There’s something extra magical about Main Street, U.S.A. when it’s dressed in twinkling lights, wreaths, and garland. The air smells like sugar cookies, the snow (well, snoap) drifts down, and Christmas music fills every corner. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of our favorite events at Walt Disney World because it captures everything we love about the holidays in Disney style. Whether you’ve been before or you’re planning your first visit, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your night. If there’s one thing we believe in, it’s celebrating big and making every moment magical.
Party Overview
Table of Contents
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event held on select nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom. The party officially kicks off at 7 p.m., but with your event ticket, you can enter the park as early as 4 p.m. It’s great way to sneak in a few extra rides before the real fun begins. If you plan to spend the morning in Magic Kingdom, you’ll need regular park admission, but by 6 p.m., guests without party tickets will make their way out and the holiday festivities will roll right in.
Upon check-in, you’ll receive a special ornament as a little keepsake to remember the night for years to come. Once the party starts you can expect holiday entertainment including a dazzling fireworks display and the can’t miss Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. And don’t forget the complimentary cookie stroll! Each stop offers a different festive treat, because what’s Christmas at Disney without a few treats?
Dates & Ticket Prices
This year, catch the magic on 25 festive nights at Magic Kingdom!
Party Dates:
November – 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, and 29
December – 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, and 22
Ticket prices range from $189 to $229 per guest (plus tax) and vary depending on the date. If you’re an Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member, you could save $10 per ticket on select dates.
Tickets can sell out quickly (especially those early December and weekend dates), so I always recommend buying as soon as your travel dates are set. You can purchase tickets directly through Disney, or better yet, ask your Love of the Magic Vacations advisor to handle it for you.
Attractions Open During the Party
Adventureland
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Jingle Cruise*
- Swiss Family Treehouse
Frontierland
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Fantasyland
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- It’s a small world
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mad Tea Party*
Storybook Circus
- Dumbo The Flying Elephant
- The Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
- Astro Orbiter
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor*
- Space Mountain*
- Tomorrowland Speedway*
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
*Some attractions have fun holiday overlays that include festive lights and holiday soundtracks. It’s not a typo – Jungle Cruise turns into Jingle Cruise all day long, so even if you aren’t attending the party, you can still get your holiday themed puns.
Special Events and Showtimes During MVMCP
One of the best parts of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the party exclusive entertainment that turns Magic Kingdom into a festive holiday spectacular. Showtimes can vary, so be sure to double check your My Disney Experience app on the day of your party for the most up-to-date schedule.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
This iconic parade is the definition of Christmas magic on Main Street USA. Expect dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best. The parade typically runs twice each night, around 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM, so if you’d rather skip the crowds, aim for the later showing (trust me, the view with a cup of Joffrey’s hot cocoa in hand is perfection).
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
Hosted by the queen herself, Minnie Mouse, this dazzling fireworks display lights up the sky with bursts of red and green while classic Christmas carols fill the air. It’s a can’t miss moment of the evening, typically starting at 10:00 PM and taking the place of Happily Ever After on party nights. Grab your viewing spot early or elevate your experience with a dessert party, which offers sweet treats, drinks, and priority viewing. The fireworks are weather-dependent, but the dessert party happens rain or shine!
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Get ready to dance, sing, and soak in the joy of the season with Mickey and friends in front of Cinderella Castle! This lively stage show features music, laughter, ‘snoap’fall, and a full cast of characters spreading holiday cheer. You can usually catch performances at 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM, and 11:55 PM, but again, always confirm in your app to make sure you don’t miss your favorite showtime.
Character Appearances & Dance Parties
What’s a Disney Christmas party without your favorite characters dressed in their holiday best? Throughout the night, you’ll spot exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities. From Gingerbread Men and Polar Bears to Snow Angels and classic Disney friends spreading cheer all around Magic Kingdom. Keep your camera ready, you never know who might appear around the next corner! You can meet the iconic Jack (Sandy Claws) and Sally – but their line can get long quickly.
Frozen Holiday Surprise
If you have a little Frozen fan (or you’re a Frozen fan yourself) this one is for you! Watch as Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the snowgies transform Cinderella Castle into a breathtaking “Frozen Wonderland” right before your eyes. This heartwarming spectacle begins at 8:15 PM on party nights, so grab a spot early for the best view (and maybe a cookie or two while you wait).
Santa’s Christmas Carnival
Head over to Storybook Circus for a holiday celebration straight from the North Pole! Join Santa Claus himself and a few of his festive friends for Santa’s Christmas Carnival. A fun, whimsical experience that captures the joyful spirit of the season.
Club Tinsel
If you’re ready to dance, this is your spot! Over at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, Club Tinsel keeps the party going with high-energy music, a DJ, and surprise appearances from pals like Chip and Dale, Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps, and a few festive elves. Get your groove on, Christmas style!
Disney Jr. Jingle Jam
Jam along with your favorite Disney Jr. friends at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Characters like Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and friends from The Lion Guard bring the energy and dance moves in this adorably festive dance party perfect for your little ones.
Complimentary Treat Stations
One of the sweetest parts (literally) of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the complimentary holiday treat stations scattered throughout Magic Kingdom. These are included with your party ticket, so grab your map and hunt them all down. It’s basically Disney’s version of a Christmas cookie crawl!
Here’s a look at the stops from this season’s lineup:
- The Lunching Pad – Apple Cider and Red Velvet Cake Cookies
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café – A Buttercream-Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms paired with Joffrey’s Hot Cocoa
- Storybook Circus – Snowman Pretzels and Fruit Punch
- Sunshine Tree Terrace – Buttercream-Frosted Gingerbread Cookies and Apple Cider
- Tortuga Tavern – Hot Cocoa Cookies and more Joffrey’s Hot Cocoa
- Gaston’s Tavern – Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies and Egg Nog
Strategies for Making the Most of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
With the party running from 7:00 PM to midnight on select nights, you’ll want to make the most of your five festive hours. Between entertainment, character meet and greets, treats, and attractions, the evening can fly by. Having a plan is key. Decide what matters most to your family before you arrive, and remember: even the best plans can’t fit everything. Prioritize your must dos early, and let the rest unfold as the night plays out.
Guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM, even without a daytime park ticket. If you’re already in the park, look for Cast Members distributing wristbands and your complimentary party ornament starting at 4:00 PM. Between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, the park is still open to day guests, so expect heavier crowds until the official party begins. By 6:00 PM, Cast Members will begin clearing out non-party guests. Make sure your wristband is visible to stay and play!
Keep in mind that Lightning Lane Multi and Single Passes are not available during the party, but standby lines tend to move quickly thanks to the limited attendance. If you have a daytime park ticket, you can use your Lightning Lanes until regular park closing.
Party Tips
Ride During one of the Parades: While most guests line Main Street for the parade, head to the rides! Attraction waits are often shortest during parade times.
Watch the Second Parade: The first parade draws the biggest crowds. The later one is calmer, especially toward the end of the night. If you love that castle backdrop in your photos, Main Street USA is the most magical viewing spot. Just know it may take 15 – 20 minutes for the parade to reach you.
Save the Big Rides for Late Night: Lines for popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain are shortest right before midnight. Sometimes, you’ll even find a walk-on!
Plan Character Photos Wisely: Rare characters like Jack and Sally can have waits up to two hours and lines often start forming before the party officially begins. If you can, wait until after 11 PM when families start heading out.
Don’t Miss the Fireworks: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks typically begin at 10:00 PM (weather permitting). For the best view of both fireworks and castle projections, grab a spot in the hub or about a quarter down Main Street.
Treat Yourself (Again): You can visit treat stations as many times as you’d like. No one’s judging if you grab an extra gingerbread cookie for tomorrow’s breakfast.
Use PhotoPass Magic Shots: Keep an eye out for special holiday overlays at select photo locations throughout the park.
Foodie Guide
Wondering what special offerings the party has? As of now, they haven’t released the food guide for this year. Check out the Disney Food Blog Guide for more in detail descriptions of all the food that was available in 2025!
Ready to Visit?
Reach out to your favorite Love of the Magic Travel Advisor today to secure your Christmas party ticket before they are gone! You don’t want to miss it! Wondering about other Holiday events in Orlando? Check out our blog here for more information!