California theme parks are preparing for the 2025 holiday season with a variety of events and attractions. The festivities begin in mid-November and continue into early January, offering visitors opportunities to experience themed entertainment, seasonal foods, and special activities.
At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will feature holiday decorations and events starting November 14. The Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure includes celebrations of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, Diwali, and Christmas. Visitors can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass for food tastings at the Festive Foods Marketplace. On January 6, Three Kings Day will be observed with unique decorations and photo opportunities. Disneyland Park will showcase Sleeping Beauty’s Castle adorned for the holidays, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and nightly fireworks accompanied by bubble snow. Downtown Disney District will offer a scavenger hunt along Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail until January 7.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration also starts on November 14. The park will display over a million lights including a tunnel of lights and an illuminated SkyTower. Entertainment includes Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas show featuring sea lions, live performances such as A Stocking Full of Soul, Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Parade, character meet-and-greets with Rudolph and Winston the Walrus, a Snowflake Seeker scavenger hunt for prizes, and Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show after dark. Upgrading to a Fun Card allows access through the 2026 season; festivities end January 4.
Knott’s Merry Farm in Buena Park begins on November 21 with its annual country-themed celebration. Guests can visit the Christmas Crafts Village in Ghost Town Calico or attend nightly tree-lighting ceremonies at Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Shows include Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas ice skating performance and Home for the Holidays musical revue featuring dancing toys and classic songs. This year introduces a new tree decorated with more than 7,000 lights, Victorian-inspired ornaments, and custom candles; events run through January 4.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad launches its holiday programming on November 22 with live shows like “Once Upon a Brick-Mas” as well as character appearances from LEGO Snowman to Gingerbread Man. Families can take photos by life-size LEGO displays or enjoy fireworks on select nights; New Year’s Eve features an early ball-drop event suitable for children before closing on January 4.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita opens Holiday in the Park on November 28 with lighted walkways such as Peppermint Path and Jingle Bell Way featuring large ornaments illuminated by thousands of lights. Activities include meeting Santa Claus at North Pole Depot, craft-making sessions, nightly tree-lighting ceremonies with live performers, traditional holiday foods like tamales or bread bowls—and thrill rides that operate throughout select days until January 5.
Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights also start November 28 offering late-night hours for ice skating under bubble “snow,” visits with Santa Claus, live shows,and walks through tunnels of lights.The weekend of December 20–21 features a family feast where adults pay $29.99 while children eat free.With purchase of a Premium annual pass for next year,four bonus tickets are available valid during this year’s North Pole Nights.Event ends December 31.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo is hosting Winterfest beginning November 28.This new event offers themed lands such as Gingerbread Town,Toyland,and Candy Cane Lane.A nightly lighting ceremony takes place at their seventy-foot tree alongside festive entertainment,cookie decorating,and letter writing to Santa.Runs select dates through January 4.
Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates multiple traditions starting November 24.Guests can attend Grinchmas activities,themed music performances,and meet characters from Dr.Seuss stories.The Wizarding World of Harry Potter presents special choir performances,a Hogwarts Castle light show,and themed décor.SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is decorated for winter including Mario- or Luigi-dressed snowmen.Festivities extend onto Universal CityWalk;events conclude January 4.
