Visit Anaheim Embraces the Winter Season with a Festive Lineup of Events & Conventions
ANAHEIM, CA (October 27, 2023) – Visit Anaheim, the official destination organization for Anaheim, is braced for another spectacular winter season with several fun happenings throughout the resort for residents and tourists to enjoy. With a festive event line-up celebrating seasonal limited-time offerings, the return of super-fan conventions, and new culinary experiences, Anaheim is the hub to ring in some holiday cheer.
Hotels
The Grand Californian Hotel returns with its beloved tradition of a "Grand" Gingerbread House that stands 7 feet tall and spans 12 feet wide; this masterpiece is crafted from over 600 pounds of gingerbread and features over 20 hidden Mickeys. Beyond the gingerbread wonder, guests can look forward to Christmas entertainment, including live piano performances, the Disneyland Resort Christmas Carolers, and bell ringers.
Attractions
The holidays at the Disneyland Resort return on November 10, 2023 and continue through January 7, 2024. Visitors and locals can look forward to limited-time experiences such as Disney Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad! returning to Disney California Adventure, featuring diverse dishes, musical performances and more. Both parks will be dressed up in vibrant décor, featuring seasonal menu items and special entertainment across the resort, including the Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Beloved seasonal spectaculars, such as “Believe...In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and “World of Color – Season of Light,” will dazzle once again. Family-friendly attractions “it’s a small world” Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl will also take on holiday transformations.
The holiday spirit shines bright at Knott's Merry Farm this year, taking place November 17, 2023 through January 7, 2024. Guests can experience Christmas musicals such as Home for the Holidays, limited-time dining options, and winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival. The holiday season at Knott's Merry Farm also means a return of the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang, and a cast of world-class ice skaters.
Events
Center Street Promenade will embrace the spirit of the season with the Anaheim Tree Lighting & Nutcracker Holiday Village on December 3 starting at 12pm. Indulge in local craft and food offerings, and delight in the dog costume contest that promises smiles all around. Families can look forward to a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, who will mark the beginning of the season with the annual tree lighting ceremony. On December 21, visitors can purchase last minute gifts at the Winter Wonderland Market from 11am - 3pm also located at Center Street Promenade in Downtown Anaheim.
Celebrate the holiday season with model trains, miniature winter scenery, and hands-on activities for all ages at Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center’s “Muzeo Express: Holiday Train Exhibit.” The historical treasures offer a glimpse into the storied history of trains in Southern California, making it a must-visit attraction for families, children, and train enthusiasts alike. On select nights, families can enjoy a special movie screening of “The Polar Express.”
Conventions
BlizzCon will return to the Anaheim Convention Center for the first time since 2019 on November 3 - 4, 2023 uniting all gaming enthusiasts alike. Blizzard Entertainment’s two-day global gaming convention promises a one-of-a-kind immersive experience, bringing attendees into the universes of Warcraft®, Diablo®, and Overwatch® with life-size installations, art, and spaces where attendees can connect and learn what’s next in the gaming industry.
“After a four-year hiatus, the return of BlizzCon to their home at the Anaheim Convention Center signifies a major, and welcomed, momentum shift for our consumer conventions” said Christina Dawson, Senior Vice President of Operations, Visit Anaheim. “Anaheim is home to some of the country’s largest consumer shows, and now that they all have returned; this demonstrates the success of the destination’s recovery strategies.”
The annual art and design convention, DesignerCon will be heading to the Anaheim Convention Center on December 15 - 17. This convention celebrates all aspects from the world of design including collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel, and more. Attendees have the chance to purchase souvenirs and get some holiday shopping done all in one place.
Restaurants & Breweries
The Anaheim Packing District will feature festive themed treats and decorations throughout the district all season long. Visitors can Shop Small Saturday with a pop-up market on November 25, from 12pm - 5pm at Anaheim Packing District’s Farmers Park. The pop-up event will feature over 50 women of color-owned independent businesses, photo opportunities and giveaways making it a perfect opportunity to get ahead on holiday shopping while supporting local makers.
714 Market will again host a 2-day holiday themed “Eat, Drink & Be Merry Market” on December 9 & 10 from 2pm - 8pm at Anaheim Packing District’s Farmers Park. This merry market features holiday gift shopping from over 35 indie craft vendors, an illuminated holiday photo opportunity, and seasonal treats from Orange County’s iconic food hall.
Visitors can look forward to Selfies with Santa December 10, from 2pm - 5pm inside the historic Anaheim Packing House on the Mezzanine. Kids of all ages are welcome and can enjoy some organic candy canes. For the first time, guests can book the all-new Harry Potter “Yule Ball” themed experience at the Blind Rabbit speakeasy starting December 4. Reservations are required.
Located in the MAKE building, Unsung Brewery’s annual St. Nick beer is returning for the holiday season. The fan-favorite beer radiates flavors of Snickerdoodle cookie and cinnamon toast crunch making it the perfect ale to relish in the holiday spirit.
Ring in the New Year with a free live musical performance from Darden The Band from 7pm - 9pm and an East Coast Countdown to midnight (9pm PST) at the historic Anaheim Packing House marking the perfect way to celebrate for early birds and foodies alike.
For more information on Anaheim and to discover all of the hotels, events and conventions the city has to offer, please visit visitanaheim.org.
About Visit Anaheim: Founded in 1961, Visit Anaheim is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit destination marketing organization. Visit Anaheim’s mission is to impact our communities and visitors through the power of travel. To learn more about Visit Anaheim, visit: www.visitanaheim.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
