Disneyland Resort’s holiday season officially kicked off last Friday and runs through January 3, 2010, though some of the attraction overlays and decorations may linger a bit beyond that. Not only are the two parks sporting festive attire and decor for the season, the resort has put together a list of seasonal events that guests can look forward to as well.

• “it’s a small world” Holiday – Both inside an out, the ride is adorned with Christmas decorations. This holiday overlay will be the most lingering of the seasonal changes as the ride won’t close until January 18 to remove the overlay.

• Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks – A special holiday-themed fireworks spectacular that will show through January 3, with one performance each night. Show times will vary depending on the date, but  on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will take place at 9:45 pm.

• A Christmas Fantasy Parade – This is Disneyland’s traditional holiday parade that follows the standard parade route, performing twice a day most dates (and always on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) but some days will have only one show.

• Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle – Once it gets dark in the park the decorations on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle take center stage, with a brief lighting effects show that happens several times throughout the evening.

• Disney’s Electrical Parade – While there is nothing special done to the parade itself to reflect the holidays, the holiday season does mean its return to Disney California Adventure —but for only about two weeks, starting on December 18.

• Santa Claus – In Disneyland, Big Thunder Ranch has been turned into Santa’s Reindeer Round-up. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on site with several of their reindeer, and even some Disney characters dressed for the holidays. It may cause some confusion with the children, but Santa is also available for some lap time over in DCA, in his “Seaside Pavillion” at Paradise Pier.

• Gingerbread Cookie Decorating – Get creative with some cookie decorating outside of the AP Processing Center at Plaza Pavilion.

• Special Drinks and Treats – Several locations throughout the parks are offering up special seasonal offerings such as peppermint stick ice cream at Gibson Girl or egg nog lattés where specialty coffee drinks are available.

• Candlelight Processional – The traditional telling of the Christmas story will be presented on Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, and narrated by actor Jon Voight. Unless you book a special package or invitation, viewing is on a first-come, as-available basis.

Be sure to check the resort’s entertainment schedule for specific times and dates of each event.

Disney Parks will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade this December 25 which will air on ABC-TV. Hollywood’s biggest names and Disney’s most beloved characters will bring the holiday magic home in song and style as they light up the holiday from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

Alongside show-stopping performances and incredible float displays, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa from Walt Disney World and Ryan Seacrest from Disneyland will mark the special anniversary of the Emmy-awarding winning television spectacular. Together, they will introduce a star-studded ensemble shining as bright as the fireworks above the parks’ gleaming castles.

Here are some of the festivities that are planned:

• Miley Cyrus will perform a rockin’ version of ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ at the Magic Kingdom.

• The Jonas Brothers will perform their Christmas tune ‘Joyful Kings’ at Disneyland Park.

• Grammy award-winning legend Jose Feliciano will perform his classic ‘Feliz Navidad.’

• “American Idol’s 2008 winner David Cook will ring in the holiday spirit with an exclusive acoustic arrangement of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’

• Multi-platinum recording artist, Billy Ray Cyrus will bring down the house with his rock ‘n’ roll Christmas single – ‘Run Rudolph Run.’

• Broadway superstar Sarah Brightman will perform ‘Silent Night.’

• Star of Disney’s blockbuster ‘High School Musical’ films, Corbin Bleu, will sing a Disney Parks original song ‘Celebrate You.’

• Playhouse Disney’s entertaining music group for preschoolers, Imagination Movers, will spread festive cheer singing an original holiday song ‘Give a Gift.’

That’s a lot of entertainment not to mention an array of your favorite Disney characters and stunning Disney floats.

In honor of the silver anniversary of the parade, the television program will look back on 25 years of Disney Park history as well as feature some of their newest attractions.

The two-hour special of the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade will air in HD December 25 on ABC-TV throughout the country – 10 a.m. Eastern and 9 a.m. Central, Mountain and Pacific times.

Related: Book your dream Disney vacation at Expedia.com!

Note: The following is a guest post so graciously contributed by Angela Lytle of Christmas-Decorations-Online.com.

If the magic of your holiday season needs a boost, there is nothing more magical, more inviting, or more awe-inspiring than Disneyland at Christmas time. From the third week in November through the first week in January, the park will transform into a magical wonderland that will have your family talking for years. Take the whole family, plan in advance, or show up early—this is quite an adventure!

The Enchantment You Can Expect!

Expect to have more fun than you ever dreamed possible, from the time you reach the entrance, to the time you say goodnight to your child. Let’s start the journey. When you reach the entrance, feast your eyes on the giant California Adventure sign that has now been covered with candy canes in celebration of the season. And once inside, you won’t want to miss a thing, because everything else is pure enchantment.

Thousands of lights sparkle and glitter everywhere. When you reach The Small World, with more than 300,000 lights, and special Christmas music and decorations, plan to spend some time and join in with a Christmas carol. This attraction is being refurbished just in time for Christmas, and is truly a favorite for families with small children. Visit Santa in various places, most often in Frontierland. Check the map and schedule to make sure you don’t miss Santa or any other activities or shows during your stay.

While you’re walking, breathe in the sounds, smells, and excitement in what will most likely be a Southern California warm day or evening. But remember, in the winter there is a chance of rain at times, so be prepared. The Haunted Mansion will draw you in with its special holiday activity. Jack Skellington from the “Nightmare Before Christmas” will welcome you to view the scenes of the haunted holiday feast, and spooks in the spirit of Christmas. This may not be the best for smaller children, but if you do visit, try to brave it after dark when it’s most exciting.

Younger children will enjoy a visit with Santa and his reindeer. Like the holiday traditions children have known to love, the Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland won’t let them down. Children can pet the reindeer, or tell Santa and Mrs. Claus what they want for Christmas. They can also try their hand at art projects and play some reindeer games. Take the whole family on a good old holiday get together and enjoy the festivities.

Another highlight of this holiday magical park is the nightly fireworks. Stay until it’s over, though, so you can watch the snow fly. Once again, check the schedule and don’t be late. Watch as Disneyland transforms into a Christmas parade with Disney characters, floats, magical lights, and Santa riding through on his sleigh.

Make it a Hassle Free Vacation

Planning ahead always makes a trip run a little smoother. If you are going to Disneyland for the holidays without reservations, be sure to arrive early to avoid having to tell the children, or your spouse, that you can’t get in because you arrived too late. That could put a slight damper on things. By noon they may have reached capacity, which is said to be somewhere around 80,000 people. There are always holiday tour deals, you can check a Disneyland information website. Check out specials at the Disneyland Hotel, or other nearby hotels.

If you can arrive during the first week of December, you’ll be able to enjoy the wonder of the Candlelight Celebration at Disneyland. For those who long for a good old fashioned holiday join your friends or your family and come see what the Candlelight Celebration is all about. Marvel at the lights, the choirs, the orchestra and the parade down Main Street, while bell ringers add to the excitement and the traditions of Christmas.

Visit Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, a breathtaking world of lights and icicles, all covered with a blanket of glittery snow. Stay and enjoy a nightly show that includes holiday music, fireworks, and performances, all under a starlit Southern California night. While you’re there, shoot some family photos for the album, the backdrop here is perfect. Share your memories.

Plan Ahead For Your Next Disneyland Christmas Holiday

As one can only imagine, Disneyland gets its busiest during Thanksgiving weekend and from Christmas Eve to New Years. Every day can be busy, however, so prepare for a crowd—after all, this is the nation’s number one theme park, it’s expected to be busy. But don’t let that stop you. Just plan ahead. You can always get tickets online if you don’t want to stand in line. If you’re anxious to get on Space Mountain or one of the other fun rides, get tickets in advance and save yourself some time. If planning on spending a few days, make reservations for a hotel. You can also find special holiday tour deals that can offer you discounts on popular attractions. You can even make reservations for some of the restaurants, such as the Blue Bayou, or California Adventures Golden Vine—up to a month and at least two weeks prior to arrival. And remember, in the winter months Disneyland has shorter park hours. You can get all of the dates, times and information you need by visiting a Disneyland information website.

Once you’re there, relax and enjoy the sites. Spend some quality time with your children and notice the joyful look on their faces, the sparkle in their eyes, and the happiness that surrounds them. Whether you’re going alone, with a spouse, or with children, Disneyland Christmas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss. If it’s a traditional Christmas, with all the glitter, sounds, smells, and tastes that you’re after, you’ve found it here at Disneyland.

Whoever Said Christmas and Disneyland were for Kids?

All you have to do is look at an adults face to know this is not the case. For years young and old alike have been visiting Disneyland and enjoying every minute of it. Visit during the holidays and see how young it makes you feel. I guarantee it will bring out the child in you. Have a safe and happy holiday.

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About the Author: Angela Lytle is a self-employed mother of four and publisher of Christmas Decorations Online, a website featuring holiday decorations from Artificial Christmas Trees to beautify your home to Outdoor Christmas Lights that will brighten up your holiday display!

Related: Book your dream Disney vacation at Expedia.com!