Last updated on December 17th, 2024 at 01:35 pm
Disneyland in December is the merriest time of year with lots of holiday cheer. There is so much to do and see.
In December, Disneyland Park opens at 8:00 am and closes at 11:00 pm or midnight. California Adventure Park opens at 8:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm or 10: 00 pm.
Keep reading for all the basics and an in depth guide for Disneyland in December 2024. Look back at November or ahead to January if your visit covers both months.
Calendar of Events
It’s the season of “snowfall” and magical festivities. Even though it’s busy I visit Disneyland like you do—planning multi-day trips, paying for tickets, and experiencing the holiday magic with family, friends, and guests of all ages.
My visit this December was with family and friends from ages 2 to through their 60s and everyone absolutely loved the holidays at Disneyland.
Disneyland in December Hours:
- Disneyland Park opens at 8:00 am and closes at 11:00 pm or midnight.
- California Adventure Park opens at 8:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm.
- Park hopping begins at 11:00 am for those with valid tickets and reservations.
- Early Entry is now on a daily rotation, see the schedule here.
December Events and Important Dates:
- Holidays are here, including fireworks and projection show “Believe in Holiday Magic” at Disneyland Park on select nights.
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade runs at Disneyland Park
- Festival of Holidays is happening at California Adventure Park
- Monthly closures and refurbishments can be found here
December Crowds
Crowds are a common concern for Disneyland guests—it’s tricky to navigate finding the best days with longer park hours, more open rides, a full entertainment schedule and low crowds. In 2024 there’s a lot happening with the new area of Bayou Country along with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!
I always say go when it works best for you, then I can help you work out the logistics like what rides to go on and when. It’s the main reason I created Park Plans—step by step ride guides with optimal wait times and more.
If you’re super concerned about crowds I suggest you skip:
- December weekends
- December’s last two weeks when most Winter Breaks happen
We might see lower crowds on these dates:
Anything is possible, and when it comes to crowds it’s highly likely that even our best time guesses could miss the mark. However, I think these dates might be a good choice.
- mid-week, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays before schools let out for the holidays
Add this info to any Disneyland crowd calendars you might see (they’re not my favorite) and plan
What to Wear
Grab your hats, gloves, scarves and jackets but be ready to wear a t-shirt under when the mid-day sun arrives. Layers are key almost every time of year at Disneyland. Here’s some ideas to keep you cool and warm, whatever the weather calls for.
Ticket Deals
Disney+ Subscriber Deal purchase for as little as $108 per dayvalid for travel through December 27, 2024 for Disney Plus subscribers, just use your Disney+ email when you .
Extra Day Free gives you 5 days for the price of 4, it’s an ongoing special you can find listed with my partners at Get Away Today here.
Add Universal Studios Hollywood or other area theme parks tickets for under $100 per person.
Do you have more questions about your Disneyland visit this time of year? Or maybe you’re considering another month for your visit—find the yearly Disneyland calendar here. Plus, download your step by step Park Plan now or submit a request for a one on one planning help.
