Everything happening around the parks this holiday season — the EPCOT festival, plus the two after-hours Christmas parties — in one place.
The Walt Disney World holiday season splits into two kinds of thing: festivals included with regular park admission, and separate-ticket after-hours parties you buy on top of a ticket.
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is included with admission. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom) and Jollywood Nights (Hollywood Studios) are hard-ticket events — each with its own exclusive entertainment and its own food & drink menus.
Every Holiday Kitchen around World Showcase plus the Cookie Stroll. Build a printable tasting list.
The Candlelight Processional, World Showcase storytellers, JOYFUL! and character meets.
Hard-ticket after-hours party: exclusive parade, fireworks, free cookies & cocoa, and party-only treats.
21-and-the-whole-family retro-glam party: live shows, Jingle Bell Jingle BAM!, lounges and exclusive food.
Quick answer: Three big holiday experiences run at Walt Disney World each year — EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays (included with admission), and two separate-ticket parties: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Each has its own food and entertainment — tap a card above for the details.
If you want holiday food and a relaxed stroll, the EPCOT festival is the easy win — no extra ticket. If you want exclusive parades, fireworks, and lower crowds after hours, the hard-ticket parties are worth it. Many families do the EPCOT festival on a regular park day and add one party night.
On the two parties, yes — Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders typically save on tickets for select nights. The EPCOT festival is included with admission, so there’s no separate charge.
PointHoppers is an independent Disney Vacation Club and Walt Disney World fan resource, not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Disney. 2026 dates, prices and lineups are confirmed by Disney closer to the season; details reflect recent years until then.