Disneyland's Holiday Season Brings Jolly Days And Merriest Nites

ANAHEIM, CA — Disneyland Resort is decked in lights as the holidays start to happen here in Orange County.

During the day, explore the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, enjoy diverse cultural festivities and stick around for the park after dark, with over 50,000 twinkling lights on Sleeping Beauty's Castle and the 60-foot tall Christmas tree. Plus, get the chance to meet Mirabel, the new hero from "Encanto," debuting Thanksgiving week.

Guests will need to wait a bit longer to set foot on "it's a small world" after flooding affected some machinery that runs the attraction, officials reported Thursday. It is not yet known when that ride will reopen, though the exterior will still shine brightly during the nighttime hours and fireworks spectaculars.

The beloved theme park is bursting with new holiday events starting Friday, including special holiday food and even the six, completely sold-out after-hours party, Disney Merriest Nites.

If you missed your chance to buy tickets, don't worry. Chances are this event will return in 2022.

Starting Friday, guests will be welcomed to Main Street U.S.A. by Victorian carolers, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their muppet friends caroling in their coach up and down the grand entry.

Along with special characters, you can expect to enjoy enhanced entertainment, food and beverage offerings throughout the night.

It's A Small World Holiday has delayed its opening due to flooding in the attraction, according to officials. It is not yet known when the attraction will reopen.

The Haunted Mansion Holiday will be open, as will the Christmas Fantasy Parade. During the Merriest Nites, see the parade under the night sky at 9:30 p.m., along with other attractions in the park.

Unavailable during Merriest Nites are access to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Mickey's Toontown and Critter Country, they say.

Best Holiday Gifts For Everyone On Your List 2021

There are six themed parties during the event:

• Victorian-themed party on Main Street, U.S.A. – Visit with the host of the party, Mickey Mouse, enjoy holly-jolly carolers, and even join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their friends for Christmas carols, Muppet antics, and a few chickens
• Feliz Navidad Party in Frontierland – Sing, dance and enjoy a jolly fiesta with Miguel from the Disney•Pixar film, “Coco”
• New Orleans Holiday in New Orleans Square – Join Tiana for tinsel and tunes, which includes a holiday jazz cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat
• “Frozen”-Themed Party in Fantasyland – Enjoy a flurry of festivities with Elsa in this wintertime celebration – you may even spot Anna, and Olaf, too
• Tropical Party in Adventureland – Delight in a tropical celebration with Lilo and Stitch
• Tomorrowland Party in Tomorrowland –Take your holidays to new heights as you party with Buzz Lightyear while a DJ spins fun tunes