Danielle Fishel Lights Up LEGOLAND California's Holiday Tree

At LEGOLAND California Resort, "Dancing with the Stars" star Danielle Fishel kicked off the holiday season by illuminating the 35-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree during the 23rd annual tree lighting ceremony. The family-friendly theme park seized the starry moment to announce the opening of the new LEGO Galaxy area on March 6, 2026, offering interstellar experiences and three epic attractions for all ages.

The iconic LEGO Christmas tree, built from more than 366,000 LEGO and DUPLO bricks, took 3,000 hours of work by Master Model Builders. It sparkled with giant ornaments, candy canes, stars, and candles as fireworks lit up the night sky over Carlsbad. Space Creature made its first appearance for guests during the ceremony. The event marked the start of Holidays at LEGOLAND California, presented by Hallmark Channel, running on select dates through January 4.

In the spirit of giving, LEGOLAND California donated $10,000 to Children's Hospital Los Angeles on behalf of Danielle Fishel. The actress, best known for her role as Topanga in "Boy Meets World," for her competitive dancing in the most recent season of "Dancing with the Stars," and for her self-proclaimed status as a LEGO architect, helped bring the Christmas magic of the resort to life. Fishel not only added sparkle to the celebration but also connected her personal story to the festive atmosphere of the park.

The festivities reached a galactic peak as LEGOLAND California revealed details about the new LEGO Galaxy area. This ambitious project, three years in the making, will feature three cosmic attractions, a Junior Astronaut Training Zone in a dedicated toddler play area, and galactic food stalls with alien eats and drinks. Guests will be able to digitally customize their own spaceships by selecting tails, noses, wings, and special elements—625 different combinations in total for unique ride experiences.

The main attraction, Galacticoaster, represents the park's first new roller coaster in 20 years and is designed around the LEGO universe. It draws on space themes from LEGO's past, present, and future to promise adventurous fun for families. "It was incredible to be under the stars today as Danielle lit our LEGO Christmas tree and even Space Creature appeared to our guests for the first time," said Kurt Stocks, president of LEGOLAND California Resort. "In the midst of the festive mood, we were 'over the moon' to reveal details about our new area, LEGO Galaxy, which is part of Merlin Entertainments' largest investment in LEGOLAND parks. It's inspired by the very first LEGO space sets from the 1970s and celebrates the imagination that has captivated generations. We can hardly wait for March, when new and longtime fans can experience the nostalgia of the past, the creativity of the present, and the adventures of the future."

In preparation for the opening, Merlin Entertainments is launching a nationwide search for Junior Galaxy Explorers. Children can build their own LEGO spaceship for a chance to be among the first to ride Galacticoaster. The first contest starts December 13 in Miami and arrives in California in January.

Holidays at LEGOLAND California offers guests falling "snow," twinkling lights, seasonal shows, and a new Christmas-themed attraction—all included with general park admission and select annual passes. Holiday favorites return, including elves Frode and Ivy, LEGO Santa with his 17-foot-long sleigh, and character "elfies" with the LEGO Gingerbread Man or LEGO Snowman. The event features festive treats and Christmas-themed LEGO experiences, such as the Elf Hats Scavenger Hunt.

Families can dance around the 35-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree to seasonal tunes, enjoy fireworks on select evenings, and ring in the new year at the annual Kids' New Year's Eve Party. "Midnight" arrives early so families can celebrate together without missing bedtime. Live entertainment, spectacular fireworks, and 3D glasses that transform the show into exploding LEGO bricks round out the family-friendly festivities.