What’s happening at Southern California theme parks during the holidays
Theme parks go all out decorating and performing this season to win your holiday dollars. Here’s what’s up at our local parks:
DISNEYLAND RESORT, Anaheim
The Disneyland Resort will host holiday festivities until Jan. 6.
At Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is once again be bedecked in glittering lights. And holiday transformations have occurred at the Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World. The “Disney Holiday Dance Party” show is at the Tomorrowland Terrace while special fireworks and “A Christmas Fantasy” parade also return. Santa will show up periodically at the Fantasyland Theatre.
ALSO SEE: Disneyland adds Coco and Encanto shows for the Christmas holidays
Over at Disney California Adventure, the park has added shows based on the hit Disney movies “Coco” and “Encanto,” both of which feature families south of the border. Performers in the new Buena Vista Street show will sing bilingual versions of Christmas songs on weekday evenings. And the “World of Color — Season of Light” water show and Viva Navidad Street Party have returned.
ALSO SEE: 8 best things I ate at Disney Festival of Holidays
Santa will appear at DCA’s Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, as well as Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and Disneyland Hotel. The hotels will also have holiday carolers.
Live music, Christmas caroling and “snoap” snowfall will appear periodically in Downtown Disney as well.
Information: 714-781-4636; disneyland.disney.go.com
KNOTT’S MERRY FARM, Buena Park
This year, through Jan. 5, Knott’s Berry Farm guests can enjoy the new ‘Tis the Season Tree Lighting Ceremony in Calico Park with dancers, singers and Snoopy. The “Snow and Glow” experience has thousands of dancing lights while “snow” falls in Ghost Town. Santa’s Christmas Cabin takes over the Wilderness Dance Hall for family photos. “A Calico Christmas Carol” is staged at the Bird Cage Theatre, along with “The Gift of the Magi.”
ALSO SEE: Knott’s Berry Farm adds a few new surprises this Christmas holiday season
Carolers perform in Ghost Town, KraKnott’s Berry Farm adds a few new surprises this Christmas holiday seasonzy Kirk and the Hillbillies put on a show and the Calico Mine Stage hosts “Home for the Holidays” dancing and holiday tunes. Snoopy and the Peanuts gang take to the ice at Walter Knott Theater for “Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas,” while Salsa music is on tap at the Fiesta Plaza Stage. Festive food and the annual Christmas craft market are also on tap.
Information: 714-220-5200; www.knotts.com
LEGOLAND, Carlsbad
Legoland‘s holiday celebration lasts through Jan. 5, and includes fireworks on select nights, a 3-story LEGO tree and larger-than-life holiday displays.
This year, the park becomes an Elf Extravaganza on select days. There’s the Elf Training Academy, where visitors can learn how to become an elf, take “elfies” with new Lego Elf characters and Lego Santa, and dance at the Holly Hype Dance Party. Meet characters including the Lego Toy Soldier, Lego Santa, Snowman, Reindeer Girl, Gingerbread Man and more. Plus, T-Rex Guy has dressed up for the season in Dino Valley. Then enjoy the “Jingle Jamboree” final show of the day.
Information: www.legoland.com/california
SEA WORLD, San Diego
New holiday events will be on tap at SeaWorld San Diego through Jan. 5, including the new “Happy Harbor Holiday” live character show at Mission Bay Theater, featuring Sir Winston the Walrus. Also view a new Mrs. Claus Christmas Parade, with her elves and a festive procession with floats and characters.
A Stocking Full of Soul offers live music, singing and dancing to holiday classics. Visit Santa for photos and also meet live reindeer. Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and take a photo to bring home. Check out the SkyTower Tree of Lights, San Diego’s biggest Christmas tree.
On Dec. 14 and again on Dec. 31, see A Christmas Wish Fireworks Show. Enjoy “snowfall” nightly at SkyTower and Wild Arctic. Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show nightly. Also look for holiday cocktails, desserts, hot chocolate and more.
Information: 619-222-4732; seaworld.com/san-diego
SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN, Valencia
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Holiday In The Park takes place at 5 p.m. on select evenings through Jan. 5. Stroll down Jingle Bell Way with 30-foot-tall walk-through ornaments, enjoy live music and choreographed light shows.
Visit Santa in his cottage or enjoy crafts with Mrs. Claus, snap a holiday photo or take a ride aboard the North Pole Express train beginning at 1 p.m. on Holiday in the Park days through Dec. 24. Holiday Square offers twinkling lights, “snowfall” every 20 minutes or so and Traveling Toy Soldier Troupe visits.
ALSO SEE: Six Flags Magic Mountain adds a few new surprises to Holiday in the Park
The park is also offering up special sweets like holiday fudge, peppermint bark and candy apples. Cozy up and roast marshmallows over one of four open fire pits.
Information: 661-255-4100; www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
For those who love Harry Potter, Universal Studios Hollywood will present the light projection show, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” nightly in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter through Jan. 6. The Frog Choir and special food will accompany Christmas at Hogsmeade Village, and wreaths, lights and garlands will abound.
ALSO SEE: Universal Studios Hollywood decks the halls for Grinchmas
Over in Super Nintendo World, find Mario and Luigi snowmen, a star-topped Christmas tree and special food at Toadstool Cafe. At Grinchmas, the Grinch with his dog Max will pose for photos, a doo-wop quartet will sing and Cindy-Lou Who will read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” People can make their own ornaments, send a postcard at the Whoville post office and try special treats. The topsy-turvy Grinchmas tree will be lit. “Snow” will fall nightly.
Information: 800-864-8377; www.universalstudioshollywood.com