Disney Jollywood Nights is back for 2026, and this year’s event is the biggest one yet. For the first time, the Hollywood Studios holiday party is extending into January, giving families more chances to experience the glam, the shows, and the lower wait times.
What’s New in 2026
The headline change this year is the extended run. Jollywood Nights runs from November 7 all the way through January 5, 2026. That’s a first for this event, and it opens up holiday trip options for families who can’t visit in the thick of December. It
Entry starts at 5:30 p.m. and the festivities kick off at 7:30 p.m. You’ve got until 12:30 a.m., so you’re looking at a solid five hours inside the event.
When Tickets Go On Sale
This is a limited-capacity event, so ticket timing matters. Here’s how it breaks down:
- July 9: Ticket sales open for guests staying at select Disney Resorts, Swan and Dolphin, and Shades of Green.
- July 16: General sale opens for everyone else.
- Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members get discounts on all event nights.
- You can buy tickets online or through your favorite travel agent
Jollywood Nights 2026-2027 Dates:
- November 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
- December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
- January 3, 5
Shows, Characters, and Rides
Entertainment Highlights
The lineup is genuinely strong. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! lights up the Chinese Theater with fireworks, lasers, projections, and holiday music starring Wayne and Lanny from Prep and Landing. The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along returns at Hyperion Theater, and the Glisten! skating show is back in front of the Chinese Theater.
The Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club brings a 1930s Hollywood vibe to the Hollywood Tower Hotel courtyard, and Pixar Disco in Pixar Plaza features Edna Mode, Frozone, Joy, and Mike Wazowski for a holly jolly dance party.
Characters at Jollywood Nights 2026
The character lineup is deep and honestly pretty fun. Some highlights include:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu
- Chewbacca celebrating Life Day
- Stitch dressed as Santa
- Max Goof as Powerline
- Phineas and Ferb
- Bing Bong from Inside Out
- Scrooge McDuck
- Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers
Rides Open During Jollywood Nights 2026
Lower wait times are one of the best parts of any separately ticketed event, and Jollywood Nights delivers. Attractions open during the event include:
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Toy Story Mania!
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Star Tours
What This Means for Families Planning a Trip
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to try a Hollywood Studios after-hours event, 2026 gives you more dates and more flexibility than any previous year. The January dates are especially interesting for families who want holiday magic without peak December crowds.
As a dad who takes his kids to Disney regularly, I’ve always thought Jollywood Nights is one of the better-kept secrets at Walt Disney World. The lower wait times alone make it worth looking at seriously, especially for families with younger kids who don’t want to stand in line for 45 minutes after dark.
The January extension is interesting to me. It’s a smart move by Disney, but it also signals that they know demand has outgrown the November and December dates. I’ll be watching to see whether the January nights feel as festive or whether the energy drops off after Christmas.
If you’re already booked for a Hollywood Studios trip this fall or winter, this is worth adding to your itinerary!
Key Facts
- Jollywood Nights 2026 runs November 7 through January 5, extending into January for the first time.
- Resort guests can buy tickets starting July 9; general sale opens July 16.
- Event hours run from 5:30 p.m. entry to 12:30 a.m., with festivities beginning at 7:30 p.m.
- Annual Passholders and DVC Members receive discounts on all event nights.
- Nine attractions are open during the event, including Rise of the Resistance and Tower of Terror.
