Disneyland’s Holidays Light Up Tonight—Plus 2 More Disney Updates Fans Need to Know

The holidays officially take over Disneyland Resort starting tonight, and the fresh news this year sits on the Disney California Adventure side of the esplanade. According to Disney’s official announcement on the Disney Parks Blog, the season goes live November 13 with “World of Color – Season of Light” returning nightly on Paradise Bay and a 50-foot Christmas tree lighting up Buena Vista Street. (The previously announced “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” and “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks are back, too.) Beyond Anaheim, Disney also launched its Toys for Tots drive and unveiled the first wave of merchandise for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars. Here is what dropped across the Disney world over the past 48 hours.

Disneyland’s Holiday Season Goes Live Tonight—With New Disney California Adventure Details

Disneyland Resort’s holiday celebration runs nightly from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, according to Disney’s announcement on the Disney Parks Blog. The genuinely new material this year is concentrated at Disney California Adventure, where “World of Color – Season of Light” returns nightly on Paradise Bay and a 50-foot Christmas tree on Buena Vista Street is lit beginning November 13. Disney confirmed the Festival of Holidays lineup as well, including the “¡Viva Navidad!” street party hosted by the Three Caballeros and “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” featuring songs from Encanto.

The Downtown Disney District adds nightly live seasonal music, with snowfall moments on select nights. Over at Disneyland park, the previously announced “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” and “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks are back, and Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle glows with icicle lighting and nightly snowfall effects overhead. For first-time holiday visitors, the reported detail worth planning around is that “World of Color – Season of Light” requires a virtual queue selection or a dining/dessert package for reserved viewing—so lock that in early. Full details are in Disney’s official post.

Disney Kicks Off Its 79th Annual Toys for Tots Drive

Disney launched its 79th annual Marine Toys for Tots toy drive, according to Disney, part of the company’s “Make the Holidays Magic” campaign, as detailed on the Disney Parks Blog. The partnership is one of the oldest in Disney history: it began in 1947, when Walt Disney assigned animators to design the original Toys for Tots train logo—a design still in use today. Disney says the program has delivered hundreds of millions of toys over its decades-long history.

Guests can participate two ways this year. Online shoppers can buy from a curated toy selection at DisneyStore.com/ToyDrive through December 24, with purchases shipped directly to Toys for Tots. For in-person drop-offs of new, unwrapped toys, Disney says collection boxes are available through December 11 at U.S. Disney Store locations, select Disney Springs shops at Walt Disney World, and Aulani in Hawaii. At Disneyland Resort, drop-off runs November 16 through December 10 at select Downtown Disney District stores and all three resort hotels.

It is a low-effort add-on for anyone already planning a park visit this season—drop a toy on your way into Disney Springs or Downtown Disney and you’ve knocked out a holiday good deed between rides. Full details are in Disney’s official post.

Disney Unveils First Merchandise Wave for Star Wars’ 50th Anniversary

Disney revealed the opening slate of products and experiences marking 50 years of Star Wars, with the saga’s milestone anniversary arriving in 2027. According to the Disney Parks Blog, Hasbro has announced anniversary figures across its Black Series, Vintage Collection, and Retro Collection lines, honoring the original Kenner heritage.

Disney also says the LEGO Group has announced anniversary sets celebrating 30 years of its Star Wars collaboration, with reimagined poster tiles and minifigures inspired by Ralph McQuarrie’s concept art. On the big screen, Disney confirmed the original 1977 Star Wars will return to theaters February 19, 2027, in IMAX 70mm, while Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, opens May 28, 2027.

For Disney fans who collect in the parks, this is the earliest signal of what the anniversary year holds. Disney framed the rollout as the first of several waves, with more reveals planned for later—so expect additional parks-specific and Galaxy’s Edge tie-ins as 2027 approaches. Full details are in Disney’s official post.

Planning Your Holiday Visit

The headline this week is clear: Disneyland’s holiday season is live tonight, so build your evening around the castle lighting and “World of Color – Season of Light.” For a deeper dive into making the most of a Disney holiday trip, see our seasonal park guides before you go.