Halloween Arrives Early in 2026
Spooky season is arriving earlier than ever at the Disneyland Resort. Disney has officially confirmed that Halloween Time will run from August 21 through October 31, 2026. This early start provides an extended window for families to experience the park’s transformation, but it also creates a unique “bridge” week in mid-August that savvy planners should note.
The August Transition: Summer Meets Fall
For those visiting in the second week of August, Disneyland is offering a rare overlap of seasonal entertainment. From August 10 through August 20, 2026, guests can still catch the 70th Anniversary favorites Paint the Night parade and Wondrous Journeys. Simultaneously, World of Color – ONE makes its return to Disney California Adventure on August 10, staying through the duration of the Halloween season. This ten-day window is the only time you can experience the high-energy 70th Anniversary spectaculars just before the pumpkins take over on August 21.
Disneyland Park: New Decor and Iconic Overlays
The Main Street Pumpkin Festival remains the heart of the celebration, anchored by the massive Mickey Mouse pumpkin. However, look closer at the Partners Statue this year. Disney is introducing new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge-themed pumpkins to the surrounding ring, featuring intricate carvings of Chewbacca and the Millennium Falcon. In Town Square, Mickey, Minnie, and their friends will debut new harlequin-inspired costumes featuring frilled collars and swirling confection details in a palette of orange, yellow, and black.
The Haunted Mansion Holiday returns as Jack Skellington once again seizes the estate. Fans should look for an entirely new gingerbread house design in the ballroom, a tradition that changes every season. At night, Halloween Screams will bring projections to Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Rivers of America, with fireworks scheduled for select nights (typically weekends).
Disney California Adventure: A New Street Party
The big news for Oogie Boogie Bash attendees in 2026 is the debut of Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party. This new experience replaces the previous parade, bringing the 999 happy haunts to the streets of California Adventure with a spirited séance hosted by Leota herself. This separately ticketed event runs on select nights from August 18 through October 31.
For daytime guests, the Radiator Screams transformation of Cars Land returns with Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. In the late afternoons, Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark takes over the Collector’s Fortress. Younger guests can enjoy Mickey’s Trick and Treat, an interactive show at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land starting August 18.
Planning Your Visit
If you are looking to secure a spot for the guided experience, Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour will be available for an additional fee. Also, don’t forget Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, the resort-wide scavenger hunt that allows guests to hunt for character-themed pumpkins in exchange for a keepsake prize.
Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash go on sale to the general public on June 18, 2026, with Magic Key presales beginning June 16. Given the popularity of the new street party, expect these dates to sell out rapidly.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.