Jollywood Nights or Very Merry? How to Pick the Right Disney Holiday Event

Disney World knows how to make the holidays extra magical, and this year you’ve got two big after-hours events to choose from: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

Both bring the festive spirit, but they offer very different vibes. Let’s break them down by what really matters.

When the Parties Happen

Both events run during the holiday season, but the dates don’t overlap perfectly.

• Jollywood Nights (Hollywood Studios)
  Nov. 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
  Dec. 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)
  Nov. 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
  Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21

Both are separately ticketed events that kick off in the evening and last into the night, giving you a chance to enjoy the parks in a more relaxed, festive setting.

Ticket Prices and What’s Included

Prices vary depending on the night you attend, but in general:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Around $169–$229 per ticket. What makes this special is the endless supply of holiday treats included in your admission—think cookies, hot chocolate, and eggnog spread throughout the park.
  
• Jollywood Nights: Slightly cheaper, usually starting around $159–$199 per ticket. Unlike Very Merry, food isn’t included, but you’ll find exclusive snacks, cocktails, and dishes created just for the event you can purchase.

So, if endless sweet treats are your thing, Very Merry is the winner. If you prefer trying unique, limited-time bites and drinks, Jollywood brings the foodie glamour.

Who You Can Meet

Both events feature rare and holiday-themed characters, but the lineups are completely different.

• Very Merry Christmas Party Characters (Magic Kingdom)
  • Anna and Elsa in Christmas attire
  • Sally and Santa Jack Skellington
  • Mickey and Minnie in their holiday outfits
  • Plus other classic Disney friends in festive looks
    
• Jollywood Nights Characters (Hollywood Studios)
  • Phineas and Ferb
  • Max Goof as Powerline
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale as Rescue Rangers
  • Santa Stitch
  • Baloo and King Louie
  • Pixar Plaza friends like Mike Wazowski, Joy, and Frozone
  • Edna Mode
  • Miguel from Coco
  • José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros

If you love rare meet-and-greets, Jollywood definitely edges out here with a more unexpected and varied lineup.

Attractions and Ride Vibes

Both events promise shorter waits for attractions, but the type of rides you’ll get depends on the park.

• Magic Kingdom: Classic and family-friendly rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, “It’s a Small World,” and Haunted Mansion, plus holiday overlays on favorites like Space Mountain and Jungle Cruise. Perfect for kids and nostalgia seekers.
  
• Hollywood Studios: More thrill-heavy options with Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Great for older kids, teens, and adults looking for bigger thrills while still soaking in holiday cheer.

Which Holiday Party Matches Your Style?

Choosing between the two really comes down to what kind of holiday night you’re after.

• Very Merry Christmas Party is the ultimate family event—cozy, sweet-filled, and packed with traditional Christmas magic. If you love parades, fireworks, and all the cookies you can handle, this is the one for you.
  
• Jollywood Nights leans into glitz and variety. With glamorous stage shows, a more grown-up atmosphere, exclusive food for purchase, and a lineup of rare characters, it feels like Disney’s stylish holiday celebration.

Both parties deliver Disney holiday magic in their own way, but whether you’re after nostalgic Christmas coziness or Hollywood sparkle, your perfect night is waiting at Walt Disney World.