By Sinaiyouth 
It’s June, so you know what that means! No, I’m not talking about the official start of summer. I’m talking about everything, halfway through the holidays! We’ve reached that magical time of year when the holiday season is getting closer and closerAnd seasonal decorations will be at Walt Disney World before you know it (if you’re a fan of Halloween, get ready, because we’re literally just over a month away from the first signs of pumpkins!).
Starting in November, the holidays return to Walt Disney World with parties, festivals and more on deck. For you Type A planners (raise hand), the complete timeline of the holiday season at Walt Disney World is From November 13 to January 6, 2027. We just learned the dates and some of the return deals fans can expect, so let’s recap everything that has been announced for the 2026 end-of-year holidays!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom
The highlight of the holiday season at Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The after-hours event will return to Magic Kingdom on certain evenings from November 8 to December 22, 2026. The full list of dates is as follows:
- 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
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event and includes party-exclusive treats and seasonal entertainment. Favorite offers include Mickey’s Christmas Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmas Fireworks, and more. Disney also announced that Magic Kingdom’s regular nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, will not be featured on nights when Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Plan accordingly!
And of course you can enjoy classic Magic Kingdom attractions with reduced wait times. Seasonal layering Cruise Jingle will return in 2026 for regular guests as well as party attendees.
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be on sale to Disney World resort guests on July 9. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 16.
READ MORE: YOUR DISNEY WORLD HOLIDAY SEASON PLANNING GUIDE
Disney Jollywood Evenings at Hollywood Studios
Ready to add some glitz and glamor to your Christmas party? Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season and, for the first time, there will be event evenings in January. Disney Jollywood Nights returns certain evenings from November 7 to January 5with the full list of event dates as follows:
- November: 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
- December: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
- January: 3, 5
Disney Jollywood Nights brings the lights of Hollywood to the holidays through live music and entertainment, exclusive treats and much more. Returning headlining entertainment this year includes the “Glow!” skating show, “Disney Vacation in Hollywood” hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, “What is it? The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton to sing along to”, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! fireworks show.
Disney Jollywood Nights is aimed at adults as well as through swing musical events like Twilight evening at Tip Top Club And A jazzy vacation at the Hollywood Brown Derby.
Party attendees can also enjoy access to popular Hollywood Studios attractions with reduced wait times, including the recently reopened park. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with the Muppets.
Tickets for Disney Jollywood Nights will be on sale to Disney World resort guests on July 9. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 16.
READ MORE: VISIT DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER? HERE ARE YOUR MUST-HAVES!
EPCOT Holiday Festival
If you’re a theme park foodie like me, then the holiday event you’re most watching out for is the EPCOT Holiday Festival. The festivities will return every day from November 27 to December 30. The EPCOT Holiday Festival celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through stories, music and, of course, food and drinks available for purchase.
Each evening the festival ends with the fan favorite film Candlelight processionled by famous narrators and colorful by a choir made up of Disney Cast Members.
Outside of the Holiday Festival, you can consult seasonal decorations around EPCOT and limited-time overlays like Living with the Earth – Glittering Greenhouses.
Access to the EPCOT Holiday Festival is included with park admission, as the event takes place daily throughout the park. Food and drinks are a separate purchase, but all entertainment is included and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee seating for the candlelight procession, I recommend reserving a meal package which includes a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant and a reserved seating section for one of that evening’s shows.
READ MORE: WHAT TIME OF YEAR SHOULD YOU VISIT DISNEY WORLD?
Other Returning Vacation Deals at Walt Disney World
In addition to the three major holiday events mentioned above, a full range of throwback deals were announced this week. At Animal Kingdom, the adorable Merry Menagerie will return, allowing for stunning photo ops featuring these polar-inspired artisans animal puppets.
Disney Springs will host several festive dining destinations, including the return of Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Barwith limited-time decorations and menu items. Disney Springs will also bring back its Walk in the Christmas tree and opportunities to meet Santa Claus outside of theme parks until December 24.
And we can’t forget the hotels at Disney World! Seasonal decorations are once again returning to hotels, including popular displays at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and trees in the lobbies of all hotels.
Theme park reporter Scott Gustin confirmed that the gingerbread house will not return this year to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Instead, “Disney culinary teams will create new miniature displays for the resort.” More details on the resort decorations will be available later this year.
READ MORE: THE BEST DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS FOR ADULTS-ONLY VACATIONS
New Ways to Save on Walt Disney World Vacations This Holiday Season
Planning to book a trip to Disney World in November or December to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season? Disney World announced new seasonal promotions to help families save on their vacation visit. The following discounts will go live tomorrow, June 25:
Disney+ subscribers: Eligible Disney+ subscribers enrolled in the Disney+ Perks program may receive a Free Park Hopper add-on and save up to 25% on rooms when you purchase a 4-night, 4-day room and ticket package. This offer is available for reservation from June 25 for stays from September 25 to October 8, from October 19 to 31, from November 15 to 28 and from December 13 to 24.
Guests can also save up to 20% on select rooms with the Disney Resorts Collection this holiday season. This offer is available for reservation from June 25 for stays from October 4 to December 24.
Florida residents can save up to 25% for stays From October 19 to October 31, from November 15 to November 28 and from December 13 to December 24.
Disney World Annual Passholders can save up to 30% on select Disney Resorts Collection rooms this holiday season starting at From October 4 to December 24.
READ MORE: WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION
Disney World Announces Holiday Dates, Parties and Discounts for 2026 was originally published on The World of Spark.