Disney Travel, Holiday Travel, Family Travel

2025 Walt Disney World Christmas Events: Dates, Tickets, Overlays & Holiday Magic Revealed

Christmas in July Has Officially Hit Disney Fans!

You heard that right—Disney just unwrapped all the details for their 2025 holiday season, and if you’re someone who plans your December dreams while sipping iced coffee in July (like me!)… you’re in the right place. Whether you’re daydreaming about meeting Santa, jamming out to jazzy tunes at Hollywood Studios, or savoring gingerbread at EPCOT, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know in one easy place.

This guide is your one-stop shop for all things Christmas at Walt Disney World—including dates, entertainment, ride overlays, character appearances, food, and how to plan ahead (because you know these events will sell out fast). We’ve organized it by event so you can jump straight to the celebration that fits your family best.

Let’s unwrap the magic!!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025

There’s something extra magical about Christmas at Magic Kingdom, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the event that kicks off the cheer. This separately ticketed nighttime celebration is back for 2025, and it’s bringing festive parades, exclusive characters, cookies galore, and overlays on classic rides. Basically, if Hallmark made a holiday party in Disney form—this would be it.

📅 Party Dates

This year, the party runs on select nights from November 7 through December 21, 2025, with 25 nights of merriment:

November: 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
December: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21

Early Entry Perk: Even though the party officially starts at 7:00 p.m., guests with event tickets can enter as early as 4:00 p.m., giving you three bonus hours in the park!

Tickets & Sale Dates

Tickets go on sale starting:

  • July 16 for guests at select Disney Resort hotels, Swan & Dolphin, and Shades of Green
  • July 22 for everyone else

What’s Included

Here’s what you’ll experience during this magical night:

Character Meet-and-Greets

Exclusive and themed for the holidays, including:

  • Anna & Elsa in their festive best (Princess Fairytale Hall)
  • Santa Jack & Sally (Town Square Theater)
  • Mickey & Minnie dressed to impress (Town Square Theater)
  • Santa Claus at Santa’s Christmas Carnival in Storybook Circus

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

A holiday classic that features toy soldiers, gingerbread men, dancing reindeer—and yes, Santa himself. The parade travels from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A., so there are plenty of great viewing spots.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

Hosted by Minnie Mouse, this fireworks show is a can’t-miss, with castle projections and musical favorites like “Deck the Halls.” You can even upgrade to a Dessert Party for a reserved spot and sweet treats—details coming soon.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

This live stage show brings characters like Clarabelle Cow, Woody, and Daisy Duck together at Cinderella Castle for a musical celebration.

Frozen Holiday Surprise

Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends transform the castle into a frozen masterpiece with lights and snow. Catch it early in the night!

Holiday Dance Parties

Kids (and grownups) can let loose at:

  • Club Tinsel in Tomorrowland
  • Disney Junior Jingle Jam at Cosmic Ray’s

Holiday-Themed Rides & Attractions

Magic Kingdom gets a festive twist with overlays on:

  • Space Mountain
  • Jungle Cruise (a.k.a. Jingle Cruise)
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

Plus, many fan-favorites are open during the party, including:

  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • TRON Lightcycle / Run
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
    …and more!

Disney Jollywood Nights 2025

Jollywood Nights is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and it’s giving big retro-holiday-special energy—with a fresh, modern twist. Think: glitzy performances, jazzy music, themed character meet-and-greets, and food that’ll make you want to start your own foodie vlog.

This separately ticketed evening event brings old Hollywood charm to the holidays in a way that’s stylish, spirited, and just a little unexpected.

Jollywood Nights Dates 2025

  • November: 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
  • December: 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22

Guests can enter as early as 5:30 p.m., with the party running from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Tickets & Sale Dates

Just like with Mickey’s party, tickets go on sale:

  • July 16 for guests staying at select Disney Resorts, Swan & Dolphin, and Shades of Green
  • July 22 for all other guests

Limited capacity and high demand means it’s smart to snag these early! Annual Passholder and DVC discounts apply.

What’s New for 2025?

This year brings exciting additions:

  • Miguel joins Holiday Fiesta en la Calle near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
  • Two new shows debut:
    • The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
    • Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
  • Backlot Express will offer a Jollywood-exclusive menu
  • A brand-new merch collection is launching (yes, probably with a spirit jersey 👀)

Entertainment & Live Shows

The entertainment at Jollywood Nights is really what sets it apart:

Disney Holidays in Hollywood

Held at the Theater of the Stars, this stylish musical revue is hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy with appearances from Mickey, Minnie, Belle, and Tiana. Performances: 8:15, 9:15, 11:00 p.m., and 12:00 a.m.

What’s This? Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along

Head to Hyperion Theater for a sing-along hosted by Jack Skellington himself. Showtimes: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 11:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m.

“Glisten!” Skating Show

Live skating, lights, and original music combine for this magical rink-side experience right in front of the Chinese Theater.

Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby

An upscale, limited-space lounge for adults with food, drinks, and a smooth jazz soundtrack. (Reservations open in September!)

Pixar Disco & Dance Parties

Meet Pixar favorites at Pixar Plaza and get your groove on from 7:30–9:30 and 10:30–12:30.

Holiday Fiesta en la Calle

Celebrate Latin holiday traditions with music, character greetings (hello JosĂŠ Carioca, Panchito, and now Miguel!), and festive food.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

The evening wraps up with this action-packed fireworks show starring Wayne and Lanny from Prep & Landing. Expect lasers, projections, snow, and scenes from holiday Disney favorites. Showtime: 10:00 p.m.

Character Greetings Galore

Jollywood Nights is a goldmine for rare characters. Keep your eyes peeled for:

  • Santa Stitch, Max Goof as Powerline, Phineas & Ferb
  • Edna Mode, Frozone, Joy, Mike Wazowski
  • JosĂŠ Carioca, Panchito, Miguel
  • Plus: Baloo, King Louie, Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers, and Duffy in his Santa outfit
    More character locations will be revealed soon!

Rides Open During the Event

Some top attractions will have shorter waits during the party:

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Tower of Terror
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
    …and more!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays 2025

If Magic Kingdom feels like a storybook Christmas and Jollywood Nights is a classic TV holiday special, then EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is where global traditions meet joyful eats. Running daily from November 28 through December 30, 2025, this seasonal celebration is included with regular park admission and offers a more laid-back—but equally magical—way to celebrate.  This is not a specially ticketed event and you can enter with your valid park ticket to enjoy the festival.

Candlelight Processional
Held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre, the Candlelight Processional is a powerful retelling of the Christmas story, complete with a celebrity narrator, a full orchestra, and the stunning Disney Cast Choir. Performances happen at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m. nightly. If you’ve never seen it, this show is one of EPCOT’s most emotional and beloved holiday experiences.
✨ Want a guaranteed seat? Keep an eye out for dining packages with reserved seating.

Holiday Storytellers Around World Showcase
One of the most unique things about this festival is the way it honors holiday traditions from cultures around the world. Throughout the day, you’ll find costumed storytellers and performers sharing Christmas legends, music, and customs from their countries:

  • Mexico – Las Posadas Celebration
  • Norway – The Magical Mischievous Barn Santa
  • China – Chinese Lion Dancer
  • Italy – La Befana
  • Japan – Daruma Storyteller
  • France – Père NoĂŤl
  • UK – Father Christmas
  • Canada – Holiday Voyageurs
  • Between Morocco and France – Hanukkah Storyteller
    Check the My Disney Experience app for daily showtimes!

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
At World Showcase Plaza, the gospel, R&B, and jazz stylings of D’Vine Voices will get everyone clapping along with this high-energy show. It celebrates both Christmas and Kwanzaa and adds even more heart to your festival day.

Holiday Kitchens & Cookie Stroll
Let’s be honest—this is what a lot of us come for! The Holiday Kitchens feature global bites, beverages, and desserts inspired by holiday recipes from around the world. Expect returning favorites and new additions (we’ll share the full Foodie Guide once it’s released!).

And don’t forget to do the Holiday Cookie Stroll—purchase five featured cookies, collect stamps in your Festival Passport, and redeem for a sweet surprise at Holiday Sweets and Treats.
🍪 One standout we know is returning: the Coffee-Mocha Cookie with coffee-infused buttercream and chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
A favorite for families, this paid scavenger hunt sends you around the World Showcase looking for Olaf and the holiday traditions he’s discovered. Complete the map, and you’ll get a festive prize at the end!

Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses
This classic EPCOT ride gets a beautiful holiday upgrade with twinkling lights and seasonal narration. It’s calm, peaceful, and seriously underrated during the holidays.

Where to Find Santa at EPCOT
Santa’s journey continues through World Showcase!

  • You’ll find Père NoĂŤl in France
  • Barn Santa (who is up to no good!) in Norway
    They’ll both be greeting guests and sharing stories about how their cultures celebrate the season.

Ready to Plan Your Holiday Magic?

Whether you’re dreaming of Main Street snowfall, retro-glam dance parties, or snacking your way around World Showcase, Christmas at Walt Disney World 2025 has something for everyone. The events are festive, the entertainment is overflowing, and the ticket dates are approaching fast—so this really is the time to start planning.

Want help figuring out which party fits your family best—or how to pair one with your park days or resort stay? That’s where we come in 😊 Our team helps families plan holiday trips with less stress and more sparkle.

👉 Request your vacation quote now and we’ll help you build the perfect December getaway.

✨ And don’t forget to join our Special Ticketed Events Facebook Group to stay updated with tips, reminders, and more festive reveals as we get closer to the holidays.

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