When is Christmas at Disney World in 2026?
The holiday season runs November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party has 25 ticketed nights from November 8 to December 22, and Jollywood Nights has 15 nights from November 7 to January 5.
Holiday decorations, parties and festival food make Christmas one of the most popular times at Walt Disney World, and also one of the busiest. Here is what reporting says for 2026. Confirm dates and tickets with Disney.
The season at a glance
- Season: November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: November 27 to December 30, included with park admission. It features holiday kitchens, the Candlelight Processional and a gingerbread Spaceship Earth display.
- Disney Springs: Christmas Tree Stroll, nightly snowfall in Town Center and visits with Santa, with no admission needed.
The two ticketed parties
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom). 25 nights from November 8 to December 22, 7 p.m. to midnight, with party guests entering from 4 p.m. Reported nights: Nov 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29, and Dec 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22. It returns with the Christmas parade, fireworks and holiday ride overlays.
Disney Jollywood Nights (Hollywood Studios). 15 nights from November 7 to January 5, the first year to extend into January. Early entry starts at 5:30 p.m. and the party runs from 7:30 p.m. Reported nights include Nov 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, Dec 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23, and Jan 3 and 5.
Tickets went on sale July 9 for select resort guests and July 16 for everyone else. Prices vary by night, and some dates sell out, so check the My Disney Experience app.
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional runs with the Festival of the Holidays, November 27 to December 30, at the America Gardens Theatre. Reported showtimes are 4:45, 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. A celebrity narrator tells the story each night, and Disney's lineup was revised on October 6:
| Dates | Narrator |
|---|---|
| Nov 27 and 28 | To be announced |
| Nov 29 to Dec 1 | Gary Sinise |
| Dec 2 and 3 | Benjamin Bratt |
| Dec 4 and 5 | Whoopi Goldberg |
| Dec 6 and 7 | Robin Roberts |
| Dec 8 and 9 | Jason Kelce |
| Dec 10 to 12 | Neil Patrick Harris |
| Dec 13 and 14 | Josh Groban |
| Dec 15 and 16 | Lauren Daigle |
| Dec 17 to 19 | Ralph Macchio |
| Dec 20 and 21 | Henry Winkler |
| Dec 22 and 23 | Lacey Chabert |
| Dec 24 and 25 | Jodi Benson |
| Dec 26 and 27 | Simu Liu |
| Dec 28 to 30 | Eva Longoria |
Disney says the lineup can change without notice. Candlelight Processional dining packages went on sale online on October 14, 2026, and dining reservations open 60 days ahead, with later dates released daily. Guests staying off-site may not get peak dates. These sell out fast, so book the moment a window opens.
Holiday overlays and new for 2026
Disney announced these on October 6, 2026, according to reporting:
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: a holiday pre-show based on The Muppet Christmas Carol, November 4 to January 6.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: the Holiday Remix returns November 25 to January 6, with one of three holiday songs.
- Alien Swirling Saucers: holiday songs November 4 to January 6.
- Santa's Holiday Grove (Animal Kingdom): a new trail near the Theater in the Wild with a Santa meet-and-greet, opening November 13. It replaces Santa's spot in DinoLand, which is closing permanently.
- Jollywood Nights: a new lounge called Checkin' It Twice, plus Donald, Daisy and the Genie joining the Glisten! ice show.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: the first Tally the Elf merchandise.
What changed this year
- The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is retired. Smaller displays will appear around the resort.
- Cinderella Castle Dream Lights will not return. Disney will use projection effects on the castle.
- Jollywood Nights runs longer than before.
Planning tips
- Pick your nights early. Party tickets are the first thing to sell out.
- Book dining as soon as the window opens. Holiday menus and the Candlelight Processional dining packages are in demand.
- Visit resorts and Disney Springs when parks are crowded. Gingerbread displays are expected at several resorts.
- Plan around closures. Tiana's Bayou Adventure is closed November 2 to December 17. See the closures guide.
- Expect crowds over Christmas and New Year's.
Disney announced room offers for the season, so ask us to check what you qualify for. Request a trip.
Check Disney's own pages
Disney prices, policies and availability change, so check Disney's own pages before you book.
