There’s nothing better than celebrating Christmas with our kids and the memories are pretty darn sweet when they are toddlers and preschool age. Children this age are enchanted by all of the magic around them even when it is not Christmas. When you add in Santa and a bit of Disney pixie dust, kids are in down-right fantasy!

If you will be heading to the Disneyland Resort this holiday season with your little ones, here’s my must-do picks:

“it’s a small world” Holiday

1. Christmas Fantasy Parade and “it’s a small world” Holiday: I am lumping these two Disneyland Christmas favorites together because guests can do them close together. Toddlers and preschoolers are completely enchanted by the Christmas Fantasy Parade and “it’s a small world” Holiday. I recommend watching the parade in the Small World Mall area (the large area in front of the attraction) and then heading straight over to the attraction as soon as the parade is over. And remember: always take the line on the right when it splits in two!

Haven’t seen the parade? I shot this video for my kids so they could relive it at home. 

2. Visit Santa at Elias and Company at Disney California Adventure: I adore visiting Santa at Elias and Company for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, there is rarely a wait (which is REALLY important when enjoying the day with little ones) and the background is really nice for the family holiday card or your scrapbook.

3. Get a special treat at the Candy Palace or Trolley Treats: Throughout the year, the Disneyland Resort candy kitchens create really beautiful desserts and treats, but the treats this time of year are really amazing. The kids (and mom and dad) love ’em and they make for really great pictures.

If you’ve ever wanted to make candy apples like they do at Disneyland, this video not only shows you how but shows off some of the delicious treats available at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

 
4. Visit Toontown: Toontown isn’t an obvious choice for holiday time but like many of the other areas of the park, Toontown is decorated for holiday time. The decorations in this area of Disneyland are whimsical and perfect for taking pictures. Plus, as parents with toddlers and preschoolers know, Toontown is the ideal place for little guys and gals to get the wiggles out, run, play and explore.

 5. Create family memories at Jingle Jangle Jamboree: Jingle Jangle Jamboree is a special Christmas festival located at Big Thunder Ranch where kids can decorate cookies (which are MY FAVORITE, by the way), meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, color fun crafts, play reindeer games and meet some of the Resort’s favorite characters wearing their holiday best. PLUS, guests can enjoy an incredible show by Billy Hill and the Hill Billies with very special guests the Country Bears!