The holiday season is officially returning to Walt Disney World, and Disney has now confirmed when guests can expect the festivities to begin… which means you can start planning your holiday travel!
In a new announcement shared as part of Disney’s “Halfway to the Holidays” celebration, Walt Disney World revealed that its 2026 holiday season will run from November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027. The social media announcement was accompanied by a video featuring the Dapper Dans dressed in their festive holiday attire:
During the holiday season, all four theme parks, Disney Resort hotels, and Disney Springs are transformed with seasonal decorations, themed entertainment, specialty food and beverage offerings, and limited-time merchandise.
While Disney has not yet released dates or pricing for individual holiday events, the season’s opening date offers an important clue about what may be coming next.
Historically, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom has kicked off on the first day of Walt Disney World’s holiday season. If that trend continues, November 13 could also mark the first party night of 2026.
Several returning holiday offerings are expected to be announced as part of this year’s celebration. Among them are Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
Disney has spent the last few days teasing holiday announcements through social media posts featuring hidden clues tied to each event.
Whether you’re hoping to experience Christmas decorations on Main Street, U.S.A., enjoy festive entertainment around World Showcase, or attend one of Disney’s separately ticketed holiday events, the countdown to the 2026 holiday season has officially begun!
Disney is expected to release additional details on individual events, entertainment offerings, and holiday experiences throughout the day as the “Halfway to the Holidays” celebration continues.
