Spending Christmas at Disneyland Paris is a magical experience that can be both enchanting and memorable, particularly if you’re planning to enjoy the festive season spanning both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Here’s a comprehensive guide with tips and ideas to make your trip during Christmas time easier, more enjoyable, and filled with holiday cheer.
Disneyland Paris and the Parks at Christmas Time
Decorations and Atmosphere
Both parks undergo a transformation into winter wonderlands, adorned with festive decorations. Disneyland Park features a giant Christmas tree in Town Square, festive garlands, and thousands of lights that illuminate Main Street, U.S.A. The fairy tale ambiance is complemented by the nightly “Disney Dreams of Christmas” show, which includes fireworks, light projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, and festive music.
Walt Disney Studios Park, while less decorated, still carries a festive vibe with its own Christmas market near the Ratatouille attraction, offering holiday treats and merchandise. Though the park doesn’t feature grand decorations like Disneyland Park, it retains a celebratory feel with themed areas reflecting a cinematic Christmas, including some decor in Toy Story Playland and around the Avengers Campus.
Special Events and Parades
The highlight for many are the Christmas parades. “Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade” travels through Disneyland Park multiple times a day, featuring Disney characters in holiday attire on beautifully decorated floats. Special shows like “Let’s Sing Christmas!” at the Videopolis Theatre offer heartwarming Christmas carols sung by Mickey, Minnie, and friends.
Walt Disney Studios Park doesn’t host specific Christmas shows but offers exciting attractions that continue to operate during the holiday season, ensuring that entertainment is plentiful.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
The Christmas season typically starts in early November and runs until early January. Visiting early in the season can help you avoid the largest crowds, which peak during the week of Christmas through New Year’s. Mid-week visits are generally less crowded compared to weekends.
However, it’s important to note that while Christmas Day itself at Disneyland Paris is indeed special, the specific activities on the day are consistent with what is offered throughout the Christmas season. This includes the beautifully decorated parks, Christmas-themed parades, and special seasonal shows. There isn’t an additional set of events specifically for Christmas Day, but the regular offerings are more than enough to make your visit magical.
Accommodations
Staying at an on-site hotel can enhance your experience by offering extra magic hours—early morning access to the parks before they open to the general public. Popular options include the enchanting Disneyland Hotel for a luxurious stay or the themed Hotel Cheyenne for a more budget-friendly option.
Tickets and Passes
Consider purchasing multi-day tickets to fully explore both parks. A Park Hopper ticket is particularly beneficial during the Christmas season, allowing you to move between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park at your leisure.
Dining and Festive Treats
Special Holiday Meals
Unfortunately, Disneyland Paris does not offer a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey and all the trimmings. But it does offer a range of dining experiences with festive menus. High-end options like Auberge de Cendrillon in Disneyland Park provide a fairytale dining experience with characters in attendance, while Bistrot Chez Rémy in Walt Disney Studios offers a French dining experience in a Pixar-themed environment.
Must-Try Holiday Treats
- Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine: Available at various kiosks, perfect for keeping warm.
- Gourmet Hot Chestnuts: A traditional French holiday treat, available at street vendors in both parks.
- Christmas-themed Pastries and Confections: Bakeries throughout the parks will offer seasonal treats such as gingerbread cookies and Yule log cakes.
- Character Dining: For a special Christmas meal, consider booking a character dining experience. Restaurants like Auberge de Cendrillon offer meals where you can dine with Disney Princesses, though reservations are essential due to the high demand during the holiday season.
- Dining in Disney Village: If you’re looking for something closer to a traditional meal, consider dining at one of the restaurants in Disney Village. King Ludwig’s Castle, for example, offers hearty meals that can feel somewhat festive with dishes like meat with cranberry sauce.
Tips for a Magical Christmas Experience
- Dress Warmly: December in Paris can be quite cold. Layered clothing, hats, scarves, and gloves are essential.
- Arrive Early for Parades and Shows: To get good viewing spots for parades and shows, especially the popular nighttime fireworks.
- Use the Disneyland Paris App: It’s invaluable for checking wait times, show schedules, and making dining reservations on the go.
- Consider Meal Reservations: Book dining in advance, particularly for popular restaurants with holiday menus.
- Shop for Unique Gifts: The Christmas season features unique merchandise that can serve as wonderful souvenirs or gifts.
Visiting Disneyland Paris during Christmas is an unforgettable experience that combines the magic of Disney with the joy of the holiday season. With thoughtful planning and these tips, your holiday visit can be filled with magical moments and festive fun, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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