Photo Credit: Disneyland
Missed the holiday magic at Disneyland? Here’s your next best chance to go
By Yvette Armendariz
Disneyland during the holidays is pure magic. This year, that feeling is even bigger, with Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (through Jan. 7, 2026) layered into the glow of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration.
But if the holidays slipped by – or the prices gave you pause – here’s the good news: Your next best Disneyland trip might actually be easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable.
Go during the Lunar New Year celebration at Disneyland Resort.
Why families love Disneyland during the holidays
Holiday time at Disneyland delivers everything families dream about: seasonal overlays like it’s a small world Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, festive entertainment including A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe… In Holiday Magic fireworks, and the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure.
It’s beautiful, and also one of the most crowded and expensive times of the year.
I missed the Christmas window one year, and that’s when I discovered something better for my family – lighter crowds, better weather, and more reasonable ticket prices.
Lunar New Year: Disneyland’s sweet spot
If you want festive energy without peak holiday pricing, Lunar New Year is your moment.
In 2026, Lunar New Year runs Jan. 23–Feb. 22 at Disney California Adventure Park, celebrating traditions from Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. Families can expect special character appearances, Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, a seasonal “Hurry Home” pre-show before World of Color – Happiness!, festive food marketplaces, interactive touches like a Wishing Wall, and a Lunar New Year Sip and Savor Pass for sharing bites. More info: Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 at Disneyland Resort | Disneyland Resort
The vibe is celebratory but relaxed. It’s perfect when you’re traveling with kids and don’t want to rush from attraction to attraction.
The weather alone is worth it
Arizona parents will appreciate this: Late January and early February in Anaheim usually mean mild daytime temperatures in the mid-60s and cooler evenings.
No summer heat. No fans. Everyone lasts longer, kids included.
Better ticket prices = less guilt
Starting Jan. 6, Disneyland ticket prices drop significantly compared to holiday weeks. Midweek single-day tickets can be as low as $98 for kids ages 9 and under and $104 for adults, with cheaper Park Hopper add-ons.
For many families, this is when Disneyland starts to feel doable again.
Check for Costco ticket deals
While Costco Travel no longer books Disneyland vacation packages, select Costco warehouses still sell discounted Disneyland multi-day tickets.
I recently found a two-day Park Hopper + Lightning Lane Multi Pass ticket for $389.99 at my Chandler Costco. It’s not as generous as last summer’s viral deal, but it can still make sense. Just call your local warehouse first, since availability varies.
Note: I’m not a big Park Hopper or Lightning Lane fan due to added costs. We’ve done the rides, and I like using line time to slow down and connect with my kids. During Lunar New Year, waits are usually manageable.
That said, Lightning Lane can be worth it if you’re short on time, visiting during a busier stretch, or want PhotoPass perks.
But if budget is priority, you can go with two single day tickets during midweek for $104 per day/park ($208 total for two separate days). But if you are going on a weekend, then the Costco deal is great.
Easier hotel options after the holidays
Post-holiday travel also brings more flexibility. There’s better availability at Good Neighbor Hotels, more midweek discounts, and easier use of hotel points (Marriott, Hilton, IHG). Staying close to the parks is often much easier after the holidays.
Before you go
A few reminders that help:
- Download the Disneyland app before you arrive
- Bring snacks, refillable water bottles, bandages, ibuprofen, a phone charger – anything that will wreck your day if you don’t have it
- Dress for comfort – shoes especially – and layers
- Use the app to order food, check entertainment times and ride waits, and more
- Give yourself permission to skip things
You don’t need to do everything to have a great trip.
P.S. If Christmas break is your only option…
Yes, tickets are available – and yes, they’re expensive. Two-day tickets for a family of four with two kids under 9 cost $1,300 when I checked.
Limited Good Neighbor Hotel packages for Dec. 26–30 start around $2,000, including tickets, but they were not very walkable. The Disneyland Hotel and Grand California had those dates, too, but at a hefty cost.
Note: Check regularly if this is what you want. You may luck out at one of your favorite walkable hotel, as hotel cancellations do happen.
Discounted Disney gift cards (Sam’s Club or Target with a RedCard) can still help reduce costs.
Find all the tips for your trip here: Holiday & Christmas Celebrations at the Disneyland Resort | Disneyland Resort