Christmas comes but once a year. Fortunately, if you happen to be at Disneyland Paris, it lasts for two months! But even if a trip to Paris isn’t on your holiday calendar, it’s always fun to know what’s happening throughout the big world of Disney. This year, some new surprises await guests, and some wonderful traditions continue. Here are some of the highlights of Disney’s Enchanted Christmas, Paris-style!
The Princesses! What’s a holiday without princesses? Of course, Belle and her Prince wouldn’t miss spending the Christmas holiday with you. Meet them as Fantasyland is transformed into Belle’s Christmas Village to mark the occasion. Stroll through the streets of the little village and become part of the story. But that isn’t all – guests will have the chance to meet Rapunzel up close and personal as well! The newest princess and her dashing princely bandit, Flynn Rider, make their debut at Disneyland Paris as Disney’s fiftieth full-length animated feature, “Tangled,” hits theatres in France on December 1. Rapunzel and Flynn will appear several times daily at the Royal Castle Stage.
And then there’s Santa: And you can’t have Christmas without the big man himself. The spirit of Christmas comes alive as Santa and his elves once again set up their busy workshop at Disneyland Paris. Children who haven’t already done so may drop off their wish lists for Santa until December 25. You’ll find him at Santa Claus Village, Critter Corral, in Frontierland.
When Santa isn’t busy making toys, reading letters, and sorting naughty and nice, he’ll be joining Mickey and Friends in the Disney’s Once Upon a Dream Parade. Look for him in his beautiful wooden sleigh at the end of the parade, accompanied by his elfin helpers and wooden soldiers.
Santa will also be on hand at the end of each day to wish guests a very Merry Christmas as they exit the park.
From Timeless Classics to Disney’s New Generation: Launched in March 2010, The Disney New Generation Festival welcomes new classics to the fold of beloved characters – here we see our favorites from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Lilo and Stitch,” and our favorite Pixar characters from “Toy Story,” “Ratatouille,” “The Incredibles,” and “Monsters, Inc.” New for the Christmas season, these wonderful heroes and heroines join Mickey for Disney Showtime Spectacular Celebrates Christmas! The show culminates with Mickey transforming Sleeping Beauty’s castle into a shimmering crystal palace. You’ll find the show several times a day (although presumably, Mickey only lights the castle in the evening) at Central Plaza Stage.
Gather around the Christmas Tree…With snowflakes gently falling, Mickey, Minnie, and their friends – including one lucky guest from the audience! – light up the Christmas tree in a beautiful ceremony. Don’t miss it – festivities take place every evening in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.
Disney’s Fantillusion…Disneyland Paris’ nighttime parade will continue to bring all of your favorite characters to you – including Jasmine and Aladdin, Ariel, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and of course, Mickey and Minnie – throughout the holiday season.
Meet Goofy Santa…Goofy dons his best Santa suit to greet guests and share a picture or two. You’ll find Goofy Santa in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.
And let’s not forget New Year’s Eve! What would a holiday celebration be without the wonderful party that is New Year’s Eve? Bid farewell to the old year and ring in the new one as the park stays open until 1:00 a.m. on December 31. Guests will enjoy an extra-special fireworks display to mark the special occasion.
Christmas festivities at Disneyland Paris begin on Monday, November 7, and run through January 6, 2011.
