It goes without saying that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. Starting in November through the entire December holiday season and even into the beginning of January, the entire resort is transformed into a winter wonderland, full of magical experiences and seasonal treats that will entertain even the Scrooge McDuck-iest member of your party! Read all about the holiday offerings at the Disneyland Resort in our post here.

Cost: Free to enter Downtown Disney District. Parking is at the Simba Lot and first hour is $10. Validations apply after that initial fee. 3 additional hours validated parking with a $20 minimum purchase from any Downtown Disney location, or up to 5 additional hours of parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant. One day one park tickets start at $104 adults, and children ages 3-9. 

From their website: "The holiday spirit shines bright at Knott's Merry Farm. Experience a Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. Knott's Merry Farm offers Christmas activities for families and joyful experiences inspired by the spirit of the holidays. This holiday season, enjoy Christmas shows like Home for the Holidays, a musical revue featuring classic Christmas tunes, holiday lights, magical dancing toys, and dazzling snow, all set on an elaborate, transforming wintertime stage. The holiday season at Knott's Merry Farm also means a return of the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang, and a cast of world-class ice skaters. 'Tis the season for delectable holiday dining food that can't be found anywhere else and only offered this time of year. The streets of Calico play host to a Christmas Crafts Village offering one-of-a-kind gift ideas and a magical Snow and Glow experience dancing to the beat of holiday music. Guests can experience Santa's Christmas Cabin, a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, plus so much more this wondrous winter season at Knott's Merry Farm."

Included with general Knott's Berry Farm admission. One day park tickets start at $59.99 for all guests ages 12+, $54.99 for Juniors ages 3-11. Children 2 and under are free. Discount for active/retired military. Parking starts at $30. Check local magazines and AAA for discounts!

From their website: "Southern California’s LARGEST gingerbread competition with over 200 entries is happening at Discovery Cube Orange County! From the apprentice builder to the professional and everything in between, this display is like no other! In the spirit of building, making and competition, this program features learning experiences designed with the engineer in mind." My son loved making his own candy car racer some years back and looking at all the Gingerbread Houses made by kids all over Orange County.

Included with general admission to the Cube. Ages 15+ $24, Children ages 3-14 $20, and Seniors ages 62+ $20. Children ages 2 and under are free. Parking is $8 per vehicle. Check local magazines for coupons! 

This is one of the real Orange County Events November highlight! From the Tanaka Farms website: "Join us for a celebration filled with joy and light! Loosely translated, Hikari means “shine” in Japanese, and this holiday season we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with over a million twinkling lights! Grab a hot cocoa and take a cozy Wagon Ride around the festively lit farm that will take you to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns!” Once off the wagon, you will wander through the light displays, with photo opportunities throughout. After the wagon ride, make your way down to the Festival Grounds where you can visit with the Barnyard Animals, grab some food from the Tanaka Grill, take advantage of lots of photo-ops, games, Arts & Crafts, meet Santa for a photo, and, of course, more holiday lights!"

Holiday Wagon Ride starts at $25 for Adults ages 13+. Children ages 3-12 are $15. Children 2 and under are free. Also free for active military, veterans, and retirees with ID. Parking passes are required and can be purchased online for $10 per vehicle on Friday-Sunday. Activity Tickets $6 each or 6 for $30 (save $6).

From their website: "THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station."

Tickets start at $50 per adult, $43 per child 2-11 plus fees. Lap children under 2 are free. Active duty military members receive $5 discount per ticket up to 10 tickets with service ID using online checkout code HERO5.