Goofy’s Holiday Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel will also start offering holiday festivities from November 19 through January 1. This dining experience at the Disneyland Hotel will also feature character interactions, with Goofy and friends greeting guests in their holiday best. The buffet will be filled with limited-time holiday delights, ensuring that guests have ample opportunity to indulge in scrumptious seasonal fare.
For those interested in attending the Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus, bookings will open on October 31. Given the popularity of the upcoming holiday dining experiences, reservations are highly recommended for all dining options available during the holiday season.
Reservations for Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party and Goofy’s Holiday Kitchen are also expected to fill quickly, making early planning essential for guests hoping to celebrate the Christmas season at Disneyland.
Which of these three dining experiences are you most looking forward to his holiday season at Disneyland? What is your favorite way to celebrate the holidays at Disney? Let us know in the comments!
