Disneyland in January wraps up the holiday season and Disneyland Resort traditionally undergoes seasonal refurbishments and ride closures. Entertainment like fireworks and shows often run on limited schedules. Keep reading for all the basics and an in depth guide for Disneyland January 2026.
Plus, take a look at our December and February guides if your trip goes into either of those months as well.
This article covers important calendar events and closures in January, how these events might affect crowds levels, dressing for Anaheim weather in January and discount tickets available for the month.
This article was originally published in 2023, but receives frequent updates for the current calendar year.
Disneyland in January Calendar of Events
It’s the end of the Holiday season but there’s so much happening at Disneyland in January, I bet you’ll be surprised by how amazing your trip can be even after the kids go back to school from holiday breaks.
Disneyland in January Hours
- Disneyland Park Monday through Thursday opens 8:00 or 9:00 am and closes at 8:00 or 9:00 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8:00 or 9:00 am and closes at 11:00 pm or midnight.
- California Adventure Park Monday through Thursday opens 8:00 or 9:00 am and closes at 8:00 or 9:00 pm. Friday through Sunday opens at 8:00 or 9:00 am and closes at 9:00 or 10:00 pm.
Events and Important Dates
- January 6 Holiday Season concludes, and “it’s a small world” will close for a few weeks
- January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend expect larger crowds
- January 23 Lunar New Year celebration begins through February 22
- January 29 runDisney weekend at Disneyland Resort, races happen before park opening
- January 22, 25, 27 Disneyland After Dark Sweethearts Nite
- Further monthly closures and refurbishments can be found here
January Crowds at Disneyland
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.
I am of the mindset to go when it works for you, then I can help you figure out the logistics of 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:
- the last day of holidays
- runDisney
- MLK weekend
- the first day of Lunar New Year
- weekends when the California Resident Tickets are in use (January 1st)
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.
- Daytime before any After Dark events tend to be a bit lighter on crowds, so don’t let the “early” closing time deter you, it can actually be a smart choice
- Some weekends because while the California Resident Tickets have weekend options, those are usually so spread out since they’re good through the end of May
Add this info to any Disneyland crowd calendars you might see and plan accordingly.
Dressing for January Weather
My usual packing for Disneyland includes at the very least a hoodie, even sometimes in July I reach for that hoodie at night. Layers are key and getting a locker can really help.
- If it’s wet and rainy at Disneyland see my must haves for rainy days
- If there’s a chance the Santa Ana winds are going to act up during your trip absolutely bring warmer clothes for the evening, hair ties and lip balm. The wind can be brutal!
- Hats and gloves can be a huge help to keep you warm as well, even if it’s just a baseball cap
Even though this is a great time to go I always plan on bundling up just in case. I hate being cold! Especially at Disney California Adventure Park where there’s more open spaces for the wind to hit you. I recommend these “keep you warm” items, too.
Disneyland Discounts for January
2026 is pulling out all the stops—Disney wants you to come for a vacation so there are a few options and discounts to help you visit Disneyland cheaper!
California Ticket Offer good for visits January 1 – May 21, 2026. These deals are SO good, don’t miss them.
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 about $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.
