Taking a trip to Disneyland is all about escaping the real world for a while and enjoying a carefully polished, magical place. It’s infused with happiness and creativity, and no detail is left unattended—and this is especially true during the holidays. Disneyland is transformed for Christmas. A massive tree on Main Street, hundreds of sparking lights on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, a makeover for It’s a Small World, and dozens of other festive decorations throughout the park turn the resort into a winter wonderland.

Giving Disneyland a holiday facelift is no small task, and a new video from Oh My Disney shows a glimpse at the work that goes into making the season bright:

The timelapse video makes the changes go by in a quick minute, but it takes a ton of Disney employees working nights while the park is closed to move in the Christmas tree, hang garland, and decorate shop windows. If you focus on just It’s a Small World, it takes almost three dozen cast members 35 days to install the Christmas facade and make changes to the attraction’s interior. That’s just a single ride.

And if you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort this holiday season, I have some recommendations! Make time in the evening to watch the full lighting of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. It’s enchanting. They usually do it twice a night; you can get exact times from a cast member. Then, stop by It’s a Small World to watch the fancy schmancy projection show that happens on the facade every quarter hour. Finally, hop over to California Adventure to watch World of Color – Season of Light. It’s the best World of Color show yet. Most of all though, I recommend grabbing a cup of your favorite warm beverage and making the time for a leisurely stroll around the parks to take in all the decor.

What are your favorite activities during the holidays at Disneyland? Tell me in the comments.

Featured Image: Amy Ratcliffe