At night

The year 2025 promises to be an unforgettable one for Disneyland fans, with a plethora of exciting events, festivals, and celebrations that will transform the Happiest Place on Earth into an even more magical destination. From the grand 70th Anniversary Celebration to themed nights like Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite and Star Wars Nite, every day offers something new and thrilling. Whether you’re a foodie looking forward to the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, a fan of Disney’s iconic parades, or simply someone who loves the magic of Disney, this guide will walk you through all the must-see events of 2025!

Lunar New Year DCA

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure (January 17, – February 16, 2025)

The Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure has become a beloved tradition, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Asian communities. This year, from January 17 to February 16, 2025, the park transforms into a vibrant festival celebrating the Year of the Snake. The event includes appearances by Mulan and Mushu, along with Mickey and Minnie in new Korean-inspired outfits. Guests can enjoy the Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration water show and Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, which features a dragon dance and other festive performances.

History: The Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure began several years ago and has grown in popularity, reflecting Disney’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity.

Details: The celebration includes Asian-inspired food, beverages, and entertainment. Guests can explore Festival Marketplaces and select dining locations for a variety of traditional dishes from China, Korea, Vietnam, and other cultures.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Arrive Early: Get to the park early to secure a good spot for the procession.

  • Download the Disneyland App: Check the app for entertainment schedules and character meet-and-greet times.

  • Try the Food: Don’t miss the unique culinary offerings available only during this event.

Pricing: Admission to Disney California Adventure is required. Food and drink prices vary, with most items between $6 to $18.

Mickey and Minnie at night

Disneyland Sweethearts’ Nite (January – February 2025)

Disneyland Sweethearts’ Nite is a romantic evening event that takes place on select nights in January and early February. This year’s dates include January 21, 23, 28, and February 4, 6, 9, 11, 13. The event offers a unique blend of entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and themed activities perfect for couples and friends alike.

History: Sweethearts’ Nite has become an annual tradition, offering a special night for romance and fun at Disneyland.

Details: The event includes a Royal Ball at the Fantasyland Theatre, a Sweethearts’ Cavalcade, and live music performances. Guests can enjoy themed snacks and photo opportunities with Disney couples.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Purchase Tickets Early: Tickets often sell out quickly, so plan ahead.

  • Arrive at 6 PM: Take advantage of early entry to enjoy the park before the event officially starts.

  • Dress for the Occasion: Wear comfortable shoes for dancing and consider dressing up for the Royal Ball.

Pricing: Tickets start at $149, with prices varying by date. Parking is not included.

Players from Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim Ducks Day (January 24, 2025)

Anaheim Ducks Day is a special event at Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney District. On January 24, 2025, fans can enjoy appearances by Anaheim Ducks players, a celebratory cavalcade, and themed activities. The event also features a dedicated fan zone in Hollywood Land with music, hockey skills tests, and photo opportunities.

History: This event is a collaboration between the Anaheim Ducks and Disneyland Resort, celebrating the team’s connection to Disney.

Details: Guests can participate in meet-and-greets, watch the cavalcade, and enjoy specialty food and beverages. Limited-edition merchandise will be available.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Plan for Meet-and-Greets: Wristbands are required for meet-and-greets, so plan accordingly.

  • Explore Downtown Disney: Don’t miss the additional activities and entertainment in the Downtown Disney District.

Pricing: Regular park admission is required. Special ticket offers may be available for Southern California residents.

Disneyland

Celebrate Gospel or Celebrate Soulfully (February 8 & 15, 2025)

Celebrate Gospel is part of the Celebrate Soulfully event at Disneyland, honoring Black History Month. This year, the inspirational concerts take place on February 8 and 15 at the Fantasyland Theatre. The event features performances by renowned Gospel choirs and artists.

History: Celebrate Gospel has been a part of Disneyland’s cultural celebrations for several years, highlighting the richness of Black music and heritage.

Details: The concerts showcase a variety of Gospel music styles and include performances by notable artists.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Check the Schedule: Plan your day around the concert times to ensure you don’t miss the performances.

  • Explore Other Celebrate Soulfully Events: Enjoy the broader celebration of Black culture throughout the park.

Pricing: Included with park admission.

Band setup

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (February 28, – April 21, 2025)

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is a culinary celebration that runs from February 28 to April 21, 2025. This event offers a variety of food booths, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations throughout the park.

History: The festival has grown in popularity over the years, showcasing California’s diverse culinary scene.

Details: Guests can enjoy small plates, snacks, and drinks from various marketplaces. There are also free and paid culinary classes available.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Plan Your Menu: Use the Disneyland app to check menu items and plan your culinary adventure.

  • Book Classes Early: Paid classes fill up quickly, so reserve them in advance.

  • Consider a Park Hopper: If you want to visit other parks, consider adding a Park Hopper option to your ticket.

Pricing: Admission to Disney California Adventure is required. Food and drink prices vary, with most items between $6 to $18.

Disneyland Castle

Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite (March 4 & 6, 2025)

Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite is a themed event celebrating the decade of Disney’s Renaissance. Taking place on March 4 and 6, 2025, this event offers a nostalgic experience with music, characters, and entertainment from the 90s.

History: This is a new addition to the Disneyland After Dark lineup, capitalizing on the nostalgia for the 1990s.

Details: The event includes a 90s-themed cavalcade, dance parties, and special character meet-and-greets. Guests can enjoy themed food and merchandise.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Dress in 90s Attire: Encourage your group to dress up in 90s-inspired outfits.

  • Use PhotoPass: Take advantage of unlimited PhotoPass downloads for unique photo opportunities.

  • Plan for Character Meet-and-Greets: Some characters require a wristband, so check the event guide.

Pricing: Tickets started at $149. Parking is not included.

Disneyland

Season of the Force (March 28, – May 11, 2025)

The Season of the Force event returns to Disneyland Park from March 28 to May 11, 2025. This Star Wars-themed celebration includes new experiences, entertainment, and merchandise.

History: Season of the Force has been a recurring event, offering fans a chance to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe.

Details: Highlights include a new nighttime projection show, Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga, and themed food and beverages. Guests can also enjoy Star Wars-themed attractions and character encounters.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Check the Disneyland App: Plan your day around showtimes for the projection show.

  • Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Take advantage of special experiences and character appearances in this area.

Pricing: Included with park admission. Some experiences may require additional purchases.

Disneyland, Galaxy's Edge

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (April – May)

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is a themed event for Star Wars fans, taking place on select nights in April and May 2025. This year’s dates include April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29, and May 1, 4, 6.

History: This event has become a staple for Star Wars enthusiasts, offering exclusive experiences and merchandise.

Details: The event includes early park entry, after-hours access to Star Wars-themed attractions, a special fireworks show, and themed entertainment. Guests can participate in a lightsaber instructional session and enjoy themed food and merchandise.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Arrive Early: Take advantage of early entry to explore the park before the event starts.

  • Dress in Star Wars Attire: Encourage your group to wear Star Wars-inspired costumes.

  • Use PhotoPass: Enjoy unlimited PhotoPass downloads for special photo opportunities.

Pricing: Tickets start at $169, with prices varying by date. Parking is not included.

Main Logo

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration (May 16, 2025 – 2026)

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration begins on May 16, 2025, and continues through summer 2026. This milestone event includes new entertainment, themed food, collectible merchandise, and special decorations throughout the resort.

History: Disneyland has a tradition of grand celebrations for its anniversaries, and this event promises to be one of the most spectacular yet.

Details: Highlights include a new nighttime spectacular, World of Color Happiness!, at Disney California Adventure, and themed overlays for certain attractions. Guests can enjoy special food and beverages and purchase limited-edition merchandise.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Plan Ahead: Make theme park reservations early, as availability may be limited.

  • Explore Merchandise: Don’t miss the unique anniversary merchandise available throughout the celebration.

  • Check for Special Offers: Look for special ticket deals and packages that may be available during the celebration.

Pricing: Regular park admission is required. Special ticket offers may be available.

Decorations

Events and Entertainment

  • World of Color Happiness!: A new nighttime show at Disney California Adventure inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication. Characters from Inside Out and other Pixar films will be featured.

  • Paint the Night Parade: This beloved nighttime parade returns to Disneyland Park, featuring over a million LED lights and Disney and Pixar characters.

  • Wondrous Journeys: A nighttime spectacular celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios classics, returning for the 70th anniversary.

  • Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!: A new daytime parade at Disney California Adventure with nearly 30 Pixar characters.

  • Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!: A new character cavalcade at Disneyland Park.

  • Celebrate Happy Cavalcade: An energetic daytime cavalcade featuring Goofy, Max, Duffy, and ShellieMay in their 70th celebration outfits.

Main Street

Decorations

  • Sleeping Beauty Castle: Adorned with an elegant medallion and colorful decorations throughout the park.

  • Main Street, U.S.A.: Decorated with vibrant flowers, multi-colored banners, and bunting.

  • Carthay Circle Restaurant: Features a special evening display with music, lights, and projection effects.

  • 50-foot Sculpture: A contemporary sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands.

Merch

Merchandise

  • Light-Up Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket: A special edition bucket featuring Mickey in his 70th anniversary attire.

  • New Ears, Apparel, Toys, and Home Décor: Limited-edition merchandise available throughout the celebration.

  • MagicBand+: Special edition MagicBand+ designs will be available.

Merch

Food and Beverages

it's a small world coco

Attractions and Updates

  • It’s a Small World: Reopens with a new Coco scene and a projection show on its facade.

  • Toy Story Midway Mania!: Features new graphics celebrating the 70th anniversary.

  • Walt Disney — A Magical Life: A new exhibit at the Main Street Opera House showcasing Walt Disney’s journey.

Special Offers

  • Discounted Tickets: Special multi-day ticket offers available for visits from May 16 through August 14, starting at $100 per day for four-day tickets.

  • Hotel Discounts: Up to 30% off select hotel stays of four nights or longer from May 16 to September 26. Check out all the special offers for tickets and hotels!

Disneyland event

it's a small world projection

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite (June 16 & 18, 2025)

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite takes place on June 16 and 18, 2025, celebrating Pride Month with unique festivities and entertainment.

History: This event has become an annual tradition, honoring the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

Details: The event includes a Welcome Pride Cavalcade, special fireworks, and themed dance parties. Guests can enjoy themed snacks and photo opportunities with Disney characters.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Dress in Pride Colors: Encourage your group to wear rainbow-inspired outfits.

  • Plan for Character Meet-and-Greets: Check the event guide for character appearances.

  • Use PhotoPass: Take advantage of unlimited PhotoPass downloads for special photo opportunities.

Pricing: Tickets will be announced closer to the event date. Parking is not included.

Halloween Time (August 22, – October 31, 2025)

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort is a seasonal celebration that transforms the parks into a spooky yet festive atmosphere. This year, the event runs from August 22 to October 31, 2025.

History: Halloween Time has been a beloved tradition at Disneyland, offering themed decorations, ride overlays, and entertainment.

Details: Highlights include the Haunted Mansion Holiday ride overlay, Halloween Screams fireworks show, and the Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights. Guests can enjoy themed food, merchandise, and character meet-and-greets.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Plan for Oogie Boogie Bash: Tickets for this event often sell out quickly, so purchase them early.

  • Explore Themed Areas: Don’t miss the seasonal decorations and themed areas throughout the park.

  • Check for Special Offers: Look for special ticket deals and packages that may be available during Halloween Time.

Pricing: Regular park admission is required for most events. Oogie Boogie Bash requires a separate ticket.

California Adventure

Plaza de la Familia (Día de los Muertos Celebration) (August 22, – November 2, 2025)

Plaza de la Familia is a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos at Disney California Adventure, running from August 22 to November 2, 2025. This event honors the traditions and culture of Mexico and other Latin American countries, focusing on the themes of family and remembrance.

History: Plaza de la Familia has become an annual tradition at Disney California Adventure, offering a unique cultural experience that extends beyond the traditional one-day celebration of Día de los Muertos.

Details: Guests can enjoy themed decorations, entertainment, and food. The event includes interactive experiences and special merchandise. Located in the Paradise Gardens area, the celebration features live performances such as “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” which includes Folklórico dancers and Mariachi singers. Guests can also participate in family crafts and add remembrance notes to the Memory Wall, a tradition inspired by the ofrendas made for Día de los Muertos.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Explore the Decorations: Take time to appreciate the vibrant marigold flowers and papel picado decorations.

  • Try the Food: Enjoy Mexican-inspired dishes at Paradise Garden Grill, such as carnitas burritos and plant-based chorizo quesadillas.

  • Check for Special Activities: Look for interactive experiences and live performances throughout the day.

Pricing: Included with park admission.

Disneyland

Holiday Season (November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026)

The Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort is a festive celebration that includes themed decorations, parades, and entertainment. This year, the event runs from November 14, 2025, to January 7, 2026.

History: Disneyland’s holiday celebrations have been a tradition for decades, offering a magical experience for guests of all ages.

Details: Highlights include the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks show, themed food and merchandise, and special character meet-and-greets. Guests can enjoy festive decorations throughout the resort and experience seasonal overlays on beloved attractions like “It’s a Small World” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. The Disney California Adventure Festival of Holidays will also take place during this time.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Plan for Crowds: The holiday season is one of the busiest times at Disneyland, so plan accordingly.

  • Check for Special Offers: Look for special ticket deals and packages that may be available during the holiday season.

  • Explore Themed Areas: Don’t miss the seasonal decorations and themed areas throughout the park.

Pricing: Regular park admission is required. Some special events may require additional purchases.

Disneyland

Final Thoughts

Disneyland’s 2025 event calendar is packed with excitement, offering something for every kind of Disney fan. Whether you’re celebrating milestones like the 70th Anniversary, enjoying themed nights, or simply indulging in the culinary delights of the Food & Wine Festival, this year promises to be unforgettable! With careful planning and a bit of magic, your Disneyland adventure in 2025 will be a dream come true. So mark your calendars, grab your Mickey ears, and get ready to make some magical memories!