Club 33 at Christmas: Inside Disney's Most Exclusive Holiday Experience
Picture this: you're sipping a peppermint martini while watching the "Believe... in Holiday Magic" fireworks from a private balcony above New Orleans Square! Snow is gently falling on Disneyland below, and you're about to sit down to a four-course gourmet meal that most guests can only dream about! This isn't a fantasy—it's Christmas at Club 33, and it's hands-down the most exclusive holiday experience you can have at any Disney park!
If you thought Disneyland was magical during the holidays, wait until you see what happens behind that famous green door. From mid-November through early January, Club 33 transforms into a winter wonderland that blends New Orleans elegance with festive cheer in ways that'll blow your mind!
If you're hoping to score an invite, dreaming of membership, or just curious about how the other half celebrates, buckle up! We're about to take you inside the most coveted Christmas experience at Disneyland!
When Does Christmas Come to Club 33?
Here's what most people don't know: Club 33 starts celebrating the holidays earlier than the rest of Disneyland! The decorations typically go up around November 14th (right when the park transitions to holiday mode), and everything stays festive through early January—usually around January 7th.
That means you've got nearly two months to experience the magic. But here's the catch: you need a member to get you in, and holiday reservations book up lightning-fast. Members start making their December reservations weeks in advance, so if you've got a connection, reach out early!
Club 33 Holiday Decorations
Forget the typical theme park Christmas vibes. Club 33 doesn't do bright red and green plastic decorations. This is sophisticated, New Orleans-inspired holiday decor that feels like you've stepped into a Gatsby-era Christmas party.
The Christmas Tree
The centerpiece is a massive Christmas tree in Le Grand Salon that'll take your breath away. We're talking thousands of twinkling lights, custom Club 33 ornaments (some featuring Alfred the vulture in festive attire!), and decorations that look like they came straight from Walt's personal collection. The tree reaches nearly to the ceiling, and it's positioned so you can see it from almost every table in the dining room.
The Court of Angels
Walking through the entrance courtyard during Christmas feels extra special. The Court of Angels gets decked out with wreaths on every window, garland wrapped around the wrought-iron balconies, and soft lighting that makes the already-private space feel even more intimate and cozy. Some years, they've added a smaller tree in the courtyard specifically for photo ops before you head upstairs.
Inside the Club
Once you're inside, holiday touches appear everywhere:
Fresh pine garland drapes the grand staircase
Red and gold ribbons accent the hallways
Victorian-era ornaments hang throughout Le Grand Salon
The Haunted Mansion-themed booth in Le Salon Nouveau gets subtle "Nightmare Before Christmas" touches
Candles in hurricane lamps create a warm, flickering ambiance
Holiday-themed artwork temporarily replaces some regular pieces
What's really cool is how they integrate the decor with the club's history. You'll find nods to vintage Disneyland Christmas celebrations and subtle references to Walt's favorite holiday traditions woven throughout.
The Holiday Menu: Feast Your Eyes (and Stomach!)
Chef Andrew Sutton and his culinary team go all out with a special seasonal menu that runs throughout December. And let me tell you—this isn't your average Christmas dinner!
The Four-Course Prix Fixe
Everyone dining in Le Grand Salon must order the prix fixe menu, which changes seasonally but typically includes holiday-inspired twists on California cuisine. Recent years have featured:
First Course Options:
Smoked trout apple parfait with holiday spices
Roasted beet carpaccio with goat cheese and candied walnuts
Butternut squash soup with cinnamon crème fraîche
Waldorf salad with honeycrisp apple and spiced pecans
Second Course:
Autumn pumpkin soup with duck confit (this one's legendary!)
Seared romaine salad with winter citrus
French onion soup topped with gruyere and pie crust
Main Course (The Show-Stealer):
Walt's blue cheese crusted filet mignon with truffle demi-glace
Herb-roasted Cornish game hen with cranberry-date stuffing
Pan-roasted scallops with brown butter and winter vegetables
Chateaubriand for two (perfect for couples celebrating!)
Vegetarian options featuring seasonal root vegetables
That filet mignon, by the way? People rave about it. It's consistently rated as one of the best steaks anyone's ever had—period. The garlic-salt crust is perfection, and it's so tender you barely need a knife.
Dessert:
Pumpkin cheesecake with gingerbread crust
Warm citrus upside-down cake
Volterona chocolate Elvis cake (rich doesn't even begin to describe it!)
Baked warm pear tart with vanilla bean ice cream
Lilian's "trifle" lemon cake (named after Walt's wife)
Expect to pay $120-$150 per person for the prix fixe, with optional wine pairings for an additional $49-$69. Yeah, it's pricey—but you're paying for an experience you literally can't get anywhere else!
Le Salon Nouveau: The Casual Christmas Side
If you're visiting the lounge with a member (no reservations needed!), you've got access to the full bar menu plus holiday-exclusive cocktails and lighter fare!
Holiday Cocktails That'll Warm You Up:
Peppermint Martini (smooth and not too sweet!)
Hot Buttered Cider (strong but amazing flavor)
Tom & Jerry (a classic holiday drink Disney style)
Eggnog Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace Bourbon
The Hurricane with holiday spices
Club 33 Coffee spiked with Baileys and topped with whipped cream
Lounge Food Favorites:
Club 33 Burger with Brie (members demanded they bring this back!)
Beer-battered onion rings (these are addictive)
Warm pretzels with cheese fondue
Walt's Chili (another member favorite that's perfect for winter)
Holiday-spiced sliders
Seasonal flatbreads
The drink menu is extensive—we're talking a 20-page book with cocktails, wines, and premium spirits that'll make your wallet cry (in a good way).
Exclusive Club 33 Holiday Merchandise
This is huge for Club 33 members and their guests. Every holiday season, the club releases a limited line of Christmas merchandise available only inside Club 33. You can't buy this stuff anywhere else—not at the Disney parks, not online, nowhere!
The Annual Christmas Ornament
This is THE big collector's item. Each year features a completely different design, and once they're sold out, they're gone forever. Recent designs have included:
The famous Club 33 door with a holiday wreath
Alfred the vulture wearing a Santa hat
The Club 33 logo with snowflakes and gold accents
Vintage-inspired designs celebrating the club's history
Double-sided ornaments showing different areas of the club
These ornaments typically run $30-$50, and serious collectors grab multiple sets. Some years they're sold individually, other years in sets of four. Pro tip: if you're visiting, ask your member about purchasing one—it's a keepsake you'll treasure forever!
Other Holiday Merch
The boutique near the entrance gets stocked with seasonal exclusives:
Holiday spirit jerseys with gold or silver Club 33 lettering
Christmas-themed Loungefly bags and ears
Exclusive holiday pins (often limited edition runs of 300-400)
Festive scarves and apparel
Holiday-themed glassware and barware
Playing cards with seasonal designs
Collectible magnets and photo frames
Seasonal kitchenware featuring the Club 33 logo
Everything's high-quality and designed exclusively for the club. You won't see this stuff on eBay (well, maybe you will, but at crazy markup prices!).
The Candlelight Processional for Club 33 Members
Okay, this is where Club 33 membership really shines during the holidays! Have you heard of Disneyland's Candlelight Processional? It's one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in Disney park history—and it's nearly impossible to see unless you're connected!
What Is It?
The Candlelight Processional is a 45-minute musical retelling of the Christmas story featuring:
A 600-person candlelight choir that processes down Main Street
The Disneyland orchestra
Fanfare trumpeters
A celebrity narrator reading the Biblical story
Classic holiday hymns like "We Three Kings" and Handel's "Messiah"
A bilingual rendition of "Silent Night" that'll give you chills
Past narrators have included James Earl Jones, Dick Van Dyke, Viola Davis, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Brie Larson, Benjamin Bratt, Chris Hemsworth, Kurt Russell, and John Wayne. Yeah, it's that prestigious!
The Problem (For Regular Guests)
The Candlelight Processional only happens two nights per year—typically the first weekend in December (Saturday and Sunday). There are two shows each night at 5:30 PM and 7:45 PM. That's it. Four performances total!
Reserved seating is set up in Town Square right in front of the train station, but those seats are invitation-only. We're talking Disney executives, Club 33 members, media representatives, VIPs, and civic leaders. Regular guests? You're stuck in standing-room-only areas, and people camp out ALL DAY just to get a decent spot!
The Club 33 Advantage
Members get reserved chair seating with prime views of the entire production! You show up 15-20 minutes before showtime, sit in your comfy chair, and enjoy the magical performance without fighting crowds or standing for hours. After the show, you can stroll over to Club 33 for dinner or drinks.
It's the ultimate "I'm with the band" moment at Disneyland, and it's worth the membership fee for this experience alone (well, almost!)!
Special Holiday Events for Members
Beyond the regular dining and decor, Club 33 hosts exclusive events throughout the holiday season that make membership even more special.
The Members-Only Holiday Party
Details are kept hush-hush (NDAs and all that), but most years Club 33 hosts a private holiday party exclusively for members and their families. Think:
Open bar with holiday specialty drinks
Passed hors d'oeuvres and dessert stations
Live entertainment (sometimes jazz bands or Disney carolers)
Character appearances in holiday attire
Exclusive merchandise reveals
Special recognition for longtime members
Getting an invitation to this event is like winning the Disney lottery!
New Year's Eve Celebration
If you think regular guests have fun at Disneyland on New Year's Eve, imagine celebrating inside Club 33! Members who snag reservations (they book months in advance!) get to ring in the new year with:
A special five-course menu
Champagne toasts at midnight
Prime balcony viewing for fireworks
No crowds, no chaos—just elegance and celebration
Some years there's even a private countdown party with live music and dancing in Le Salon Nouveau.
Private Character Meet-and-Greets
During the holidays, Club 33 sometimes arranges private character appearances inside the club. Imagine meeting Santa Claus in his finest attire in an intimate setting, or having Mickey and Minnie in their holiday best visit your table during dinner. These moments don't happen every day, but when they do? Pure magic!
What You Need to Know While Visiting During the Holidays
Scored an invite to Club 33 during Christmas? Here's how to make the absolute most of it!
Dress to Impress
Remember, Club 33 has a dress code that's even more strictly enforced during the holidays:
For Dinner (after 4:30 PM):
Business casual or cocktail attire
Men: Collared shirts, slacks, closed-toe shoes (dark jeans acceptable)
Women: Dresses, blouses with slacks or nice jeans, closed-toe shoes (heels are fine)
Absolutely NO shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, athletic wear, or Mickey ears
For Lunch (before 4:30 PM):
Business casual is acceptable
Slightly more relaxed but still polished
Think "holiday party at a country club" and you'll nail it. This isn't the time for your spirit jersey or comfortable park shoes!
Timing Is Everything
Holiday reservations at Club 33 are hot commodities. If you've got a member friend willing to take you, ask early—like September or October early. December dates fill up fast, especially:
The weekend of the Candlelight Processional
The week between Christmas and New Year's
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (yes, they're open!)
New Year's Eve
Flexibility helps! If you can visit during the week or earlier in November when decorations are up, you'll have better luck snagging a reservation.
Plan Your Park Day Around It
Most guests make Club 33 the centerpiece of their day. Here's a typical strategy:
Morning: Hit your favorite attractions before lunch
Afternoon: Head back to your hotel to change into Club 33-appropriate attire
Evening: Arrive at Club 33 about 15 minutes early, enjoy a 3-hour meal
After dinner: Explore the club, step onto the balcony, watch fireworks
Late evening: Return to the parks if you've got energy, or call it a magical night
Remember, meals at Club 33 aren't rushed. You're encouraged to take your time, explore the space, and soak in the atmosphere!
What to Order
Insider recommendations for the holiday menu:
Start with the pumpkin soup with duck confit (it's incredible!)
Main course is all about that filet mignon—don't skip it!
Dessert: The pumpkin cheesecake is legendary, but honestly, you can't go wrong
Drinks: Try the Hot Buttered Cider or Peppermint Martini for the full holiday experience
Photo Rules
You can take photos, but remember:
NO photos in the bathrooms (seriously, people get kicked out for this!)
No photos of other guests not in your party
No videos (not even short clips)
Ask your host about social media before posting anything publicly
Get your pics with the Christmas tree, on the balcony, with the holiday decor—those are all fair game!
Highly Sought After Merchandise
If you're a collector or just want a unique souvenir, check out the boutique near the entrance. The holiday ornament makes an incredible gift or keepsake. Bring extra cash or have your credit card ready—prices range from $20 for pins to $100+ for apparel and bags.
How to Actually Get Inside During Christmas
"This all sounds amazing, but I'm not a member! How do I get in?"
Great question! Here are your options:
Know a Member (Your Best Bet)
Members can make reservations for guests even without accompanying them to Le Grand Salon. Start networking! Look for connections through:
Work (corporate memberships are common)
Family and friends
Social media Disney groups
Travel agents who specialize in luxury Disney experiences
Corporate Connections
Many Southern California companies and Disney partners have corporate memberships. Ask your HR department or executive team if your company has access. It's often used for client entertainment, so timing your request around the holidays might actually work in your favor!
Charity Auctions
Occasionally, Club 33 dining experiences appear at high-end charity auctions, especially during the holiday season. Bidding can get steep (think tens of thousands), but if you've got the budget and the cause speaks to you, this is a legitimate way in.
Adventures by Disney
Some Adventures by Disney tours have included Club 33 experiences in the past, though it's not guaranteed. Check upcoming California tours and ask specifically about Club 33 access.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Club 33 decorate for Christmas?
Decorations typically go up around November 14th and stay through early January (usually January 7th). The exact dates vary slightly year to year but align with Disneyland's holiday season.
How much does Christmas dinner at Club 33 cost?
The prix fixe menu runs $120-$150 per person, plus drinks. Optional wine pairings add $49-$69. Budget around $200-$250 per person total with drinks and gratuity.
Can I buy Club 33 Christmas ornaments without dining there?
Nope! The exclusive Christmas merchandise is only available inside the club to members and their guests. You can't order them online or buy them in the parks.
Is Club 33 open on Christmas Day?
Yes! Club 33 is open throughout the holiday season, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These dates book incredibly fast, so plan way ahead if you're hoping to dine then.
Do I get to see the Candlelight Processional with my Club 33 reservation?
Not automatically. The Candlelight Processional reserved seating is a separate member perk that happens on specific nights (usually the first weekend of December). However, you can watch the fireworks from the Club 33 balcony on most nights!
What's the dress code for Club 33 during Christmas?
Dinner requires business casual or cocktail attire—no shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, athletic wear, or Disney ears. Think holiday party at a nice restaurant. Lunch is slightly more casual but still polished.
Can kids visit Club 33 during Christmas?
Yes! Families are welcome, and kids ages 10+ must follow the adult dress code. The prix fixe menu can be modified for children, and the atmosphere is family-friendly (though definitely upscale).
How early should I book a Christmas reservation at Club 33?
Members can book up to two weeks in advance for guests. December dates fill up immediately, so have your member friend request your reservation as soon as the window opens. Planning in September/October isn't too early!
What holiday drinks should I try at Club 33?
The Peppermint Martini, Hot Buttered Cider, and Eggnog Old Fashioned are member favorites! The Club 33 Coffee (spiked with Baileys) is also perfect for sipping while exploring the club.
Is the holiday menu different from the regular menu?
Yes! Chef Andrew Sutton creates a special seasonal menu featuring holiday-inspired dishes and flavors. It changes every year but always includes festive twists on Club 33's signature items.
Can I see Christmas fireworks from Club 33?
Absolutely! The balconies off Le Grand Salon and Le Salon Nouveau offer views of the fireworks (through some trees, but still spectacular). Timing your reservation to end during the fireworks show is a popular strategy!
What makes Christmas at Club 33 different from other times of year?
Beyond the decorations and special menu, there's an extra level of magic during the holidays. The Candlelight Processional perk, exclusive merchandise, member holiday events, and the festive atmosphere make it the most special time to visit.
Club 33 Holiday Celebration
Look, visiting Club 33 any time of year is special. But Christmas? That takes it to a whole different level!
The combination of sophisticated holiday decor, gourmet seasonal cuisine, exclusive merchandise, Candlelight Processional seating, and festive ambiance creates an experience you literally can't replicate anywhere else! Add in the fact that you're celebrating in a space Walt Disney himself designed, and it becomes one of those pinch-me moments you'll remember forever!
For most Disney fans, getting inside Club 33 during Christmas will remain a dream. But if you ever get that magical invite—through a friend, family member, corporate connection, or sheer luck—take it! Dress up, arrive early, try the filet mignon, sip that Peppermint Martini on the balcony while fireworks light up the sky, and grab that Christmas ornament as a keepsake!
This is Disney magic at its absolute finest. While other guests are braving crowds and standing in long lines, you're sipping champagne in Walt's private club, surrounded by holiday elegance that would make even Santa jealous! And honestly? That's the kind of Christmas memory that stays with you forever!
So start networking, reach out to that friend of a friend who might have a connection, and get yourself on someone's guest list for December! Because if you thought Disneyland was the most magical place on earth during Christmas, just wait until you experience it from above—with a martini in hand and a Christmas tree that Walt himself would've approved of twinkling beside you!
Merry Christmas, and here's hoping you find yourself inside that famous green door this holiday season!
