A Closer Look at Disneyland’s 2024 Festivals and Special Events Calendar

Get a head start on your 2024 vacation planning!
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland (Photo: Disney)
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland (Photo: Disney)
2024 Disney Festivals and Events Calendar

For the first time ever, Disneyland Resort is giving organized vacation planners a major head start to their 2024 vacation planning. The Anaheim resort just announced its entire 2024 lineup of festivals and special events, which includes the return of a fan-favorite summer festival and beloved holiday traditions.

Whether you visit Disneyland for the first or 50th time in 2024, there’s a special event to suit your interests and availability. No matter what season you travel, something exciting is going on!

Early 2024 Brings Food and The Force

2024 kicks off strong with the return of the Lunar New Year Celebration. Taking place from January 23 through February 18, this festival is a celebration of Asian cuisine and culture, and will include Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, featured Asian cuisine, festive décor and merchandise, and more. During the month of February, guests can also check out Celebrate Gospel. The event takes place on February 17 and 24 at Fantasyland Theatre, with concerts headlined by Marvin Sapp (Feb. 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Feb. 24).

Also in the month of February, Anaheim Ducks Days returns, specifically from February 22 to 23, 2024. The two-day event will take place at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure and will include a cavalcade, photo ops, and appearances by current and legacy players.

Starting March 1, guests can experience the flagship Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. The springtime festival runs through April 22 and features food booths, serving unique food and beverage items, along with specialty merchandise, live entertainment, and more.

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Star Wars fans will want to plan their 2024 Disneyland vacation around Star Wars Season of the Force, which takes place from April 5 through June 2. During this period, the previously announced updates to Star Tours the Adventures Continue will debut in Tomorrowland. New scenes and characters will be added to the attraction, including Ahsoka Tano. In addition, Hyperspace Mountain will return to Disneyland Park, and according to Disney, “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.”

Spring and Summer Belongs To Pixar 

Pixar Fest returns to Disneyland Resort in the spring and summer of 2024, after it first debuted in 2018. The festival will officially take place from April 26 through August 4, giving guests over three months of Pixar-themed entertainment, treats, and merchandise. A brand-new daytime parade called “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will debut at Disney California Adventure, featuring a float dedicated to Pixar’s Turning Red. Over at Disneyland Park, the nighttime fireworks show “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns in 2024 as well. 

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Fan-Favorite Halloween and Holiday Offerings Return

Halloween Time officially arrives at Disneyland Resort starting on August 23 – a little earlier than usual, though the August date is typically when Haunted Mansion Holiday begins its temporary overlay. Halloween Time in 2024 will run through October 31. The after-hours event, Oogie Boogie Bash, will also return in 2024, though exact event dates have yet to be announced. During the daytime hours, guests can enjoy Plaza de la Familia – A Celebration of Coco, also returning between August 23 and November 2.

Finally, the Holidays at Disneyland Resort will begin on November 15. An end date has not been announced, but the Holidays typically run through the first week of January. The Holidays include limited-time fireworks, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, a special holiday version of World of Color, and plenty of seasonal treats. Speaking of food, the Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure is a major part of the holiday season – the festival is expected to return in 2024 as part of the resort’s holiday offerings.

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There is already a lot to look forward to at Disneyland Resort in 2024, including the completion of Pixar Place Hotel on January 30, Disneyland After Dark events on select nights from January through June, Fantasmic! returning on May 24, the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and so much more. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on Family Vacationist for more of the latest news from Disney Parks.

Carly Neil
Carly Neil is a New England-based writer who specializes in theme parks, local attractions, food and drink, and travel. Her expertise for all things Disney has been featured in numerous industry-leading sites, and over the years she has become a trusted voice in helping first-timers and experts alike plan their Disney vacations. When Carly isn’t planning her own Disney getaway, she can be found catching the latest Broadway play. Visit her website at carlyterzigni.com for more information, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @itscarlyneil for theme park news, other daily musings, and pictures of her pets.