ANY year is a good year to visit the Happiest Place on Earth, but 2022 looks like it’s going to be an epic time in Disneyland Resort!

The California resort and its parks are iconic and can be amazing any time of any year, but there are certain dates you’re gonna want to know about in advance if you’ve got a Disneyland trip in mind.

In both Disneyland Resort and Disney World, bonus events and holiday occasions provide an extra incentive to visit by providing added thrills and excitement! On the other hand, for certain travelers, they’d rather avoid the added expense and potential crowds.

No matter which side you fall on, here are some important dates you’ll need to know if you’re visiting Disneyland in 2022.

January

Though the month has passed us by, we couldn’t make this post without including a mention of the Lunar New Year Festival at Disney California Adventure, which took place from January 21st through February 13th, 2022.

During the festival, guests could stop by the park to enjoy all kinds of delicious eats, check out the amazing entertainment, meet unique characters, pick up some merchandise, and more!

Click here to learn more about Lunar New Year!

February

Sweethearts’ Nite

There’s extra love in the air at the Happiest Place on Earth in February as Sweethearts’ Nite makes its return to Disneyland!

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite is a separately ticketed event that takes place after the park typically closes. During the event, guests can enjoy fireworks, dancing & music, Disney character couples making the rounds, photo-ops, and Valentine’s-inspired snacks and drinks! Sweethearts’ Nite this year took place February 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, and of course, 14th. 

Click here to learn more about the Disneyland After Dark events!

Villains Day

For something slightly LESS romantic, Disney Villains get their own celebration! In 2022, this event took place on February 6th. 

The unofficial event, called Villains Day: Stalk Around the Park, is like a villainous Dapper Day, where guests are encouraged to dress in their best villain-inspired outfits (within Disney’s costume rules, of course). Again, note that this is an unofficial event and is not coordinated through Disney.

February 9th-14th

This weekend in mid-February was a double whammy in 2022 because it delivered both the Super Bowl AND Valentine’s Day, the latter of which tends to bring bonus crowds into the parks for sweet treats and romantic vibes!

For the Super Bowl, this is also a day that can get extra crowded, and the day after, the winning team sometimes has parades in Disneyland (or Disney World), which can command quite a crowd!

This year, ESPN Productions actually aired from Disney California Adventure from February 9th through February 13th.

For future Super Bowl weekends, be aware that there will often be some special events going on during that time in Downtown Disney as well, so expect some heavier crowds!

Click here to see more details about the super bowl festivities in Disneyland

March

Mardi Gras

Honestly, it’s basically Mardi Gras year-round at New Orleans Square, but it’s ESPECIALLY true on ACTUAL Mardi Gras, which fell on March 1st this year.

While we expect Disneyland could roll out other Mardi Gras-inspired fanfare and snacks for a few days around that time, the busiest day of the bunch will likely be March 1st in New Orleans Square, where you’ll typically find decorations, characters, music, and more. Out in Downtown Disney, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen typically becomes THE hot spot for Hurricane Cocktails, Beignets, and Bread Pudding!

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

We are thrilled that the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is BACK after a hiatus, having kicked off on March 4th!

One of the most celebrated events of the year, the annual event ran through April 26th, with special food and drink booths throughout the park, along with bonus classes, special merchandise, entertainment, and more.

Click here to learn more about Disney California Adventure’s Food & Wine Festival!

Toontown Closure

Oh, BOY! Disney has announced an “ambitious reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown” which will debut in early 2023, along with the addition of the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction.

Mickey’s Toontown closed on March 9, 2022 to begin the transformation, which will ultimately include “CenTOONial Park,” a “dreaming tree” (inspired by the tree Walt Disney would daydream under when he was younger), and — like always, spaces to meet LOTS AND LOTS of Disney pals like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and more.

Click HERE to read up on ALL the changes coming to TOONTOWN!

Disneyland After Dark: Villains Night

Another nighttime event took place in March after the park closes for the day, and this time it’s ALL about Disney Villains! On both March 8th and March 10th, Disneyland After Dark: Villains Night took over the park at night for a deliciously devious good time!

This special ticketed event was held at Disney California Adventure and it featured DJ dance parties, a special show called The Cauldron, Disney Villains (naturally), villainous photo-ops, specialty food and drinks, and more! (General admission tickets for this event sold out.)

Click HERE to read all about the wicked SNACKS at Villains Night!

April

Tribute to Encanto at “it’s a small world”

As of April 11th, Disneyland has transformed the façade of “it’s a small world” into a tribute to Encanto! Projections and different lighting effects make it appear as though the attraction is coming to life, just like the Madrigal family’s Casita.

If you want to check out this 2-minute show, please be aware that Disney said it will only play for “a limited time,” running several times each evening from 9PM to 11:45PM.

Click HERE to check out more about this tribute to Encanto!

Phased Return of Traditional Character Meet-and-Greets

Oh, BOY! Traditional face-to-face character meet-and-greets have started to return to Disneyland!

The traditional meet-and-greets are coming back in phases throughout spring and early summer, so not all locations are available immediately. But the phased return of traditional meet-and-greets at some spots officially started on April 18th. Guests are now able to go up to the characters and give them hugs, and characters are able to sign autographs! (It is largely be a return to “normal” in terms of what many guests were used to prior to the pandemic.)

Click HERE to read more about the return of classic Character Meet-and-Greets!

Main Street Electrical Parade and Disneyland Forever

Main Street Electrical Parade AND the Disneyland Forever fireworks returned to Disneyland park on April 22nd— both for a limited-time run! EDITOR’S UPDATE: Please Note — These offerings ended their limited-time runs at Disneyland on September 1st, 2022. The Disneyland website states that Disneyland Forever has left “for the season,” so we will keep you posted on any news regarding its return in the future!

The Main Street Electrical Parade is celebrating its 50th anniversary, so in honor of the milestone, exciting new elements were introduced to the parade. These include an all-new, enchanted grand finale!

Click HERE to see LOT of pics and videos of the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade! And click HERE for pics and videos of Disneyland Forever!

World of Color

On that same date, April 22nd, World of Color returned to Disney California Adventure!

Guests can once again view powerful jets of water illuminated by colorful lights, while iconic Disney scenes and music are projected onto a 19,000 square foot wall of water! Keep in mind that World of Color is utilizing a virtual queue. If you want to grab a good spot for the show, you’ll want to look into that.

World of Color is BACK at Disneyland Resort!

Dapper Day

One of the most beloved unofficial Disneyland celebrations is back again in 2022 when guests are encouraged to come clad in their best Disney-inspired ‘fits! The first Dapper Day of 2022 took place April 24th, The Dapper Day Expo took place on April 23rd and 24th at the Disneyland Hotel.

Even if you don’t get dolled up yourself, it’s a fun time wandering around the park and seeing the different colorful & themed attire! Be warned that crowds tend to swell on Dapper Days, though.

Looking ahead to 2023? Find out the Dapper Day dates for NEXT year HERE!

Hyperspace Mountain

Space Mountain was CLOSED on April 28th, 2022…. but it reopened just one day later — on April 29th — as Hyperspace Mountain!

Hyperspace Mountain is a Star Wars overlay at Space Mountain that transforms this already beloved attraction into an epic Star Wars adventure for a limited time, so guests were able to jump into HYPERSPACE through July 4th!

JUMP into more Hyperspace Mountain info HERE!

Disney Junior Fun Fest

On April 29th, for the first time ever, Disney California Adventure hosted the Disney Junior Fun Fest!

The event took place for one day only — Friday, April 29th, 2022 from 10AM PT to 4PM PT and was included in the regular price of admission. According to Disney, the fest celebrates “the entertaining and music-filled stories of the No. 1 preschool television network’s hit series.”

Find out all about the Disney Junior Fun Fest HERE!

May

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

There’s yet ANOTHER “after dark” event that returned to Disneyland and during this event, it’s time for Star Wars fans to shine!

After being delayed in 2020, this separate ticketed nighttime event was held in 2022 on May 4th, as well as May 3rd and May 27th. It includes a Star Wars-themed fireworks show, dance parties, Star Wars characters, out-of-this-world merchandise, photo-ops, and special snacks and beverages, too! 

Click HERE to see which Disneyland restaurant served up Star Wars EATS during Star Wars Nite!

Mother’s Day

May 8th was Mother’s Day in the United States, and special brunch offerings and treats were available at spots in Disneyland park and select hotels.

Click HERE to see the special dining options available for Mother’s Day!

Grad Nites

It’ll soon be graduation season! And Disneyland knows how to celebrate in style! Throughout May and June, the park hosts Grad Nites, which means high school seniors tend to flock to the parks by day, followed by after-dark parties in Disney California Adventure.

This year’s roster for Grad Nites included May 13th, May 14th, May 18th, May 20th, May 21st, May 25th, May 26th, and May 31st, as well as June 1st, June 3rd, June 4th, June 7th, June 8th, June 10th, June 11th, and June 17th.

Click here to read more about the return of Grad Nites to Disneyland!

Fantasmic

Fantasmic! returned to Disneyland park on May 28th, 2022!

In this classic 27-minute show, Mickey dreams that he’s the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, conducting scenes from Fantasia and other popular Disney movies. It’s a can’t-miss when you’re visiting Disneyland.

Click HERE to read about special entertainment returning to Disneyland!

Tale of the Lion King

Also on May 28th, “Tale of the Lion King” debuted in a brand new location at Disneyland! This show is a theater adaptation of The Lion King told by a traveling group known as “The Storytellers of the Pride Lands.”

This show premiered in 2019 at the Palisades Stage in Disney California Adventure. Since then, it has been adapted with new scenes and costume designs as well as new music and choreography, all inspired by the cultural roots of the story it is based on.

P.S. Troubadour Tavern also reopened on May 28th with new menu items celebrating the show!

Click HERE to find out everything you need to know about Tale of the Lion King!

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI), and the occasion was marked with special activities all around the Resort!

From complimentary hula lessons on the weekends at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel, to live music in Downtown Disney and MUCH more, you may be surprised by the MANY unique offerings!

Click HERE to read more about Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Disneyland Resort!

June

Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion

A NEW After Hours event has made its debut in Disney California Adventure: Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion! You can join in a reunion party filled with dancing, fun, and nostalgia from graduation classes of the last SIX decades!

Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion will be offered on June 23rd, 28th, and 30th, 2022, and tickets went on sale on April 28th. The event will feature cafeteria-inspired dishes, special character experiences, entertainment, photo opportunities, and select attractions will be available. (And a few favorite Disney characters will proudly be wearing their cap and gown!)

Check out EVERYTHING you can do at Grad Nite Reunion events HERE!

July

July 4th

Happy Fourth of July! Just like in Disney World, Disneyland also tends to go big for the Americana holiday, so it’s safe to expect extra crowds and extra red, white, and blue snacks and decor!

Disneyland is also well known for its Fourth of July nighttime shows, which can draw QUITE the crowd!

Disneyland’s Birthday

While not as momentous an occasion as, say, a 50th Anniversary Celebration, Disneyland’s birthday is a pretty big deal!

This year, the park turned 67 on July 17th. In the past, birthday celebrations have brought in special decorations, merchandise, and maybe even a bonus cavalcade! Unsurprisingly, this can be a HUGELY popular occasion for Disney fans, so arrive early if you want to beat the brunt of the crowds. 

Check out the NEW TREATS coming to Disneyland for its 67th Anniversary!

Guess what else happened on July 17th? The Red Car Trolley returned to Disney California Adventure!

The Red Car Trolley is a classic Disney California Adventure attraction that provides transportation along Buena Vista Street and in Hollywood Land. It resembles the Pacific Electric Railway trolleys that ran in Los Angeles from 1887 to 1961.

Also kicking off in July are daily Summer Pool Parties for guests staying at Disneyland Resort Hotels, which will last through the entire next month of…

August

Some new and returning perks kicked in for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests in August 2022! Get ready to set those alarm clocks earlier, because Early Entry came to Disneyland Resort on August 8th, 2022!

This means that Disneyland Resort Hotel guests can enjoy the parks for 30 minutes before each park’s opening. August 8th, also delivered the return of the Package Delivery service! With this service, any purchase a guest makes in the parks can be delivered to their Disneyland Resort Hotel. Guests will also be able to charge select Disneyland Resort shopping and dining purchases to your room, via the Disneyland App!

Click HERE to read more about Package Delivery for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests!

August 21st through 27th was WORLD PRINCESS WEEK!

Guests could enjoy unique princess treats in the parks, plus unique princess merchandise, and more!

August also brought the reopening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reopened in Disneyland park on August 25th, 2022! In fact, Disney issued a Royal Proclamation to announce the news…

Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices are ready and waiting to transform guests ages 3 to 12 into their favorite Disney characters with different hair styling, costumes, makeup, and accessories. You can learn about making reservations for this experience by clicking here.

Click HERE to learn all the details about the reopening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

September

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort

Halloween Time is a HUGE deal in Disneyland, featuring months’ worth of entertainment, special holiday treats, and festive souvenirs! 

And this year the Spooky Season is ON from September 2 through (of course) October 31, 2022!

Click HERE to see ALL THE SPOOKY SNACKS for Halloween Time at Disneyland!

Oogie Boogie Bash

One of the highlights of Halloween Time is the Oogie Boogie Bash!

The after-dark event, a separately ticketed event which takes place after park closure, is running on select nights from September 6th through October 31st in Disney California Adventure. The family-friendly affair features a treat trail, costumes, entertainment, Disney Villains photo-ops, and much more!

Click here to read all about Oogie Boogie Bash!

NEW STORE OPENED —  Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets!

The 2022 D23 Expo has been PACKED with fun Disney news… One BIG announcement was the opening of a brand new Tiana-themed store coming to Disneyland — Eudora’s Chic Boutique.

Eudora’s Chic Boutique, according to the backstory, grew out of the huge success of Tiana’s Palace — a restaurant created by the Princess herself! This shop will sell a variety of accessories to create and serve New Orleans-inspired cuisine…including ingredients! (Note: As of now, no ingredients are being sold).

Yep — Eudora’s will sell a brand new line of spices and sauces created by Tiana for use in her own cooking at the restaurant. It officially OPENED on September 20, 2022!!

Take a FIRST LOOK at the NEW Tiana-themed shop opening in Disneyland HERE!

October

MagicBand+ Debuts

MagicBand+ debuted in Disney World earlier this year, and we were stoked to check out all the features of this new wearable tech. And guess what, Disneyland fans?

MagicBand+ officially launched at Disneyland Resort on October 26th, 2022, and offers “a range of hands-free conveniences and immersive experiences!” (Beginning on October 19th, eligible Magic Key Holders, Cast Members, and Disney Vacation Club Members were able to be some of the first to purchase MagicBand+ at Disneyland Resort from select locations.)

And since you may be entirely new to MagicBands…

We’ve got everything you need to know about MagicBand+ RIGHT HERE!

November – December

Dapper Day

Dapper Day is typically held twice a year in Disneyland, and the fall edition took place on November 6th. The Dapper Day Expo was also held from November 5th through the 6th at the Disneyland Hotel.

Basically, as soon as Halloween is over, it’s immediately on to the full-blown holiday season in Disneyland, and the park is NOT fooling around when it comes to epic, over-the-top entertainment, merchandise, food, and events!

In 2022, the Merriest Season of All will kicked off November 11, 2022 and will last all the way through January 8, 2023!

Over in Disneyland Park, a 60-foot tall Christmas tree is the focus of Main Street, U.S.A., and Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will “enchant from day to night.” The daily musical procession “A Christmas Fantasy” featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Minnie, Mickey, Santa, and more will delight guests as well. But there is SO much more to come…

Click HERE to see EVERYTHING happening at The Merriest Place on Earth for the 2022 Holiday Season!

Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure showcases celebrations from a variety of cultures, like Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. The Festival is running throughout the entirety of the Disneyland Resort holiday season: November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023. 

Guests can enjoy festival marketplaces featuring delicious foods and drinks — and the Sip and Savor Pass has returned, allowing you to taste your way through the fest.

And don’t forget the holiday concerts at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park! You can find all the details you need at the link below…

Click here to learn EVERYTHING you need to know about Festival of the Holidays!

More festive fun at Disney California Adventure includes an “automotive holiday embellishment” in Cars Land.

Not only that, but “World of Color — Season of Light” is BACK, a special holiday version of the popular show!

Check out the festive fun at Disney California Adventure for 2022 HERE!

But GUESS WHAT??? That’s not all that started at Disneyland Resort on November 11th.  Disney California Adventure is celebrating Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in a big way from November 11th, 2022 through January 8th, 2023! 

Throughout this time, you can see new visiting warriors at Avengers Campus, enjoy Wakanda-inspired dishes, see props from the film, and more.

Click HERE to see all of the NEW EXPERIENCES celebrating Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and click HERE to see the NEW food and drinks!

Mickey and Minnie’s Birthday

There’s ANOTHER big birthday worth celebrating in Disneyland, and this time it’s all about Mickey and Minnie!

Yes, the iconic duo share a birthday, November 18th, and while this is more of an unofficial celebration, the Disney parks have doled out surprises like free birthday buttons, special birthday cavalcades, and even some cute birthday ‘fits for the pair!

December

While the holiday season will be in full swing starting in November, a VERY beloved Disneyland holiday tradition will return in December. A wonderful Disneyland tradition that takes place in BOTH parks is the creation of the famous Disneyland Hand-made Candy Canes!

The Candy Canes are typically created on alternating days in the two parks throughout the season. For 2022, the locations and dates are listed below:

• Candy Palace at Disneyland Park: December 4th, 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th, 20th, and 24th
• Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure Park: December 5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, and 25th

BUT! There’s a LOT more you need to know to get your hands on one of these Candy Canes… and you can find all of the info HERE!

Get the FULL DISNEYLAND CANDY CANE SCOOP for the 2022 Holiday Season HERE!

As you can see, there’s a LOT to look forward to this year in Disneyland! As always, we’ll keep you posted on the latest news about events, dates, and other special things that pop up in the Happiest Place on Earth!

Ready to start planning your 2023 trip to Disneyland? Vacation Packages are NOW OPEN for booking!

Which special event or holiday are you MOST excited about in Disneyland this year? Let us know in the comments!