We weren’t quite expecting to enjoy Santa’s Holiday Visit at the Redwood Creek trail in Disney California Adventure as much as we actually did but the new addition packs a fun holiday punch that helps to bolster the #DisneyHoliday offerings in the park.

Santa has dropped in for a visit and his elves have decorated around the National Park setting, adding a few Elf Games. You can grab an activity map and join in on the adventures or just come in to take a picture with Santa or the other Disney characters that are in their holiday finery. It’s a fun rustic winter wonderland!

Ever since the loss earlier this year of the Big Thunder Ranch for Star Wars Land construction, we lamented the loss of what was one of the most naturalistic and beautiful areas to visit for the Disney Holidays. But the new Santa’s Holiday Visit is a worthy follow-up. There’s still plenty more that could be done to expand this offering but for a first-time out, it’s a great offering and I cannot wait for this to return next year!

Santa’s Holiday Visit debuts this year as part of a robust Disney Holidays season which includes the brand new Festival of Holidays celebration and World of Color: Season of Light. Returning favorites include Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Believe… In Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular, Jingle Cruise, and “it’s a small world”Holiday and, of course, decorations all around the parks.

The Disney Holidays celebration enchants the Disneyland Resort from November 10 – January 8, 2017.

A map highlights the holiday adventures available inside

Looks like decorations from the Big Thunder Ranch might have found new life.

Meet Santa

At the center of the Redwood Creek area, you can get some valuable face time with Santa Claus.

The Ahwahnee Camp Circle is now home to the Santa meet and greet.

The roof over the structure is ready for Santa’s Reindeer.

Never know what you’ll see when you explore the trail!

Elf Games

When you first enter the Redwood Creek, you can pick up your holiday adventure map which highlights where you can find some of the few but fun adventures. Most of the activities are just re-branded versions of the activities already in the area but they’re still fun little additions.