Walt Disney World’s two separately ticketed holiday events—Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—are not included with regular theme park admission.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party includes offerings such as Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, holiday fireworks and seasonal character interactions. Disney Jollywood Nights has a Hollywood golden-age-inspired holiday theme. Guests visiting either park during the day must still buy a separate event ticket to attend that night’s party.
Disney does offer holiday decorations and seasonal offerings during regular operating hours, so Christmas experiences are not limited entirely to party guests. But the parties’ exclusive entertainment is reserved for separately ticketed attendees.
Universal Orlando is taking a different approach for its 2026 holiday celebration, scheduled for November 14 through January 3, 2027. With valid admission to the applicable parks, guests can access Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and holiday celebrations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Universal Orlando tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
Universal’s newer Epic Universe is also set to take part, with seasonal experiences at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Some Universal offerings still cost extra, including the Holiday Tour and a Grinch character breakfast, and visitors need admission for the parks they plan to enter.
For holiday-trip planning, the distinction is straightforward: Disney’s signature Christmas parties require an added ticket beyond regular park entry, while Universal includes a broader group of seasonal offerings with standard admission, alongside optional premium experiences.
