By CalNews360 Staff
August 20, 2026
Halloween is arriving early at Disneyland this year.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort officially begins Friday, August 21, and runs through October 31, 2026, bringing seasonal decorations, themed attractions, entertainment, food and merchandise to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim.
For California families planning a visit, here’s what to know before heading to the resort.
When does Disneyland Halloween Time begin?
The official Halloween Time celebration runs from August 21 through October 31.
Halloween decorations and seasonal experiences will appear across the resort, including Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the resort hotels.
Some Halloween offerings began slightly earlier, but August 21 marks the main start of the seasonal celebration.
What can visitors expect?
Guests can expect Halloween-themed decorations throughout the resort, seasonal entertainment, specialty food and drinks, merchandise and characters wearing Halloween costumes.
Disneyland says some attractions will also receive seasonal transformations during the celebration.
One of the major nighttime offerings is Halloween Screams, a seasonal show presented on select nights from August 21 through October 31.
What about Oogie Boogie Bash?
One of the most popular Halloween experiences at the resort is Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure.
Unlike regular Halloween Time activities, Oogie Boogie Bash requires a separate event ticket.
The party takes place on select nights and includes special entertainment and Halloween experiences.
Visitors should check availability before planning their trip because special-event admission is separate from regular theme-park admission.
Families can also celebrate Día de los Muertos
Halloween isn’t the only seasonal celebration taking place at Disneyland.
Plaza de la Familia returns to Disney California Adventure from August 21 through November 2, 2026.
The experience celebrates the traditions and spirit of Día de los Muertos with themed decorations, entertainment and activities.
Do you need a park reservation?
Visitors should check Disneyland’s official calendar and admission requirements before traveling.
Disneyland notes that guests generally need a valid theme-park ticket and park reservation to enter the parks, while some special events require separate tickets. Availability can change, so checking the official calendar before visiting is important.
Is August a good time to visit?
For people who want to experience Disneyland’s Halloween atmosphere, August 21 marks the beginning of more than two months of seasonal programming.
Visitors who prefer Halloween decorations and entertainment but want more flexibility may want to consider a regular park visit rather than a separately ticketed Halloween party.
Families should also check attraction schedules, park hours and reservations before making plans because offerings can vary by date.
What should visitors plan ahead?
If you’re planning a Disneyland Halloween trip, consider checking these before leaving home:
- Park admission and reservations
- Oogie Boogie Bash availability
- Park hours
- Halloween entertainment schedules
- Attraction availability
- Restaurant reservations
- Parking and transportation
- Weather conditions
- Special-event ticket requirements
Planning ahead can make a significant difference, particularly during weekends and popular Halloween dates.
The bottom line
Disneyland’s Halloween Time 2026 begins August 21 and continues through October 31, giving California residents and visitors more than two months of seasonal entertainment and activities.
With Halloween decorations, themed attractions, seasonal food, entertainment, Halloween Screams, Oogie Boogie Bash and Plaza de la Familia, there will be several different ways to experience the fall season at the Disneyland Resort.
Before visiting, check the official Disneyland calendar for the latest hours, reservations and event information.
Source: Disneyland Resort.
Image note: The image used with this article is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual event, person, or photograph at Disneyland.