Walt Disney World Unwraps 2026 Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights Dates
The Walt Disney World holiday events for 2026, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Disney Jollywood Nights details, have been announced. For 2026, Disney Jollywood Nights has expanded in a big way! Oh, we have prices for this year’s Walt Disney World holiday events at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
After two days of festive teasers and holiday-themed hints across social media and Disney Parks channels, Walt Disney World has officially unwrapped its 2026 Disney World holiday after-hours event lineup.
The Disney World holiday event announcement confirms the return of two fan-favorite separately ticketed holiday celebrations: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The news arrives as part of Disney’s annual Halfway to the Holidays celebration, which traditionally provides guests with an early look at holiday offerings coming later in the year.
For the past two days, Walt Disney World has been building anticipation for the Disney World holiday events online, teasing that major holiday news was on the way. Fans quickly speculated that the announcement would include Christmas party dates, entertainment details, and ticket sale information. Those predictions proved correct as Walt Disney World officially revealed its holiday event plans for 2026.
When Do the Holidays Start?
Then on the morning of June 24 (yes, it is still summer!), Disney Parks revealed the dates for the holiday season at Walt Disney World. Those dates are November 13 – January 6. However, then, we found out that Disney Jollywood Nights will start on November 7. Yes, we were a bit confused.
After that, later in the morning, we learned that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would start on November 8. Yes, we became more confused! However, when it comes to Walt Disney World marketing, this is not the first time they have sent out mixed messages, and it will not be the last. We are still wondering where the Figment stocking went with this year’s promotion. #IYKYK #FourStockings?
Walt Disney World Holiday Events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Returns to Magic Kingdom
To the surprise of no one, one of Walt Disney World’s most popular seasonal offerings is returning for another year of festive fun. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will once again transform Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland on select nights throughout November and December. Guests attending the separately ticketed event can enjoy lower attraction wait times, holiday-themed entertainment, snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., specialty treats, character appearances, and exclusive entertainment offerings.
Disney World Holiday Events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates
The 2026 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates will run on select nights from Sunday, November 8 to Tuesday, December 22.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates
- November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29
- December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22
Reminder: You can begin your holiday cheer early! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guests can enter the park as early as 4:00 p.m. Even though the party officially starts at 7:00 p.m., guests have the option to arrive three hours earlier to kickstart their time in Magic Kingdom.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets
Walt Disney World said to get your calendar ready because the special event tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will become available on July 9 for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green. For all other guests, tickets will be available starting July 16. Special prices are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members. Purchase Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets online or call 407-934-7639. Tickets cost $189 to $229, depending on which night you visit.
Returning favorites for the event include:
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
- Complimentary holiday cookies and beverages throughout the park
Walt Disney World also confirmed the return of Frozen Holiday Surprise on Cinderella Castle, allowing guests to join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies as they transform the castle into a sparkling holiday centerpiece.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Character Greetings
Guests can find yuletide cheer around every corner with some of their favorite Disney pals. There will be exclusive opportunities to greet Disney character friends during the party. Walt Disney World announced a few of them:
Princess Fairytale Hall
- Anna and Elsa
Town Square Theater
- Jack Skellington as Santa and Sally
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their finest holiday looks
Meet Santa at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The after-hours party makes a wonderful time to meet Santa at Santa’s Christmas Carnival. Guests should get their holiday wish list ready and head on over to Storybook Circus to visit your favorite friend from the North Pole. Located near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Barnstormer, this is the perfect stop for young families. In addition to meeting Santa, guests can also participate in crafts and meet other friends bursting with Christmas cheer.
Rides Available at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Guests should also prepare for a few twists on some of their favorite rides at Magic Kingdom with holiday-themed makeovers on Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party, Jungle Cruise, and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
In addition to the above, here are just a few of the classic attractions that will also be available for guests during the party:
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
This event usually features specialty food and beverage options. While we wait on that information, we can ponder which items will return from the 2025 foodie guide.
Disney World Holiday Events: Jollywood Nights Returns to Hollywood Studios
Also, to the surprise of no one, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again host Jollywood Nights during the 2026 holiday season. The retro-inspired holiday party has become a staple of the Walt Disney World holiday events and combines old Hollywood glamour with festive entertainment, specialty food and beverage offerings, exclusive character encounters, and lower wait times for select attractions.
The dates for Disney Jollywood Nights have expanded for 2026. They are Jollywood Nights Dates
- November 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
- December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
- January 3, 5
Walt Disney World Holiday Events: 2026 Jollywood Nights Tickets
Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited capacity event, so make sure you purchase tickets well ahead of your travel dates. Ticket prices vary per date.
Mark your calendar for these Jollywood Nights ticket purchase dates:
- July 9: Select resort guests – Guests staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green.
- July 16: General Sale date: All other guests can purchase Jollywood Nights tickets.
Jollywood Nights discounts for all event nights are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members. Purchase Jollywood Nights tickets online or call Disney Central at 407-934-7639. Tickets will run from $169 to $199.
Jollywood Nights Shows and Entertainment
Walt Disney World revealed details about entertainment for Disney Jollywood Nights. These include the following…
Tune in to “Disney Holidays in Hollywood”
In this musical stage show held at the Theater of the Stars, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy host a holiday gathering with appearances by beloved Disney friends like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Belle, and Tiana. A glamorous vibe infuses the performance, inspired by classic Hollywood holiday TV specials, but with a fresh twist that captures the spirit of the season.
See “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along”
Get ready for a truly unique holiday experience that blends spooky charm with festive cheer. Head to Hyperion Theater to see the story of Halloween Town and Christmas Town come together with Jack Skellington as “snowflakes” gently fall. Guests can sing along to classic tunes like “What’s This?” and “Sally’s Song”, surrounded by the eerie yet enchanting glow of Halloween-meets-Christmas decorations. It’s a fun, whimsical way to celebrate the season, perfect for anyone who loves a little holiday twist with their Christmas spirit.
Witness the “Glisten!” Skating Show
“Glisten!” is returning to Jollywood Nights in 2026. This holiday skating show right in front of the Chinese Theater is a sparkling treat. World-class skaters twirl, leap, and dance across a shimmering synthetic rink, set to classic holiday tunes and original Jollywood songs. With twinkling projections, and Art Deco flair, it’s pure Christmas magic on “ice.” Grab a cozy drink, snuggle up, and let this winter wonderland dazzle your night.
Holiday Vibes All Over Hollywood Studios
The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-visit during Jollywood Nights, offering a glamorous experience in the courtyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. This exclusive event transports guests to a 1930s-style swingin’ celebration, complete with live holiday music.
Pixar Disco lights up Pixar Plaza with a holly jolly dance party featuring Edna Mode and Frozone from Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles, Joy from Inside Out, and Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby offers a refined, adult-oriented retreat within the Christmas atmosphere of Jollywood Nights. It’s an ideal choice for guests seeking a blend of culinary delights, live music, and a touch of holiday elegance. There is limited space at this popular offering, so advance reservations are recommended. Stay tuned for more details.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
Witness the high-energy nighttime spectacular at Jollywood Nights in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, lighting up the Chinese Theater with fireworks, lasers, projections, and holiday music. Starring Wayne and Lanny from Prep & Landing, the show follows their mission to rescue Santa, with scenes from classics like Beauty and the Beast, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Add in “snowfall” on Hollywood Boulevard and synced MagicBand+ effects, and you’ve got a fireworks-filled celebration wrapped in pure holiday magic. Walt Disney World also teased several new additions for this year’s event, with more details expected as the holiday season approaches.
Walt Disney World Holiday Events: Character Greetings at Disney Jollywood Nights
Characters play a big part in the Jollywood Nights experience. Walt Disney World announced a plethora of characters for this year’s event. These include:
- Characters at Disney Jollywood Nights 2026
- Phineas and Ferb
- Max Goof as Powerline
- Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers
- Stitch dressed as Santa
- Baloo and King Louie
- The Mandalorian and Grogu
- Chewbacca celebrating Life Day
- Lotso from Toy Story 3
- Partysaurus Rex
- Bing Bong from Inside Out
- Duffy
- Scrooge McDuck
- Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
- Goofy and Pluto
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Rides Open During Jollywood Nights
According to Walt Disney World, Some of your favorite attractions will be open during the Jollywood Nights bash, with lower wait times as your special holiday treat.
Here are the rides that will be available:
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Toy Story Mania!
Available attractions are subject to change. Admission to this event does not guarantee access to any attraction or experience. For more information, be sure to check out DisneyWorld.com/Jollywood.
At this time, we do not have the list of limited-time food available during Disney Jollywood Nights. However, we suspect that many of the 2025 options will return.
Holiday Season Across Walt Disney World
Beyond the separately ticketed events, Walt Disney World confirmed that the broader holiday season will once again bring festive offerings across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Walt Disney World Resort hotels.⁷
For these Walt Disney World holiday events, guests can expect:
- Festive decorations and holiday overlays
- Seasonal food and beverage offerings
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
- Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Holiday décor at Disney Springs
- Gingerbread displays at select resort hotels
- Seasonal merchandise collections
The annual holiday season, with all the Walt Disney World holiday events, has become one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World, drawing guests from around the world to experience the resort’s extensive Christmas offerings
Walt Disney World Holidays Events Tickets Expected to Be in High Demand
Historically, both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights have generated strong demand, with several event dates selling out before the holiday season begins. Walt Disney World is encouraging guests interested in attending to review event dates and ticket availability as soon as possible.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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