One of the most frequently asked questions when booking a trip to Disneyland Paris is ‘when is the best time to go?’. Now for me, I’d say any time, because being in Disney is always the right choice! I’ve only had the pleasure of visiting Disneyland Paris in the winter, twice in February and three times at Christmas. Going any time of year is truly magical, but there’s just something about that added Christmas sparkle which makes it even more special. So, why visit Disney at Christmas? Here’s my rundown on why it’s my favourite time of year to go.
The Decor
Nobody does Christmas like Disney. FACT. A 79 foot tall Christmas tree, snow as you walk down Main Street USA in Disneyland Park and the festive soundtrack filling the air just simply cannot be replicated. Disney in the winter means fewer daylight hours, sub zero temperatures and a wet and foggy forecast, but Disney’s attention to detail makes all of that irrelevant. The festive magic doesn’t stop in the parks either. My favourite Disney hotel for the Christmas period is definitely Sequoia Lodge. Cosy woodland vibes from the second you arrive just instantly get you in the Christmas spirit.
The Parade
For me, the parades are always a highlight of a Disney trip, so being able to experience Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade which you can obviously only see this time of year is one of the many reasons to go at Christmas. The parade is full of exclusive characters you cannot see anywhere else in the parks, and the costumes are truly stunning. The parade runs twice a day, and we made sure to watch it both times as you gain a totally different perspective in the night time illuminated version. It follows a different route to the usual Disney Stars on Parade, and I’d recommend you set up camp early somewhere around Town Square. The floats go around twice, to make sure you absorb every piece of the magic, plus you get to experience the tree in all its glory.
The Let’s Sing Christmas Show
One of the most popular shows at Disney during Christmas is the Let’s Sing Christmas show. Performing up to three times daily, this show is not one to be missed. Wonderful Disney singers perform popular Christmas songs (both English and French) along with Mickey and the gang and the talent simply blows you away. Held in Videopolis, in Café Hyperion in Discoveryland, the 30 minute show will be sure to get you into the festive spirit if the decor and parades haven’t done it for you yet! Just be sure to plan this into your day, and arrive early. Seats are limited and we saw the queue close over 30 minutes before the show began. Our performing arts school were incredibly fortunate to perform as part of this show (the entire reason for our Christmas trip).
If you want a sneaky peek and what you can experience, check out this video.
The Snacks
Disney are known for their weird, wacky and wonderful snacks, and Christmas is no exception to being able to grab a festive themed treat. Seasonal carts are open in both parks and in Disney Village where you can grab chocolate covered strawberries, warm waffles, a cheesy gratin or even a glass of mulled wine. Of course, if something uniquely Mickey shaped or themed is more to your liking, then be sure to head to one of the many food outlets across Disneyland. There are hidden gems everywhere!
So if you’re wondering whether Disneyland Paris is worth it at Christmas, I’d say absolutely yes. The atmosphere, the decorations, the seasonal shows, and just how festive everything feels make it a completely different experience to visiting any other time of year. Yes it’s busy, yes it’s cold (two reasons which put a lot of people off!) but it’s also genuinely magical.
