As the holiday season approached, our family decided to kick things off with a long weekend trip to Anaheim at the end of November. The highlight of the trip was seeing the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live—a long time favourite of mine, but a first-time experience for the rest of the family. With their epic mix of rock and holiday music, the show was an unforgettable way to get into the festive spirit, and it didn’t disappoint.
Of course, no trip to Anaheim would be complete without a visit to Disneyland. The park was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, themed rides, and holiday cheer at every turn. Staying in Anaheim was convenient and comfortable, making the weekend even more special. Between the dazzling concert and the magic of Disneyland, it was a trip packed with joy, music, and memories we’ll treasure forever.
Getting There: A Smooth Start to Our Anaheim Adventure
Our Anaheim adventure began with careful preparation to ensure everything went smoothly. For our overnight stay before the flight, we chose the Hilton London Heathrow Terminal 5, a hotel we’ve stayed at before and reviewed in detail. Its convenient location and excellent facilities set the tone for a relaxed start to our trip.
On the day of our flight, we made the most of our time at Heathrow by visiting the Club Aspire Lounge in Terminal 5. The lounge offered a peaceful escape from the bustling airport with comfortable seating, great food options, and a touch of luxury. It was the perfect way to unwind before a long-haul journey.
Our flight with British Airways to Los Angeles was as smooth as we could have hoped for. The friendly cabin crew ensured a pleasant experience, and as a thoughtful Thanksgiving touch, turkey was served during the meal service. It was a delightful nod to the holiday that added a festive flair to the journey.
A Comfortable Stay in the Heart of Anaheim
For our time in Anaheim, we stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Convention Center, a hotel we’ve reviewed in detail separately. Its location couldn’t have been more convenient, placing us close to both the concert venue and Disneyland, which made getting around effortless.
The suite itself was spacious, providing plenty of room for the whole family to relax and recharge. One of our favorite features was the hotel’s inviting jacuzzi. After long, activity-packed days, it became our sanctuary—a perfect way to unwind and let the warmth melt away the day’s fatigue. The combination of comfort and convenience made it an excellent base for our weekend getaway.
A Festive Day at Disneyland Park
No trip to Anaheim is complete without a visit to Disneyland, especially during the holiday season. For our day at the park, we focused on soaking up the festive atmosphere that makes this time of year so magical. The park was adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and an enormous Christmas tree, creating a wonderland that instantly put us in the holiday spirit.
We indulged in some of the park’s festive food offerings, savoring treats that were as delicious as they were seasonally inspired. The holiday-themed rides were a highlight, with Haunted Mansion Holiday and It’s a Small World stealing the show. Both rides were transformed with dazzling decorations and music, adding a unique touch to the experience that we thoroughly enjoyed.
While we did try a few other rides here and there, our main goal was to immerse ourselves in the festive cheer. Meeting Santa and capturing family photos with him was a heartwarming moment, and we couldn’t miss the chance to take pictures in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, beautifully lit for the holidays. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories.
An Electrifying Night with Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s spectacular performance at the Honda Center. Conveniently located just a short distance from our hotel, the venue provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
The band performed their The Lost Christmas Eve album in its entirety, along with a selection of other fan-favorite classics. The combination of soaring melodies, powerful rock elements, and their signature storytelling captivated the entire audience. For the rest of the family, seeing TSO live for the first time was an incredible experience, and even as a returning fan, I found myself in awe once again.
Adding to the magic were the pyrotechnics, stunning light displays, and synchronized visuals that elevated the concert to another level. Every song was a sensory feast, with the band’s exceptional performance leaving us spellbound. It was more than just a concert—it was a complete sensory experience that will stay with us for years to come.
Our Anaheim getaway was the perfect introduction to the festive season. From the dazzling lights and festive cheer of Disneyland to the electrifying Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert, every moment was filled with joy, wonder, and holiday magic. It was a trip that brought us closer as a family and created memories we’ll treasure for years to come.
Despite the challenges of squeezing such a long journey into a weekend, it was undeniably worth it. The combination of a smooth flight, a comfortable stay, and unforgettable experiences made this trip one for the books. While it’s not something we could do often, it’s certainly an adventure we’d love to recreate in the future.
Kicking off the holiday season with this kind of energy and spirit has set a new bar for how we celebrate. Whether it’s the magic of Disneyland or the spectacle of a TSO performance, this trip reminded us of the joy that comes from embracing the season to its fullest. It was a whirlwind weekend that left us exhausted but thoroughly fulfilled—an experience we’ll be talking about for years to come.
