The Disneyland Christmas Parade is a classic, it’s been around forever but still makes a magical holiday season appearance and has become a tradition for Disneyland guests every season.
Here’s how to see the Disneyland Christmas parade in 2024:
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade runs twice daily from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025
- Parade times are 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm each day
- Viewing is first come, first served along the parade route at Disneyland Park
- Reserved viewing is also an option for this seasonal parade
Keep reading for all the holiday specifics at Disneyland during this holiday season this year.
Christmas Fantasy Parade Details
Do you love dancing snowmen, cute reindeer and Disney characters decked out in holiday ensembles? A Christmas Fantasy parade is just what you need!
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade runs twice daily from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025
- The parade is about 40 minutes long
- Parade times are 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm each day
- Viewing is first come, first served along the parade route at Disneyland Park
- Reserved viewing is also an option for the holiday parade
- For another parade option at Disney California Adventure, don’t miss Viva Navidad (my personal favorite “mini parade)
Like many guests, I grew up watching Disneyland parades and it is one staple of the Disney magic that should be enjoyed by all at least one time during their visit.
Debuting at Disneyland Resort in 1995, A Christmas Fantasy feels very 90s, but since the 90s are back in the fashion scene, I suppose this parade is in vogue too.
The music may be a bit dated, as are the floats, but I really love watching the second showing of this parade. When the floats light up and there’s a soft glow on Main Street, U.S.A., you really feel that holiday cheer.
Which Disney and Pixar characters are in the Christmas Parade?
Led by Mickey Mouse, along the parade route you’ll see classic Disney characters, beautiful costumes, dancing and floats featuring Mickey’s friends and holiday characters. Along the parade route you’ll also see:
- Mickey Mouse, as mentioned above
- Minnie Mouse
- Donal Duck
- Pluto
- Goofy
- Clarabelle
- Donald
- Chip
- Dale
- Anna
- Elsa
- Olaf
- Woody
- Buzz Lightyear
- Belle
- The Beast
- Snow White
- The Prince
- Sleeping Beauty, Aurora
- Prince Phillip
- Cinderella
- Prince Charming
- The Little Mermaid, Ariel
- Prince Eric
- Toy Soldiers
- Snowmen and women
- Reindeer
- “Ice” Skaters
- Bakers
- Santa Claus from the North Pole, before Christmas
- Goofy Santa, after Christmas
Christmas Parade Seating Guide
My favorite areas to sit during parades are marked on this map and detailed below. Be sure to get your Disneyland discount tickets from our partner, Get Away Today before heading over to Disneyland Resort.
Plus, enjoy an extra $10 off when booking a hotel stay of two nights or more along with your discount Disneyland tickets! Get my promo code delivered to your inbox now.
Where should I sit for Disneyland’s Christmas Parade?
These are my favorite spots, explained in detail along with the map pictured. I’ll discuss each spot in details below.
- it’s a small world– This is a great Disneyland parade viewing area because of its easy access to restrooms and food. Choose a place on brick, or come to the terraced levels in this area for a last-minute spot.
- Pixie Hollow– the stretch of parade route in-between Pixie Hollow and Matterhorn is lined with built in benches and narrow parade seating. I love this area because adults have a real place to sit, while kids can sit up close on the brick below. These seats go quickly; mark off your space well and no one will be able to push or sneak in behind you because of the benches and narrow accessibility. It also marks the half-way(ish) point of the parade, no matter which direction its coming from.
- Town Square– this area is a great last-minutespot and a smart move for people who want to leave the parks as soon as the parade and fireworks are finished. Scout out an area anywhere on brick around the route or up on the steps near the Main Street train station.
Note people sitting on the curb will get to remain seating. People behind row 1 or 2 will need to stand.
Your Parade Seating Plan
What’s your game plan for snagging seats for the Disneyland Christmas parade?
Getting a good seat or spot requires skill and maybe a little patience. Here are three options for snagging a great spot for A Christmas Fantasy Parade.
1. Christmas Parade Reserved Seating
Reserved spots are the best choice. You get a reserved viewing area with a Christmas Fantasy Parade Dining Package. This is by far my favorite way to get the best spots for any Disneyland parade. It is especially smart when you have limited time and want to get in as much holiday magic as possible.
You’ll eat before coming to your parade spot, so timing of your meal does not matter much, but in 2024 times for the dining package are from1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. After you eat, it’s best to arrive at your reserved seating area at least 60 minutes before the second parade begins.
That’s right, all dining packages in 2024 are for the second parade showing only.
Plaza Inn Christmas Parade Dining
Plaza Inn has hosts many reserved parade spot dining packages throughout the year. A Christmas Fantasy Parade also offers reserved parade viewing with a meal from Plaza Inn.
Choose any of the available restaurant tables indoors or under the adorable pink umbrellas outside. Later that evening, head to the special reserved viewing area for the parade as noted on your credentials.
Prices and Details:
- Lunch is $52 per adult, tax is not included; gratuity is not included or required
- $29 per child (ages 3 to 9) – tax is not included; gratuity is not included
- Separate theme park admission is required and not included in the package price
- Reservations made between 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM will receive a voucher for the day’s first performance of Magic Happens Parade.
- Use the Check Availability tool to find a table and book online
Menu options include beef bourguignon, roasted vegetables, herbed mashed potatoes with a cabernet demi-glaze, black forest yule log dessert and a choice of one fountain beverage or Dasani water.
For kids, the options include chicken tenders, seasonal vegetables, herbed mashed potatoes, black forest yule log dessert, choice of one beverage, a small Dasani water or small low-fat milk. There are also plant based options available for both adults and children.
2. Save Your Spot Early
3. Save Your Spot Later
More Christmas Parade Answers
In case you missed it or I didn’t cover it above, here’s a recap of some important answers for the parade.
How long is A Christmas Fantasy Parade?
A Christmas Fantasy Parade is 40 minutes long, but remember to add time for the parade to arrive to your spot along the parade route.
Where does the parade start?
The first parade starts at “it’s a small world” and goes toward Main Street, U.S.A. The second parade runs in reverse, starting at Main Street, U.S.A. and ends at “it’s a small world”.
Where should I sit for A Christmas Fantasy Parade?
I shared my parade map above and choose different spots based on the group and the amount of time I have. My favorite for this parade is to watch the second showing closer to the entrance to Disneyland.
Let me know how I can help you plan your Disneyland vacation, along with all the holiday festivities!
