Are you thinking about visiting Disneyland Paris in Winter? Winter in Disneyland Paris is one of my favorite times to visit the parks due to theming and crowds (though this varies by month). In this guide we will tell you what to expect from weather in Winter, as well as some tips for enjoy the parks in Winter.
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Is Disneyland Paris Open in Winter?
Visiting Disneyland Paris in Winter
So first things first – is Disneyland Paris open in Winter? Yes it absolutely is. Disneyland Paris is in fact open every day of the year including Christmas Day. So the next thing we need to ask is …
When is Winter in Disneyland Paris?
Winter in Disneyland Paris, or in France generally is classified as December, January and February.
However for the sake of this post I will also be talking about Disneyland Paris in November. The reason for this is that the Christmas season in Disneyland Paris starts in mid November and therefore has to be considered as Winter in the parks.
What are the Disneyland Paris Opening Hours in Winter?
As Disneyland Paris is in Europe, which operates Daylight Savings Time you will find that the park operating hours chance seasonally. For instance Disneyland Paris in August has much longer operational hours than Disneyland Paris in January.
The usual opening hours in Winter at Disneyland Paris are:
- Weekdays Disneyland Park 10.00 till 19.00, Walt Disney Studios Park 10.00 till 18.00
- Weekend Disneyland Park 10.00 till 22.00, Walt Disney Studios Park 10.00 till 20.00
With Early Magic Hours being around 8:30 – 9:30.
Note: be sure to check your dates of travel on the Disneyland Paris app before you travel to be sure of the opening hours for your time of travel.
It is also worth noting that during the Christmas week and Christmas holidays, and February half term the hours are likely to be slightly longer than during non holiday periods.
Are the rides open during Disneyland Paris in Winter?
Whether the rides are open during Winter in Disneyland Paris will depend on
- what winter month you are visiting in and
- the schedule for refurbishment.
Usually Disneyland Paris does not close rides for short term refurbishments over peak season i.e. Christmas season. However if there are longer term refurbishment i.e. It’s a Small World was closed for much of 2022 then there is nothing you can do.
Having said that it is worth noting that the month in Winter will greatly affect what temporary and short term refurbishments are ongoing.
While they won’t normally schedule short term refurbishments for November and December when the Enchanted Christmas Season is on, you will find that January and early February will have more ride closures for temporary refurbishments than any other month.
The reason for this is because this isn’t considered peak season and will have less of an operational impact during these times.
Disneyland Paris in Winter Weather?
Is it cold at Disneyland Paris in Winter?
Perhaps the biggest concern for those visiting Disneyland Paris in Winter is the weather. Now I am not going to lie, the weather in Disneyland Paris in Winter tends to be cold – very cold but is very much like the weather we get in the UK in Winter.
The coldest month in Winter at Disneyland Paris is January where the average temperature tends to hover around 5°C (41°F) and November being the warmest of the Winter weather months.
Does it rain at Disneyland Paris in Winter?
The truth is that no matter the season you plan to visit Disneyland Paris, you are likely to experience some rain. Of the Winter Months at Disneyland Paris the rainiest months tend to be December and January.
However having said that I would prepare for rain no matter the winter month you visit.
For more information on visiting Disneyland Paris in the rain tips check out this post.
Does it snow at Disneyland Paris in Winter?
We are often asked if it snows at Disneyland Paris in Winter, especially if you are traveling during the Winter festive season also known as Disney’s Enchanted Christmas.
However the truth is snow in Paris is actually quite rare! Of all the months in Winter, January is the most likely to get snow but you really can never guarantee snow.
However having said this, if you do want to see some snow be sure to stand on Main Street during the Christmas parade as you may get a snowy surprise.
Visiting Disneyland Paris in Winter Tips
In this section of the guide we will offer you advise in terms of crowds, events and theming to help you understand the best time for you to visit Disneyland Pas in Winter.
Crowds at Disneyland Paris in Winter?
Is Disneyland Paris crowded in November? Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar, Is Disneyland Paris crowded in January?
Disneyland Paris is always crowded to an extent – it is Disney after all. However the crowds in Winter really do fluctuate from some of the quietest times to some of the most busy.
For instance Disneyland Paris in January is one of the quietest months, but Disneyland Paris in December especially around Christmas Day is actually some of the busiest times to visit.
On top of this there are some public holidays at this time which causes the crowds to swell.
Some of the busiest days at Disneyland Paris in Winter are:
- 1st November – All Saints’ Day or La Toussaint in French.
- 11th November – Armistice Day or Jour d’armistice in French
- end of December from 20th December to c.8th January when Christmas decorations go down.
- January 1st, New Years Day or Jour De l’an as the French call it is a public holiday in France as it is in the UK.
- February Half Term – tends to be busy every year.
Note: there are no special events for Thanksgiving at Disneyland Paris.
For more information on the best time to visit Disneyland Paris please check out this post.
Best places to stay at Disneyland Paris in Winter?
Best Disneyland Paris Hotels for Toddlers / Best Disneyland Paris Hotels for Families
- you are walking distance to the parks which is convenient if you need a break or a change of clothes
- you get early magic hours. This is especially important when the park is operating at its reduced winter hours and during peak times such as Christmas week.
Staying on site also has the added bonus of having hotel meet and greets either in the morning or evening, and some of them have swimming pools which is great for those looking for some hotel downtime.
Next reads:
Remember if you decide not to stay on site at Disneyland Paris and book direct through Disneyland Paris you will need to buy tickets separately. Click here for current prices and availability.
What to Wear to Disneyland Paris In Winter
In my opinion the key to enjoying Disneyland Paris in Winter is packing correctly.
The key to any Disneyland Paris Winter Packing is layers, layers and even more layers. Although the temperatures in Winter may not sound much colder than the UK and Northern USA, it is amazing how cold you an get while you are standing in ride queues, waiting for parades and watching the fireworks and illuminations.
On top of layers I would also advise you to have some waterproof clothes and certainly some shoes that are either waterproof or rain resistant for those rainy days.
Also we always advise people bring costumes from home when traveling to Disneyland Paris with toddlers and young children. That is because the costumes in the park are more expensive than you would find back home in Supermarkets and online at retailers such as Amazon.
For info on supermarkets near Disneyland Paris check out this post.
If your little one is planning on wearing a costume however we advise packing thermals to go underneath them and choosing costumes such as Elsa’s travel outfit as it is one of the easier princess costumes to layer.
or more information on what to wear to Disneyland Paris click here
Are there any special seasons in Disneyland Paris in Winter?
Christmas at Disneyland Paris / visiting Disneyland Paris in December
Yes there is indeed a special season at Disneyland Paris for part of Winter. This is called Disney’s Enchanted Christmas. During this period the park will be decorated with fantastic Christmas decorations, have special Festive snacks, characters in festive attire and of course an opportunity to meet Santa at Disneyland Paris.
This year Disney’s Enchanted Christmas runs from November 11, 2023 until January 7, 2024.
Crowds will usually be highest in Winter during this season.
Are there any special events in Disneyland Paris in Winter?
On top of special seasons where there are special decorations and character outfits, Disneyland Paris also runs special events, often as an after hours party.
There is only one such event during Winter which is the New Years Eve party. This requires additional party tickets but with them you will get access to the park until 2am.
As a result the combination of day ticket passes and party ticket holders can cause the crowds to swell in the afternoon of New Years Eve in particular.
Best things to do at Disneyland Paris in Winter
Enjoy the rides with smaller queues
Disneyland Paris with toddlers and baby tips – best disneyland paris rides for toddlers – Orbitron
One of my favourite things about visiting in Winter, outside of Enchanted Christmas season is the smaller crowds particular. We like to use Winter in the parks, particular in January and February to get lots of rides done with minimal queues without the needs for purchasing Premier Access at an additional fee!
Get in the Christmas Spirit
Christmas starts early in Disneyland Paris. In 2022 the Christmas season starts on 1November 11, 2023 until January 7, 2024. So be sure to get into the Christmas spirit by indulging in some Christmas foods at Disneyland Paris (I love waffles and the hot chocolate that will warm you up on a really cold day), see the shows and the choirs, and enjoy the beautiful decorations.
Do Character Dining
Meeting Princesses at Disneyland Paris Auberge De Cendrillon
On top of the seasonal treats it is worth trying to get in to one of the character dining experiences such as the Princess Dining at Auberge. It can be hard to persuade little ones to come away from rides but when it is cold it is nice to retreat into character dining to warm up during the day and Auberge in particular is a great way to meet Disneyland Paris princesses without the queues.
Note: be sure to check out our questions to ask Disney Princesses.
Meet Characters in seasonal dress
For Christmas you will find many characters around the parks in seasonal dress. If you love meeting characters in different costumes you will definitely want to meet them in their seasonal attire.
For the best questions to ask Disney characters like the classics check out our post.
Try the holiday food
One of the things I love about visiting Disneyland Paris for special seasons like Christmas or Halloween is the special themed food they have. Usually there are Christmas shaped cookies and donuts, festive drinks and more.
Watch Mickey’s Big Band Show
Mickey’s Big Band Show was a highlight of our December visit to Disneyland Paris. The show is held at the Animagique Theater and features music and dance as well as featuring the classic disney characters.
Watch a Seasonal Parade
Disneyland Paris Christmas Day / Visiting Disneyland Paris is December – Disneyland Paris at Christmas
We love the parades at Disney at any time of year but my favourite parade is always Christmas. I love that Mickey is joined by the big man Santa himself on this parade.
Top Tip: be sure to stand on Main Street for at least one parade as you may get a snowy surprise.
See Surprise Mickey
Surprise Mickey is an outdoor show in the Walt Disney Studio Park. It is a great chance to see the main characters with a festive twist.
Watch the Let’s Sing Christmas Show
Held at Videopolis in the Disneyland Park Tomorrowland area, this show is on every weekend featuring different visiting choirs as well as performances by Mickey, Minnie and Friends. It is also a great way to get the kids to stop for food while still being entertained and not losing any precious time in the park.
Buy Disneyland Paris Christmas Ornaments
Whenever we travel we buy a Christmas ornament as we love having a travel themed Christmas tree and Disney is a great place to pick up a Christmas Ornament or Disneyland Paris Souvenir.
Enjoy the Christmas Market
Seasonal Vegan Food at Disneyland Paris
While the Disney village is a great spot to grab some food and do some shopping whatever time of year you visit Disneyland Paris, it is especially good at Christmas as there is a small Christmas market where you can pick up festive fare and gifts.
There is also a Christmas market near the Ratatouille Ride in the Walt Disney Studios which is also great if you are traveling to Disneyland Paris as a vegan.
Meet Santa (selected Months)
Meet and Greets at Disney are fabulous at anytime but in Winter at Disneyland Paris during the Enchanted Christmas Season you get an extra special guest in Santa himself. Be sure not to miss it.
Note: santa returns to the North Pole from Christmas Day so you will be unable to see him after Christmas Day.
If you are planning on visiting Disneyland Paris in Winter and have a question we haven’t answered? Then please leave us a comment below and we will do our best to answer.