Disneyland Resort unveils schedule for popular Halloween season. What to know

Halloween celebrations will get under way at Disneyland Resort starting in August, the theme park said.

Halloween Time, which has become one of the busiest events at the Anaheim theme park, runs from Aug. 21 to Oct. 31 in 2026, the official Disney Parks Blog said.

Here’s what you need to know:

What’s happening for Halloween at Disneyland?

The “Halloween Screams” show featuring Disney villains will run nightly in Disneyland.

The popular “Nightmare Before Christmas” overlay will be featured at the Haunted Mansion attraction.

Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other costumed characters will appear in special Halloween attire in the park.

The park also will be decorated for Halloween with banners, giant pumpkins on Main Street and other holiday decor.

The pumpkins surrounding the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in front of the castle will now feature one honoring Chewbacca from “Star Wars.”

What’s happening for Halloween at Disney California Adventure?

A statue of the Headless Horseman will return to Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure for the Halloween Time festivities.

Cars Land will become “Radiator Screams” with the cars dressed in special costumes.

Starting in late afternoon each day, the “Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout” ride becomes “Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark” as guests help Rocket Raccoon distract monsters and save Groot, Disney Parks Blog said.

The “Mickey’s Trick or Treat” show will be featured at Disney Theater beginning Aug. 18.

Disney California Adventure will host the “Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party” on select nights from Aug. 18 through Oct. 31.

The after-hours party runs from 6 to 11 p.m. and requires separate admission.

The party also will feature “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party” with music, dancing and characters from the iconic Disneyland ride.

During the event, he Redwood Creek Challenge Trail attraction will turn into “Villains Grove,” an enchanted world inspired by Disney villains such as the Queen of Hearts from “Alice in Wonderland” and Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog.”

Rarely seen Disney villains will be out in Disney California Adventure for the party. Ichabod Crane will hurry through the park trying to escape the Headless Horseman.

At total of 33 Oogie Boogie Bash events are scheduled, with tickets going on sale at 9 a.m. June 18.

What’s happening for Día de los Muertos at Disneyland?

The traditional Mexican Day of the Dead festival also will be represented at Disneyland and California Disney Adventure, Disney Parks Blog said.

Disneyland will feature special Día de los Muertos decorations near the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante.

At Disney California Adventure, Plaza de la Familia will feature music and characters from the movie “Coco” from Aug. 21 to Nov. 2.

Traveling storytellers will bring songs such as “Remember Me” and “The World Es Mi Familia” to life, while live mariachi music will be featured at Paradise Garden Bandstand.

Paradise Gardens Park also will feature Dia de los Muertos decor and a memory wall to remember loved ones.

Paradise Garden Grill will offer specialty menu items for the event.

What’s happening for Halloween at Downtown Disney, hotels?

Special decor, characters, dining, treats and drinks are planned at Downtown Disney and Disney hotels at the resort.

Are there ticket discounts?

Disneyland Resort is offering a Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer that can be used for visits through Sept. 7, overlapping part of the Halloween Time celebration.

Children ages 3 to 9 can visit Disneyland Resort for $50 per child with the purchase of a special 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket. 2-Day and 3-Day Park Hopper ticket options are also available.

During 10 days in September, Disneyland Resort will offer its lowest priced 1-Day, 1-Park ticket for guests 10 years of age and older, for $104 a day.

They are Sept. 8, Sept. 9, Sept. 15, Sept. 16, Sept. 17, Sept. 21, Sept. 22, Sept. 23, Sept. 24 and Sept. 29.

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 8:13 AM with the headline "Disneyland Resort unveils schedule for popular Halloween season. What to know."