December 2023: Snow at Disneyland & Downtown Disney
December 1, 2023
My family and I took advantage of our Disney passes, and decided to officially start our Christmas Season of 2023 at Disneyland! We decided to arrive late at night to avoid the crowds, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
Guests can catch the “Magical Snowfall” at Sleeping Beauty Castle and on Main Street, U.S.A. nightly at Disneyland Park. The show incorporates wintry projections and “snoap” (the “snow” actually made of soap used at Disney Parks that don’t get real snow).
Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort will have snowfall for the first time this holiday season, every evening from November 24 through December 31. At Downtown Disney, the snowfall will happen nightly, every half hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be between Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. In addition to snowfall, Downtown Disney District will have festive décor as usual.
The Downtown Disney District is currently undergoing a years-long reimagining. A new stage was recently revealed, although remains under construction, in what will be Parkside Market. Parkside Market will also include Seoul Sister, Sip & Sonder, GG’s Chicken Shop, and a second story bar. In May, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced an 18-month completion timeframe for the Downtown Disney District reimagining, which roughly sees it completed by the end of 2024.
Christmas Tree on Main Street, U.S.A.
Share in the holiday magic as the 65-foot tree in Town Square is illuminated with thousands of shimmering lights—November 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024. The tree is covered in ornaments of all shapes and sizes, with a bright white star at the top. There are also holiday string lights of red, yellow, green, and white strung throughout the branches. Getting a closer look at the ornaments, we can spot vintage-looking holiday cards; Santa head ornaments; white, gold, and silver baubles; faux candles, and more. A large pile of presents also sits underneath the tree. Instead of standing in a long line for a photo by the tree, I decided to try something completely different. This time I really enjoyed having my picture taken by my own professional photographer: Matthew...my wonderful son! I recommend trying many different angles around this beautiful tree, when taking your Christmas photos!
As is our tradition, our very first stop was Starbucks. It is located on Main Street inside the Market Place. The market house first opened its door to Disneyland guests on July 17, 1955 with the opening of Disneyland park. The restaurant features a number of unusual antiques including checker boards you could play, an authentic cast iron pot belly stove, and old-fashioned party line telephones you could pick up and listen in on comical pre-recorded conversations. I ordered a Blond Roast Pour Over. It was very well brewed, and simply delicious! Soon we were seated at a cozy table surrounded by dark stained wooden shelves adorned with books.
After finishing my Starbucks coffee, I decided to go sit at the Carnation Cafe on Main Street. The Carnation Café on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park serves American comfort classics in a casual setting with a spacious outdoor patio. The restaurant was originally constructed as an indoor parlor next the Sunkist Citrus House, which was replaced by the original Blue Ribbon Bakery in 1989 (located in what is now Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor) before being moved outside when Blue Ribbon Bakery moved into its original spot. After remodeling, Carnation Cafe now sits next to New Century Timepieces and is built into the side of Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor. Although reservations are taken inside the body of the building at a small counter, guest seating can be located inside or outside the restaurant.
