Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 Returns to Magic Kingdom With 25 Festive Nights

Magic Kingdom has set its holiday calendar for the season. Disney has confirmed the full lineup for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the separately ticketed event that takes over the park on select nights through the fall and into winter. With dates, ticket prices, character appearances, and entertainment all announced, here is what guests can plan around before the holiday lights go up.

When the Party Takes Place

This year’s event spans 25 select nights, opening Sunday, November 8, and closing Tuesday, December 22. November holds the busier portion of the schedule with twelve dates, while December adds thirteen more across the run.

The complete list of party dates is as follows:

• November: 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29
• December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22

The party officially begins at 7:00 pm, but a party ticket lets you enter earlier. Disney confirmed that guests can come into Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 pm, which adds three hours in the park before the event formally starts. That early entry window is worth planning for, so arriving ahead of the 7:00 pm start helps you make the most of your ticket.

Ticket Prices and On-Sale Dates

Disney is selling tickets in two waves, with resort guests getting first access. Tickets become available July 9 for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green. General sales open to everyone on July 16.

Event tickets run from $189 to $229 per person, plus tax, with prices varying by date. Children ages 3 to 9 receive $10 off per ticket. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can find special pricing on event nights. You can buy online or by calling 407-934-7639 once your window opens.

Holiday Characters and a Visit With Santa

The character lineup is built around the season. Disney confirmed Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall, while Town Square Theater hosts Jack Skellington dressed as Santa alongside Sally, plus Mickey and Minnie in their holiday attire.

Santa sets up at Santa’s Christmas Carnival in Storybook Circus, located near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Barnstormer. This stop works well for younger families, with crafts and additional character friends in addition to Santa. It is a good idea to bring the wish list.

Parades, Fireworks, and Stage Shows

Live entertainment anchors the evening. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade travels from Frontierland to Main Street USA and features dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, ballroom dancers, and a closing appearance from Santa Claus. The route offers several viewing spots throughout the park.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks returns as the nighttime highlight, hosted by Minnie Mouse. Cinderella Castle is wrapped in holiday projections set to songs like “Deck the Halls,” with good vantage points in Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.

The castle stage also hosts Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, featuring Clarabelle Cow, Daisy Duck, and Woody. Frozen Holiday Surprise turns the castle into a frozen setting with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the snowgies, and DJ dance parties run at locations across the park.

Ride Overlays and Included Treats

Five attractions receive a holiday makeover for the party. Disney confirmed seasonal overlays on Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party, Jungle Cruise, and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Beyond those, several classics stay open through the night, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Complimentary cookies, festive drinks, and other treats are included with your ticket at select locations. You can find the treat map at the front entrance and in the My Disney Experience app.

Merchandise and Dessert Parties

Exclusive party merchandise returns to the Emporium this year, though Disney has not yet shared the specific items. The separately priced Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Parties also come back, pairing a selection of treats with reserved fireworks viewing. Disney says reservation details are on the way.

Conclusion

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 gives Magic Kingdom guests 25 nights of holiday entertainment, from parades and fireworks to character meet and greets and ride overlays. With early entry beginning at 4:00 pm, resort presales opening July 9, and general sales on July 16, anyone hoping to attend will want to choose a date and plan ahead. As more details arrive on merchandise and dessert parties, the event is shaping up to be a full evening of seasonal offerings.

Written by

Rachel Van Norman

Contributing Writer

Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.