Disney’s Holiday Parties- Which is Best for You?
Disney World hosts two very special holiday parties during the Christmas season: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Which is best for your family?
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Snow on Main Street. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Seasonal cookies and Hot Chocolate complimentary Treat Trail. Holiday attraction overlays. Christmas music throughout the Magic Kingdom and special holiday fireworks. Can you truly beat the magic that is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
When you enter the party, there is a special entrance that will lead you to your ornament and all of the goodies you need to get the party started!
This classic party at the Magic Kingdom truly brings all of the Christmas magic for families. With the purchase of a party ticket, guests can enter the Magic Kingdom starting at 4 p.m. My suggestion to my clients is normally to NOT purchase a regular ticket for days they are using party tickets and just spend the time resting up prior to entering at 4 and enjoying the park before the party.
When you enter for the party, you will receive a special wristband and complimentary ornament to commemorate your night! Then, once the party starts at 7 p.m. the festive atmosphere comes alive!
The Jingle Cruise overlay is so much fun!
Attractions like Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, and “Jingle Cruise” get special overlays that bring in the Christmas spirit. There are special character greetings around the park including rare characters like Santa Jack and Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Be sure to get your fill of included seasonal cookies including gingerbread, sugar cookies, and more and your specialty included drinks including hot chocolate, egg nog, and spiced cider! There are also additional holiday treats available for purchase exclusive to the party.
The star of the show, however, is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime parade. This parade is a showstopper with so many great characters, great music, and a perfect surprise visit from Santa Claus at the end of the parade. While watching on Main Street allows for viewing in the “snow”, this often fills quickly and people spend lots of valuable park hours trying to hold down spots for their party. Frontierland is also an excellent place to catch this parade and requires much less of a wait to secure a spot! The parade normally runs twice each party night. In between, make sure to catch the special holiday fireworks show!
While there is no “dress code” for the party, many people wear Christmas sweaters (or Christmas t-shirts depending on the Florida weather!), matching Christmas pajamas, or other festive attire to really get into the spirit of the party!
Jollywood Nights
Jollywood Nights is a newer offering from Walt Disney World that allows for guests to experience Christmas in the vibe of old Hollywood glam at Hollywood Studios. The name of the game for this party is exclusivity! There are so many exclusive characters, exclusive shows and entertainment, and exclusive snacks and treats available to purchase and enjoy! Your party ticket allows for 5:30 access to the park for a 7:30-12:30 party! You will receive a complimentary ornament most likely upon arrival as well. Last year we received photo frame ornaments!
First, exclusive characters can be found all over the park. Many of these characters never appear anywhere else at Disney World for most guests for the rest of the year! Some include Miguel from Coco, Bing Bong from Inside Out, Phineas and Ferb, Santa Stitch, Santa Duffy, Mike Wazowski, Scrooge McDuck, and more!
Santa Duffy is a very rare and popular character to meet at this party!
Event exclusive entertainment is the true highlight of this party. Disney Holidays in Hollywood is a special stage show hosted by none other than Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy with special character appearances from some of the most beloved Disney characters. What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along combines music with amazing special effects that make the show a must see for any Disney fan. Dance parties and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! the nighttime spectacular, really bring additional magic to the night.
So many people in the audience gasped when Jack first appeared!
There are also so many specialty foods and drinks available for purchase at this party as well as VERY low wait times on Hollywood Studios' best attractions! Many people dress up for this party in their best “old Hollywood glam” attire, making this night feel extra swanky and fun!
Some of the specialty food offerings at ABC Commissary during the party.
Which party is best for you?
While I absolutely love both parties and would 100% recommend attending both if you can make it happen, I do think there are some differences between the two that might make one party fit your group best.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is probably the better fit for guests who…
Want the most classic, storybook Disney Christmas experience
Picture Christmas at Disney as Cinderella Castle, Main Street snow, Santa, cookies, cocoa, fireworks, and a full holiday parade
Want a party that feels warm, nostalgic, and festive
Love Magic Kingdom and want extra time in the park with some attractions getting a holiday twist
Disney Jollywood Nights is probably the better fit for guests who…
Want something a little more unique and stylish
Like the idea of dressing up, taking fun photos, enjoying entertainment, and leaning into the Hollywood glam holiday vibe
Are big Hollywood studios fans, especially guests who love characters, specialty entertainment, Toy Story, Star Wars, Muppets, and Nightmare Before Christmas
Would enjoy rare character moments, dance-party style entertainment, themed lounges, and a more “event night out” atmosphere
An Important Note…
I have heard several people share that Jollywood Nights is an adult-centered event with less for children to do. I wholeheartedly disagree! On our last trip we had children ranging from age 1-9 who loved Jollywood Nights. A few of them enjoyed this party even more than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! If you have children, don’t be afraid to try Jollywood Nights. You might be surprised with how much they love the atmosphere!
Tickets are on sale SOON!
If you are interested in attending one of these amazing events in 2026, you are in luck! Tickets will be on sale very soon! Reach out to me ASAP by filling out this form or by sending me a quick message letting me know you are ready to get your holiday trip planned!
