Jollywood Nights is Disney’s new after-hours holiday celebration at Hollywood Studios on select nights from early November to late December. This separately ticketed event blends old-Hollywood glamour with festive cheer, live entertainment, exclusive shows, holiday décor, fun food & drinks, characters, and even lower wait times on popular attractions. My family and I experienced Jollywood Nights this year for the first time, and we loved every minute of it!
Hours: Enter as early as 5:30 PM, with the party running from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Tip: Some early nights sell out — like opening night!
🎉 Festive Entertainment for All Ages
Jollywood Nights is packed with parties, shows, and experiences that keep the holiday spirit going all night long!
❄️ 🎭 Shows You Won’t Want to Miss
Glisten! – A sparkling ice-skating spectacular right in front of the Chinese Theater, set to holiday classics and original music. Multiple showtimes throughout the night make it easy to catch this breathtaking performance.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – The fan-favorite fireworks and projection spectacular returns! It lights up the night with fireworks, lasers, snowfall on Hollywood Boulevard, and a heartwarming holiday story featuring tunes like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After — Two stage shows open during Jollywood Nights with fun family vibes and lively performances.
Pixar Disco Party — Dance parties with beloved Pixar pals like Edna Mode, Frozone, and Joy in Pixar Plaza (best for kids and families who want to boogie).
🎶 Throughout the evening, you’ll find live musicians, DJs, and themed entertainment areas sprinkled across the park — from jazzy lounges to Latin-inspired street fairs.
🎅 Fun for Families (Kids & Kid-at-Heart)
Jollywood Nights isn’t just for grownups — there’s plenty families will love:
🎁 Character Meet-and-Greets
Guests can meet over 20 Disney characters, including classics and rare appearances like Powerline Max, Stitch in holiday attire, Pixar favorites (such as Miguel, Lotso and Partysaurous Rex), and more. It’s a perfect chance for unique pics!
🕺 Dance Parties & Shows
Kids will adore the Pixar disco dance party and the spirited live shows — not to mention the festive atmosphere with magic, lights, and music everywhere!
🎀 Holiday Decor & Photo Ops
Hollywood Studios is transformed with shimmering vintage holiday decor, from glowing garlands on Hollywood Boulevard to giant ornaments ready for selfies. Tip - If your kids fall asleep in their strollers, DON’T PANIC! You have a hilarious opportunity for some one-of-a-kind photo opportunities (see the photos of my youngest kids asleep!)
🎢 Rides Still Open
Many beloved attractions run during the event, such as Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Tower of Terror, and Rise of the Resistance — perfect for families who want a mix of festive fun and classic Disney thrills.
🍸 Special Experiences for Adults
If you’re looking for grown-up holiday fun, Jollywood Nights has you covered:
🍹 Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby
This speakeasy-style, intimate lounge inside the Brown Derby is adults’ paradise: live jazz, craft cocktails, small bites, and vintage Hollywood vibes. Reservations are highly recommended.
🍸 Tip Top Club — Hollywood Tower Lounge
Step back into the ’30s in the courtyard of the Tower of Terror, where you’ll find an outdoor lounge with great music, holiday ambiance, and cocktails by the fire.
🌮 Holiday Fiesta en la Calle
This Latin-inspired street fair has lively music, vibrant atmosphere, and festive eats — plus character appearances from José Carioca, Panchito, and Miguel from Coco!
🍷 Festive Sips & Treats Across the Park
Whether it’s a gingerbread whiskey mule or specialty chocolate, there are 25+ new seasonal food and drink items to sample during the party. And these aren’t your average theme park foods. These are ELEVATED bites that will take your taste buds to Tinseltown!
🎁 Exclusive Perks & Must-Do Tips
🎉 Lower Ride Waits – With limited tickets sold, popular rides often have shorter lines than daytime park hours.
📸 PhotoPass Magic Shots – Snap holiday-themed Magic Shots and complimentary digital downloads throughout the evening. My kids especially loved the magic shots featuring Kermit and Miss Piggy.
🎄 Souvenirs – Exclusive event merchandise, including spirit jerseys and themed keepsakes, are available only during the party.
🎁 Free Ornament – Most events offer a gift as you leave, like a holiday ornament you can treasure forever! Tip - You can save your wristband at the end of the night and use it to hang the ornament on your tree when you get home!
💡 Pro Tip: Get there early — with entry starting at 5:30 PM, you can explore, ride a few attractions, grab festive bites, and start soaking up the spirit before the official kickoff.
🎉 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party vs. Jollywood Nights
During my most recent trip, I was lucky enough to experience BOTH Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (at Magic Kingdom) and Jollywood Nights (at Hollywood Studios). Both parties are amazing in their own way, but I know many guests find Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to be VERY overwhelming. Magic Kingdom is HUGE and there’s a lot going on at the party, so many people leave feeling like they didn’t accomplish everything they wanted to do. If you’ve had this frustration with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you should give Jollywood Nights a try on your next Holiday Vacation to Disney World! The park is smaller, which makes everything feel much more manageable. While it’s impossible to experience everything in one party night, you can experience your “must do’s” in a less stressful evening than you might experience at other parties. 🌟
🎄 Final Thoughts
Jollywood Nights is a unique holiday experience that blends Hollywood glam, Disney magic, festive entertainment, and special experiences for every age. Whether you’re going with kids who want character interactions and dance parties, adults craving jazz lounges and seasonal cocktails, or families who just want a magical night out together — there’s something to make your holiday shine bright! 🌟
