It’s that time again, when we all are tempted by holiday offerings at our favorite parks. Here’s what our local parks are offering up this year:
The Disneyland Resort
The holiday season this year at the Disneyland Resort will run from Nov. 11 through Jan. 8, with various chances to celebrate. Learn more at Disneyland.com.
Disneyland Park: A 60-foot-tall Christmas tree just begging for photo opps anchors one end of Main Street while Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at the other end is covered in twinkling lights and shimmering icicles. Returning attractions include “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks on select evenings. Santa will hold court in Critter Country, while It’s a Small World and the Haunted Mansion will feature their traditional holiday overlays.
Disney California Adventure: The Disney Festival of Holidays features various celebrations including Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, The popular “World of Color — Season of Light” water show returns. Look for Santa at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and other live events, including live music, a character celebration “Mickey’s Happy Holidays,” the Viva Navidad! street party and the Holiday Toy Drummers. The Festive Foods Marketplace also returns with nine different kiosks offering holiday treats. People can buy a Sip and Savor Pass to try them.
Knotts Berry Farm
Holiday fun is scheduled at Knotts this year from Nov. 18 through Jan. 8. Organizers promise “winter wonderland-inspired décor” with twinkling lights, garlands, snowflakes and more. Special shows include “Home for the Holidays” musical revue as well as the classic ice show starring Snoopy, the Peanuts Gang, and a cast of world-class ice skaters. Holiday food will be available, including crispy breaded turkey bites, while the streets of Calico holds a craft village and more. Also check out Santa’s Christmas Cabin, nightly tree lighting and a light show in Camp Snoopy. Knotts.com
Legoland
This year, the Holidays at Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad will run from Nov. 19 through Jan. 8 in Carlsbad. The fun includes nightly tree lightings of the park’s LEGO Christmas tree, which will be covered with lights and Lego ornaments.
And then there’s the special kids’ New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31, which will include live music and other entertainment, plus a New Year countdown at 6 p.m.–a move sure to please many parents. All holiday activities are included in the price of admission. (Note that Legoland no longer accepts cash, according to its website. And reservations are required in some cases) Learn more: 760-918-5436 or at legoland.com/california/
SeaWorld San Diego
Holiday times at Sea World will run from Nov. 14 through Jan. 8 this year. Look out for live entertainment, festive food and drinks and special holiday displays such as the 320-foot SkyTower Tree of Lights. seaworld.com/san-diego/events
Sesame Place San Diego
“A Very Furry Christmas” runs from Nov. 12 to Jan. 8, on select dates in Chula Vista. The park is decorated to feature a winter wonderland, including Sesame Street Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, and more. Look for holiday games, special merchandise, and photos with Sesame Street characters in holiday attire. sesameplace.com/san-diego/events/a-very-furry-christmas/
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Holiday in the Park will run on select dates from Nov. 24 through Jan. 1 including a new Merry Marketplace located near Katy’s Kettle. It promises millions of lights, festive foods and special shows, including a traveling toy soldier troupe, live music and dancers, choreographed lights and visits with Santa. Treats to buy include fudge, peppermint bark and white chocolate candy apples. Firepits offer the chance to roast marshmallows. sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/holiday-in-the-park
Universal Studios Hollywood
Put on your walking shoes, because the holiday season starts the day after Thanksgiving at Universal. It will run until Sunday, Jan. 1. The events will feature “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” All the holiday activities are included in admission price. Check out the village of Hogsmeade, which will be decorated for the holidays and have fun activities, including a capella performances from the Hogwarts Frog Choir. Hot Butterbeer will also be for sale. The village shops will offer holiday items including personalized ornaments and notebooks. Holiday dining available at Three Broomsticks. After dark, Hogwarts Castle will feature a light projection show with animation and music called “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”
At Universal Plaza, the “Grinchmas Who-bilation” includes the 65-foot-tall decorated tree, with a tree lighting ceremony nightly where the Grinch tells his own story along with the Whos from Whooville. The Grinch and his dog Max will hold photo opportunities daily and more. Special treats will be for sale. Universal Citywalk will also have a decorated tree and other décor. UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
A special winter holiday feature called “Holidays Made Here” is scheduled from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1 to be part of the Studio Tour. (The tour is closed Dec. 25). The holiday special features the Midwest Street Backlot, which is the set location for Stars Hollow from the “Gilmore Girls” TV series. Also find holiday-themed trivia, guided tours and behind-the-scenes stories from “Gremlins,” “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and many other holiday fan favorites. “Gilmore Girls” fans particularly will enjoy seeing “Stars Hollow, Connecticut” decorated for the holidays. Buy hot chocolate and Pop-Tarts, explore the Gilmore Girls sets and see real props and costumes from the show. Look for special photo opportunities and merchandise from various hit TV shows. Learn more at wbstudiotour.com.
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