Christmas Eve at Disneyland Paris: what to expect on December 24

Yes, it is. Disneyland Paris never closes, 365 days a year, and December 24 is no exception. Christmas Eve night doesn’t require any special ticket: to get in, a ticket valid on December 24 works, as does a Disney hotel package covering that date or an annual pass booked for the day.

On that date, the whole resort is open: both parks, all the Disney hotels, and Disney Village. Park hours shift each year, so when you plan, look at the official calendar or the Disneyland Paris app instead of relying on hearsay about closing time.

Being at the resort on December 24 means enjoying everything the Christmas season offers. There are the holiday decorations all over the parks (covered in depth in the Christmas decorations), Mickey, Minnie, the Princesses, and Santa Claus riding by in the holiday procession (the Christmas parade), plus characters dressed up for the holidays to meet. Want the big picture of the season? Head to my complete guide to Christmas at Disneyland Paris.

As for crowds, December 24 is often a bit quieter than the days right after it. Attendance keeps climbing from December 25 to New Year’s Day, so Christmas Eve usually falls before that peak. It’s still a busy time, not to be confused with a quiet day, but it’s a helpful marker if you’re torn between dates. I explain the best times to go in my guide to crowds.

What sets the 24th apart happens mostly over dinner. That night, a long list of park and Disney hotel restaurants switch to a Christmas menu, and you need a reservation. I’d strongly suggest booking early, because seats go quickly.

Expect to pay more than on a normal night. You won’t find prices in this article since they shift every year. Disney posts each menu and its price in the Disneyland Paris app a few weeks ahead of the holidays, so look there when you’re ready to reserve.

Some of these dinners come with characters (kids can meet them during the meal), and those cost more than the others.

Restaurants that often run a Christmas menu include, in the parks, Auberge de Cendrillon, Plaza Gardens, Bistrot Chez Remy, or Captain Jack’s, and at the hotels, Manhattan Restaurant or Cape Cod, to name a few. The lineup shifts every year, so double-check in the app.

Does your hotel package come with a meal plan (half-board or full-board meal plan)? In most cases it can cover your Christmas dinner, and you pay the extra if the menu is priced above your plan. Treat this as a handy guideline, not a guarantee, and confirm it as you reserve. My article on the vacation meal plans walks you through how they work.