7 reasons to visit Disneyland during the holidays

During the holidays the happiest place on Earth becomes the merriest place on Earth. Here are seven reasons to visit Disneyland this December.

1) Over 50,000 lights turn the facade of Disneyland’s beloved “It’s a Small World” ride into a sparkling wonderland every evening through January 6.

2) Prancing reindeer, skating silver snowflakes, marching toy soldiers and dancing gingerbread cookies march down Main Street during the daily Christmas Fantasy Parade. You'll also see your favorite characters atop floats: Mickey and Minnie take a romantic twirl on a frozen pond while Woody and Buzz wave from atop giant wooden building blocks.

3) When the sun goes down, shimmering icicles and twinkling lights make Sleeping Beauty's castle appear even more enchanting.

4) Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town from Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' take over the Haunted Mansion ride.

5) Kids can decorate cookies and sit on Santa Claus's lap at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree. Also, don't miss the live toe-tappin music from the likes of Billy Hill and the Holiday Hillbillies.

6) Dazzling pyrotechnics burst high above Sleeping Beauty Castle in the Believe... In Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular, complete with a snow flurry finale.

7) Snow (really soapy suds) falls on Main Street after the fireworks show.

Best Western tip: Stay at the Best Western Anaheim Inn, just across the street from the Disneyland entrance.