The Ultimate Christmas Guide to Disneyland Paris with Kids
Île-de-France Region
“Christmas is a time when you get homesick…even when you’re home.”
Family arriving at Disneyland Paris entrance during Christmas with excited kids.
A Magical Christmas Adventure
Imagine a place where the air is crisp and filled with the sweet scent of gingerbread, where snowflakes gently fall from the sky, and the sound of festive music fills the air. As you stroll down a beautifully decorated Main Street lined with twinkling lights, you hear the cheerful laughter of children and catch a glimpse of beloved Disney characters dressed in their holiday best. It’s a winter wonderland that captures the spirit of Christmas like no other—welcome to Disneyland Paris during the Disney Enchanted Christmas!
Now, picture this: you are a parent, filled with dreams of creating lifelong memories for your family during the holidays. But lurking in the shadows is a challenge more formidable than any Disney villain - the pressure to hustle around to see and do everything! This villain threatens to turn your idyllic vacation into a turbulent ordeal filled with stress, crowds, and logistical nightmares. The good news is that we found Disneyland Paris to be much more laid-back than the Disney Parks in Orlando.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: this is your chance to deliver a perfect holiday, but the path is fraught with challenges. Can you conquer the chaos, savor the magic, and turn your family’s dreams into reality? The answer lies in this ultimate guide to Disneyland Paris during Disney Enchanted Christmas, and your journey is about to begin!
The Magic of Disneyland Paris Enchanted Christmas
From the moment you step foot in Disneyland Paris, the holiday spirit envelops you. The entire park transforms into a festive wonderland, adorned with garlands, snowflakes, and decorations that sparkle under the winter sun. The park is decorated with 15,000 Christmas ball ornaments and more than 80 lighted Christmas trees!
The air is alive with the sound of Christmas music, and every corner of Main Street is a feast for the eyes, inviting you to experience the magic firsthand. As you walk down the bustling streets, the enchanting Santa Claus Village awaits, with festive stalls filled with delightful treats and souvenirs. The dazzling holiday decorations create a captivating backdrop for family photos, ensuring you capture the spirit of the season in every frame.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
There’s so much to see and do at Disneyland Paris during Christmas. So, we’re featuring the exciting things that are unique to the Disney Enchanted Christmas event.
Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade – This spectacular parade features 5 gigantic, illuminated floats that are more than 6 meters high and weigh 12 to 15 tons! In addition, 380 costumes, 3,000 costume pieces, 700 pairs of shoes, and 90 hairstyle accessories have been designed to make sure each Disney Character is in the Holiday spirit! Of course, Santa himself makes a grand appearance at the end.
The evening parade takes on an extra layer of magic, as storybook floats, aglow in the winter nights, create a breathtaking experience for all ages. The parade will run twice daily throughout the event. For times, be sure to download the Disneyland Paris App, which will keep you up to date on the times and any potential cancellations.
“Let’s Sing Christmas!” Musical Show – Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and a special guest in this delightful sing-along show that brings the spirit of the season to life. It’s an event the whole family can enjoy, leaving you humming your favorite Christmas tunes long after it’s over.
Magical Christmas Tree Lighting – Standing at an impressive 24 meters (78 feet), the Christmas tree at Town Square is a sight to behold! Each evening, during the 2nd Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade, beloved Disney characters will gather to illuminate the tree in a heartwarming ceremony filled with Christmas music and joy.
Electric Sky Parade – Just before the nighttime spectacular Disney Illuminations begins, the spirit of Christmas will be celebrated over Sleeping Beauty Castle with the award-winning Disney Electrical Sky Parade. Festive Christmas colors will light up the castle. A glittering procession of newly-added scenes will pay tribute to the North Pole as well as to the “It’s a Small World” attraction, decked out in winter hues. Indeed, Main Street, U.S.A. will dazzle brightly, enhanced by fairytale falls of snow. Look up and let the magic of the night sky fill you with joy, leading seamlessly into the breathtaking Disney Illuminations fireworks show to end the day.
Special Character Meet-&-Greets – Throughout the park, you’ll find holiday-dressed characters ready to greet you. From Mickey and Minnie to Santa Claus himself, capturing a moment with these beloved figures is a must-do for families looking to make lasting memories.
This enchanting experience kicks off on November 9th, 2024, and culminates in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, where you can ring in 2025 with Disney magic until 1 AM! The seasonal event wraps up on January 6, 2025 giving people an extra opportunity to enjoy the festive fun before the decorations, special events, and treats make their exit.
Best Disneyland Paris Attractions at Christmas
As you navigate through the park, you’ll notice that Disneyland Paris embraces the holiday spirit in every corner, enhancing the magical experience. Disneyland Paris does not typically do seasonal enhancements for their rides like some of the other Disney Parks but the overall atmosphere is more festive than at any other time of the year.
Restaurants – Each restaurant in the park is decked out for Christmas, with uniquely decorated Christmas trees adding to the festive ambiance. The restaurants will also feature special Christmas foods including a chestnut mousse with a blackcurrant insert to share.
Disneyland Hotel – Typically, Disneyland Hotel takes the crown for being the most adorned of the Disneyland Paris Hotels. In previous years it was possible to stroll through this beautiful hotel without being a guest. It was just recently renovated though, so many things have changed.
Disney Village – Located just outside the entrance to the park, Disney Village also gets in on the Christmas theme. With beautiful decorations, holiday gifts and clothing, and special foods and treats, there is plenty to enjoy even if you choose not to buy tickets to the park! You’ll even find a traditional European Christmas Market!
Tips for Families Navigating Disneyland Paris
Visiting Disneyland Paris during the holiday season is like stepping into a fairytale, but navigating the park can be tricky if you’re not prepared. Here are some essential tips to ensure your family’s adventure is magical and stress-free:
Best Times to Visit – The holiday season is considered “high season,” so planning your visit wisely is crucial. Early November offers lower crowds, while the peak times around Christmas and New Year’s can be especially busy. If possible, aim for weekdays, particularly before December 21st, when the French school holidays begin this year and locals will flood into the park with their kids. Whatever day you decide to visit, be sure to stay until after dark to get the full effect of the stunning Christmas lights!
Weather Considerations – Paris weather in December can be quite different from Disney locations in California or Florida. Prepare for cold temperatures, potential rain, or even magical snowfall! Layering is key—think base layers like leggings or merino wool long sleeve tees, packable puffer coats, and rain jackets to keep your family cozy while enjoying the festivities. If your child plans to wear a costume during their park visit, consider buying one that’s a bit larger so that it can be worn over warm clothing.
Download the Official App – There are so many great tools available on the Disneyland Paris Mobile App that can help you make your visit the best it can be. Here are a few of the things you’ll be able to do with the app:
Plan your trip by browsing attractions and restaurants and start creating a “My Wishlist.”
Link your Hotel and Disneyland Paris Ticket or Pass to the app, along with your payment methods to create a virtual “wallet” where you can quickly find everything you need during your visit. (No fumbling through your wallet for your Premier Ultimate QR code or your park entry pass.)
Book reservations at restaurants.
Purchase Premier Access to “skip the line” on rides and attractions.
Purchase Preferred Access to shows and parades.
Begin your Disney Hotel check-in process.
View all of your restaurant bookings, Premier One time slots, and access your “My Wishlist,” and Disney recommendations based on your profile.
Use the interactive map to help you navigate your way through the park and provide helpful information to guide your visit. Having a restroom emergency or need help finding a restaurant? You can find it all on the map!
Find the exact location of preferred viewing areas and check show and parade times.
Determine live wait times at attractions and counter service restaurants.
Pre-order your food and drinks and pick them up at a special counter to avoid the line.
Report lost or stolen items.
Managing Long Wait Times – We found both Disneyland Paris parks to be much more laid back than our previous experiences at DisneyWorld Orlando (we can’t speak to the Disneyland California Parks as we haven’t visited them yet). It was relatively uncrowded and so laid back, in fact, that we didn’t see a need to spend extra money to skip the line. With the exception of Ratatouille (which was only available in Paris at that time), we rarely waited longer than 20-30 minutes. (Here’s a great resource that shows historical wait time data for Disneyland Paris rides.)
That said, there are options if skipping the line is something you want to consider, but it will cost you. The system at Disneyland Paris is called “Disney Premier Access” and it is a paid upgrade. While not all rides have Premier Access, almost all of the most popular rides do.
Keep in mind that the longest waits in Disneyland Paris are for character greetings and they do NOT have Premier Access. Before purchasing Disney Premier Access, we suggest you do some research to ensure the attractions you’re interested in are included.
Once you’re in the Park, you can access live wait times on the Disneyland Paris Mobile App. If your child’s day will be ruined by waiting for a favorite ride, then you can purchase a Premier One for just that ride (more on this below).
The Disney Premier Access system has two levels: “One” and “Ultimate”
Premier One will allow you to skip the line for just one ride during a specified one-hour timeslot. Prices start at €5 and depend on the ride and the day. You can access the day’s pricing in the Disneyland Paris app. Keep in mind, you can only buy it once you’re in the Park.
Premier Ultimate covers all of the Premier Access rides except Orbitron. You can buy it prior to your visit or once you’re already at the park. This plan allows you one time access to EACH available attraction. It also does not limit you to a specific time slot so you can enter the Premier Access Queue at any time after purchasing. However, remember that the pass is only good for the calendar day you bought it for.
What to Eat & Drink
A trip to Disneyland Paris wouldn’t be complete without indulging in delightful holiday-themed treats! Here are some must-try options that will add to your festive experience:
Holiday-Themed Treats – For delectable snacks like Mickey Mouse shaped gingerbread, Reblochon tartiflette, pretzels, or churros head to the Chalets Gourmands in each of the parks. There are 6 Chalets Gourmands located at La Place de Rémy and Rue de Paris in the Walt Disney Studios Park and 5 Chalets Gourmands in Fantasyland at the Disneyland Paris Park. If you’re feeling cold and thirsty, kids can warm up with a hot chocolate while mom and dad can try the mulled wine.
Festive Meals – Consider dining at one of the park’s cozy restaurants for a special holiday meal. Character dining is a fantastic way to enjoy a festive feast while meeting your favorite Disney characters, so be sure to check for special menus and reservations!
Disneyland Paris Holiday Shopping Tips
As you wander through the park, don’t forget to indulge in some retail therapy (though if you’re full-time travelers like us, you’ll need to be mindful of your limited luggage space). Disneyland Paris offers a range of unique Christmas-themed merchandise that will make perfect souvenirs for your family:
Can't Miss Souvenirs – Look for exclusive Christmas ornaments, clothing, housewares, and collectibles only available during the holiday season. These unique gifts are great gifts for friends and family and a wonderful way to remember your magical adventure for years to come. This year marks the return of the special Disneyland Paris edition of Monopoly. The entire board, featuring iconic locations at Disneyland Paris and Disney character playing pieces, is sure to lead to hours of fun.
La Boutique du Château – This shop, located in Fantasyland, celebrates Christmas all year long. Stop in to purchase Christmas-themed gifts, housewares, art, and collectibles. The boutique honors Christmas throughout the year so, even if you can’t enjoy the park during the holiday season, you can still pick up an ornament or keepsake from your trip.
Where to Stay While Visiting Disneyland Paris
Choosing the right place to stay can significantly impact your Disneyland Paris experience, especially during the busy holiday season. We chose to stay in an Airbnb apartment in nearby Val d'Europe during this visit. We were within walking distance of a mall that had a number of restaurants and a large grocery. We also had easy access to the bus that took us straight to the parks. We enjoyed having everything we needed within an easy walk and we saved money by making most of our own meals.
If you’re looking for the full Disney experience, however, Disneyland Paris has several Disney-owned properties at various price points. They have also partnered with some nearby hotels to give visitors more options. This section will give you an overview of some of the great options available.
Disneyland Paris Themed Hotels – Each of Disney’s hotel properties offer their own unique theme and experience. For families who are dreaming of having the full Disneyland Paris experience, these hotels will deliver on that dream. Each offers great restaurants and bars so you can enjoy a wonderful meal after a day at the parks.
There are several benefits of staying at a Disney owned property. You’ll have free parking (at your hotel AND the parks), along with convenient access and Extra Magic Time and some special discounts and perks at Disney Village. Here are a few of the hotels you can choose:
Disneyland Hotel – This five-star luxury hotel provides the ultimate Disneyland Paris experience. It was recently renovated and provides some exclusive opportunities for guests like My Royal Dream: A Fairytale Makeover (similar to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique in the U.S.). It even offers 2 hours per day of free daycare with special activities, workshops, and stories for 4 to 11 year olds! The hotel is prominently located at the entrance to the Disneyland Paris Park, giving guests a dedicated entrance and front row access to all the magic!
Disney Hotel New York The Art of Marvel – This four-star hotel created to celebrate all things Marvel is styled to make you feel that you’ve been transported to New York City. There are Marvel themed suites and it claims to have assembled the “Earth’s mightiest Marvel artwork.” You’ll find Marvel Hero Photo Stations, a Marvel Design Studio, and a New York Boutique along with other amenities like a pool and health club. It is located just a 10 minute walk or 8 minute shuttle ride to the Park.
Disney Sequoia Lodge – This three-star, lodge-style hotel was inspired by the American National Parks. Its location, surrounded by pine trees and sequoias, along with its cozy atmosphere, is taken to the next level at Christmastime with rustic decorations and festive treats to enjoy by the fire. The Park is just a 15 minute walk, or 8 minute shuttle ride away.
Disney Hotel Santa Fe – Guests are invited to make a pit stop along the famous Route 66 to enjoy the American Southwest and Cars-themed rooms. This is the most budget-friendly of the Disney owned properties but still offers magical moments with Disney characters along with an indoor play area and a Tex-Mex restaurant. Guests can reach the parks in 20 minutes on foot or only 8 minutes on the free shuttle.
Les Villages Nature Paris – This unique four-star resort is located on a lakefront near the Parks. It is a bit pricey but it offers guests a world of experiences both indoors and outdoors. You can explore the gardens; spend time learning animal care at Bellevie Farm; traverse rope bridges in the Forest of Legends; shop, eat, and play at the Lakeside Promenade; lounge by The Beach; or spend the day in Aqua Mundo water park. There’s even a Kid’s Club that your children will enjoy while you treat yourself to a massage at the Spa. This venue boasts apartment accommodations that can sleep up to 5 adults, or 4 adults and 2 children. The Parks can be reached in 15 minutes on the free shuttle
Disneyland Paris Partner Hotels – If you’re looking for alternatives, you should consider the Disney Partner Hotels nearby. These family-friendly options offer comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. While you won’t have access to Extra Magic Time, you will have free parking at your hotel and access to a free shuttle ride to and from the Disney Parks. Here are a few (including the one we chose to stay at twice):
Hôtel l’Elysée Val d’Europe – If you’re looking for a more Parisian hotel stay, you should try this four-star option. Park tickets are included in your stay as well as a 10-minute free shuttle ride which will deliver you to the Parks. You’ll also be conveniently located near the Val d’Europe Mall for more restaurants and shopping and the RER Val d’Europe train station giving you access to all Paris has to offer!
Staycity Aparthotels Paris, Marne-La-Vallée – This four-star accommodation provides a natural setting while still being close to the Parks. Unlike most hotels in Europe, this apartment style hotel can sleep up to 5 people and offers a fully-equipped kitchenette. The free shuttle will deliver you from the countryside setting to the Parks in just 10 minutes!
B&B Hotel – Located in a country setting in the town of Marne-La-Vallée, this budget-friendly hotel caters to families! We chose to stay in this hotel when we arrived in Paris for the very first time. We enjoyed it so much that we booked it again a few weeks later!
It is rare to find a hotel room that will accommodate our family of 5 without splitting us into 2 rooms. This one delivered well. With 1 double bed, 1 twin, and 1 set of bunk beds, all 5 of us had our own space and slept comfortably!
The staff was amazing and our girls loved the included breakfast buffet each morning. We even ate in the hotel’s restaurant for dinner a few times, enjoying some yummy pizza and pasta. The best part is that the free shuttle delivered us to the Disney Parks in 10 minutes. Since the Disney Parks are located at the Marne-la-Vallée train station, we had ready access to all of Paris available throughout our stays.
How to Get to Disneyland Paris & Where to Park
Disneyland Paris is conveniently located at the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station, making it easy to reach. We recommend taking a train or shuttle to the parks vs parking in the lots but information is available below.
Transportation Tips:
The Magical Shuttle airport transfer runs a regular service between the 2 Paris airports (Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly) and the Disney Parks, Disney Hotels, and Partner Hotels. (Keep in mind that there is a fee associated with this shuttle, but it may be worth considering for peace of mind and ease of travel.)
Coming from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport? The TGV high speed train will take you to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station in less than 12 minutes. The station is just a 2-minute walk from the Disney Parks!
The free shuttle runs regular routes from each of the Disney properties and partner hotels to and from the Parks throughout the day.
Parking Information:
If you’re staying at a Disneyland Paris property, you will have free parking at your hotel and at the Parks.
If you are staying at a Disneyland Paris partner hotel, you will have free parking at your hotel. We recommend taking the free shuttle from your hotel to the parks as the most convenient option.
If you’re staying off-site at a non-Disney property, we recommend that you consider using public transportation to get to the Marne-la-Vallée train station to avoid having to drive and park!
Creating the Ultimate Disneyland Paris Holiday Experience
As your magical journey to Disneyland Paris unfolds, remember that while planning ahead is important, you want to leave some room for spontaneity as well. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season, but the true spirit of Christmas lies in the moments you create with your family.
You’ve now equipped yourself with the knowledge to enjoy your Disney visit rather than being pressured and rushed. By embracing the spirit of the season and being prepared, you can create a magical holiday adventure that your family will cherish forever.
So why wait? Book your trip now to Disneyland Paris for the holiday of a lifetime! Let the magic of Disneyland Paris Enchanted Christmas fill your hearts and create memories that will last for years to come.
We’d love to hear about your plans, favorite memories, or any questions you might have! Know other families who might be planning a Disneyland Paris trip? Share this guide with them to make their planning easier!
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