So you want to see Santa at Disneyland! Well, read on because I’ve got the scoop on where he’ll be and when you can see him, not only at the Parks, but at the hotels of Disneyland and Downtown Disney.
Disneyland Park
If you are visiting Disneyland, you’ll be able to see the big guy in 2 places. First, Santa is the guest of honor in A Christmas Fantasy Parade. The parade happens every day at 3:30pm and 6pm. Our favorite spot to watch this parade is by It’s A Small World. Not only will you have a great seat for the parade, but you’ll be able to watch the Holiday Lighting of It’s a Small World that happens at 5:15pm every night. Also, every 15 minutes after dark, Small World will light up with cutest holiday projections show. And you can see all this while you wait for Santa to make his appearance.
Santa has also taken up residence in Critter Country. Located across from Splash Mountain at Pooh’s Thotful Spot, you can find Ol’ St. Nick every day, usually starting in the morning. Just make sure to check the Disneyland app for appearance times cuz they can vary.
Disney California Adventure Park
At DCA, Santa can be found at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. The whole area has been transformed into a winter playground! Santa can be found at Ahwahnee Camp Circle near the trail’s entrance every day from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Make sure you pick up an activities map at the entrance. There’s a fun scavenger hunt for toys and ornaments throughout the Trail. And guess what? Snow has come to DCA! There will be an occasional flurry every 30 minutes after dark in the Grizzly Peak area.
Downtown Disney
Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney has the cutest “Breakfast with Santa” brunch package. It takes place every Saturday & Sunday from December 1st through December 23rd. Not only will you enjoy a delicious brunch complete with mimosas and a hot chocolate cart, but you’ll get to see Santa and take pictures. The cost is $80 for adults and $35 for kids age 3 to 10. There’s a whole lot more included in this special event, so click here to read all about it and make your reservation.
Disneyland Hotel
Santa will arrive at the Disneyland Hotel starting on November 22nd! You can find him in the Main Lobby starting at 2pm until 7pm daily. He does take a short, 10 minute hot cocoa break every 30 minutes, so if you don’t see him, be patient. He’ll be back!
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Our favorite place to meet Kris Kringle! Not only is the Grand Californian incredibly beautiful, but there is so much to see during the Holidays! Santa will be in the Great Hall starting November 22nd. His schedule is as follows:
4:30pm to 5:15pm
6:00pm to 6:30pm
7:00pm to 7:45pm
The great thing about the Grand Californian is that the whole place is full of Holiday magic! Stop by the amazing Gingerbread House, take a look at the exclusive holiday treats available only at the Grand Californian and listen to the sounds of the handbell carolers while you wait for Santa. It’s truly a Christmas Wonderland.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
On November 22nd, Santa surfs into this cute hotel. Santa is setup in the Crystal Cove Foyer. This is definitely the most casual and eclectic of all the Santa meet and greets. As of the writing of this post, the hotel concierge didn’t have exact times for Santa’s appearances, but they said it is usually in he mornings. I’ll be sure to follow up and update this post when I find out!
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about Santa and Disneyland. Remember, you DO NOT have to be a hotel guest to see Santa at any of the above hotels! I am so excited to take Little A this year. This is the 1st time that she truly understands the whole Santa thing. She started a list weeks ago for things she would like to ask him for haha. Can’t wait to see her little face light up when she sees him!
Have a magical day!
