Theme parks across California are preparing for the 2025 holiday season with a range of events and activities. Each park offers unique celebrations, from light displays to themed food and entertainment, with most festivities included in regular admission.
Starting November 14, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will feature its Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park, recognizing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, Diwali, and Christmas. The Sip and Savor Pass allows guests to sample small plates from the Festive Foods Marketplace. On January 6, visitors can experience Three Kings Day with special decorations and photo opportunities. At Disneyland Park, highlights include photos with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and the Believe In…Holiday Magic Fireworks show. Downtown Disney District will offer a scavenger hunt along Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail. These events run through January 7.
SeaWorld San Diego begins its Christmas Celebration on November 14. The park features a tunnel of lights, a decorated SkyTower, live shows such as Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas and Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Parade, as well as character meet-and-greets. Visitors can participate in the Snowflake Seeker’s scavenger hunt for prizes and watch Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show after dark. Upgrading to a Fun Card provides access through the 2026 season. Festivities continue until January 4.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park starts Knott’s Merry Farm on November 21. Guests can explore the Christmas Crafts Village in Ghost Town of Calico and attend nightly tree-lighting ceremonies at Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Entertainment includes Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas ice skating show and Home for the Holidays musical revue. This year introduces a new Christmas tree with over 7,000 lights and custom-made candles. Events last through January 4.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad launches its holiday celebration 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 the sleigh or near the LEGO tree; select nights feature fireworks. New Year’s Eve offers an early evening ball-drop party for children. Activities end January 4.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita opens Holiday in the Park on November 28 with attractions such as Peppermint Path and Jingle Bell Way featuring illuminated ornaments. Visitors can meet Santa at North Pole Depot, enjoy crafts or photo opportunities, witness nightly tree-lighting ceremonies with performances, and sample seasonal foods like tamales and bread bowls while riding popular attractions like CraZanity or X2 on select days through January 5.
Gilroy Gardens hosts North Pole Nights starting November 28 on select evenings until December 31. Activities include ice skating, bubble “snow,” live shows, light tunnels, Santa meet-and-greets, and a family feast during December’s third weekend. Purchasing a Premium annual pass comes with four bonus tickets valid during this period.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo debuts Winterfest on November 28 featuring themed lands such as Gingerbread Town and Candy Cane Lane along with nightly lighting ceremonies for its large Christmas tree. Guests can enjoy entertainment, write letters to Santa or decorate cookies through January 4.
Universal Studios Hollywood begins its holiday programming on November 24 with Grinchmas events starring The Grinch and Max alongside music performances inspired by Dr. Seuss characters. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebrates with decorations, choir performances, an evening light show at Hogwarts Castle; SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is also decorated for the holidays including themed treats at Toadstool Café; Universal CityWalk features additional entertainment through January 4.
