Disney Confirms Return of Three Classic Holiday Traditions in 2026

in Disney Parks, Walt Disney World

Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed in festive holiday outfits at Disney World during parade

Credit: Disney

2025 is not over yet, but Disney has confirmed what guests can expect at the Walt Disney World Resort next year.

Cars driving through the Walt Disney World Resort entrance
Credit: Ryaninc, Flickr

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party transforms Magic Kingdom into a delightfully eerie version of itself, trading frights for festive fun as Disney leans into its signature brand of family-friendly Halloween. The after-hours event brings back the fan-favorite Boo-to-You Parade, which remains one of Disney’s most atmospheric offerings thanks to the Headless Horseman’s dramatic ride and a cavalcade packed with Disney Villains, pirates, and classic characters in seasonal attire. Guests also get exclusive access to Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, where the Sanderson Sisters summon chaos on the Cinderella Castle stage in a show built for die-hard fans of the film.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in Halloween costumes for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort at Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney

Across the park, trick-or-treat stations, low wait times, and specialty treats help round out the experience, creating a night where even casual visitors feel like they’re stepping into a Halloween postcard. Attractions like Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party receive eerie lighting overlays, adding a welcome twist for regular parkgoers. Whether you’re here for photos with hard-to-find characters, the merchandise drops, or the candy haul, MNSSHP continues to deliver one of Walt Disney World’s most complete seasonal offerings.

“Let the gourd times roll when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns in 2026 at Magic Kingdom!” Disney Parks Blog wrote. “Get ready to boo-gie with fan-favorite eerie entertainment, enjoy spellbinding sips and bites, and well-loved mysterious character greetings to celebrate the spooky season with this separately ticketed event on select nights.”

Villains show at Cinderella Castle
Credit: Disney

Jollywood Nights

Disney’s Hollywood Studios steps into the holiday spotlight with Jollywood Nights, an after-hours event that leans heavily into glamorous retro theming and old-Hollywood holiday style. Rather than leaning fully on classic Christmas tropes, Jollywood Nights carries a more adult-leaning energy, blending music, specialty lounges, and limited-time entertainment for guests who appreciate holiday spirit with a vintage edge. The event’s cornerstone remains the stage show, inspired by classic musical specials, which pairs live performers with deep cuts from Disney’s holiday catalog.

Elsewhere in the park, overlays and character appearances help add warmth to the evening, while exclusive dining items and the event’s signature cocktail program remain breakout favorites. Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard take on a particularly well-suited nighttime atmosphere, shimmering in neon and tinsel as snow falls between showtimes.

A bustling Hollywood Boulevard during Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Credit: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr

Though newer than Disney’s other holiday celebrations, Jollywood Nights has quickly carved out its own niche, offering something that feels celebratory without being overly traditional. For guests seeking a stylish, seasonal event that blends nostalgia with a touch of sophistication, this one continues to evolve into its own identity.

“At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the separately ticketed event that combines holiday cheer and Hollywood glam will return on select nights in 2026!” Disney said. “Get ready to celebrate the season in style with themed entertainment, festive food and beverage offerings, character greetings galore, and of course, all things glitz and glamour at Disney Jollywood Nights.”

Guests taking selfies in front of the Disney Jollywood Nights sign
Credit: Disney

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party remains the quintessential Walt Disney World holiday celebration, mixing classic entertainment with the cozy nostalgia fans expect from Magic Kingdom during the Christmas season. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade remains the emotional centerpiece, bringing Santa, beloved characters, toy soldiers, and holiday floats down Main Street, U.S.A. against a backdrop of snowfall and shimmering lights. Paired with the Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show, the event carries the warm, traditional tone that keeps families returning year after year.

Around the park, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa are a welcome treat as guests explore seasonal overlays and festive lighting. Holiday ride variations—especially Jingle Cruise—continue to be crowd favorites, offering a familiar experience with a lighthearted twist. Photo ops with rare characters, exclusive merchandise, and access to Magic Kingdom’s attractions with reduced waits all elevate the night, but the real magic comes from the atmosphere: a blend of music, lights, and holiday storytelling that turns the entire park into a postcard.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dressed in festive holiday attire, stand in front of a large, decorated Christmas tree at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

“Cocoa, cookies, and Santa – oh my! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is tied with a bow and returning on select nights in 2026,” Disney said in its 2026 update. “This separately ticketed event is packed with seasonal entertainment, delicious food, and cozy merchandise that will make you fall in love with the holiday season all over again.”

It can be expected that, while this is exciting, Disney will likely increase prices again, supporting their vision of encouraging guests to spend more as attendance declines.

How do you feel about the return of these fall and winter holiday events at Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

in Disney Parks, Walt Disney World

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