Spiced cake, snow and Santa were the perfect ingredients for a magical evening when cast members gathered to be among the first to see the return of a Disneyland park holiday favorite, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade — the first daytime parade to return since the parks reopened.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were dressed for the festivities as they joined with special friends, including Buzz Lightyear, Tiana, Santa’s elves and reindeer, to bring holiday cheer to approximately 4,000 cast members. Before the parade, cast enjoyed treats, took photos in front of the Christmas tree in Town Square and shopped for holiday merchandise. To top it all off, the night ended with a blissful snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and the breathtaking view of a sparkling Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle.

Main Gate Receptionist Gloria Garcia shared the special night with her granddaughter, Elizabeth Alcalá of Disney California Adventure park food and beverage. “I’ve always been one to watch the parade, and I love Christmas,” said Elizabeth. “It’s so fun hearing the music and everyone cheer.” Gloria agreed, “It’s fantastic being able to get together and share Christmas again with everyone.”

In support of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive benefiting Toys for Tots, U.S. Marines and Disney VoluntEARs collected toys to spread the gift of happiness to children during the holidays.

“Christmastime here brings everyone much closer together, like the family we are,” said merchandise host Edward Catalan.

The special cast preview is the unofficial launch of the holiday season for cast members as they prepare to welcome guests to Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, which began Nov. 12 and runs through Jan. 9. From “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks to Disney Festival of Holidays, there’s something for everyone at the Happiest Place on Earth this holiday season.

“I’m most excited for guests to see all the cast members dancing again, to smile and interact with them,” said Lo-gan Grayson of guest relations. “That’s what everyone wants, to have that human interaction — to feel the magic and dance along!”