You’re probably checking the calendar right now because you don't want to miss the Year of the Snake. Honestly, the timing for the Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 dates is a little different than some people expect, especially if you’re used to how Disney California Adventure handles these seasonal shifts. It's usually a quick turnaround after the Christmas ornaments come down. If you show up too early in January, you're just looking at bare trees and construction walls. Show up too late in February, and the Mushu stickers are already being peeled off the windows.
It's a narrow window.
The official Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 dates are January 23 through February 18, 2025. That’s 27 days of red lanterns, character meet-and-greets that actually feel special, and a massive amount of food that you probably can't finish in one sitting. Disney California Adventure is the exclusive home for this, so if you spend your whole day over at the original Disneyland Park, you're basically going to miss the entire festival. Don't do that.
Why the Timing of Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 Dates Actually Matters
Most people think they can just roll up on a Tuesday and see everything. While that’s usually true for regular park days, this festival is tied to the lunar calendar, and for 2025, the actual Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29.
Expect that entire week to be slammed.
If you are looking at those Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 dates and trying to pick a "slow" day, you might want to aim for the very first few days of the festival or the very last week. The middle stretch—specifically around January 29 through the following weekend—is going to be packed with locals and travelers who want to celebrate on the actual holiday. It’s a vibe, for sure, but the lines for Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession will be three rows deep before the music even starts.
The Snake Year Energy
2025 is the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is often seen as wise and mysterious, which is a fun contrast to the high-energy Year of the Dragon we just finished. Disney usually leans into the specific zodiac animal for their merch and the "Wishing Wall" located near the Paradise Gardens Grill. If you've never done the Wishing Wall, it’s basically a spot where you write down your hopes for the year on a little slip of paper and tie it to the fence. It sounds cheesy. It’s actually pretty moving when you see thousands of them fluttering in the breeze.
Where to Find the Best Food During the Festival
Forget the burgers. Seriously.
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During the Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 dates, the park sets up several "Festive Marketplaces." These are those little kiosks that look like tiny houses. They usually have names like Longevity Noodle Co. or Prosperity Bao & Buns.
You’ll find things like:
- Pork Banh Mi with spicy aioli.
- Dandan Noodles that actually have a bit of a kick (rare for Disney).
- Mickey-shaped purple sweet potato macarons.
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee that will keep you awake until the park closes at midnight.
If you are planning to eat your way through the park, buy the Sip and Savor Pass. It’s a lanyard with tabs you can tear off and trade for food items. In 2024, it was around $46 for six tabs. For 2025, prices might creep up a dollar or two, but it still saves you money if you use it on the expensive entrees instead of the cheap drinks.
A Quick Pro Tip on Mobile Ordering
The lines at the kiosks get ridiculous. Like, 45 minutes for a single bun ridiculous. But here is the secret: you can go to one kiosk that has a short line, and as long as they aren't slammed, you can often order items from other kiosks there and just walk over to the pick-up windows. Or better yet, check the Disneyland App. They’ve been integrating more of the festival booths into mobile ordering lately. If you see that option, use it. Your feet will thank you.
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession: Don't Miss It
This isn't a full-blown parade like "Magic Happens," but it’s arguably better because it feels more intimate. Mulan and Mushu lead a troupe of dancers and performers down the performance corridor in Paradise Gardens Park.
The music is loud. The costumes are stunning.
If you want a good view without standing in the sun for an hour, try to find a spot near the Little Mermaid attraction or the Silly Symphony Swings. Most people crowd right at the start of the route near Pixar Pier, but if you walk further down toward the entrance of the park, the crowds thin out significantly. The procession usually happens multiple times a day—check the app the morning of your visit because times change based on the weather or staffing.
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Character Meet-and-Greets: More Than Just Mickey
Yes, Mickey and Minnie will be there in their festive red and gold outfits. They look great. But the real stars of the Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 dates are the characters you don't see every day.
Mulan and Mushu are obviously the headliners. Sometimes you’ll see Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon. It’s one of the few times a year she’s consistently out for photos.
The line for characters usually forms in the gazebo area of Paradise Gardens. It gets long. Fast. If meeting a specific character is your priority, get there 15 minutes before their scheduled set begins. Also, keep an eye out for "rare" characters. In past years, we’ve seen Meilin Lee and her mother Ming Lee from Turning Red. Disney hasn't confirmed the full 2025 lineup yet, but given the popularity of the Red Panda, I’d bet money they make an appearance.
The Logistics: Tickets and Reservations
You cannot just show up with a ticket and expect to get in. Disney still uses the park reservation system.
Since the Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 dates coincide with the tail end of the "low season" (though "low season" barely exists anymore), you might think reservations are easy to get. They aren't. Magic Key holders (annual passholders) often flood the park during these festivals because the food is good and the merch is collectible.
- Step 1: Buy your ticket.
- Step 2: Immediately book your reservation for Disney California Adventure.
- Step 3: If you have a Park Hopper, remember you can't switch parks until 11:00 AM.
If you're staying at one of the on-site hotels like the Grand Californian, use that special entrance into California Adventure. It drops you off right near Grizzly River Run, which is a short walk from the festival hub. It saves you from the massive crowd at the main front gates.
What People Get Wrong About This Festival
A lot of people think the Lunar New Year celebration is park-wide. It’s not.
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If you spend your whole day in Disneyland Park (the one with the castle), you’ll see maybe a few decorations at the front, but that’s it. All the food, the parade, and the special character spots are in California Adventure.
Another misconception is that it’s only for people who celebrate the holiday. Honestly, it’s for everyone. The educational plaques around the park explain the traditions of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures, and the live performances—like the Chinese Cello or the traditional dancers—are world-class. It’s one of the most "grown-up" feeling events Disney does, but kids still love the dragons and the colors.
Staying Late for the "Hurry Home" Pre-Show
Before the "World of Color" show starts in the evening, there is usually a short pre-show called "Hurry Home - A Lunar New Year Celebration." It’s about six minutes long and uses the water screens and fountains to tell the story of a little lantern trying to get home for the new year.
It’s beautiful.
It uses a score by Tan Dun (who did the music for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). You don't need a separate ticket for this, but you do need a virtual queue spot or a viewing area for the main World of Color show. Check the app at noon sharp to join the virtual queue. If you miss the noon drop, you're basically stuck watching from the very back where you can't see the projections on the water.
Actionable Steps for Your 2025 Visit
If you're serious about making the most of these dates, here is exactly what you should do:
- Book your hotel now. The hotels near Harbor Boulevard fill up fast because people realize the January/February window is actually a great time to visit for weather (usually 65-70 degrees).
- Download the Disneyland App. Ensure your credit card is linked for mobile ordering. You don't want to be fumbling with a physical card while standing in a crowd of 5,000 people.
- Check the Magic Key blackout dates. If you are a passholder, check if you’re even allowed in during the weekends of the festival. The "Inspire" pass is usually fine, but lower tiers might be blocked out.
- Buy the Sip and Savor Pass early. They sell them at various locations, not just the food booths. Go to the shop near the park entrance or the small kiosks to buy the lanyard so you don't have to wait in a food line just to buy the pass itself.
- Prioritize the morning. The food booths open at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM. If you eat an early "lunch" at the booths, you’ll avoid the 1:00 PM rush when everyone else gets hungry.
The Lunar New Year Disneyland 2025 dates offer a unique window to see the park at its most colorful. It's shorter than the Halloween or Christmas seasons, which makes it feel a bit more "exclusive." Just remember to bring a light jacket—Anaheim gets surprisingly chilly once the sun goes down over the Pixar Pal-A-Round.
Plan your trip for late January, grab a bao bun, and enjoy the Year of the Snake. It's going to be a good one.