The holiday magic officially begins at Walt Disney World. Today, November 7th, 2025, marks the first night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I’m so excited to see what surprises await this year, and I can’t wait to experience all of Disney World’s holiday special events!
We’re your ultimate guide to all the holiday magic! From must-do rides and festive treats to little insider tips along the way, we’ll help you make the most of your family’s merry night!
What’s all the Rave About During the Holiday Season at Disney?
Well, it’s easy to see why everyone’s talking! Disney fills every corner of its parks and resorts with magical holiday scenes, twinkling lights, and festive music. Plus, it brings guests two extra special events!
Each of these events is filled with its own kind of Christmas magic! Both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios are special ticketed events held on select nights throughout November and December. These events give guests even more ways to celebrate the season in true Disney style.
If you’re planning to visit a holiday party, here’s the good news and the not-so-good news. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is already sold out for November. However, tickets are still available on select nights in December.
Meanwhile, if you want to enjoy the glitz and glamour of Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, you’re in luck! Tickets are still available on select nights in both November and December.
To check current ticket availability, be sure to visit the official Disney website.
Choosing the Magic: Mickey’s Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights?
If I had to choose, here’s how I see it! If you haven’t experienced Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it should definitely be at the top of your list. Who can resist free cookies, cocoa, snow on Main Street, and heartwarming shows that make you feel like a kid again? I love how cozy and classic it feels. It’s pure magic, and I can’t wait to experience this year’s party!
Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, on the other hand, has a more grown-up, stylish vibe. With glitzy decor, jazzy music, and festive treats that feel a little fancy. It definitely is perfect for older kids and adults. The pace is a bit slower, so you can really soak all the Christmas magic in and take your time exploring all the holiday details around the park.
Pros and Cons of Special Event Tickets
Heading to a Disney holiday party is magical, but it helps to know what to expect. Here’s my take on it:
Pros:
- Ride your favorite attractions with shorter waits.
- Enjoy special holiday treats you can’t get any other time.
- Watch fun parades, fireworks, and even a little snow on Main Street.
Cons:
- The parties don’t start until 7 PM and end at 1 AM, which can make for a long night for little ones. Guests, though, can enter the park at 4 pm.
- One thing to keep in mind is the extra cost: tickets for the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party range from $169 to $229 per person, plus tax, on select nights. For Disney Jollywood Nights, ticket prices range from $159 to $199 (plus tax), depending on the date.
- For such a short evening event, it’s worth weighing whether the price makes sense for your group.
- Tickets are usually cheaper in November, and prices tend to increase in December as the holidays get closer.
My Pixie Dust Advice: Don’t try to cram in a regular park day before the party. Sleep in, relax at your resort, and recharge. Then head to the party ready to enjoy all the magic without being grumpy or tired.
Enjoying Disney’s Holiday Magic for Free
With that being said, there’s still plenty of holiday magic to enjoy around the parks without purchasing an extra ticket. During Disney’s holiday season, I love strolling through the decorated lands and snapping photos in front of the sparkling Christmas trees.
Word of advice, don’t skip the festive shows and parades because they’re full of surprises.
My Pixie Dust tip: Take a walk through the resorts too. The twinkling lights, giant decorations, and seasonal treats make it feel like the holidays are all around you.
What to Expect at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This year’s party promises even more holiday magic, including rare characters in festive costumes. For example, Anna and Elsa greet guests at Princess Fairytale Hall, Sally and Santa Jack appear at Town Square Theater, and Mickey and Minnie are dressed in their holiday best.
Meet & Greets
- Main Street USA
- Mickey Mouse
- Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws
- Mary Poppins
- Adventureland
- Aladdin, Abu, Jasmine, Genie
- Captain Jack Sparrow
- Peter Pan
- Stitch
- Frontierland
- Country Bears
- Liberty Square
- Santa
- Tiana & Naveen
- Fantasyland
- Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
- Alice & White Rabbit
- Winnie the Pooh & Friends
- Ariel & Prince Eric
- Rapunzel & Flynn Ryder
- Cinderella & Prince Charming
- Snow White & Prince
- Aurora & Prince Phillip
- Belle
- Mirabel
- Storybook Circus
- Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck
- Scrooge McDuck
- Santa Goofy
- Seven Dwarfs
Don’t forget to enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa as you explore the park. On top of that, fun parades, spectacular fireworks, and endless photo opportunities make this event unforgettable for families of all ages.
Rides Open During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Adventureland
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Frontierland
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
- Fantasyland
- Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party
- Storybook Circus
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
- Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
- Special Holiday Overlays
- Space Mountain – Holiday music and lights add extra magic.
- Tomorrowland Speedway – Festive décor and music during the ride.
- Mad Tea Party – Enjoy holiday lights and music while spinning.
- Jungle Cruise (“Jingle Cruise”) – Holiday-themed version of the classic ride (availability may vary).
2025 Magic Kingdom Party Highlights: Shows, Parades & Fireworks
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade happens twice each night at 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. This is the parade where the magical snow falls on Main Street, so be sure to catch it and enjoy all the Christmas charm it brings!
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is a stage show where Mickey invites all his friends to join in the Christmas festivities. You’ll hear all your favorite holiday carols and see fun, festive performances. Showtimes are approximately 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:35 p.m., and 11:55 p.m., giving you plenty of chances to catch the magic throughout the night.
Frozen Holiday Surprise takes place in front of Cinderella’s Castle and features Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff. The projections on the castle are absolutely spectacular, transforming it into a sparkling winter wonderland. Showtime is roughly 8:15 p.m. on the castle stage, giving you a magical way to start the evening.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks is a true showstopper. Featuring beloved Christmas medleys and dazzling castle overlays, this magical display lights up the sky around 10:00 p.m. each night of the party.
Other party highlights include dancing with the Reindeer Wranglers and joining character dance parties around the park. It’s also the perfect time to collect autographs and snap festive photos.
Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind holiday treats and specialties throughout Magic Kingdom. To see the full menu and where each item is offered, visit the official Disney website. My taste buds are already watering just thinking about it! I can’t wait to try it all!
What to Expect at Jollywood Nights
I must admit, Jollywood Nights can feel a bit underwhelming compared to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, especially if you have small children. However, it’s perfect for adults and older kids.
The holiday atmosphere is more grown-up, but you can still meet Disney Junior favorites and classic characters dressed in festive holiday outfits throughout the park.
Select rides that stay open? During Jollywood enjoy Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Toy Story Mania. This is so great for thrill seekers and older kids.
Seasonal treats and snacks are available as well as cocktails for adults.
Overall, I think Jollywood Nights isn’t worth the extra spend if you have small kids. However, if you’re looking for a date night in the parks with low crowds, a relaxed pace, and a stylish holiday ambiance, it’s absolutely perfect.
What are your thoughts on these special holiday events? Drop us a comment below! We would love to hear your tips, tricks, and favorite ways to experience the holiday magic.
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