Walt Disney World’s 2026 Christmas season is scheduled to run from Nov. 13 through Jan. 6, 2027, with seasonal decor and select holiday entertainment across all four theme parks. But guests visiting on regular daytime admission should know that several of Magic Kingdom’s biggest holiday offerings are reserved for separately ticketed events.
At Magic Kingdom, regular admission includes holiday decor, Jingle Cruise and Frozen Holiday Surprise on nights without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The castle show, which features Olaf, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff, is scheduled in the early evening on non-party nights. Disney’s nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, also does not run on party nights.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks is listed for all Magic Kingdom guests at 8 p.m. from Dec. 23 through Dec. 29, replacing Happily Ever After. On other party dates through Dec. 22, the fireworks are for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party guests. Magic Kingdom closes to daytime guests at 6 p.m. on party nights, according to Disney’s calendar.
The party-only lineup at Magic Kingdom includes Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Main Street snowfall, complimentary cookies and holiday drinks, plus holiday versions of Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, all guests can see Sunset Seasons Greetings on nights without Disney Jollywood Nights. The projection show transforms The Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes including a Muppets gingerbread house and a snowy Arendelle setting. The park is scheduled to close to daytime guests at 7 p.m. on Jollywood Nights dates.
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Two holiday ride soundtracks are new for 2026. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will use a seasonal in-car playlist from Nov. 4 through Jan. 6, while Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land will feature DJ Lilypad’s holiday music over the same period. Both are included with regular park admission.
Other regular-admission offerings include Animal Kingdom’s Merry Menagerie, Santa’s new Holiday Grove and Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition on nights when the park is open after dark. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays and Candlelight Processional run Nov. 27 through Dec. 30; festival food costs extra. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is scheduled to have holiday songs from Nov. 25 through Jan. 6.
Disney Springs visitors can see the Christmas Tree Stroll, Santa and nightly snowfall in Town Center without theme park admission. Holiday decor is also available at Disney Resorts Collection hotels for guests and visitors with dining reservations. Visitors planning Disney World tickets should check the park-hours calendar for their date, since party nights can affect evening access.
