Disney holidays 2026: dates and tips for Walt Disney World and Disneyland

The holidays are almost here on both coasts. Here are the dates, the parties and a few planning tips for families, as of late October 2026.

Walt Disney World

The official holiday season runs November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027, though the Jingle Cruise starts early, on November 3.

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party has 25 nights at Magic Kingdom, from November 8 to December 22. The party runs 7 p.m. to midnight, and party guests can come in at 4 p.m. It started in 1983, and several nights have already sold out, so book soon if it's on your list.
• Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Hollywood Studios for 15 nights from November 7, and for the first time it continues into January, on the 3rd and 5th.
• EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays runs November 27 to December 30 and is included with park admission. The Candlelight Processional, a Disney tradition since 1958, plays nightly with a choir, an orchestra and a guest narrator. Seats fill early, so arrive well before showtime.
• Holiday versions of rides arrive at Hollywood Studios from November 4, including Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets and Alien Swirling Saucers.

Tip: Magic Kingdom tapes its holiday parade for TV with two daytime shows at 2 p.m. on November 10 and 11. Day guests can watch without a party ticket. Main Street may be reserved for the cameras, so try Frontierland or Liberty Square.

Good to know: Tiana's Bayou Adventure closes November 2 for its first refurbishment. Disney's calendar shows it back on December 18, just in time for Christmas week.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland's season also runs November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027.

• A Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Believe... In Holiday Magic fireworks return, and World of Color - Season of Light is back at Disney California Adventure.
• it's a small world closes October 30 for its holiday makeover and reopens as it's a small world Holiday when the season starts.
• Haunted Mansion Holiday celebrates its 25th season. Magic Key holders can pick up a collectible card each Monday through November 16.
• New this year: a Bluey show, Bluey's Best Day Ever!, at Fantasyland Theatre, and Santa in a new spot at the Toontown Trolley Barn.

Tip: Christmas Day dining reservations opened October 26. Character meals include Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel and two holiday meals at Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian. Plaza Inn's parade dining package isn't offered December 24 or 25, but it returns December 26 to 30.

Planning tips for families

• Book the big nights first. Party tickets and Christmas week dining sell out early.
• Pick a quieter day for a slower pace. Holiday weeks get busy, so give little ones a break in the afternoon and come back for the lights.
• Keep checking for tables and rooms. Families change plans all season, and sold-out dates often open back up.

Have a holiday date or a Christmas Day table you couldn't get? Mouseierge watches it for you and texts you the moment it opens.