Making its grand debut in 2023, Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios puts a Tinseltown twist on the classic Walt Disney World Christmas party. Held on ten select evenings from November 11 through December 20, 2023, this brand-new event will add a touch of glitz and glamour to the holiday season—and with a sprinkle of pixie dust for good measure. So, grab a cup of eggnog (perhaps spiked with a little extra something if you’re feeling especially merry) and read on as we unpack all the holiday happenings that are available at Disney Jollywood Nights 2023 and how you can secure your spot for the festivities.
Disney Jollywood Nights: A Swanky Seasonal Soiree with Yuletide Spirit and Tinseltown Flair
New for 2023, Disney Jollywood Nights is an after-hours special event held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that basically puts the “holly” in Hollywood. And if you ask us, there’s no better place for an all-new festive affair than a Disney park themed after a place with a nickname inspired by one of the most iconic Christmas decorations. Speaking of yuletide trappings, Hollywood Studios will also be all dressed up and looking snazzy for the spirited celebration, with retro-chic decorations decking the halls of Hollywood Boulevard and beyond in a style that is picture-perfect for this jazzy-meets-jolly event. (We won’t lie—they’re some of our favorites at any of the Walt Disney World parks.)
Unlike Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Magic Kingdom, which ooze old-fashioned holiday charm, Hollywood Studios and the new Disney Jollywood Nights dress things up a bit with a splash of shimmer for a festive fête worthy of a Hollywood movie premiere. Think silver and gold—only instead of the Burl Ives song from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, we’re talking about the Golden Age of Hollywood and the silver screen. Even partygoers are requested to get glammed up for the many red-carpet moments that await. In other words, if you’re the type of person who goes for a Spotify playlist of saxed-up holiday tunes, Christmas carols played by a jazzy piano or even a little Bing Crosby, then Disney Jollywood Nights is for you.
Aside from the decidedly glittery vibe shift, guests can expect the seasonal shindig to share many of the same perks that people have grown to love, including:
- Special entertainment like stage shows and fireworks
- Access to popular attractions with shorter wait times
- Appearances by Disney characters
- Exclusive snacks and sips
- And more!
That said, if you couldn’t already tell from our description above, you should also keep in mind that Disney Jollywood Nights will be more of a grown-up event compared to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is highly geared towards kids. That doesn’t mean that families with children won’t still have a great time at the new Hollywood Studios Christmas party. There will still be Disney characters and rides, after all.
But considering the more glitzy setting, a sophisticated music lineup of jazz and Latin rhythms, the selection of festive bites and beverages made with more mature palates in mind (Christmas cocktails, ya’ll) and the suggestion to get all gussied up, and we think it’s pretty safe to say that this is one Disney holiday party that adults are sure to love. In fact, we think it would be perfect for a merry Disney World date night.
Going to 2023 Disney Jollywood Nights: Dates, Tickets & More
Similar to other holiday celebrations like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and, during spooky season, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the all-new Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a separately ticketed special event held after regular park hours on select nights throughout the festive season. This year, Disney Jollywood Nights will take over Hollywood Studios on certain evenings in November and December, officially running from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM. However, similar to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, partygoers will be able to enter the park early if desired, starting at 7:00 PM.
Are you hoping to rock around the Echo Lake Christmas tree during Disney Jollywood Nights this year? Here are some things you’ll need to know when planning your visit.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Holiday Party Dates
For its premiere year, Disney Jollywood Nights will take place on select Saturday, Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting with opening night on Saturday, November 11 and concluding on Wednesday, December 20. In general, Disney holiday parties tend to be extremely popular, with tickets often selling out weeks ahead of time. And since this is Disney Jollywood Nights’ first year, it has the potential to be even more in-demand, especially once the reviews of the first few nights come out.
So, if you’re thinking about adding the event to your trip to Hollywood Studios this winter, we recommend that you buy your tickets sooner rather than later. Fortunately, as of October 20, 2023, there are still several evenings still available. However, only one of the nights that are left is a Saturday, meaning that you’re going to want to act fast if a weekend date is important to you. Dates available for Disney Jollywood Nights include:
- Monday, November 20
- Monday, November 27
- Wednesday, November 29
- Monday, December 4
- Wednesday, December 6
- Saturday, December 16
- Monday, December 18
- Wednesday, December 20
Disney Jollywood Nights dates that have already sold out at the time of writing include:
- Saturday, November 11
- Saturday, November 18
Disney Jollywood Nights Tickets
As we mentioned earlier, Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed special event. In other words, you won’t be able to get your groove on to a big-band version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” with just a regular Disney’s Hollywood Studios ticket. If you want to hang out in the park earlier in the day and also get in the holiday spirit once regular park guests leave, you’re going to need two different tickets.
Sadly, Disney Jollywood Nights tickets aren’t exactly what we’d call cheap. Tickets cost between $159 to $179 each plus tax, with prices varying based on your chosen event date. For example, they are more expensive during the week of Thanksgiving and in December, while the most inexpensive tickets are available the last week of November. Ticket prices are also the same for both adults and children.
So, what about discounts? Fortunately, annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members enjoy a discount of $10 per person, regardless of which event night you choose. Just be sure to make your purchase on the Disney account with your active membership. However, you don’t need to have an annual pass or a DVC membership to score a discount.
You can also save some cash by booking your tickets with Park Savers, whether for Disney Jollywood Nights or regular park admission. Buying your Disney Jollywood Nights tickets through Park Savers will save you $8 per person, while you can get a discount of between $35 and $80 each on regular Disney World tickets. To get your discounted Disney Jollywood Nights tickets and regular park admission, click here.
Put On Your Festive Best
There’s something special about getting all dressed up for the holidays. And no, we aren’t just talking about costumes during Halloween, although that’s good, too. Instead, we mean cozy Christmas sweaters, little black dresses and all things velvet, sequins and glitter. If that sounds like you, then Disney Jollywood Nights is right up your alley.
Since Disney’s Hollywood Studios is rolling out the red carpet for the event, they’re inviting you to dress for the occasion, whether in something sparkly, a DisneyBound with a yuletide twist or a Dapper Day-ready ensemble with festive flair. Whatever you choose, just be sure that it is in line with the Walt Disney World dress code guidelines.
Glitzy Goings-On at Jollywood Nights
So, what sort of spirited activities does Disney Jollywood Nights have in store for partygoers? Along with enjoying the beautiful holiday decorations, guests can also mix and mingle to some merry music while soaking up the festive atmosphere, take in a star-studded stage show, rub elbows with Disney characters, indulge in delicious drinks and dishes, and much more. Here’s everything you can look forward to:
Festive Themed Entertainment and Event-Exclusive Shows
It wouldn’t be a Disney holiday party without exclusive event offerings like special shows, music and, of course, fireworks. Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is no exception. Although there won’t be a parade rolling down Hollywood Boulevard, partyers at Disney Jollywood Nights will be able to take in a stage show starring the likes of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, make a joyful noise during a Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired sing-along and groove to yuletide tunes at different holiday hot spots. You’ll also be able to end your night with a bang (or a “bam,” in this case) with the return of a festive fireworks favorite.
In short, there are plenty of ways to make merry. Here’s everything that is set to be at Hollywood Studios’ Disney Jollywood Nights so far.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
Back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the first time since the 2019 holiday season, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will be putting on a dazzling display at the Chinese Theater. Headlined by the dynamic elf duo from Prep and Landing, Wayne and Lanny, this nighttime spectacular features vibrant projections, laser lights, jolly music and pyrotechnics. Keep in mind that, as far as we can tell right now, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will be an event exclusive. So, if you want to watch this animated fireworks display, you’ll need a ticket for Disney Jollywood Nights.
What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
Is Sandy Claws from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas part of your yearly holiday traditions? If so, you won’t want to miss this spirited-meets-spooky sing-along starring Jack Skellington, which is held throughout the night at the Hyperion Theater in Echo Lake.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood
Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are no strangers to the spotlight. During Disney Jollywood Nights, they’ll take to the Theater of the Stars stage on Sunset Boulevard as the hosts of an all-new musical variety show. Their guests of honor? Disney Princesses like Belle and Tiana, as well as the ultimate Disney power couple, Mickey and Minnie.
Holiday Fiesta en la Calle
Hoping to spice things up a bit? Jingle all the way over to Commissary Lane for Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, a lively Latin-inspired street fair brimming with joyful energy. As you stroll beneath strings of glowing bistro lights and past jolly décor, you’ll be transported by street musicians playing vibrant, Latin-style holiday music. Sips and snacks taking inspiration from festive Latin traditions will also be available.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby
You’re sure to have a cool yule at Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. By day, this signature restaurant inspired by a Tinseltown classic cooks up elevated dishes and Old Hollywood ambiance. During Disney Jollywood Nights, The Hollywood Brown Derby gets a merry makeover into a smooth jazz joint, with a special menu of light bites and craft cocktails served alongside swanky holiday songs. All dishes and drinks are at an additional cost, and capacity is limited. A mobile walk-up list will be available through the My Disney Experience app.
Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club by The Hollywood Tower Hotel
For a swingin’ take on the holiday season, boogie over to The Hollywood Tower Hotel courtyard for the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club. This joint will be jumpin’ with a live band crooning holiday tunes. And when you aren’t cutting a rug, you’ll also be able to enjoy a selection of classy cocktails. While the capacity for this venue is also limited, no mobile walk-up list will be offered.
Other Themed Entertainment
Two other special entertainment areas featuring a DJ spinning a merry mix of holiday music will also be available during Disney Jollywood Nights. Kick off your night in appropriately festive fashion at Welcome to Disney Jollywood Nights on Hollywood Boulevard, then stop by Echo Lake for throwback tracks laid over modern beats, as well as nostalgic appearances by old-school Disney Channel character favorites like the Rescue Rangers and Powerline Max.
Character Encounters
One of the highlights of any specially ticketed seasonal event at Walt Disney World is appearances by beloved Disney characters, and that includes Disney Jollywood Nights. We love meeting characters at these festive events because not only do the lines tend to be shorter (with some exceptions), but you’ll typically also see your favorites decked out in special holiday attire or have the chance to see characters that you don’t normally get to see. Disney characters you will definitely be able to see at Disney Jollywood Nights include (more could be added to the list, so stay tuned):
- In Animation Courtyard – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the gang pose in festive, vintage-inspired outfits alongside holiday props
- In Echo Lake – Phineas and Ferb, Rescue Rangers Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Powerline Max with a backdrop of classic Christmas decorations
- In Pixar Plaza – Edna Mode and Frozone
After-Hours Attractions Access
Like the Christmas and Halloween parties at Magic Kingdom, a huge perk of attending Disney Jollywood Nights is after-hours access to some of Hollywood Studios’ most popular rides, including its fan-favorite roller coasters. With regular park guests gone, partygoers can enjoy in-demand attractions without the typically long wait times. However, since these rides are still available during the day, we recommend slotting them in throughout the evening as you dash around the park doing event exclusives.
Available attractions include (refer to the Walt Disney World app for the complete list):
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (with a virtual queue)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Yuletide Treats and Swanky Sips
One of our favorite parts of the holiday season, whether at home or at Walt Disney World, is the festive flavors on offer. For Disney Jollywood Nights, partygoers can get in the holiday spirit with delicious drinks and dishes whipped up especially for the celebration. Just like the rest of the event, you can expect much of the spirited spread to be catered towards grown-up tastes. We’re talking elevated or slightly more adventurous options that are artfully plated, as well as a sleighful of craft cocktails that are sure to put you in a merry mood. That said, there are still some bites and beverages that kids will also love, including plenty of sweet treats and mocktails. Check out the complete Disney Jollywood Nights foodie guide here.
Some items will be available in the festively themed event areas, including:
- Holiday Fiesta en la Calle at ABC Commissary
- Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club, in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel (limited capacity)
- Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby (limited capacity)
Other dining options that will be open during the event include:
Echo Lake
- Dockside Diner
- Epic Eats
- Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction
Grand Avenue
- BaseLine Tap House
- PizzeRizzo
Hollywood Boulevard
- The Trolley Car Café
Pixar Plaza
- Market
Sunset Boulevard
- Fairfax Fare
Parkwide
- Bar locations
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Outdoor vending locations
Festive Photo Ops
There’s no better time to step into the spotlight than when you’re looking red-carpet ready. Fortunately, there will be Disney PhotoPass photographers there to capture each and every magical moment. Holly-jolly holiday-themed Magic Shots featuring mistletoe or Hollywood-inspired effects powered by a robotic arm or camera array (just ask the nearest Disney PhotoPass photographer about which ones they can do) will have you ready to strike a pose, as will a new neon sign near the entrance.
Partygoers can also commemorate the evening with event-exclusive Disney PhotoPass Lenses and a template for video memories, which will each be available on the My Disney Experience app. Best of all, you don’t need to purchase Disney Memory Maker to access all the images. For Disney Jollywood Nights, unlimited digital downloads are available for free with your event admission.
Disney Jollywood Nights Tips & Tricks
Given the added cost of attending a separately ticketed event like Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’re going to want to do what you can to make the most of your experience. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you maximize your time and squeeze every last drop of yuletide cheer out of this Hollywood Studios Christmas party.
- Get to the event as early as you can, preferably at 7 PM, to take advantage of the early entrance, so you have plenty of time to do everything on your list. We recommend checking out some rides, especially those that aren’t available during the event or catching a showing of Fantasmic.
- Come up with your priorities so you can go in with a plan. Do you want to go on lots of rides, watch the exclusive entertainment offerings or simply soak up the seasonal atmosphere? By choosing your focus ahead of time, you won’t feel like you’re being pulled in all directions once you’re in the park.
- Utilize your tools. With a mobile walk-up list offered for Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance available only through a virtual queue, the My Disney Experience app is going to be an invaluable part of your evening. Be sure to bring along a battery pack to make sure your device is ready to go when you need it.
- Don your festive finery and get ready to strike a pose. Putting on a snazzy seasonal outfit is encouraged for Jollywood Nights. And since free Disney PhotoPass digital downloads are included in your event admission, this is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up. Then, once you’ve arrived, feel free to vogue it up for the camera any chance you get.
- Stick it out until the end of the evening if you can. Along with arriving early, the easiest way to get the most out of your event experience is by staying late. Not only can you usually accomplish quite a bit since many people will have already headed out for the night, but you might even be able to snap some photos with fewer people in the background.
Are you going to Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios this year? What are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! Then, go here to snag your discounted Disney World tickets.
