Once again, Festival of Holidays is BACK at Disneyland Resort this year! This is a really fun holiday celebration that takes place inside Disney California Adventure and includes music, dancing, shows, and lots and lots of food & drinks!
For 2023 we are seeing a lot of our favorites returning, plus some exciting new offerings. A lot of the new food offerings seem really great and I can’t wait to try them out!
But first, a quick introduction to Festival of Holidays if you’re not familiar with it.
Festival of Holidays 2023 at Disney California Adventure
Table of Contents
What and When is it?
Disney Festival of Holidays is a celebration of the cultural diversity of Southern California, and features music and dance performances, crafting for kids and adults, Disney character interactions, and, of course, a visit with Santa!
For this guide, I will mostly be focusing on the amazing Festival Foods Marketplaces, which showcases delicious foods and spirits of the holiday season from around the world. Guests can purchase small plates of a variety of delicious foods, wines, beers, and other drinks.
Festival of Holidays is being offered every day between November 10, 2023 and January 7, 2024. Regular Park admission for Disney California Adventure PLUS a theme park reservation is required, and food and drink items are an additional cost. Food Marketplaces open at 11am.
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Where to Go
Festival of Holidays takes place at Disney California Adventure. Once inside the park, make your way to the Festival Corridor, starting adjacent to Carthay Circle Restaurant and ending at Paradise Gardens.
Note – If you have a park hopper ticket and you’re starting your day at Disneyland Park, you can park hop to Disney California Adventure starting at 11:00am.
There are 8 Marketplaces along the Festival Corridor, with 3 or 4 food items and 2 or 3 drink options at each. Adjacent to each Marketplace are cocktail tables where you can stand and eat your food.
Utensils and napkins are available from self service dispensers.
There are also several tables with chairs and cocktail tables set up along the corridor. In between Marketplaces you’ll also find kiosks selling official event merchandise, as well as some third-party products.
How It Works
Tasting Passport
When you first enter the Festival Corridor, grab a paper map and free “Tasting Passport.” These Tasting Passports are also available at every Marketplace in case you miss grabbing one when you first arrive.
The Tasting Passport shows you the location of the marketplaces and the list of foods. When you order from a Marketplace, they can stamp your Passport. When you collect all the stamps, stop by the Holiday Central Pergola located near The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure) to receive a completion stamp.
Allergy Info
The Passport is also very handy because you can check off items as you go and also make tasting notes in the back of the book. The last page of the book also indicates which items are “kid friendly,” vegetarian, and “plant-based.”
For more allergy information, ask at a Marketplace register for an allergy guide. You’ll find food lists for gluten-friendly, dairy-friendly, and other common food allergens.
How to Order
To order food and drink items, approach the registers next to the Marketplace, pay for your order, then take your receipt to the window of the Marketplace. Your food and drink items will be prepared quickly, and you’ll be given a cardboard tray if available. You can take your food to a nearby table. Don’t forget to grab napkins and utensils!
**Note: Know what you want ahead of time? You can order all the food items you want from ONE register, and then take the receipt straight to the pick-up window of the corresponding Marketplace. So look for the shortest register line! HOWEVER, You can only order two alcoholic beverages in one order.
Mobile Order
This year, *select* offerings will be available via mobile order in the Disneyland App. Check the app before ordering because using mobile ordering makes life so much easier!! (Note – You can not use Sip and Savor tabs via mobile ordering. Mobile ordering is not available for any of the festival marketplaces.)
Sip and Savor Pass
Keep an eye out for the “Sip and Savor Pass” lanyards, which can be a great deal if you use them wisely. Each tab (8 of them) on the lanyard can be redeemed for one food item at any of the kiosks (excluding alcohol). The lanyard has eight tabs and costs $56 for Magic Key holders, and $61 regular price. That makes each tab worth $7.63, or $7 for Key holders. Food prices range between $6.50 to $9, so if you use the tabs on the right items this can a good deal. (Tip – tabs can be shared among multiple people or multiple visits, BUT you must keep the tabs attached to the lanyard until you pay!)
This pass can be purchased at various locations throughout the park, including Festival Merchandise Carts.
(Tip – do not wait in the long line at the entrance to the festival! Go a little further down to the merchandise kiosk, or visit Kingswell Camera Shop or Seaside Souvenirs for a much shorter wait.)
What to Eat
Obviously I recommend trying everything! This year there are eight marketplaces along the Festival Corridor and HollywoodLand, and additional items available in the Paradise Gardens area.
1. Grandma’s Recipes – Tried the wine flight from here, which was a good mix of different wines.
- Barbacoa Tamal de Res with Oaxaca cheese, tomatillo salsa and crema (New)
- Berry Pomegranate Paloma: Blanco Tequila, blueberry purée, lime, cranberry, and pomegranate juices, and agave syrup topped with fresca mixed vodka spritz and garnished with an orange wheel and chile lime seasoned rim (New)
- Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc
- Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon
- McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé (New)
- Winter Wineries Flight (New)
- Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc
- Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon
- McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé
2. Holiday Duets – I haven’t tried anything from this booth yet, but my friend enjoyed the Mac & Cheese and the Cuban Cocktail.
- Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese with salsa macha and spiced puffed rice
- Chocolate Tart Made with TWIX Cookie Bar Pieces: Sugar tart filled with caramel and chocolate mousse, topped with TWIX cookie bar pieces and holiday sprinkles (New)
- Cuban Parranda Cocktail: White rum, falernum and maraschino liqueurs, soursop nectar, grapefruit juice, and mint syrup garnished with a dried grapefruit wheel (New)
- Cantaritos Pineapple (New)
3. Favorite Things – Pork Belly was a returning favorite and I had to get it again! It was great as always! I also tried the new Macaron which was super chocolatey and rich. Share this one with a friend.
- Braised Pork Belly Adobo with garlic rice
- Mad Santa Macaron Inspired by the Disney+ series “The Santa Clauses”: Chocolate macaron filled with ganache, peanut butter mousse, and salted pretzels (New)
- Cherry Mango Punch: Mango purée, cherry and peach syrups, and lemon juice garnished with a frozen peach (Non-alcoholic beverage)
- Churro Toffee Cold Brew Latte: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Mexico Origin Coffee, cinnamon sugar, vanilla bean, and almond milk garnished with churro syrup-flavored whipped cream and toffee crumble (Non-alcoholic beverage)
4. Making Spirits Bright – I tried the IMPOSSIBLE Chicken Curry Bites and while I don’t mind IMPOSSIBLE meat I really didn’t like the sauces on top. The Pumpkin Cheesecake is a returning item that I loved last year. The Tiramisu Yule Log Cocktail was delicious and VERY strong. It has a consistency like a White Russian but with a strong hazelnut flavor. I really enjoyed it.
- IMPOSSIBLE Chicken Curry Bites with lemon raita and coriander chutney (New)
- Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake: Layers of New York-style cheesecake, pumpkin gooey cake, and graham cracker topped with spiced Chantilly and a chocolate decoration
- Tiramisu Yule Log Cocktail: Vodka, hazelnut liqueur, oat milk, tiramisu syrup, and chocolate bitters garnished with chocolate shavings
- Chocolate Mint Stout Shake: Garage Brewing Marshmallow Milk Stout, coffee liqueur, crème de menthe, horchata cream liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup garnished with cookie crumbles (New)
5. A Twist on Tradition – I really loved the Savory Kugel Mac n Cheese, but I’m also a sour cream fiend. But yeah, REALLY good and can’t wait to get it again! I also had the Glacier Margarita which was light and refreshing.
- Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese with herb breadcrumbs, sour cream and chives (New)
- Guava-Melon Lassi: Guava nectar, rock melon syrup, yogurt, and honey garnished with cinnamon whipped cream and honey-flavored cereal (Non-alcoholic beverage)
- Glacier Margarita: Blanco tequila, blue curaçao, coconut and rosemary syrups, and white cranberry and lime juices garnished with champagne bubbles candy (New)
6. Merry Mashups – A bunch of returning favorites here! I had the Hot Buttered Rum in years past and it’s very delightful on a chilly night. (Be sure to mix the whipped topping before you drink.)
- Southern Mac & Cheese with andouille sausage and spiced panko crunch
- Santa’s Milk & Cookies Hot Cocoa Inspired by the Disney+ series “The Santa Clauses”: Whole milk, cookies and cream powder, and white chocolate with whipped cream
- Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum: Dark rum, butter, hazelnut paste, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with a salted caramel whipped cream
7. Winter Sliderland – The Spiced Pear Mule was REALLY good, and strong! I had the slider last year and it’s fine, but I feel like the sliders just aren’t big enough for the cost.
- Togarashi Karaage Chicken Slider with furikake mayo slaw on a Hawaiian roll (New)
- Beef Brisket Slider with smoked onions and horseradish ketchup on a pretzel roll
- Spiced Pear Mule: Pear vodka, gin, apricot liqueur, house-made spice syrup, pear nectar, and lemon juice garnished with a white orchid (New)
8. Brews and Bites – Always a popular spot! Here you can order glasses of beer, or flights, as well as the popular returning favorite Chorizo Fundido with chips.
- IMPOSSIBLE Chorizo Queso Fundido with house-made tortilla chips
- Churro Ale with Frozen Beer Slush: Churro ale with a frozen slush of beer, butterscotch, gingerbread, and house-made churro toffee syrups (New)
- Garage Brewing Co. Churro Ale (New)
- Boulevard Brewing Company Quirk Hard Seltzer – Cranberry Apple Cinnamon (New)
- Two Coast Brewing Co. Saint Father Authentic Oktoberfest Festbier
- Unsung Brewing Co. Agents of Anaheim Vienna Lager (New)
- Golden Road Brewing Christmas Cart Wheat Ale
- Eureka Brewing Co. Hibiscus Bloom Blonde Ale (New)
- Ballast Point Brewing Co. Grunion Pale Ale (New)
- Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Mouthful of Miracles Cold IPA (New)
- Brewery X Feliz Guavidad IPA (New)
- Rogue Brewing Co. Hazelnut Brown Nectar Brown Ale (New)
- Allagash Brewing Curieux Bourbon Barrel-Aged Golden Ale
- Bottle Logic Brewing Co. Study Break Sweet Stout (New)
- Holiday Flight (New)
- Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Mouthful of Miracles Cold IPA
- Ballast Point Brewing Co. Grunion Pale Ale
- Unsung Brewing Co. Agents of Anaheim Vienna Lager
- Bottle Logic Brewing Co. Study Break Sweet Stout
- Festive Favorites (New)
- Two Coast Brewing Co. Saint Father Authentic Oktoberfest Festbier
- Eureka Brewing Co. Hibiscus Bloom Blonde Ale
- Brewery X Feliz Guavidad IPA
- LA Bodega Brewing Co. Mama Coco Coconut Milk Stout
- Brewed Traditions (New)
- Boulevard Brewing Company Quirk Hard Seltzer – Cranberry Apple Cinnamon
- Golden Road Brewing Christmas Cart Wheat Ale
- Allagash Brewing Curieux Bourbon Barrel-Aged Golden Ale
- Rogue Brewing Co. Hazelnut Brown Nectar Brown Ale
There are also some seasonal offerings at Paradise Garden Grill, celebrating Viva Navidad! with traditional items.
- Tacos Gobernador: Chipotle-marinated shrimp tacos with pepper Jack cheese served with Spanish rice and refried beans (New)
- IMPOSSIBLE Albondigas Soup: IMPOSSIBLE meatballs in a vegetable soup (Plant-based)
- Achiote-marinated Half Chicken with Spanish rice and refried beans topped with a nopal salad (New)
- Shareable Loaded Torta with chicken milanesa, carnitas, sliced ham, chorizo beans, panela cheese, onions, avocado spread, and tomatoes on telera bread served with chips, chorizo beans, and a wedge of street-style watermelon (Serves two to four guests) (New)
- Street-style Watermelon with lime juice, chile-lime seasoning, and chamoy (New)
- Chocolate Cake Flan: Layer of flan on chocolate cake with caramel (New)
- Mango Candy Cocktail: Tequila and mango with a chamoy and chile-lime seasoned rim (New)
- Modelo Especial
- Dos Equis Ambar
Paradise Gardens Seasonal Cart
- TBA
You can also visit these additional locations for special Festival of Holidays treats!
Hollywood Lounge (Mobile order available)
- Three Gifts Flight: Includes Gin Lavender Lemonade, Smoky Hibiscus Orange Cocktail, and Shimmering Apple Pie Cocktail (New)
Lamplight Lounge
- Holiday Special Duck Confit: Duck confit with celeriac purée, cherry gastrique, rutabaga, and arugula citrus salad (New)
- Pan Dulce Donuts: Warm and fluffy donuts dipped in cajeta and topped with pan dulce crumbles paired with a champurrado dipping sauce (New)
- Holiday Cocktail: Chai Tea-Oat Mix, vanilla vodka, and Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur topped with chocolate liqueur and ground cinnamon (New)
Cappuccino Cart (Mobile order available)
- Cafe de Olla Cold Brew: Piloncillo-sweetened coffee spiced with star anise, clove and cinnamon topped with a hot chocolate cream cold foam (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
Smokejumpers Grill (mobile order available)
- Kielbasa with Pierogi: Kielbasa served with potato and cheese pierogies, sautéed peppers and onions, and Dijon-sour cream (New)
Sonoma Terrace (mobile order available)
- Pan Con Pollo – Braised Chicken, Spiced Tomato Sauce, Mayonnaise and Mustard Dressing in a French Bread Roll (New)
- Ginger and Lime Irish Whiskey Cocktail (New)
Studio Catering Co. (mobile order available)
- Holiday Turkey Empanada (New)
Pym Test Kitchen (mobile order available)
- Cold Brew Infusion: Cinnamon & Spice: Cinnamon caramel cold brew with cardamom cream foam (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Terran Treats
- Hot Chocolate Churro: Chocolate chile churro with chocolate and chile streusel, mini marshmallows, and hazelnut spread
Outdoor Vending Locations
- Chicken Chile Verde Empanada served with a side of slaw and salsa roja (New)
- Honey-glazed Turkey Leg (New)
- Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie
- Cantaritos Pineapple
Seasonal Snack Locations Throughout the Park
- Chicken Chile Verde Empanada served with a side of slaw and salsa roja (New)
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Cake: Pumpkin cake with cinnamon streusel finished with icing and sprinkles (New)
- Cantaritos Pineapple
Churros near Goofy’s Sky School (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 22)
- Fresas con Crema coated in cinnamon sugar and topped with strawberries saturated in condensed milk (New)
Churros at Hollywood Land (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Yule Log Churro: Crème filled chocolate churro with berry drizzle and powdered sugar (New)
Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (Available Nov. 10 through Jan. 7)
- Chocolate Peppermint Churro: Churro coated with crushed candy canes and drizzled with chocolate and vanilla sauce
My Favorites This Year (2023)
These are my recommendations!
- Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese
- Pork Belly Adobo
- Holiday Turkey Empanada
- Glacier Margarita
- Spiced Pear Mule
- Tiramisu Yule Log Cocktail
- Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake
- Mad Santa Macaron
Also be sure to visit with Mickey and friends in their festive Viva Navidad outfits and see the little parade they do! It’s really cute.
The Festival of Holidays is a fun addition to Holidaytime at Disneyland Resort. If you’re a foodie like me, you won’t want to miss it!
PS – If you love food festivals you will also want to check out Lunar New Year Festival at Disneyland, and Disneyland Food and Wine Festival!
