Disney Shows Haunted Mansion Holiday’s Exterior Decorations Going Up
Disney’s new reel follows the crew installing Haunted Mansion Holiday’s exterior decorations.
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Dates & tickets
Park ticket and reservation required
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
Highlighted dates are event dates, not a ticket-availability calendar.
Latest news
Christmas Decorations Start Going Up in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland
Roger Rabbit, the Toontown bank and the firehouse each get character-specific wreaths and garlands.
Disneyland Opens Haunted Mansion Holiday’s Doors for a Two-Minute Video Tour
The 124-second tour begins with a candlelit host and the decorated New Orleans Square entrance.
Disneyland’s Handmade Candy Canes Return November 27; Here Are the 2026 Dates
The 2026 schedule includes 20 dates at Candy Palace and Trolley Treats.
Haunted Mansion Holiday’s Gingerbread House Starts in the Carpentry Shop
Walt Disney Imagineering shares the wooden framework before the seasonal display gets its edible finish.
Magic Key Haunted Mansion Holiday Cards Arrive Weekly Starting October 26
Disneyland Magic Key holders can collect a new Haunted Mansion Holiday card each Monday beginning October 26.
How we’d spend the visit
A little planning. More holiday time.Start with Haunted Mansion Holiday
Head toward New Orleans Square and check the posted wait. If it is already more than you want to spend, choose another nearby ride and keep the mansion as your flexible afternoon stop.
One more ride, then lunch
Choose a nearby ride rather than immediately walking to the opposite end of the park. Allow 45–60 minutes for lunch, water and restrooms.
Fantasyland and Santa
Ride small world Holiday, then visit Santa if he is on your list and you are visiting by December 24. Drop an extra ride if the character queue is long.
Keep the viewing window clear
Arrive around 30–45 minutes before the scheduled start as a planning allowance, earlier if a specific curbside spot matters. Do not enter a long ride queue immediately beforehand.
Dinner and a breather
Allow about an hour for a meal. Use this break to choose your nighttime viewing area and check for weather or entertainment changes.
Castle lights and one holiday ride
Take photos, then choose small world or the mansion if the posted queue fits before fireworks. If it does not, spend the time enjoying the decorations instead.
Finish with your chosen view
Stay in one viewing area and let the exit crowd clear afterward. An extra ride is a bonus only if park hours, the queue and your group’s energy allow it.
Ride wait times
Rides operate during regular park hours, with shorter schedules at some attractions. Availability varies; check the posted status before joining a queue.
Season averages cover operating ride waits on event dates, not queues for shows, food or characters.
No matching rides.
Haunted Mansion HolidayNew Orleans SquareCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationWe recommend making this your opening ride priority. Check the actual queue before committing, and leave room for the preshow, ride and exit.
Lowest recorded hour—
“it’s a small world” HolidayFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationRide during your Fantasyland block, then return for the exterior lights after dark. You do not need to queue twice to enjoy both.
Lowest recorded hour—
Pirates of the CaribbeanNew Orleans SquareCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationUse this as your nearby alternative while visiting New Orleans Square. Keep your parade viewing window intact.
Lowest recorded hour—
Space MountainTomorrowlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationClosed for refurbishment as of Nov. 10; check for reopening before planning a ride. Choose this only if a thrill ride is a group priority. It has no Christmas overlay, so do not sacrifice both seasonal rides for it.
Lowest recorded hour—
Alice in WonderlandFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationPair this with Matterhorn or the nearby Fantasyland dark rides to avoid crossing the park twice.
Lowest recorded hour—
Astro OrbitorTomorrowlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationTry this while passing between Main Street and Tomorrowland, rather than making a separate trip back.
Lowest recorded hour—
AutopiaTomorrowlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationKeep this with your Tomorrowland rides; younger drivers may need an accompanying adult.
Lowest recorded hour—
Big Thunder Mountain RailroadFrontierlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationAdd this during your Frontierland block before moving on to New Orleans Square.
Lowest recorded hour—
Show all 36 ridesShow fewer rides
Buzz Lightyear Astro BlastersTomorrowlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationA convenient indoor stop while your group is visiting Tomorrowland.
Lowest recorded hour—
Casey Jr. Circus TrainFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationChoose this or Storybook Land Canal Boats first if your younger riders want both views of the miniature scenes.
Lowest recorded hour—
Chip 'n' Dale's GADGETcoasterMickey’s ToontownCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationCombine this short coaster with the other Toontown rides and the holiday Santa visit.
Lowest recorded hour—
Davy Crockett's Explorer CanoesBayou CountryCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationSeasonal daytime operation. Check today’s schedule before walking over; no operating times were posted on Nov. 10.
Lowest recorded hour—
Disneyland MonorailTomorrowland / Downtown DisneyCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationCheck the operating hours before relying on it for the trip between Tomorrowland and Downtown Disney.
Lowest recorded hour—
Disneyland RailroadParkwideCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationUse the train between lands when a station is convenient; boarding waits can differ by station.
Lowest recorded hour—
Dumbo the Flying ElephantFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationGroup this with the carrousel and nearby Fantasyland rides.
Lowest recorded hour—
Finding Nemo Submarine VoyageTomorrowlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationAllow time for boarding and the full submarine trip before your next timed performance.
Lowest recorded hour—
Indiana Jones™ AdventureAdventurelandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationKeep a comfortable gap before your next reservation; the walk through the queue adds to the stop.
Lowest recorded hour—
Jungle CruiseAdventurelandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationPair this with Indiana Jones Adventure and a nearby food stop in Adventureland.
Lowest recorded hour—
King Arthur CarrouselFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationAn easy stop between Fantasyland rides; keep your whole group together when finding horses.
Lowest recorded hour—
Mad Tea PartyFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationUse this during your Fantasyland block if your group enjoys spinning rides.
Lowest recorded hour—
Main Street VehiclesMain Street, U.S.A.Current waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationPlan this for the daytime portion of your visit; vehicle service can finish well before the park closes.
Lowest recorded hour—
Mark Twain RiverboatFrontierlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationFit the river cruise into your Frontierland block before settling in for nighttime entertainment.
Lowest recorded hour—
Matterhorn BobsledsFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationCheck its status before walking over; consider Alice in Wonderland nearby if it is temporarily unavailable.
Lowest recorded hour—
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway RailwayMickey’s ToontownCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationCombine this with the Toontown holiday visit rather than returning from the far side of the park.
Lowest recorded hour—
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers RunStar Wars: Galaxy’s EdgeCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationKeep this with Rise of the Resistance if you are spending part of the day in Galaxy’s Edge.
Lowest recorded hour—
Mr. Toad's Wild RideFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationPair this with Snow White and Pinocchio in the same Fantasyland courtyard.
Lowest recorded hour—
Peter Pan's FlightFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationCompare the posted wait with the other Fantasyland rides before joining this queue.
Lowest recorded hour—
Pinocchio's Daring JourneyFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationA convenient next stop after Snow White or Mr. Toad when your group wants more dark rides.
Lowest recorded hour—
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon SpinMickey’s ToontownCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationFit this into your Toontown block before leaving for the parade route.
Lowest recorded hour—
Sailing Ship ColumbiaFrontierlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationCheck today’s schedule first; no operating times were posted on Nov. 10. Mark Twain is a nearby alternative.
Lowest recorded hour—
Snow White's Enchanted WishFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationGroup this with the neighboring Fantasyland dark rides.
Lowest recorded hour—
Star Tours - The Adventures ContinueTomorrowlandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationTry this while you are already in Tomorrowland; allow time for the simulator preshow.
Lowest recorded hour—
Star Wars: Rise of the ResistanceStar Wars: Galaxy’s EdgeCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationCheck its own closing time before leaving it for the end of your visit.
Lowest recorded hour—
Storybook Land Canal BoatsFantasylandCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationKeep this near Casey Jr. in your plan; verify operating hours before saving the boat ride for late evening.
Lowest recorded hour—
The Many Adventures of Winnie the PoohBayou CountryCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationPair this with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and a stop at Pooh Corner.
Lowest recorded hour—
Tiana's Bayou AdventureBayou CountryCurrent waitCheckingSeason average—
Our recommendationAllow time to dry off after this water ride, especially if you plan to stay through the evening.
Lowest recorded hour—
Shows & holiday experiences
01 / Disneyland
Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
The castle wears its snow-covered holiday look after dark. We recommend taking daytime photos on arrival, then returning for the lights rather than spending the whole afternoon waiting for one picture. Main Street’s Christmas tree makes a second photo stop on the way in or out.
02 / Disneyland
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
Toy soldiers, gingerbread characters and Santa join this seasonal procession. Choose a performance first, then arrange your afternoon around it. Give yourself time to find a viewing spot and remember that the advertised start time is when the parade leaves its starting point, not when every float reaches you.
03 / Disneyland
Believe…In Holiday Magic
Fireworks and holiday music end the evening, weather permitting. Main Street is the obvious choice for a castle-centered view, but the small world area and Rivers of America offer other viewing settings. Decide which view matters most before dinner; a late dash across a crowded park makes this harder than it needs to be.
04 / Disneyland
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Jack Skellington takes over the mansion with The Nightmare Before Christmas decorations. The ballroom’s 2026 gingerbread creation is a monstrous music box. Make this a proper ride stop, not something squeezed between dinner and the parade. The queue plus the attraction can consume a substantial part of that gap.
05 / Disneyland
“it’s a small world” Holiday
Holiday songs and decorations join the boat ride, and the outdoor lights are a reason to return after sunset even if you rode earlier. Families with younger children can make this their evening ride priority and stay nearby for entertainment rather than crossing the park again.
06 / Disneyland
Santa and seasonal character photos
Santa’s new Disneyland stop is Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn, near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, from November 13 through December 24. Mickey, Minnie and friends wear new holiday outfits in Town Square. Check meeting times early and choose your must-have photo; character queues should count as real itinerary stops.
Food & drinks
2026 holiday menu. Prices checked Nov. 10; tax is extra where marked. Restaurant prices are for the listed serving, not Sip and Savor tasting portions.
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Choose the Holiday Matterhorn Macaroon or Milk and Cookies Tree-shaped Macaron. Turkey Pot Pie Soup is a savory alternative to a snack-only stop.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
The Peppermint Holiday Sundae is a seasonal Main Street option. Check mobile-order availability before joining another food line.
Red Rose Taverne
French Toast Cold Brew returns. Fit the stop into your Fantasyland time rather than making a separate trip across the park.
Carnation Café
The Holiday Dinner Special runs November 27–January 6, later than the start of the season. Reserve ahead if a table-service dinner matters to your group.
Disney photo Mustard aïoli, pickled onion and chips.
Disney photo Turkey, stuffing, cranberry and gravy on sourdough.
Disney photo Turkey and vegetables with pastry pieces.
Disney photo White chocolate coating and holiday sprinkles.
Disney photo Maple cream cheese, pecans and bacon.
Disney photo Soft cookie; limit five per transaction.
Disney photo Cookie-dough center and milk buttercream.
Disney photo Cream-cheese glaze.
Disney photo Cream-cheese icing.
Disney photo Chocolate cheesecake with marshmallow.
Disney photo Toffee sauce and vanilla cream.
Disney photo Vanilla foam and peppermint.
Disney photo Beef medallions with mashed potatoes, green beans and demi-glace; children’s version available.
Disney photo Vodka, fruit and ginger-jalapeño flavors.
Disney photo Bourbon cocktail finished with eggnog cream.
Disney photo Peppermint ice cream, cookies and candy in a waffle bowl.
Seasonal scoop.
Disney photo Little Red Wagon: chili, cheese and jalapeño-cilantro crema.
Disney photo Little Red Wagon.
Disney photo Market House: cinnamon-sugar pastry with spiced filling; limit five.
Disney photo Refreshment Corner: steak, sausage, peppers and cheese sauce.
Disney photo Refreshment Corner: cinnamon, clove and vanilla foam.
Disney photo Layered with cream-cheese filling.
Disney photo Cinnamon whipped cream.
Disney photo Apple center, cream-cheese glaze and Minnie decoration.
Disney photo Bengal Barbecue: brown-sugar spheres and cold foam.
The Tropical Hideaway: tofu, seaweed and scallions.
Disney photo Tiki Juice Bar: pineapple soft serve with holiday sprinkles.
Disney photo Pork soup with traditional vegetable toppings and tortilla chips.
Fried wheat snacks with lemon and hot sauce.
Disney photo Chocolate, espresso, cream and coconut.
Disney photo River Belle Terrace: brownie, chocolate custard and peppermint cream.
Disney photo Stage Door Café: beef chili, cheese and sour cream.
Disney photo Stage Door Café: strawberry and Sprite.
The Golden Horseshoe also serves the beef-chili fries and Strawberry Soda.
Disney photo Harbour Galley: packages of six or 13.
Disney photo Harbour Galley: for the gingerbread cookies.
Disney photo Harbour Galley: maple coffee with brown-butter foam.
Disney photo Mint Julep Bar: peppermint-cocoa dip.
Cafe Orleans.
Disney photo Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree: pumpkin-spiced coffee.
Disney photo Red Rose Taverne: mousse with brown-sugar cake and lingonberry filling.
Disney photo Red Rose Taverne: cinnamon cream and cereal topping.
Disney photo Edelweiss Snacks: apple-cinnamon pastry.
Disney photo Maurice’s Treats: decorated with sprinkles.
Disney photo Café Daisy: mint, marshmallow and graham cracker.
Disney photo Café Daisy: cranberry-pear lemonade.
Disney photo Spicy sauce, sausage, pepperoni, bratwurst, Fresno chile and hot honey.
Disney photo Sausage and pasta in a spicy tomato-cream sauce.
Disney photo Caramel buttercream, ganache and brownie filling.
Disney photo Apple drink with caramel foam.
Disney photo Cranberry-orange barbecue sauce, provolone and onion rings.
Disney photo Bacon, provolone and crispy onions.
Disney photo Chocolate cake, cookie dough and mousse.
Disney photo Pomegranate, cranberry, orange and Sprite.
Disney photo Churros near Town Square: apple compote over frosting.
Disney photo Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train.
Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
Disney photo Pretzel cart near Star Tours: cream-cheese filling.
Disney photo Red-coated apple with marshmallow ears.
Disney photo Mickey snowman decoration.
Disney photo Gift-inspired decoration.
Disney photo Caramel and chocolate coating.
Disney photo Wreath decoration and sprinkles.
Disney photo Dark chocolate coating.
Disney photo Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen only.
Disney photo Chocolate coating and a Santa hat with a bow.
Disney photo Chocolate cake with Santa Minnie decoration.
Merchandise
2026 merchandise, checked Nov. 10. Online prices are labeled separately from park prices. Stock and sizes vary; special novelty mobile-order pickup windows mostly run Nov. 13–15.
Holiday collections
Mickey Mouse and Family Christmas, Holiday Pastel, and Disney Vintage Holiday are among this season’s collections. Browse earlier in the day if you need a particular size; save bulky purchases until you are ready to leave.
Light-up train popcorn bucket. Limit two per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Gingerbread-house popcorn bucket. Limit two per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Holiday drink container. Limit two per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Standard seasonal bucket. Limit ten per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Reusable metal cup. Limit two per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Seasonal travel cup. Limit ten per person per transaction; select discounts apply. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Light-up drink accessory. Limit two per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Clip-on character accessory. Limit ten per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Wreath-shaped accessory. Limit two per person per transaction; no discounts. Available beginning Nov. 13 while supplies last.
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Plaid Disneyland lettering and holiday appliqués.
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Navy zip hoodie with embroidered holiday lights; the lights do not illuminate.
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Peppermint design in the 2026 park apparel collection.
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Mickey and friends in a winter scene.
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Red-and-green holiday ears.
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Disneyland logo with holiday-light artwork.
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Gingerbread character jewelry; pieces sold separately.
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Mickey-shaped snowflake jewelry.
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Seasonal character tote.
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Character blanket.
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Traditional character designs from the 2026 holiday preview.
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Small character charm for a bag.
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2026 holiday pin preview.
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Pink-and-green holiday collection.
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Coordinating pastel hat.
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Wreath-shaped charm.
Item details ↗More merchandise
Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger attachments; headband and pieces are separate purchases.
Item details ↗Before you go
Reserve the right park
Valid admission and a reservation for the same date and park are required. These festivities do not require a separate Christmas-party ticket. A one-park ticket does not include the festival across the esplanade.
Plan around entertainment, not a rigid minute-by-minute route
Choose the parade and nighttime show you want, then leave travel and queue time on either side. Our suggested times are planning blocks, not guaranteed performance times.
Bring a warm layer
A morning that feels comfortable can turn into a chilly evening spent standing still. Put a layer within reach rather than relying on a last-minute clothing purchase.
Weather can change the finale
Wind or rain can change entertainment. If fireworks are a must-see, avoid leaving your only chance until the final night of a multi-day visit.
Questions & answers
Is this a separately ticketed Christmas party?
No. Disneyland’s seasonal entertainment and decorations are part of a regular park visit. Food, merchandise and optional dining experiences cost extra.
Can I see everything in one day?
You can cover the main holiday rides and entertainment, but trying to add every character and major ride makes the day rushed. Pick the parade, a nighttime view and two ride priorities first.
Does Santa stay through January 6?
No. His announced Disneyland appearance dates end December 24, even though the wider holiday season continues into January.