Holiday Goodies and Menu Changes in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

From little joys of the season to big menu changes, here’s what’s new in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.
Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

A sweet seasonal treat that won’t be around much longer is the Eggnog Jubilee at Jamba Juice. We love it because it’s low-fat and only seems indulgent.

Other holidays goodies include special menus at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal and Uva Bar and Café, plus a New Year’s Eve party at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.

Start with Catal, where you can enjoy three delicious courses for $32 (plus tax and gratuity) now through December 30 – except on December 25, when they will offer an extra-special prixe fixe menu. The three courses include a generous wedge salad, a 10-ounce prime rib with cheese mashed potatoes and warm apple cobbler or chocolate ganache cake for dessert. On December 25, the menu switches to three courses for $55 (plus tax and gratuity) starting with crispy lobster arancini (rice balls), followed by a savory braised lamb shank with winter squash risotto and bourbon chocolate pecan tart for dessert. A kids’ menu will be available on Christmas Day.

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has a special menu December 24-29, that includes New Orleans classics such as sweet potato-andouille bisque, tasso- and chestnut-stuffed Gulf shrimp and “turducken,” a boneless chicken stuffed inside a boneless duck stuffed inside a boneless turkey (if you haven’t tried, it’s a must).

Then, on New Year’s Eve, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen will host the N’Awlins Masquerade bash, including a three-course dinner plus party hats, feathered masks and beads, and a Champagne toast. There will be live music and strolling jazz musicians, a complimentary photo booth and a balloon artist (kids are welcome). Cost is $99 (plus tax and gratuity), $20 for kids 10 and under.

Beyond the holidays, check out the new menu at Crossroads at House of Blues created by celebrity Chef Aarón Sanchez. Look for new dishes like his kicky Bolognese pasta with ground veal and pork. Don’t worry – the Juicy Lucy stays on the menu. House of Blues has also amped up its craft beer menu with nearly three dozen unique brews, many in limited quantities.

Also beyond the holidays, look for the next new burger and beer of the month at Uva Bar and Café – this month, it’s a tuna burger with ginger-spiced fries, and crisp Cismontane “The Citizen” craft beer from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

Which holiday treats and new menu items will you be trying at the Downtown Disney District?