What to Pack for Anaheim in December: All You Need for a Fun, Stress-Free Vacation

Heading to Anaheim in December? Whether you’re visiting Disneyland, attending a winter event, or just soaking up that SoCal sunshine, packing for this winter trip means planning for chilly mornings, sunny afternoons, and festive vibes.

December in Anaheim offers some of the best weather in Southern California. It’s mild, but temperatures can dip after sunset—especially if you’re staying out late at the parks or walking around downtown. A smart layering strategy is key.

Whether you’re park-hopping or holiday shopping, this detailed packing list ensures you’ll have everything you need for your winter getaway to Anaheim.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Anaheim California in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

Anaheim in December is mild, festive, and perfect for exploring. Rain is rare, but evenings can get brisk.

• 🌡️ Average high: 20°C / 68°F
• 🌡️ Average low: 9°C / 48°F
• 🌞 Mostly sunny days with some cloud cover
• 🌬️ Cooler mornings and evenings—layers are essential
• 🎢 Great month for Disneyland, shopping, and seasonal shows

What to Pack for Anaheim California in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Room for layers and souvenirs.
• 🧳 Checked bag – Great if packing jackets, gifts, or Disney gear.
• 🎒 Duffle bag – Useful for overnight trips or Disneyland days.
• 🎒 Daypack – Park essentials and personal items fit perfectly.
• 🧺 Packing cubes – Organize layers and theme park outfits.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Keep your sneakers separate after long park days.
• 🧴 Toiletry bag – TSA-ready with all the essentials.
• 📂 Document organizer – Tickets, passes, IDs, and insurance info.
• 👜 Tote bag – Ideal for Disney merch or a shopping day at Outlets.
• 🧺 Laundry bag – Keep dirty clothes separate on longer stays.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Check your bag before heading home.
• 🔒 TSA lock – Secure your bags at the hotel or airport.
• 🫙 Accessory pouch – Keep chargers and small items handy.
• 🧼 Quick-dry towel – Optional but handy for spills or hotel gyms.
• 💤 Neck pillow – Perfect for flights or long waits in line.
• 😎 Sleep mask – Block out bright lights at your hotel or Airbnb.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 T-shirts (2–3) – Great for daytime warmth.
• 👚 Long-sleeve tops – Ideal for layering under jackets.
• 👗 Casual dresses – Add tights or leggings for cooler days.
• 🧥 Light sweater/cardigans (2) – Cozy and stylish.
• 🧥 Warm jacket – Especially for nights at Disneyland or outdoor events.
• 👖 Jeans/pants (2–3) – Go for comfort during long walks.
• 🧘 Leggings – Versatile for travel, lounging, or under skirts.
• 🩳 Shorts – Optional for warmer afternoons.
• 🩱 Activewear – Perfect for hotel gyms or yoga.
• 🩲 Undergarments – Pack enough for the trip.
• 🧦 Socks – Include cozy ones for chillier evenings.
• 🩴 Pajamas – Choose warm layers for nighttime comfort.
• 🧣 Scarf or shawl – Adds warmth and style.
• 🧤 Gloves – Light pair if you’re cold-sensitive or watching parades at night.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Cleanser – Remove city smog and makeup daily.
• 💧 Toner – Keep skin refreshed between park rides.
• 🧴 Moisturizer – Combat dry winter air and travel stress.
• 🌞 SPF 30+ sunscreen – Yes, even in December.
• 🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water or wipes work best.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Once or twice for smooth skin.
• 👁️ Eye cream – Help with late nights and dry air.
• 💦 Facial mist – Great midday refresh while exploring.
• 😴 Hydrating mask – Keep skin glowing for photos.
• 💋 Lip balm with SPF – Dry lips are common in cool winds.
• 🩹 Spot treatment – For surprise blemishes before photos.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Tinted moisturizer or light foundation – Hydration + coverage.
• 🖌️ Concealer – Long-wear formulas work best.
• 💨 Powder – Set makeup without drying skin.
• 🌸 Blush – Brightens your face instantly.
• 🌞 Highlighter – Subtle glow for daytime outings.
• 🟫 Bronzer – Adds warmth to winter skin.
• 🎨 Neutral eyeshadow palette – Day-to-night transition.
• ✏️ Eyeliner – Optional for holiday dinners or shows.
• 👁️ Mascara – Waterproof for rainy or emotional rides.
• 🪞 Brow gel – Keeps brows in check all day.
• 💄 Lip balm, gloss or tint – Low-maintenance beauty.
• 💧 Setting spray – Helps makeup last during busy days.
• 🖌️ Essential brushes – Bring just what you’ll use.

💇 Hair Care

• 🪮 Brush/comb – Must-have after hat days.
• 🌀 Hair ties/clips – For comfort on rides.
• 🧴 Travel shampoo & conditioner – Hotel brands can dry out your hair.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Skip a day when needed.
• 🔥 Heat protectant spray – Prep for curling or straightening.
• 🧴 Styling cream – Control frizz in the dry air.
• 💨 Mini dryer – Optional; most hotels have one.
• 🪞 Straightener/curler – For fancier dinner plans.
• 💧 Hair serum – Shine + protection in one.
• 🎀 Hair accessories – Headbands, holiday clips or hats.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👟 Comfortable sneakers – Park-hopping essential.
• 🥿 Flats or boots – Dressy yet walkable for dinners or shows.
• 🩴 Sandals – Optional for warm midday walks.
• 👢 Ankle boots – Stylish and warm.
• 🧢 Baseball cap – For sun protection during day trips.
• 🧣 Lightweight scarf – Adds flair and warmth.
• 🧤 Gloves – Thin, touchscreen-friendly if needed.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – Still very sunny in California!
• 💍 Simple jewelry – Avoid anything too valuable.
• ⌚ Smartwatch or regular watch – Stay on schedule.
• 👜 Crossbody bag – Ideal for shopping or the parks.
• 🌂 Compact umbrella – Rare, but light rain is possible.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Government ID or passport – Required at hotels and for flights.
• 📃 Travel insurance – Especially if you’re doing theme park rides or events.
• 🎟️ Tickets – Disneyland, events, shows—have digital and printed versions.
• 📄 Printed itinerary – In case of battery issues.
• 💳 Cards & cash – Not all places are cashless.
• 📍 Maps – Offline ones can help in dead zones.
• 🧾 Receipts – Keep for returns or expense tracking.
• 🖊️ Pen and notepad – Handy for quick notes or forms.
• 👛 Wallet – RFID-blocking for extra security.
• 💎 Valuables – Store safely in hotel safes.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – Blisters from long walks are common.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean hands and surfaces.
• 🩺 Gauze & tape – Small first-aid kit for the hotel room.
• 🩸 Feminine products – Pack your favorites just in case.
• 🧲 Tweezers – Handy for splinters or nails.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Know if you’re catching something.
• ✂️ Nail scissors – TSA-safe versions available.
• 💠 Cotton swabs – Multi-use and compact.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Medications – Enough for the entire trip.
• 💊 Painkillers – For headaches or sore feet.
• 🌸 Allergy pills – New environments can trigger reactions.
• 🤢 Motion sickness tablets – Good for rides or tours.
• 💊 Daily vitamins – Keep your immunity up.
• 🩲 Feminine products – Stock what you use.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – A must in crowded spaces.
• 🧻 Antibacterial wipes – For hotel or park surfaces.
• 🦟 Bug spray – Usually not needed in December but optional.
• 🧼 Contraceptives – Always smart to bring your own.
• 👁️ Eye drops – Dry hotel air or long screen time relief.
• 🪞 Travel mirror – For quick makeup fixes.
• 🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Travel-sized and reliable.
• 🧵 Floss – Keep that smile park-photo ready.
• 🧴 Deodorant – Choose long-wear formulas.
• 🪒 Razor – Travel-safe versions recommended.
• 💅 Nail kit – Chips can happen.
• 🌸 Light perfume – Roll-on or travel spray.
• 🧻 Pocket tissues – Keep in your day bag.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Smartphone – Must-have for maps, tickets, and photos.
• 💻 Laptop or tablet – Optional if you’re working remotely.
• 📷 Camera – For higher quality photos than phones.
• 🔌 Chargers – Pack all the cords and blocks you need.
• 🔋 Power bank – Essential at theme parks.
• 🧵 Cord organizer – Prevent tangled tech.
• 🔌 Travel adapter – Only if visiting from abroad.
• 💾 External drive – Back up holiday memories.
• 🗺️ Offline maps – Download areas around Anaheim.
• 📶 SIM/Wi-Fi device – Optional for international travelers.
• 📖 E-reader – Great for flights or chill nights.
• 🎧 Headphones – Use for music, shows, or airport waits.
• 📱 Waterproof phone pouch – Especially if rain or water rides.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📚 Book or e-reader – Perfect for flights or hotels.
• 📺 Downloaded shows/movies – Prepare for any downtime.
• 🎧 Music/podcasts – Set the mood or pass the time.
• 📓 Journal – Capture your trip memories.
• 🎲 Travel games – For families or downtime between events.
• 📰 Magazines – Pick up some light reading.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – Granola bars, nuts, or local treats.
• 💧 Reusable water bottle – Refill at parks or hotels.
• 🛍️ Foldable tote – Carry gifts or souvenirs home.
• 🧼 Laundry soap sheets – For hotel sink washes.
• 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Fix wardrobe malfunctions.
• 📢 Safety whistle – Smart for solo travelers.
• 🧼 Shoe deodorizer – Revive well-used sneakers.
• 🦶 Footrest pillow – Comfy on long flights.
• 💤 Melatonin or sleep aid – Adjust to new time zones.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 🧳 Confirm airline baggage limits.
• 📲 Download travel & Disneyland apps.
• 👚 Pack first-day outfit on top.
• 💍 Valuables in your carry-on only.
• 📸 Photograph your luggage.
• 🏦 Notify your bank if traveling far from home.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📅 U.S. travelers don’t need a visa for California.
• 🛂 International guests should check ESTA or visa requirements.
• 🖨️ Print key documents: tickets, hotel confirmations, ID copies.
• 📷 Bring passport photos – optional backup ID.
• 🛍️ Understand customs rules before buying gifts.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 ID/passport
• 📱 Phone + charger
• 💳 Cards/cash
• 💧 Water bottle
• 🧥 Jacket/layers
• 👟 Comfy shoes
• 🧴 Sunscreen
• 🎟️ Tickets/park passes
• 👜 Crossbody/day bag

👍 Good-to-Have

• 🧺 Laundry bag
• 🧼 Stain remover pen
• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
• 🧵 Steamer or wrinkle spray
• 🛍️ Extra tote for shopping
• 💤 Blanket scarf or shawl
• 🌂 Compact umbrella
• 📱 Extra power bank