Could 2026 be Disney Jollywood Nights’ best year yet? New additions and changes

Having attended every Jollywood Nights since the event debuted in 2023, I’ve watched Disney refine its Hollywood-inspired Christmas party. This year’s additions show that Jollywood Nights continues to add to its star power.

Disney Jollywood Nights has developed a signature style with its festive Tinseltown atmosphere, fantastic live entertainment, delectable treats and unique character encounters. And that’s exactly what’s expanding this year: a new lounge, new character appearances, special merchandise and a little extra holiday magic added to some of the entertainment.

What’s changing for 2026:

• George Sanderson and Needleman from “Monsters, Inc.” join the meet-and-greet lineup.
• Checkin’ It Twice Lounge adds another entertainment and beverage location.
• Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Genie join “Glisten!”
• A reimagined Kermit sundae, creative nonalcoholic sodas and exclusive Passholder drinks.
• New Gertie merchandise, a Kermit straw clip and a complimentary Chip and Dale ornament.
• More dates: Jollywood Nights extends into January for the first time.

Disney Jollywood Nights has come a long way since 2023

You don’t need to be a Jollywood Nights devotee to appreciate the enhancements Disney is bringing to the 2026 lineup. Now in its fourth year, this after-hours event started off jazzy and jolly, though its inaugural year wasn’t without a few hiccups. Despite some frustrations, I could see the event’s potential, and I wasn’t alone.

Disney didn’t wait until the second year to address some of Jollywood Nights’ early frustrations. Additional character encounters and operational adjustments arrived during the inaugural season itself.

Then by 2024, the party had gained an extra hour, an ice-skating show, livelier character experiences and a much-improved arrival process.

The additions helped Jollywood Nights establish its own identity, separate from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. The emphasis on live entertainment, vintage Hollywood atmosphere and unusual character encounters became some of its greatest strengths.

Now, Disney is expanding those same elements for 2026, including one enhancement that addresses a criticism from Attractions Magazine’s own 2024 review.

Disney is doubling down on what makes Jollywood Nights different

When I think about attending Disney Jollywood Nights for the fourth year in a row, I first thank my lucky stars for the opportunity. Then I start thinking about the experiences I can’t wait to enjoy again.

At the top of my list is “Disney Holidays in Hollywood,” the stage show featuring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and a delightful assortment of Disney characters. There were a few slight changes last year, but nothing major.

This show has become a holiday tradition for me, much like the Christmas parade or castle stage show at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has become a tradition for so many Disney fans.

I also look forward to “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along.” The production embraces the Christmas side of the story but with the expected Halloween Town touches, with puppetry and theatrical effects that are genuinely enthralling.

One of my favorite things about both shows is how easy they are to enjoy. You can slip into the theater, rest your feet and take in some fantastic entertainment without a stressful wait. I recommend arriving about 30 minutes early if you want seats closer to the stage. Otherwise, I’ve generally had success arriving five to seven minutes before showtime and finding seats toward the back.

New must-dos at Jollywood Nights

I’m determined to finally see “Glisten!,” and what a year to make that happen! Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, two of my favorite classic Disney characters, are joining the show alongside Genie from “Aladdin.” Their debut makes my first viewing feel even more special.

I’m also looking forward to my husband experiencing the holiday transformation of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Obligatory Holiday Overlay.’ I’ll happily accompany him through the queue to enjoy the decorations, although I’ll leave the actual coaster ride to him.

And we can’t forget Alien Swirling Saucers, which receives its own festive holiday makeover. It’s another playful seasonal touch that makes Jollywood Nights feel different from an ordinary evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A new lounge for our holiday date night

Another addition I’m particularly interested in is Checkin’ It Twice Lounge, a new spot in Animation Courtyard featuring specialty drinks, a DJ and entertainment.

We don’t drink much alcohol these days, so I appreciate the nonalcoholic cocktails Disney has sprinkled throughout the event. The new lounge will serve the Candy Cane Cooler, a festive lemonade with mint, pomegranate and sweet cream.

We may indulge in a cocktail or two to share at different points in the evening. After all, the lounge atmosphere is part of the appeal. Between places like the Tune-In Lounge and the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club near Tower of Terror, it’s hard to resist settling in and enjoying the music and surroundings.

Checkin’ It Twice gives us another place to do exactly that, and I’m curious to see how its atmosphere compares with the other lounges.

Reminder: Jollywood Nights is intended to be a dress-up night; comfy shoes are helpful, but try to glam up the rest of your apparel.

Rare characters, including some monstrous newcomers

I’m not usually someone who spends much of a Disney event waiting to meet characters, although I always appreciate the photos afterward. Disney PhotoPass photographers capture some wonderful memories, and digital downloads from Jollywood Nights are included with admission—one of my favorite components of this event.

This year’s new “Monsters, Inc.” characters are a fang-tastic touch. George Sanderson and Needleman are joining the party, along with returning favorite Mike Wazowski.

With Monstropolis taking shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and potentially welcoming guests in time for next year’s Jollywood Nights, the timing is especially fun.

It also makes me wonder: How exactly do monsters celebrate Christmas?

We’ll probably make time for one or two character encounters, depending on who has a manageable wait. For those planning their evening around rare character appearances, we’ll be sharing character locations and additional details once we’ve had a chance to see the event guide and explore Jollywood Nights ourselves.

Could 2026 be Jollywood Nights’ best year yet?

I think it has a very good chance. Disney has spent the past three years refining Jollywood Nights, and the 2026 additions build on the entertainment, atmosphere and unusual experiences that make this Christmas party special.

Of course, more offerings don’t automatically mean a better evening. The entertainment schedules, character wait times and overall atmosphere will ultimately determine whether this year tops the previous three.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from attending Jollywood Nights every year, it’s that you can’t do everything in one evening. My advice is to choose a few must-dos, check the entertainment schedule early and leave time to enjoy the atmosphere.

There’s something special about spending a holiday season evening surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood at Christmastime. With the new additions and returning favorites, I’m looking forward to seeing whether Disney can make its fourth year the best one yet.