Its probably safe to say that Christmas is the most magical holiday. Its probably also safe to say that Disneyland is the Happiest and one of the most magical places on earth. So what happens when you combine those?
Disneyland during Christmas is a truly wonderful time. The Castle is covered with snow and lights to make it more festive, and at night it looks like it is a bright, white, snow covered castle with icicles. It shines and sparkles and shimmers. The many wreaths and other decor twinkle and shine during the day, and when the lights come on at night. The biggest part of the decor besides the castle is the huge tree at head of Main Street. The huge tree serves the same purpose of the huge pumpkin that is there during Halloween. The air is filled with the sounds of classic Christmas music and hymns. And the decor doesn't stop there. Everyone at the park gets into the spirit, and so do the neighbors. California Adventure goes for it too with a huge Christmas Tree of their own in Carthay Circle. Buena Vista Street is decked out right down to the window displays and trolleys, including their own more 40's themed Christmas music. And the parks both keep up the spirit of great detail throughout the whole of Downtown Disney, Disneyland and California Adventure. Wreaths and strands of tinsel, lights, ornaments, and many other beautiful decor is seen throughout both parks.
There is even a few whole attractions that get into the spirit such as the Jungle Cruise which is transformed into the Jingle Cruise. Lights and decor that fit the themeing are strewn all over the ride entrance. "The missing cargo" that is mentioned so much in the que is seen throughout the ride as boxes of Christmas decor and supplies that were dropped in the wrong place. The Haunted Mansion Holiday falls back on its more Christmasy side as the park is changed from Halloween to Christmas. The leading flagship of the Christmas attractions however is the much argued and disputed, and quite large, transformation of Small World to It's a Small World Holiday. The outside is covered with lights and the plants and bushes even get their own light treatment. The inside is totally decked out to match the season just as well as the outside. It is the most loved and most argued about thing that changes for the holidays. Now we could go into why it's argued about, but its Christmas, so we'll give it a rest for now. I do add however that is a stunning and beautiful sight to see when the lights come on.
There is lots of other special events and parades to talk of, but I am going to skip those for now, and get down to it. The magic and overall feel of a park Walt Disney himself created is truly remarkable. It draws people of all kinds and places to its gates to offer them happiness and memories. The nostalgia of the park is one of the reasons why its so great. There is a lot of ways that a popular holiday could mess that up. But they have done another superb job. The park is beautifully decorated with the right about of decor to make it magical and pleasant. The music for example, makes you want to stroll slowly down Main Street rather than trot or walk down it. They have captured the homely and familiarity of Christmas and put that into a larger scale and given it to the park. And even though the depth of the decor and magic of Main Street isn't captured through the whole park, the park has that Christmas feel to it. Everyone is jolly and decorated at the park, and everyone who comes is just as jolly and excited. Just as they were when they were small children running down the stairs to their presents on Christmas day. But the excitement is soon overpowered with the pure joy and magic Christmas and Disneyland brings. And Disneyland doesn't do all the work, its up to the cast members and even the guests to fell and add to this joy and wonder. That's what's to great about it, the magic you feel can be personal and different from everyone else's and yet the same. The nostalgia of Disneyland and the familiarity and memories of Christmas is an unbeatable match. This is Disneyland at Christmas time, this is the true Disneyland. This is the holidays at Disneyland, once again.