The wait is over — Disney just dropped the full lineup for the 2026 holiday season at Walt Disney World, and there is a lot to unpack. From two separate after-hours parties to a returning festival, fresh resort discounts, and snow falling in central Florida, the season officially runs November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027.

Here's your complete guide to what's coming, when to book, and how to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year.

Mark Your Calendar: The Big Three Ticketed & Festival Dates

Before we go park by park, these are the dates everyone's been waiting on:

A quick but important note: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights are separately ticketed after-hours events. The EPCOT festival is included with regular park admission — no extra ticket required.

Magic Kingdom: Nostalgic Holiday Fun

Frozen Holiday Surprise!

Olaf and over 100 of his snowgie siblings deck out Cinderella Castle with garlands, ornaments, and wreaths, with appearances from Anna and Kristoff — plus a magical moment where Elsa transforms the castle into a glowing ice palace.

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away

This nighttime parade runs twice each night (subject to cancellation) on non-party nights. Here's the catch worth flagging for your trip planning: Disney Starlight does not run on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party nights. On those evenings, the party instead features the classic Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.

The Jingle Cruise

The fan-favorite overlay returns, turning the Jungle Cruise into a pun-packed holiday voyage — and the festive details start right in the queue.

Holiday Photo Spots

Main Street, U.S.A. gets the full holiday treatment, with picture-worthy decor at Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion.

EPCOT: Holiday Traditions From Around the World

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth returns November 27 – December 30 and is included with your park ticket. Expect global holiday flavors, festive entertainment, and the beloved Holiday Cookie Stroll. Keep an eye out for the Disney Eats Foodie Guide for the full menu rundown closer to opening.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: A Cinematic Christmas

Sunset Seasons Greetings

Nightly projections transform the Hollywood Tower Hotel into a rotating cast of holiday scenes — a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and a Dickensian village from Mickey's Christmas Carol.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

The Hyperion Theater hosts the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a singalong featuring Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and an Olaf-filled finale.

Toy Story Land

Woody, Jessie, and Buzz suit up in their holiday best amid larger-than-life seasonal decorations.

Minnie's Holiday Dine

Minnie Mouse and friends host a festive meal at Hollywood & Vine. Advance reservations are highly recommended — book early.

Walt Disney Presents

A new holiday installation showcases props and artifacts from beloved holiday films, plus seasonal shorts including Pluto's Christmas Tree and The Art of Skiing.

And of course, Disney Jollywood Nights — the after-hours party with elegant décor, specialty food and drink, exclusive entertainment, and lower ride wait times — runs select nights Nov 7 – Jan 5.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: Wild Seasonal Fun

Merry Menagerie

Artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals — penguins, reindeer, foxes, and polar bears — come to life around Discovery Island.

Tree of Life Awakenings: Holiday Edition

The park's centerpiece lights up after sunset with wintry tales and a holiday score, running roughly every 10 minutes until close.

Adventurers Outpost

Meet Mickey and Minnie in their globetrotting holiday attire.

Rob Kaz Artwork

Original holiday art will be available at Island Mercantile, and the artist himself will greet guests there November 1 – 22.

Disney Springs: Snowfall, Trees & Holiday Bars

Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth

A collection of extravagantly themed trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars favorites — and yes, the fan-favorite Toy Story-inspired tree is back this year.

Nightly Snowfall

Town Center gets magical snowfall each night — central Florida's own little winter wonderland.

Jock Lindsey's Holiday Bar

The Hangar Bar's holiday overlay returns with seasonal bites, brews, and libations.

Live Music

A rotating lineup of regional and local bands plays the AdventHealth Waterside Stage on select nights.

Where to Meet Santa

Santa Claus will visit all four theme parks throughout the season, and will also stop by Disney Springs through December 24. Check My Disney Experience for specific times and locations.

The Resorts: Decor Across 25+ Hotels

The entire Disney Resorts Collection gets decked out, from a tropical Christmas at the Polynesian to a seaside holiday at the BoardWalk Inn, with themed food and beverage offerings throughout. Watch for Disney Eats updates on the seasonal treats.

Merry Holiday Savings: The 2026 Discounts

This is the part to act on — all of these offers open for booking on June 25. Here's the breakdown:

The Annual Passholder deal is the standout here at up to 30% off across the longest window. Florida Residents and Disney+ Perks members get the more targeted date ranges, so check which window fits your trip.

Full offer details will be at DisneyWorld.com/Offers.

Bottom Line

Whether you're chasing the after-hours magic of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, eating your way through the EPCOT festival, or just want to catch snowfall at Disney Springs, the 2026 WDW holiday season has something on every list. With booking for the resort deals opening June 25 and party dates already locked in, now's the time to start planning.

Check your list twice — and we'll see you in the parks.

Holiday season runs November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027. Dates and offerings subject to change. Valid theme park admission required for park entry.