The Holidays at Disney Just Got Extended, and It’s a Total Game Changer
Exciting news for holiday enthusiasts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Disney Jollywood Nights is returning for 2026, and this year it’s going to last longer than ever before. For the first time since the event began, it will continue into January.
For those unfamiliar, Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed evening event at Hollywood Studios. Expect festive decorations, holiday entertainment, character meet-and-greets that are not available during regular park hours, and shorter wait times for some of the park’s most popular rides. Guests can enter starting at 5:30 p.m., with the main festivities occurring from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The Big News: New January Dates
Jollywood Nights has traditionally taken place in November and December. However, in 2026, this will change with the addition of two brand-new dates in January: January 3 and January 5. This provides guests with the opportunity to experience the event after the holiday rush has subsided.
In total, the 2026 lineup will feature six nights in November, seven in December, and two in January, marking the most spread-out schedule that this event has ever had.
What You’ll Actually See There
This year’s entertainment lineup features many fan favorites returning. Disney Holidays in Hollywood makes its comeback as the main musical show, hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, with appearances from beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, Belle, and Tiana.
If you’re a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, you’ll be excited to know that the sing-along in the Hyperion Theater is back as well. This event creatively blends Halloween and Christmas, making it one of the highlights of the season.
Additionally, the ice skating show called Glisten will return in front of the Chinese Theater, along with Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!—a nighttime spectacular that features fireworks, projections, and snowfall along Hollywood Boulevard.
The character lineup is impressive, featuring Stitch dressed as Santa, The Mandalorian with Grogu, Chewbacca celebrating Life Day, and classic favorites like Mickey, Minnie, and Scrooge McDuck. Disney has also teased that more characters will be announced as the event approaches.
Rides You Can Still Hit That Night
Some of Hollywood Studios’ biggest attractions stay open during the event, often with much shorter lines than usual. That includes Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Slinky Dog Dash, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, among others.
When You Can Actually Buy Tickets
Tickets go on sale July 9 for guests staying at select Disney resorts, plus the Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green. If you’re not staying at one of those, general public tickets open up July 16.
Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can also get discounts, so it’s worth checking if you qualify before buying.
Given how popular this event tends to be every year, especially with brand new January dates now in the mix, it’s smart to grab tickets as soon as your window opens. Those January nights especially are going to be a hot ticket since nothing like them has ever existed before.
If you’ve been holding off on doing Jollywood Nights because the timing never worked for your trip, this might finally be the year it does.
