Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 dates are officially out, and if you’re planning a holiday trip to Walt Disney World, you’ll want to move fast. Tickets go on sale as early as July 9, and the party runs select nights from November 8 through December 22.
The Dates and When to Buy Tickets
The party runs on select nights across November and December. Here’s the full lineup:
- 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
Resort hotel guests (including Swan and Dolphin and Shades of Green) get early access to tickets starting July 9. Everyone else can buy starting July 16. Annual Passholders and DVC Members get special pricing.
One thing people often miss: you can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 p.m., even though the party officially starts at 7:00 p.m. That’s three extra hours to knock out rides before the crowds shift into party mode.
What’s Happening at the Party
Characters
Exclusive character meets are one of the biggest draws, and Disney’s already confirmed a few. Anna and Elsa will be at Princess Fairytale Hall, Jack Skellington as Santa and Sally will be at Town Square Theater, and Mickey and Minnie will be dressed in their holiday best. Santa himself is at Storybook Circus near Dumbo, with crafts and extra characters nearby.
Entertainment
The entertainment lineup is stacked. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade runs from Frontierland down to Main Street, U.S.A., and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks wraps Cinderella Castle like a present with projections and pyrotechnics. You’ve also got Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration on the castle stage and Frozen Holiday Surprise with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff.
Dance parties pop up around the park throughout the night, which my kids genuinely love more than they probably should.
Rides With Holiday Twists
Several classic attractions get seasonal makeovers during the party:
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Mad Tea Party
- Jungle Cruise
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Plus standard favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Buzz Lightyear are all running too.
Free Treats
Cookies, festive beverages, and more are included with your ticket and handed out at select locations throughout the park. Locations are listed on the holiday party maps at the park entrance. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Parties are also returning as a separately priced add-on, with reservation details coming soon.
What This Means for Families Planning a Holiday Trip
Dates are out now, but tickets don’t go on sale until July 9 at the earliest. If you’re eyeing a specific night, especially around Thanksgiving week (November 24 or 25), don’t wait. Those dates sell out fast, and prices go up as the event gets closer.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of my favorite experiences at Walt Disney World, second only to the Halloween Party. Jack Skellington as Santa is one of the most unique meets on Disney property, and the line is always worth it.
My honest take: pick your date carefully. Earlier November dates tend to be less crowded and cheaper. The week of Thanksgiving is packed. If you can swing a Tuesday or Thursday in early November, you’ll get a completely different experience than a Saturday in December.
Key Facts
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 runs select nights from November 8 to December 22 at Magic Kingdom.
- Tickets go on sale July 9 for resort hotel guests and July 16 for all other guests.
- Guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 p.m., three hours before the party officially starts at 7:00 p.m.
- Confirmed character meets include Anna and Elsa, Jack Skellington as Santa and Sally, holiday Mickey and Minnie, and Santa at Storybook Circus.
- Holiday ride overlays return for Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party, Jungle Cruise, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
