Snow Covers Disneyland Resort in Unprecedented October Change

Would you believe us if we told you that Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland already has a thick coat of snow adorned on top of it?

Even though we are only halfway through October, Disneyland is already getting ready for the Christmas season while Oogie Boogie Back continues to be celebrated at their neighboring park, Disney California Adventure. At Disneyland Park, there are some Halloween decorations available for guests, but past that, the after-hours events and party celebrations do not take place at Disneyland Park, making it easier for Disneyland Park to begin decorating for Christmas early so that the Halloween to Christmas swap can happen more smoothly.

What’s Going on at Disneyland this Christmas?

Christmas at Disneyland truly transforms the park into a magical wonderland filled with festive entertainment, dazzling decorations, and holiday fun. Keep in mind, theme park reservations are still required, so it’s important to plan ahead, purchase tickets, and secure your dates early.

The 2024 holiday season at Disneyland will feature beloved traditions like the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks, snowfall, and “World of Color — Season of Light.” All holiday shows, parades, and entertainment will be offered daily, making it a wonderful time to visit. One of the top seasonal attractions is “it’s a small world” Holiday, which consistently draws big crowds.

Related: Two Disney Parks to Close Early in December, Guests Lose Hours per Day

We also got a sneak peek at new character holiday outfits. Mickey, Minnie, and their friends are embracing the nostalgia of handwritten holiday cards, bringing back that classic charm in their new looks.

With so much happening at Disneyland Resort during the holiday season, it’s impossible to experience it all in just one or two days. To truly enjoy all the festivities and still ride the attractions, a four-day trip is recommended. We visited both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the opening day and barely scratched the surface of what’s available in terms of holiday characters, food, and entertainment. Prioritizing your must-dos and giving yourself enough time to explore is key.

Santa Claus will be making appearances at Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre, where guests can take part in cookie decorating, craft making, and storytelling, all accompanied by festive music. Santa will also be available for photos at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel through December 24. Be sure to catch him in the finale of “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” at Disneyland Park.

Mickey and Minnie’s new holiday outfits, inspired by sending letters to loved ones, will debut this season. Other characters will be sporting festive looks on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland and Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure.

Toontown is also decked out for the holidays, with special decorations and garlands adorning Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses. Plus, as an added holiday gift, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on November 15, just in time for the start of Holiday Time.

Disneyland’s holiday season officially runs from November 15, 2024, to January 6, 2025. The parks tend to be quieter in mid-November and early December, with the busiest times being Thanksgiving week, Veterans Day, and closer to Christmas. While the parks are more crowded on weekends, weekdays remain popular, especially with the lower-priced Tier 0 days.

Expect larger crowds during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, with New Year’s Eve being one of the busiest days of the year. However, don’t let crowd concerns deter you—just be sure to adjust expectations and prepare for longer wait times during peak periods.

Snow on the Castle at Disneyland

Yesterday, frequent Disneyland guest Matt Desmond shared a photo of the turrets on Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle being covered in snow!

There is SNOW on Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland pic.twitter.com/ZNHUEn39vB

— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) October 14, 2024

Many guests and fans have been commenting on the post noting that they feel it is a little too early for snow.

One reply stated, “Wow, not even halfway through October!” another wrote, “If they’re able to do it overnight, I really don’t understand why they won’t wait until at least November.” another said, “It’s too early. Disney, stop the madness!”

These are just a few of many who commented that the snow has come too soon. However, there are others who stated they loved to see the decor begin!

Typically, at Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom waits until November due to the fact that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at the park, so decorations must stay in place for the time being. That being said, we will likely start to soon see decor pop up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as those tinsel stars tend to line Sunset Boulevard quite early in the year.

What do you think of Disneyland already decorating for Christmas?