2025 Disney World Holiday Parties: Should You Choose Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights?

There’s something truly magical about Disney during the holidays - the lights, the music, the snow on Main Street, U.S.A. And in 2025, two incredible after-hours events are bringing the holiday cheer in very different ways: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

So, which one is right for your family? Let’s explore what makes each event special, what’s new for 2025, and how to decide which one fits best with your Disney vacation dreams.

🎅 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: A Classic Holiday Tradition

Meet characters in festive attire at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

If you’ve ever pictured your family sipping hot cocoa while watching a parade with Santa under twinkling lights, this is the party for you.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a beloved tradition for a reason. Held at Magic Kingdom on select nights, this separately ticketed event transforms the park into a nostalgic holiday wonderland. Guests can enter the park as early as 4:00 PM, even though the official party runs from 7:00 PM to midnight.

During the party, guests can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (my personal FAVORITE part of the night, it is not to be missed!), Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, stage shows like Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, and magical snowfall on Main Street. There are also character meet-and-greets with some of your favorites dressed in their holiday best, including Mickey and Minnie, Anna and Elsa, and even Santa Jack and Sally.

But it’s not just about shows and characters. Select rides get special holiday overlays, like Jingle Cruise and Space Mountain, and guests can indulge in complimentary holiday treats (yes, there are cookies and cocoa stations throughout the park!). There’s even a chance to meet Santa himself at Santa’s Christmas Carnival in Storybook Circus.

Tickets go on sale July 16 for Disney Resort guests and July 22 for the general public, and they tend to sell out quickly (especially December dates!).

2025 Party Dates:

• November: 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30

• December: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21

✨ Disney Jollywood Nights: Retro Glam and Holiday Sparkle

The Christmas tree at Jollywood Nights

Jollywood Nights is a newer addition to the holiday lineup and offers a completely different vibe: think old Hollywood glam, jazzy holiday music, stylish photo ops, and a lot more edge than the classic cheer of Mickey’s party.

This after-hours event starts later, with park entry beginning at 5:30 PM and festivities running from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. That extra half-hour of early access gives you even more time to ride headliners like Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Tower of Terror with shorter waits.

What sets Jollywood apart is the entertainment. From the Kermit and Miss Piggy-hosted Disney Holidays in Hollywood stage show to the Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along and the shimmering Glisten! skating show, the performances here are immersive, theatrical, and beautifully themed.

There are also pop-up party spaces like the Latin-inspired Holiday Fiesta en la Calle featuring Miguel from Coco, and the retro Tip Top Club jazz lounge outside Tower of Terror. Plus, there’s an elegant Jazzy Holidays lounge experience at The Brown Derby, perfect for guests looking for something a little more grown-up.

And let’s not forget the characters! This is where you’ll find Powerline Max, Santa Stitch, Phineas and Ferb, and the Three Caballeros, plus more!

Tickets for Jollywood Nights also go on sale July 16 for resort guests and July 22 for the general public.

2025 Jollywood Nights Dates:

• November: 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29

• December: 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22

🎁 Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which holiday party fits your family best:

There is nothing more magical than seeing Santa and snow on Main Street USA!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

• Vibe: Wholesome, nostalgic, storybook magic

• Best For: Families with young kids, Disney first-timers

• Characters: Classic characters in holiday outfits

• Entertainment: Parade, fireworks, castle stage show

• Treats: Included cookies & cocoa

• Rides: Holiday overlays on family favorites

• Entry Time: 4:00 PM

• End Time: 12:00 AM

Jollywood Nights

• Vibe: Retro, stylish, theatrical, immersive

• Best For: Adults, teens, frequent visitors

• Characters: Rare and themed characters (e.g., Powerline Max, Miguel, Duffy)

• Entertainment: Sing-alongs, jazz lounges, skating show

• Treats: A la carte themed snacks and cocktails

• Rides: Access to thrill rides with short waits

• Entry Time: 5:30 PM

• End Time: 12:30 AM

If you're traveling with small children or want that classic, heartwarming Christmas magic, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is likely the better choice. If you're looking for a fresh take on Disney holiday fun, with fewer crowds, more immersive entertainment, and a splash of grown-up glam, Jollywood Nights is where it’s at.

Or, if you’re a Disney fan who loves it all… do both!

🎄 Let’s Plan Your 2025 Disney Holiday Vacation

No matter which party you choose, the holidays at Walt Disney World are truly something special. These events do sell out, so it’s smart to plan early.

✨ Want expert help selecting your dates, booking the right resort, and securing party tickets? I’d love to help you make this season as magical as possible. Contact me today and let’s start planning your unforgettable holiday escape to Disney!