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!

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

And if you’d like to enjoy a meal AND a reserved viewing area for the Main Street Electrical Parade, you can learn about the Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package HERE!

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!

P.S. Note the Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). Mickey’s Mix Magic fireworks will happen during the week (Monday through Thursday) until late spring. After that, the Disneyland Forever fireworks will then run nightly in the summer!

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.

Click here to see the Dapper Day event dates announced for 2022!

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 you have from now through July 4th to catch it!

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 taking place in Disneyland and during this event, it’s time for Star Wars fans to shine!

After being delayed in 2020, this separate ticketed nighttime event is being held in 2022 on May 4th, as well as May 3rd and May 27th. It’s set to include a Star Wars-themed fireworks show, dance parties, Star Wars characters, out-of-this-world merchandise, photo-ops, and special snacks and beverages, too! General admission tickets for the event are sold out.

Click HERE to see which Disneyland restaurant is serving 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 includes 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! will return to Disneyland park on May 28th, 2022!

We can’t wait to cheer for Sorcerer Mickey again SOON! You can see initial showtimes for Fantasmic HERE!

Click HERE to read about special entertainment returning to Disneyland!

Tale of the Lion King

Also on May 28th, “Tale of the Lion King” will debut 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 will also reopen 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 is being 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 will make its debut in Disney California Adventure in June: 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!)

Get all the TOTALLY FAB DEETS on Grad Night Reunion 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 turns 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. 

September-October

Oogie Boogie Bash

Halloween season is generally a HUGE deal in Disneyland, featuring months’ worth of entertainment, special holiday treats, and festive souvenirs! It’s also the season for the Oogie Boogie Bash, which we LOVED last year!

The after-dark event, a separately ticketed event which takes place after park closure, will once again be held on select nights in September and October 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!

November

Dapper Day

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

So break out another Disney-inspired outfit and get ready to rock it in the park!

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 sometimes doled out surprises like free birthday buttons, special birthday cavalcades, and maybe even some cute birthday ‘fits for the pair!

Disney Merriest Nites

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 2021, Disneyland offered a new after hours event — Disney Merriest Nites. This event was held on select evenings in November and December. If the event returns in 2022 and is anything last year’s merriment, we can expect dance parties, live music, holiday decorations galore, and all sorts of festive treats and eats!

The Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park is another offering that typically begins in November.

During this festival, guests can chow down on all kinds of festive eats, enjoy special entertainment, see Santa, and more! The Festival of Holidays is set to return in the fall of 2022.

Click here to learn more about Festival of Holidays!

As you can see, there’s a LOT to look forward to this coming 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!

Concerned about closures? Click HERE to see all of the refurbs and ride closures scheduled for Disneyland Resort!

Want to Learn More About Disneyland?
Check Out the Links Below!

• Check Out Important Details about the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

• Learn About Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland

• See the Latest Updates About Disneyland’s Face Mask Policy

• Check Out What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure

• Check Out Our Disneyland Restaurants Guide

• Learn All About Disneyland Park

• See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure

• See More About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure

• Learn About the Disneyland Mobile App

• Get All the Details About Mobile Order in Disneyland

• Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program

• What’s Going to Be Different About Your Next Disneyland Trip?

Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland

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