Disney just made it official: the Walt Disney World 2026 holiday season runs November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027. If you’ve been waiting for confirmed dates to start planning a holiday trip, you now have the full window. Two of the biggest separately ticketed events — Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights — also have their dates locked in. Here’s everything confirmed so far.
Quick Summary
- Walt Disney World 2026 holiday season: November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November 8 – December 22, 25 select nights
- Jollywood Nights: November 7, 2026 – January 5, 2027 — first year extending into January
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays dates still to be announced
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets: $189–$229 per person
- Jollywood Nights tickets: $169–$199 per person
2026 Holiday Season Overview: November 13 – January 6
The 2026 Walt Disney World holiday season officially kicks off November 13, 2026 and runs through January 6, 2027. That’s a nearly two-month window of holiday programming across all four parks, Disney Springs, and the resort hotels. It’s the same general timeframe as recent years, so your planning instincts from past trips largely still apply.
The holiday season covers free included-with-admission events at every park — decorations, overlays, entertainment, and specialty food — as well as the separately ticketed events that require purchasing an add-on ticket. Both types start at different points, so check dates carefully when planning.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom on 25 select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2026. This is the longest-running of Disney’s separately ticketed holiday parties and one of the most popular events at Walt Disney World all year.
2026 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
The party officially runs 7pm to midnight. Ticketholders can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4pm on their event date — no separate park ticket or reservation is needed. This early entry is one of the best perks, giving you three hours before the official start to enjoy the park with lighter crowds before other ticket holders start arriving.
Ticket prices range from $189 to $229 per person (plus tax), varying by date. Children ages 3–9 save $10 per ticket. Early dates in November are typically the most affordable.
Jollywood Nights 2026
Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for 2026, and this year it’s longer than ever. The event runs November 7, 2026 through January 5, 2027 — the first time Jollywood Nights has extended into January. That’s a significantly expanded run compared to previous years.
2026 Jollywood Nights dates:
November: 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
December: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
January: 3, 5
Ticketholders can enter Hollywood Studios as early as 5:30pm. The event officially runs 7:30pm to 12:30am — a solid five-hour window. Ticket prices run $169 to $199 per person plus tax. Tickets go on sale July 9.
What’s Still to Be Announced
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays dates have not yet been confirmed. Based on previous years, expect it to run from late November through late December — but check back for the official announcement. Other included-with-admission holiday entertainment details for all four parks are also expected to be announced in the coming months.
Walt Disney World 2026 Holiday Season Dates: Final Thoughts
The Walt Disney World 2026 holiday season dates are confirmed, and the window is long enough to give you real flexibility. November 13 through January 6 means you can plan a Thanksgiving trip, a Christmas trip, or a New Year’s visit and still be fully in the holiday season. With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party running through December 22 and Jollywood Nights now extending into January, there are more options than ever.
Start locking in your dates now — holiday travel to Walt Disney World fills up fast. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets go on sale for resort guests first, so if you’re staying on property, watch for that sale date to get priority access to the best nights.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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