If you’re looking for a festive holiday night that sparkles just a little bit differently than the traditional Magic Kingdom Christmas party, Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios deserves a spot on your holiday itinerary. It’s a bit newer than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and leans into a more glamorous, old-Hollywood vibe, making it especially fun for adults or a date night style evening during the holiday season. Honey and I attended last week and enjoyed the very best evening!
What Is Jollywood Nights?
Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed, after hours holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, running on select nights from early November through mid-December. In 2025, the party runs from November 8 through December 22 on specific dates, and guests with event tickets can actually enter the park early (usually around 5:30 p.m.) even though the official party hours run from about 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Unlike traditional daytime park visits, Jollywood Nights feels like stepping into a holiday gala: swanky holiday music, retro glamour, Instagram-worthy photo ops, jazz club vibes and a grown-up atmosphere that is truly unique.
Why We Loved It
We attended this fabulous event and loved it for all the reasons that make it feel grown-up festive, but still utterly Disney:
Shows & Entertainment: The event features exclusive seasonal shows like “Disney Holidays in Hollywood,” hosted by Kermit and Miss Piggy, a Nightmare Before Christmas Sing Along, Glisten! Ice Skating Show, and a Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club. There’s also special entertainment around the park, from jazz-style performances to themed dance parties.
Atmosphere & Style: Think old-Hollywood glam meets Christmas sparkle. The décor, music and overall vibe make this feel more like a holiday gala than a theme park event. Don’t miss Sunset Season Greetings showing throughout the night on Sunset Boulevard. Dressing up for the evening definitely adds to the fun.
Food & Drinks: One of our favorite parts is tasting specialty food and cocktails available only at the event. From sophisticated bites to festive holiday drinks, the offerings elevate the night and are perfect for enjoying between shows and dancing.
Character Moments & Photo Ops: With exclusive characters and event-specific setups, Jollywood Nights delivers some of the best holiday photo ops around. Your ticket even often includes digital downloads of the photos taken during the party.
Shorter Ride Lines: Many of the park’s popular attractions are open with typically shorter wait times than daytime visits, giving you a nice mix of entertainment and holiday fun. That said, we didn’t do a single ride all night but to give you an idea, Rise of the Resistance was posted at 15 minutes when we arrived!
Jazzy Holidays at Hollywood Brown Derby
Knowing I’d want a spot to sit and dine, we booked a reservation for Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. It was a relaxed, elegant spot with live music, yummy food and old Hollywood flair. I’d definitely do it again!
Is It Worth It?
If you love holiday magic with a touch of sparkle and grown-up glamour, Jollywood Nights might be your perfect holiday night out. It’s an especially good fit for:
- couples or friends looking for a slightly more elevated holiday party
- adults who want to enjoy specialty cocktails in a fun, festive theme-park atmosphere
- anyone who loves shows, music, dancing and unique character moments
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