8 Holiday Attractions for Kids at The Disneyland Resort

Thanks to the Disneyland Resort for providing lodging and entrance to the Resort in order to make this post possible. As always, my comments, opinions, and love for Disneyland are my own.

The holiday season at the Disneyland Resort is here! Special attractions, activities, seasonal foods and decor will surprise and delight through January 6, 2015.

Christmas trees and holiday decorations fill the two parks and a celebratory mood fills the air. It’s truly a magical time. There are many things to see and do. For parents, here are 8 suggestions on great special attractions to share with your kids during the holiday season.

1. Jingle Cruise

Yes, jingle with an “i.” The popular Jungle Cruise is funnier and merrier than ever as the Jingle Cruise. Jump on the boat and let your skipper guide you with a special holiday twist on their famous, humorous patter, as they lead you to the deepest recesses of the jungle in search of lost holiday packages and decorations. My 6 year old smiled the whole time and said at the end, “Mama, that was pretty funny!”

This is an attraction for the whole family, especially great for when you need to rest a little. Don’t miss the amusing holiday details scattered around the shack while you wait for your boat.

2. it’s a small world

Sing the iconic song, along with “jingle bells” and “deck the halls,” while watching in awe of the fantastic holiday decorations in this beloved attraction. Walt Disney designed it to emphasize unity and love, and you can really feel it during this season. In spite of different languages, customs and cultures, the children of the world continue to sing in unison. We do live in a small world after all! This is truly a joyful ride and a big hit with the kids.

3. Jingle Jangle Jamboree

Head on over to decorate cookies, play a game, create a craft and enjoy the new show with tales of a wacky, Western Christmas. But that’s not all, stop by to talk to and take a picture with Santa Claus!

4. Disney Viva Navidad!

Don’t miss this Latin-flavored holiday celebration at California Adventure’s Paradise Pier. Folkloric dancing from Mexico and Brazil, drums, the Three Caballeros, Mickey, Minnie, and Mojigangas (Gigantic Doll-like figures) create a festive party.

5. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade on Main Street, U.S.A.

The parade is always a show stopper. I love watching children’s faces as they wave hello to their favorite Disney characters. Christmas trees, floats with holiday decorations, skaters, a marching band made up of toy red soldiers, reindeer dancing, Santa Claus, and a brand new float featuring Anna and Elsa from Frozen.

6. Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle

More beautiful than ever, covered with thousands of Christmas ornaments, LED lights and icicles, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is gorgeous during the day and spectacular at night, especially during the fireworks. This is the perfect spot for taking a family photo, there is always a Cast Member ready to help you.

7. Cars Land

Just across the mall from Disneyland, Disney California Adventure has its own gigantic tree in the middle of Buena Vista Street. One of my kids’ favorite places is Cars Land. The holiday decorations are like none you’ve seen with their special Cars style. Take your family picture next to the snow car and enjoy a meal at Flo’s V8 Cafe.

8. Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink

Everyone’s favorite snowman from Frozen has his own attraction, Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink can be found in Downtown Disney for the second year. Both young and old can practice their skating skills, buy gifts or hang out in the little village, check out the video! (If you are reading this post by email and can’t see the video below, just click on the link to this post at the top of your email to go to the blog in order to see it, thanks!)

Rumor has it the ice rink will be open until February 22, 2015. Check out the website for more details.

Enjoy!

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Silvia Martinez

Silvia started bilingual website Mama Latina Tips in 2009 to connect and share her stories, recipes and culture with readers. Silvia loves dancing, cooking, watching movies, reading, throwing Mexican parties and spending time with family and friends. Silvia is the winner of The Great American Recipe.

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