Walt Disney World Holidays 2026: Complete Guide to Christmas Events, Dates, and Tickets
The most wonderful time of the year is returning to Walt Disney World Resort. Disney has officially announced the return of several fan favorite holiday experiences for the 2026 season, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, with even more festive offerings still to come.
The Walt Disney World holiday season officially runs from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. During this nearly two month celebration, guests can experience festive entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, holiday décor, special character appearances, and limited time events across the resort.
Here’s everything we know so far about Walt Disney World Holidays 2026, including dates, tickets, entertainment, and how to plan your holiday getaway.
What Is Happening at Walt Disney World for the Holidays in 2026?
Walt Disney World will once again transform into a winter wonderland filled with special events, festive entertainment, and seasonal offerings.
Walt Disney World Holiday Events at a Glance
| Event | Location | Dates | Ticket Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party | Magic Kingdom | November 8 through December 22, 2026 | Yes |
| Disney Jollywood Nights | Disney’s Hollywood Studios | November 7, 2026 through January 5, 2027 | Yes |
| EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays | EPCOT | November 27 through December 30, 2026 | Included with Park Admission |
| Additional Holiday Offerings | Resort Wide | November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027 | Varies |
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Returns to Magic Kingdom in 2026
Few holiday traditions at Walt Disney World are as beloved as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This separately ticketed event transforms Magic Kingdom into a festive wonderland filled with holiday entertainment, exclusive character experiences, festive treats, and seasonal overlays on select attractions.
From snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., to fireworks above Cinderella Castle and appearances by Santa Claus himself, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offers one of the most magical ways to celebrate Christmas at Walt Disney World.
When Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2026?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place on select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2026.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 Dates
| Month | Party Dates |
| November | 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, and 29 |
| December | 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, and 22 |
Guests attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 p.m. Although the party officially begins at 7:00 p.m., early entry allows guests to enjoy up to eight hours inside the park.
Planning Tip: Dates around Thanksgiving and the final weeks before Christmas have historically been among the most popular and may sell out first.
When Do Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Go On Sale?
As one of Walt Disney World’s most popular holiday events, select nights often sell out in advance.
- July 9, 2026: Guests staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets.
- July 16, 2026: Tickets become available to all other guests.
Guests can save up to $15 off Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets through Unlocked Magic beginning July 16, 2026.
Discounted pricing will once again be available for Disney Vacation Club Members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders on select event nights.
What Is Included at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
One of the highlights of the evening is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. This holiday favorite features dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, festive music, and appearances by numerous Disney characters dressed in their holiday attire. The parade concludes with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
Hosted by Minnie Mouse, this nighttime spectacular combines beloved holiday songs with fireworks, castle projections, and lighting effects that transform Cinderella Castle into a beautifully wrapped holiday gift.
The separately ticketed Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Parties are also expected to return, with reservation details to be announced later.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Taking place on the Cinderella Castle stage, this energetic show features live performers and Disney characters including Clarabelle Cow, Daisy Duck, and Woody as they celebrate the happiest season of all through music and festive storytelling.
Frozen Holiday Surprise and Dance Parties
Guests can join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the snowgies as Cinderella Castle transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland during Frozen Holiday Surprise. Dance parties throughout the park will also return.
Character Greetings at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Exclusive character experiences are always one of the biggest draws of the party.
Confirmed appearances include:
- Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall
- Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Sally at Town Square Theater
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday attire
Additional character experiences are expected to be announced closer to the start of the holiday season.
Meet Santa at Storybook Circus
Santa Claus returns to Storybook Circus during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Families can visit Santa’s Christmas Carnival, participate in holiday crafts, and enjoy festive activities near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Barnstormer.
Rides Open During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Holiday-themed overlays will return to:
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Mad Tea Party
- Jungle Cruise
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Additional attractions expected to be open include:
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- And more
Attraction availability is subject to change.
Cookies, Cocoa, and Exclusive Holiday Merchandise
Guests can once again enjoy complimentary cookies, seasonal beverages, and sweet treats at select locations throughout Magic Kingdom. Exclusive event merchandise will also be available at the Emporium.
Disney Jollywood Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026
Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed holiday celebration that combines old Hollywood glamour with festive entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Walking down Sunset Boulevard during the holidays feels like stepping into a classic Christmas movie. Silver garlands drape across the street, oversized ornaments decorate the park, and glowing reindeer hang from lampposts, creating one of the most unique holiday atmospheres at Walt Disney World.
When Is Disney Jollywood Nights in 2026?
Disney Jollywood Nights will take place on select evenings from November 7, 2026, through January 5, 2027, extending into January for the first time.
Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 Dates
| Month | Party Dates |
| November | 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, and 28 |
| December | 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, and 23 |
| January | 3 and 5 |
Guests can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning at 5:30 p.m. The party officially starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 12:30 a.m.
Planning Tip: Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited capacity event, and weekends and dates closest to Christmas are likely to be among the most popular.
When Do Disney Jollywood Nights Tickets Go On Sale?
- July 9, 2026: Guests staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets.
- July 16, 2026: Tickets become available to all other guests.
Guests can save up to $15 off Jollywood Nights Tickets through Unlocked Magic beginning July 16, 2026.
Discounts will once again be offered to Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders on all event nights.
What Is Included at Disney Jollywood Nights?
Disney Jollywood Nights offers an entertainment lineup unlike any other holiday event at Walt Disney World.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood
At Theater of the Stars, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy host a glamorous holiday musical featuring appearances by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Belle, Tiana, and other beloved Disney characters.
What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing Along
The Hyperion Theater becomes home to this unique holiday experience inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Glisten! Holiday Skating Spectacular
Returning in 2026, Glisten! transforms the area in front of the Chinese Theater into a sparkling winter showcase featuring world class skaters and holiday music.
Holiday Entertainment Throughout the Park
The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club returns to the courtyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel with live music and a glamorous atmosphere.
Pixar Disco brings a festive dance party to Pixar Plaza featuring Edna Mode, Frozone, Joy, and Mike Wazowski.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby also returns, offering a refined experience featuring seasonal cocktails and live entertainment.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Returns
The fan favorite nighttime spectacular returns during Jollywood Nights.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! combines fireworks, projections, lasers, and holiday music in a high-energy presentation featuring Wayne and Lanny from Prep & Landing, along with scenes from Beauty and the Beast, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Combined with snowfall effects on Hollywood Boulevard and synchronized MagicBand+ interactions, it serves as one of the highlights of the evening.
Character Experiences at Disney Jollywood Nights
Characters scheduled to appear include:
- 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
- Partysaurus Rex
- Bing Bong
- Duffy
- Scrooge McDuck
- Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
- Goofy and Pluto
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Additional character appearances will be announced later.
Rides Open During Disney Jollywood Nights
Participating attractions include:
- 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!
Attraction availability is subject to change.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Returns in 2026
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is once again returning to Walt Disney World in 2026. The month long celebration combines festive food and beverages, holiday entertainment, cultural traditions, and seasonal décor from around the world, making it one of the most unique ways to celebrate the season at Walt Disney World.
With Holiday Kitchens, live entertainment, holiday storytellers, and beloved seasonal experiences throughout World Showcase, the festival offers something for every member of the family.
When Is EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays in 2026?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will take place from November 27 through December 30, 2026.
As in previous years, the festival begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through the end of December, giving guests more than a month to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season.
Planning Tip: Festival weekends and the weeks leading up to Christmas are among the busiest times of the year at EPCOT. Guests planning to experience the Candlelight Processional or popular Holiday Kitchens may want to arrive early and allow extra time to explore.
What Is Included with EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?
Unlike the separately ticketed holiday parties at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, most EPCOT Festival of the Holidays experiences are included with regular theme park admission.
Highlights of the festival include:
- Holiday Storytellers throughout World Showcase
- Seasonal décor and themed entertainment
- Candlelight Processional performances
- JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
- Voices of Liberty as the Dickens Carolers
- Holiday Kitchens featuring seasonal food and beverages
- Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses
- Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
- Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy
- Holiday lighting on Spaceship Earth
- Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display and countdown celebration
Experience Holiday Traditions Around World Showcase
One of the most beloved parts of the festival is the opportunity to discover how cultures around the world celebrate the holiday season.
Holiday Storytellers return to World Showcase and bring festive traditions and legends to life through live performances and storytelling experiences.
Guests can find storytellers in:
| Pavilion | Holiday Experience |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Las Posadas Celebration |
| Norway | A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa |
| China | Chinese Lion Dancer and Si-Zhu Trio |
| Germany | Adventskalender |
| Italy | La Befana |
| Japan | Daruma Storyteller |
| Morocco and France | Hanukkah Storyteller |
| France | Père Noël |
| United Kingdom | Father Christmas |
| Canada | Canadian Holiday Voyageurs |
These performances have become a signature experience of the festival and offer a meaningful look at how holiday traditions differ around the world.
Santa Sightings Around EPCOT
Guests hoping to share their holiday wishes are in for a treat because Santa Claus will once again make special appearances throughout EPCOT.
Visitors may encounter Santa traveling around World Showcase, greeting guests and spreading holiday cheer. Additional festive experiences include:
- Père Noël telling the story of Babette and her Christmas letter in the France Pavilion
- Barn Santa in the Norway Pavilion
- Santa Claus greeting guests in CommuniCore Hall
- Goofy dressed as Santa at The Odyssey
These experiences provide plenty of opportunities for festive photos and memorable character encounters.
EPCOT Shines with Holiday Décor
EPCOT sparkles during the holiday season with festive decorations throughout the park. Twinkling lights, garlands, and beautifully decorated trees inspired by traditions around the world transform every corner of World Showcase.
One of the highlights is the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display and countdown celebration presented by CITIZEN. The detailed display combines culinary artistry with holiday magic and features a dazzling light and music show every 15 minutes.
Combined with seasonal lighting effects on Spaceship Earth itself, EPCOT becomes one of the most beautiful places at Walt Disney World during the holidays.
Festival Shows and Entertainment
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional returns to the America Gardens Theatre as one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved holiday traditions.
The moving retelling of the Christmas story features celebrity narrators accompanied by a mass choir and full orchestra. Performances are held nightly, giving guests multiple opportunities to experience this inspiring holiday classic.
Additional information about celebrity narrators and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages will be announced at a later date.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
This high energy performance celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa through gospel, jazz, and R&B music. The uplifting show has become a favorite among EPCOT visitors and adds a lively and soulful atmosphere to the festival.
Voices of Liberty as the Dickens Carolers
The beloved Voices of Liberty return as the Dickens Carolers, performing holiday classics inspired by Victorian era England. Their rich harmonies and timeless performances remain one of the most cherished entertainment offerings of the season.
Holiday Kitchens Return to EPCOT
Food lovers can once again look forward to Holiday Kitchens serving seasonal dishes and beverages inspired by holiday traditions from around the world.
From comforting classics to globally inspired flavors, the Holiday Kitchens are one of the most popular aspects of the festival and encourage guests to snack their way around World Showcase.
Disney will release additional details about this year’s food and beverage menus closer to the start of the festival.
Holiday Cookie Stroll Returns
The fan favorite Holiday Cookie Stroll is back for another year.
Guests can purchase five qualifying cookies from participating Holiday Kitchens and collect corresponding stamps in their Festival Passport. After collecting all five stamps, guests can redeem their completed stroll for a special holiday treat.
It’s a delicious tradition that many families make part of their annual holiday visit.
More Holiday Experiences at EPCOT
Several additional seasonal offerings will return during the festival, including:
- Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses featuring twinkling lights and festive décor
- Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt around World Showcase
- Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy with all new fragrances inspired by celebrations around the world
- Holiday lighting displays throughout the park and on Spaceship Earth
Between the entertainment, festive flavors, holiday traditions, and seasonal décor, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays remains one of the most immersive and beloved holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World.
More Holiday Magic Across Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World traditionally celebrates the season with festive decorations, holiday displays, seasonal food and beverage offerings, and special entertainment throughout the resort.
Additional holiday experiences and offerings for 2026 are coming soon.
How Can You Get Tickets for Walt Disney World Holiday Events?
Looking to save on your holiday plans? Beginning July 16, 2026, our friends at Unlocked Magic will offer up to $15 off all Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights tickets. If you’re planning to attend either special event, it’s a great way to enjoy the festivities while saving on admission.
Is It Too Late to Plan a Walt Disney World Holiday Vacation in 2026?
Not at all.
The holiday season remains one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World, but there is still time to start planning your vacation.
At DVC Rental Store, guests can browse available Confirmed Reservations for select holiday travel dates and may also find additional availability through our Request a Quote tool. Whether you’re planning a quick holiday getaway or a weeklong Christmas vacation, there may still be opportunities to stay at a Disney Vacation Club resort during one of the most magical times of the year.
Final Thoughts on Walt Disney World Holidays 2026
From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights to EPCOT’s seasonal festivities and resort-wide holiday celebrations, Walt Disney World Holidays 2026 is shaping up to be another unforgettable season.
As Disney releases additional details about EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and other seasonal offerings, we’ll continue updating this guide with everything you need to know to plan your perfect holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.
