Paint the Night Parade Disneyland 2026: Dates, Tickets & Guide

The Paint The Night Parade Disneyland spectacle returns with even more shimmer and surprises for 2026. 

Get ready for an electrifying celebration of light, magic, and music in honor of Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary. 

This year’s Disneyland Paint The Night Parade includes returning floats, new character appearances, and synchronized tech that brings Disney stories to life. 

Read on for exclusive tips, schedule breakdowns, and how to get the best parade view possible.

Disneyland Paint the Night Parade Dates & Schedule

The Paint The Night Parade 2026 kicks off January 30, 2026, and runs almost nightly through August 9, 2026. 

It typically operates Fridays through Sundays, with two performances at 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM, and one show Monday–Thursday at 8:30 PM. 

There are no shows on select weekdays or during special ticketed events. For example, Paint the Night Parade pauses during the holiday season, typically from mid-November to early January, to give way to A Christmas Fantasy Parade on the shared Main Street route.

Expect best viewing availability on weekday evenings. The limited time event proceeds rain or shine.

Tickets

H3: Ticket Types

• General admission: Standard Disneyland Park tickets include access to the Paint the Night Parade with no extra cost for general viewing.
• Timed entry: Not required for parade viewing; arrive 30–60 minutes early to claim the best spots along the route.
• VIP / Fast Pass / Skip-the-line: Reserved viewing packages are available via dining bundles like the Plaza Inn Paint the Night Dining Package, which guarantees premium parade seating.
• Kids/Seniors/Military: Children under 3 enter free; military discounts are available; senior-specific discounts are not offered.

Where to Buy Paint the Night Parade Tickets

Book through Tripster to compare ticket options in one place and keep planning simple. 

The Paint The Night Disneyland Parade is included with standard Disneyland Park admission—no separate ticket required for general viewing. 

Enjoy instant ticket confirmation, no promo code needed, no surprise fees, and a mobile-friendly, stress-free booking experience.

Ticket Tips

Buy ahead for weekends and holidays to avoid sellouts. Choose earlier entry for easier access to prime viewing areas. Know that dining packages offer reserved seating but aren’t required to view the parade.

Getting to Disneyland Park

Directions & Address

• Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802.
• Arrival Tips: Enter through the Esplanade from Harbor Boulevard. Use I-5 South (exit Disneyland Dr) or I-5 North (exit Harbor Blvd and turn on Manchester Ave).

Fun Fact: After a brief run at Disney California Adventure in 2018, Paint the Night returned to Disneyland Park in 2025 as part of the 70th celebration of its anniversary. Few theme parks celebrate happy moments with such vibrant flair—this glowing parade has found its forever home where it all began!

Parking & Pricing

• General Parking: Paid daily; $40 standard, $60 preferred at Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, and Toy Story lots.
• Best Lot: Mickey & Friends offers closest access to the tram for easy entry.
• Accessibility: ADA spots available near tram stations.
• Shuttles: Free tram from Mickey & Friends or shuttle bus from Toy Story lot.

Rideshare & Public Transit

• Rideshare: Use the drop-off zone at Harbor Boulevard near the Esplanade entrance.
• Public Transit: ART buses from ARTIC station and OCTA Bus 50 drop nearby.

Pro Tip: Use the Toy Story Lot shuttle to skip tram lines and get faster security access.

What to Expect at Paint the Night Parade 2026

The Main Experience

The paint the night parade is a walk-up, street-side performance viewed from designated viewing areas along Main Street, U.S.A. Expect an immersive LED parade full of Disney characters, synchronized soundtracks, and magical special effects.

2026 Highlights

• LED Spectacle: Over 1 million lights dancing to Owl City “When Can I See You Again.”
• Frozen Fractals Float: Returning for the first time in years with Anna and Elsa.
• Pixie Dust Magic: Tinker Bell and Mickey light up the sky with synchronized projections.
• Pixar Favorites: Mike & Sulley, Toy Story, and Cars characters make epic appearances.
• Main Street Finale: The show closes with an ode to the original Main Street Electrical Parade.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the magic as Peter Pan soars with Tinker Bell and Beauty and the Beast dazzles with Lumiere!

Crowds & Atmosphere

Expect moderate to heavy crowds, especially on weekends and for the second show. The vibe is lively with high-volume music, cheers, and glowing gear everywhere.

Who is Paint the Night Parade Best For?

• Families: Kids love the familiar characters, music, and dazzling floats.
• Couples: Perfect for date nights with magical ambiance.
• Groups: Plenty of space to stake out viewing zones and enjoy together.

How Long to Spend at Paint the Night Parade

• Typical Visit: 1–2 hours for parade viewing and finding a good spot.
• Express Route: Arrive 30 mins before and watch near Town Square for a quick exit.
• Full Experience: Arrive 60–90 mins early, enjoy dinner and explore Main Street.

Pro Tip: Dining packages at Plaza Inn guarantee reserved seating and eliminate the wait.

Food & Drinks

Onsite Dining Options

• Vendors: Fried chicken, mac & cheese, hot dogs, churros, funnel cakes.
• Alcohol Policy: Alcohol not served or allowed at Disneyland Park.

Dietary & Nearby Dining

• Dietary Restrictions: Gluten-free, vegan, and plant-based available throughout the park.
• Nearby Restaurants: Plaza Inn and Refreshment Corner are closest to parade viewing areas.

Pro Tip: Mobile order from nearby restaurants before the parade to avoid the dinner rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Know Before You Go

Essential Rules & Policies

• Bag Policy: Max 24″ x 15″ x 18″; all bags screened.
• Re-entry: Allowed with hand stamp.
• Pets: Service animals only.
• Payment: Cashless preferred; Apple Pay and cards accepted.

Accessibility & Convenience

• Strollers: Allowed with rentals available at entry; paved parade route.
• Wheelchair Access: ADA-marked viewing zones + ECV rentals at park entrance.
• Sensory Notes: Loud music and lights; no official quiet zones available.

Weather & What to Wear

• Rain Policy: Rain or shine event with no refunds.
• Comfort: Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for standing/waiting.

Final Take: Is the Paint the Night Parade Worth It?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most beloved nighttime shows at the Disneyland Resort and a fan-favorite for a reason. Between Tinker Bell, Sorcerer Mickey, and the return of the Frozen Fractals float, this is a spectacle of pure magic.

Top Reasons to Go:

• The Spectacle: Over a million LED lights and precision choreography light up Main Street.
• The Music: Owl City’s “When Can I See You Again” is the perfect anthem for the experience.
• The Energy: It’s a rare Disney moment where nostalgia meets cutting-edge tech in motion.

The Golden Rule: Arrive at least 60 minutes early for a front-row curbside spot—Town Square and “it’s a small world” reserved viewing area fills first!

Let the Magic Begin!: Ready to make it part of your Disneyland trip? Use Tripster to grab your Disneyland Park tickets, secure vacation packages, and unlock exclusive deals on hotels, attractions, and shows all in one spot.