Walt Disney World has released details for the 2026 holiday season, which officially runs from November 13 through January 6, 2027. The celebration includes seasonal overlays for popular attractions, new entertainment, and the return of fan-favorite festivals across all four theme parks.
What's new
Several attractions will feature limited-time holiday updates for the 2026 season:
* Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: The Electric Mayhem will host an "Obligatory Holiday Overlay" featuring a festive soundtrack. Songs include "Holiday Road" with Kermit and Fozzie, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" with Jennifer Hudson, and "Little Saint Nick."
* Disney Starlight Parade: This new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom will run twice nightly on non-party dates. It features Elsa and other Disney characters. Note that this parade will not perform on nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled.
* Alien Swirling Saucers: DJ Lilypad will debut a new holiday playlist, including tracks like "Joy to the Swirl" and "Toyland."
* Walt Disney Presents: The theater will show holiday shorts such as *Pluto’s Christmas Tree* and *The Art of Skiing*, alongside a display of props from Disney holiday films.
* Santa’s Holiday Grove: A new meet-and-greet location for Santa Claus will be located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom across from the Theater in the Wild, featuring intermittent snow flurries.
When and where
Holiday offerings are spread across the entire resort with varying start dates:
* Magic Kingdom: The season begins November 13. "Frozen Holiday Surprise" features Elsa transforming Cinderella Castle into an ice palace. The Jingle Cruise also returns with its annual holiday-themed queue and skipper gags.
* EPCOT: The International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 27 through December 30. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will feature a holiday remix track list from November 25 through January 6.
* Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Muppet and Alien Swirling Saucer overlays begin early on November 4 and run through January 6. "Sunset Seasons Greetings" projections return nightly to the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
* Disney’s Animal Kingdom: The ECO-RHYTHMiCS percussion band will perform in festive gear, and the Merry Menagerie puppets return to the park.
What it means for your visit
If you are planning a trip, be aware that Magic Kingdom schedules will change significantly depending on the date. On nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held, the park closes early to regular guests, and the new Disney Starlight parade will not be shown. Instead, party attendees will see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
For dining, Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine is a popular seasonal character meal. Because it features characters in unique holiday attire, Disney recommends making advance reservations as early as possible.
If your goal is to experience the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, keep in mind it has a shorter window than the rest of the resort's celebrations, ending on December 30. Visitors arriving in early January will still be able to see the decorations and ride overlays at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, but the EPCOT food booths will be closed.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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