Disney Jollywood Nights 2026: Dates, Shows, and What to Expect at Hollywood Studios

Disney Jollywood Nights is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season. For the first time, the event will stretch into the new year. The separately ticketed party pairs old Hollywood style with seasonal entertainment, and the 2026 edition adds a new lounge, new character greetings, and a few familiar faces in its skating show. Below is what to know about dates, tickets, entertainment, characters, attractions, and this year’s merchandise.

What Jollywood Nights Is

Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed after-hours event held on select nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A regular park ticket does not include it, so you will need an event ticket for the night you plan to attend.

During the event, the park takes on a festive look inspired by classic Hollywood. Silver garland stretches across Sunset Boulevard, oversized ornaments decorate the landscape, and glowing reindeer hang from the lampposts. Guests can enjoy exclusive shows, specialty food and drinks, character greetings, and attractions that often have shorter waits than during regular park hours.

2026 Event Dates

Jollywood Nights runs on select nights from November 7, 2026, through January 5, 2027. This is the first year the event extends into January. The schedule follows a set pattern each month:

• November (select Saturdays and Mondays): 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
• December (select Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays): 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
• January (select Sundays and Tuesdays): 3, 5

That adds up to 15 event nights. The January dates may appeal to guests who plan to visit after the holiday rush or who want to extend their celebration past New Year’s Day.

Tickets and Event Hours

Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity event, and ticket prices vary by date. Tickets are on sale now. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can buy discounted tickets for every event night. You can purchase tickets online through Walt Disney World or by calling 407-934-7639.

Guests with an event ticket can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 5:30 p.m. The party officially begins at 7:30 p.m. and continues until 12:30 a.m. That gives you up to five hours in the park. Many guests use the early window to grab dinner, ride a few attractions, or scope out viewing spots for the evening’s shows.

New for 2026: Checkin’ It Twice Lounge

A new gathering spot joins the event this year. The Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard offers specialty beverages, a live DJ, and entertainment throughout the night. It gives guests a place to relax between shows and attractions. Disney plans to share full menu details in its Jollywood Nights Foodie Guide closer to the event.

New for 2026: More Monsters, Inc. Characters

Mike Wazowski returns to Pixar Plaza, and this year he has company. George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc. will greet guests during the event for the first time. Fans who enjoy seeing less common characters may want to put this greeting near the top of their list, since lines for new characters can build quickly.

New for 2026: Disney Characters Join Glisten!

The holiday skating show Glisten! returns to the rink in front of the Chinese Theater with a new twist. Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Genie will appear in the show for the first time this year, adding character moments to the skating performance.

Jollywood Nights Shows and Entertainment

The event features several shows and experiences spread across the park. Here is what is on the lineup.

Disney Holidays in Hollywood takes place at the Theater of the Stars. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy host a holiday gathering with appearances from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Belle, and Tiana. The show draws inspiration from classic Hollywood holiday television specials.

What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along is held at Hyperion Theater. Jack Skellington guides guests through the story of Halloween Town meeting Christmas Town as “snowflakes” fall. Songs include “What’s This?” and “Sally’s Song,” surrounded by decorations that blend both holidays.

Glisten! features professional skaters performing on a synthetic rink in front of the Chinese Theater. The show is set to holiday classics and original Jollywood songs, with projections and Art Deco styling.

The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club takes place in the courtyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. It recreates a 1930s-style swing celebration with live holiday music.

Pixar Disco turns Pixar Plaza into a dance party. Edna Mode and Frozone from The Incredibles, Joy from Inside Out, and Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. join the fun.

Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby offers an adult-oriented option with food, live music, and a refined holiday setting. Space is limited, so Disney recommends advance reservations. More details are expected closer to the event.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Fireworks

The evening’s nighttime show lights up the Chinese Theater with fireworks, lasers, projections, and holiday music. Wayne and Lanny from Prep and Landing star in a story about their mission to rescue Santa. The show includes scenes from Beauty and the Beast, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. “Snowfall” on Hollywood Boulevard and synced MagicBand+ effects add to the experience, so bring your MagicBand+ if you have one.

Character Greetings

Jollywood Nights features a wide mix of characters, many in holiday outfits. Characters announced so far include:

• Phineas and Ferb
• Max Goof as Powerline
• Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers
• Stitch dressed as Santa
• Baloo and King Louie
• The Mandalorian and Grogu
• Chewbacca celebrating Life Day
• Lotso from Toy Story 3
• Partysaurus Rex
• Bing Bong from Inside Out
• Duffy
• Scrooge McDuck
• Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
• Goofy and Pluto
• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
• Mike Wazowski, George Sanderson, and Needleman

Disney has said more characters and their locations will be announced later. Check the event map in the My Disney Experience app on the night of your visit.

Attractions Open During the Event

Several of the park’s headliners will run during Jollywood Nights:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Toy Story Mania!

The attraction list is subject to change, and event admission does not guarantee access to any specific ride or experience. Wait times often drop during the fireworks and major shows, which can be a good time to ride.

2026 Jollywood Nights Merchandise

This year’s merchandise collection leans heavily on Gertie, the dinosaur that has long stood by Echo Lake. Items include:

• Gertie Jollywood Nights Loungefly Bag: Gertie appears in Christmas attire with snow resting over her like a blanket.
• 2026 Jollywood Nights Pullover: The front reads “Disney Jollywood Nights 2026” and shows Gertie in the water surrounded by sparkles and ornaments. Vanity lights, stars, and snowflakes run down the sleeve.
• 2026 Jollywood Nights Headband: The double-sided ears feature Gertie and Duffy as Santa on one side and Ollie on the other. The bow is detachable, so you can change the look.
• Jollywood Nights Gertie Ornament: A keepsake for the tree that recalls Gertie and her spot at Echo Lake.
• Jollywood Nights Duffy as Santa Mug: A holiday mug with a smiling Duffy dressed as Santa.

Event merchandise is sold only during Jollywood Nights at the shop near Frozen Fractal Gifts. A wristband with valid event admission is required for entry and for merchandise purchases.

Conclusion

Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 offers 15 evenings of holiday entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, running from November 7 through January 5 for the first time. This year adds the Checkin’ It Twice Lounge, new Monsters, Inc. greetings, and Disney characters in Glisten!, alongside returning shows, fireworks, and open attractions. Since the event has limited capacity and prices vary by night, it helps to choose your date and buy tickets soon. Plan to arrive at 5:30 p.m. so you have time to fit in the shows, characters, and merchandise that matter most to your group.