Disneyland Paris at Christmas: Magic, Marvel & a Special Surprise
We've visited Disneyland Paris more times than we can count, but our December 2022 trip was something we won't forget. The park was celebrating its 30th anniversary, the brand new Marvel Avengers Campus had just opened, and we had a personal reason for making the trip that we'll share at the end of this post.
Here's everything we experienced during our Christmas visit to Disneyland Paris.
Marvel Avengers Campus
Just weeks before our visit, Marvel Avengers Campus opened in Walt Disney Studios Park. The area is beautifully themed and genuinely feels like stepping into the Marvel universe. The architecture, the character appearances, the food, it all comes together well. The rides are great, but the atmosphere is reason enough to slow down and take it all in.
PYM Kitchen
Inside Avengers Campus you'll find PYM Kitchen, a fully themed restaurant based on the world of Ant-Man. The concept is that food has been shrunk or enlarged using PYM particles, so you might find a jumbo-sized burger next to miniature fries, or an enormous brie alongside tiny hot dogs.
For a set price you get the full buffet plus a drink. The food itself is decent rather than spectacular, but the theming makes it absolutely worth it. Kids love it, but so do adults. The attention to detail throughout the restaurant is impressive and makes for a fun dining experience.
Celebrating 30 Years of Disneyland Paris
Our visit coincided with the park's 30th anniversary celebrations. The area in front of the castle had been transformed into the Gardens of Wonder, featuring 30 moving illuminated sculptures of beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Walking through it in the evening was genuinely impressive. The anniversary also brought a special CavalCade along Main Street, a more intimate version of the classic parade with characters on floats.
Christmas at Disneyland Paris
Even with the anniversary decorations filling the park, the Christmas atmosphere came through beautifully. Walking through the gates you're greeted by snowmen and a large Christmas tree at the start of Main Street USA. The whole park feels warm and festive in a way that's hard to describe without experiencing it yourself.
The Christmas Parade
The Christmas parade winds down Main Street and is not something you want to miss. Find a good spot early, ideally on the Main Street side near the castle and enjoy the floats, characters and dancers going past.
Disney's Stars on Parade
Alongside the Christmas parade, Disney's Stars on Parade was also running during our visit. Bigger floats, more characters, elaborate costumes. If you're visiting during the Christmas season, check the park schedule on arrival as you may be able to catch both.
The Snacks
We have a personal rule: you don't leave a theme park without trying the seasonal snacks. Disneyland Paris at Christmas does not disappoint. Highlights from our visit were a classic beignet, a festive Christmas cone, and the Victoria's Home Style pastries near the castle, where you can also get hot chocolate. Some of the best themed food in the park.
Where We Ate
Manhatten Restaurant
Located in the newly renovated Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel this restaurant is a step up from standard park dining. Good food, fresh ingredients, and a great interior. More on the pricey side but well worth it for the Asgard chandelier alone.
Bistrot Chez Rémy
One of the most beautifully themed restaurants we've ever visited. As you enter into Rémy's world from Ratatouille, everything is oversized, the decor is extraordinary. The food was okay but the theming makes up for it. Book this one in advance as it fills up fast.
Annete's Diner
A classic American diner with a rock-and-roll atmosphere. Great burgers and milkshakes, more casual than the other two but a solid choice, especially with kids.
The real reason this trip was extra special
We had a very specific reason for making this trip. We'd just found out we were expecting, and Kelly had one clear idea for the announcement photo: Mickey Mouse. We joined what turned out to be a 120-minute queue to meet him, and every minute was worth it. That photo, taken before we were three, is one of our most treasured memories.
It's also where Simply Ordinary began. An ordinary family chasing extraordinary adventures, and this was the moment we first became one.
