Walt Disney World fans planning a holiday visit to Magic Kingdom this fall and winter now have the information they need to start making plans. Disney has officially announced the 2026 dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the beloved separately ticketed after-hours event that transforms Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland on select evenings throughout the holiday season.
Party Dates:
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
What Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the most popular special ticketed events at Walt Disney World Resort. Held exclusively at Magic Kingdom on select nights beginning in the fall, the event features holiday-themed entertainment, special character meet-and-greets, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, unique parade performances, and festive fireworks — all included with the price of a party ticket. Because it is a separate ticket event, guests must purchase party admission in addition to, or instead of, a standard park ticket for those evenings.
2026 Party Dates and Ticket Sales
Disney has locked in the full calendar of party nights for the 2026 season, giving guests plenty of lead time to secure their spot. Tickets are expected to go on sale soon, and Annual Passholders will have access to a discount on party admission — a perk that makes the event more accessible for frequent visitors. Specific ticket pricing tiers typically vary based on the date selected, with nights closer to Christmas generally carrying a higher price point due to demand.
What This Means for Magic Kingdom Visitors
On party nights, Magic Kingdom typically closes to regular day guests in the early evening — often around 6:00 PM — to prepare for the event. Guests attending the party can begin entering as early as 4:00 PM with a valid party ticket. This means that visitors not attending the party should be aware of the shortened park hours on event nights and plan their visit accordingly. Booking a party night is also a smart strategy for experiencing Magic Kingdom with significantly reduced crowds compared to a standard operating day.
- Separately ticketed event — party ticket required for entry on event nights
- Magic Kingdom closes early to day guests on party evenings
- Passholder discounts available on ticket purchases
- Complimentary treats, exclusive entertainment, and holiday character experiences included
- Ticket prices vary by date selected
As soon as official ticket links and confirmed pricing go live, we will update this article with everything you need to know. In the meantime, check our Walt Disney World park hours calendar to identify party nights and plan your Magic Kingdom visit around them, and keep an eye on our crowd calendar to find the best dates for your holiday trip.
