Disneyland’s holiday season is approaching, and as the festivities draw closer, we’re beginning to see Disney taking active steps to prepare for the upcoming celebration. Among the many holiday offerings in the theme parks are several overlays of classic rides, temporarily adding a layer of seasonal fun to the attractions’ music and sets.
A refurbishment for a top ride has been added to Disneyland’s refurbishment calendar as Disney prepares for the holiday season. We have dates for the closure and a look at historical patterns for when the attraction may return to its non-holiday mode. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including changes at Disney California Adventure to prepare for the upcoming Coco ride and Disneyland’s lost and found sale not returning this year.
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“it’s a small world” Holiday Installation at Disneyland
At the end of each year, Disneyland’s classic “it’s a small world” boat ride, with its adorable dolls representing nations from around the world, becomes “it’s a small world” Holiday. Twinkling lights adorn the façade of the ride building, and inside, decorations from different countries’ holiday traditions accompany each scene. “Jingle Bells” plays in each country’s language, woven into a medley with the ride’s standard theme song.
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As previously announced, “it’s a small world” will open for 2026 on the official start date of Disneyland’s holiday season, November 13. We now know when Disneyland will close the ride to prepare for this annual change.
“it’s a small world” will close for refurbishment on October 30, 2026, so that Disney can transform the attraction into “it’s a small world” Holiday. The final day to experience the attraction’s regular mode will be October 29. This is the same date as 2025’s closure.
As for the de-installation at the end of the holiday season, Disney has not announced specific dates. The resort’s holiday season officially lasts through January 6, 2027, but “it’s a small world” Holiday sometimes operates much longer than the parks’ other seasonal offerings. Last year, the ride continued running its holiday mode through January 25! The previous year, it ran through January 20, and January 7 the year before that.
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Another favorite Disneyland holiday season ride overlay is already open. Haunted Mansion Holiday is open each year for both the Halloween and Christmas seasons. The Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired transformation of Haunted Mansion brings Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and the rest of the Halloween Town crew into the proceedings. It’s one of Disney’s best holiday offerings.
Haunted Mansion Holiday is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a new merchandise collection.
At Disney California Adventure, two Cars Land attractions receive holiday overlays. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl. Both attractions will debut their holiday versions on November 13, 2026. They do not require refurbishment closures.
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