California’s theme parks are preparing for the 2025 holiday season with a range of special events and attractions. From Anaheim to Vallejo, parks will feature festive decorations, live entertainment, themed food, and opportunities for visitors to celebrate various winter holidays.
At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, festivities begin on November 14. Disney California Adventure Park will observe Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, Diwali, and Christmas during its Disney Festival of Holidays. The Sip and Savor Pass allows guests to sample several dishes at the Festive Foods Marketplace. On January 6, Three Kings Day will be celebrated with unique decorations and photo opportunities. Disneyland Park will offer views of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle decorated for the season, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Evenings conclude with fireworks and bubble snow during the Believe In…Holiday Magic Fireworks show. Downtown Disney District features a scavenger hunt along Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail. The resort’s holiday events continue through January 7.
SeaWorld San Diego launches its Christmas Celebration on November 14 as well. The park will be illuminated by a million lights including a tunnel of lights and a decorated SkyTower. Entertainment includes Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas show featuring seals, character meet-and-greets such as Rudolph and Winston the Walrus, live performances like A Stocking Full of Soul and Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Parade, as well as the Snowflake Seeker’s scavenger hunt for prizes. At nightfall, visitors can see Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show. SeaWorld offers an upgraded Fun Card that includes admission for the 2026 season; festivities end January 4.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm starting November 21. Guests can visit the Christmas Crafts Village in Ghost Town of Calico or attend nightly tree-lighting ceremonies at Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Ice skating shows such as Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas are featured alongside Home for the Holidays musical revue with dancing toys and classic songs. This year introduces a new Christmas tree adorned with over 7,000 lights and Victorian-inspired ornaments; events run through January 4.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad begins its celebrations on November 22 with live shows like “Once Upon a Brick-Mas” and appearances by LEGO characters including Snowman and Gingerbread Man. Families can take photos at displays such as a sleigh led by LEGO Santa or in front of a large LEGO tree; select nights include fireworks displays while New Year’s Eve features an early evening ball-drop suitable for children.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita opens Holiday in the Park on November 28 with illuminated paths like Peppermint Path and Jingle Bell Way lined with walk-through ornaments lit up at night. Visitors can meet Santa Claus at North Pole Depot or participate in craft activities before attending nightly tree-lighting ceremonies accompanied by performers; seasonal foods such as bread bowls and tamales are available through January 5.
Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights also start on November 28 offering ice skating sessions under artificial snow bubbles along with live shows and light tunnels on select evenings until December 31. Special meal packages are available during certain weekends; purchasing a premium annual pass provides bonus tickets valid during this event period.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo hosts Winterfest beginning November 28 where guests explore themed areas like Gingerbread Town or Arctic Alley while enjoying nightly lighting ceremonies around their large tree plus festive entertainment through January 4.
Universal Studios Hollywood kicks off its holiday programming on November 24 featuring Grinchmas events starring The Grinch alongside celebrations within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—complete with music from the Holiday Frog Choir—and themed decor throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD including costumed snowmen resembling Mario characters; Universal CityWalk also joins in these festivities which last until January 4.
