Looking Ahead: Sneak Peek at Food & Wine! Plus ALL the Holiday Magic

Food, wine, and incredible music—is there any better combination?

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is returning this year, running daily from August 27 to November 21, 2026. While your tastebuds explore the Global Marketplaces, your ears are in for a serious treat at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

This year’s lineup is a spectacular mix of internationally recognized artists, house favorites, and hit local talent. We are thrilled to welcome some brand-new headliners making their EPCOT debut, including Lauren Alaina, Fitz and The Tantrums, and Grace Potter, giving us a taste of everything from country and indie pop to soulful blues. Plus, returning crowd favorites like Boyz II Men, Yellowcard, and The Beach Boys are back to bring down the house.

💡 Festival Tip: Concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. Showtimes fill up fast, especially for the weekend headliners, so be sure to arrive early to grab a seat!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026!

The holiday season is just around the corner at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, which means sleigh bells are jingling and the countdown to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has officially begun!

This separately ticketed event celebrates the most wonderful time of the year at Magic Kingdom. This year, enjoy festive entertainment, holiday overlays on classic rides, a storybook holiday atmosphere, and plenty of sweet treats.

2026 Party Dates

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will run on select nights from Sunday, November 8 to Tuesday, December 22, 2026:

• November: 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29

• December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22

Early Entry Reminder: Guests can begin their holiday cheer early! Party ticket holders can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 p.m. Even though the party officially starts at 7:00 p.m., you have the option to arrive three hours early to kickstart your magic.

Ticket Information

• July 9: Tickets available for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green.

• July 16: Tickets open to all other guests.

Festive Entertainment & Character Greetings

Character Meet-and-Greets

Find yuletide cheer around every corner with exclusive opportunities to greet your favorite Disney pals:

• Princess Fairytale Hall: Greet Anna and Elsa.

• Town Square Theater: Meet Jack Skellington as Santa and Sally, alongside Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their finest holiday looks.

• Santa’s Christmas Carnival (Storybook Circus): Head near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Barnstormerto visit Santa Claus himself! This is the perfect stop for young families, featuring crafts and other friends bursting with Christmas cheer.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade

This mesmerizing performance embodies the spirit of the holidays with dancing gingerbread men, whimsical ballroom dancers, beloved marching toy soldiers, and upbeat holiday music (and seasonal scents!). Keep an eye out for Disney characters in their holiday attire before the parade concludes with a special appearance by Santa Claus.

• Tip: The parade travels from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A., offering tons of great viewing locations throughout the park.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

Hosted by Minnie Mouse, this nighttime spectacular combines beloved holiday classics like “Deck the Halls” with stunning pyrotechnics, castle projections, and lighting effects that wrap Cinderella Castle like a present.

• Vantage Points: Great views are available in front of the castle, as well as Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.

• Upgrade Your Night: The Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Parties are returning! These separately priced experiences include an abundance of sweets and incredible views. Reservation details are coming soon.

Stage Shows & Dance Parties

• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: An energetic Cinderella Castle stage show featuring a medley of joyful tunes, live performers, and appearances by Clarabelle Cow, Daisy Duck, and Woody.

• Frozen Holiday Surprise: Watch Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the snowgies transform Cinderella Castle into a frozen wonderland.

• Dance Parties: Show off your jingle bell rock moves with holiday friends and event DJs at Club Tinsel (Rocket Tower Plaza Stage) and the Disney Junior Jingle Jam (Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café).

Holiday Ride Overlays & Magic Kingdom Attraction Lineup

Experience a festive twist on some of your favorite Magic Kingdom attractions! The following rides will feature holiday-themed makeovers:

• Space Mountain

• Tomorrowland Speedway

• Mad Tea Party

• Jungle Cruise

• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Plus, a massive lineup of classic attractions will remain open during the party, including:

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• Haunted Mansion

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

• Peter Pan’s Flight

• TRON Lightcycle / Run (presented by Enterprise)

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

• And SO many more!

Disney Jollywood Nights 2026!

Walking down Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the holidays feels like stepping into a classic Christmas film. Silver garlands drape across the street, giant ornaments take over the landscape, and glowing reindeer hang from the lampposts like something straight out of a retro postcard.

Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed, limited-capacity event that brings glitz, glamour, and Hollywood sparkle to the seasonal festivities. Get ready to soak it all in with stylish entertainment, elegant décor, specialty food and drinks, exclusive offerings, and the major perk of enjoying your favorite attractions with lower wait times!

2026-2027 Jollywood Nights Dates

This year’s event shines bright on select nights from November 7, 2026, to January 5, 2027—extending into January for the first time ever!

• November (Saturdays & Mondays): 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28

• December (Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays): 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23

• January (Sundays & Tuesdays): 3, 5

Hours: Guests can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 5:30 p.m. before the festivities officially kick off at 7:30 p.m. You will have up to five hours to jingle into the night, all the way until 12:30 a.m.

Ticket Information

Because this is a limited-capacity event, tickets should be purchased well ahead of your travel dates. Prices vary by date.

• July 9: Pre-sale opens for guests staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green.

• July 16: General public sale opens.

Jollywood Nights Shows & Premium Entertainment

“Disney Holidays in Hollywood”

Held at the Theater of the Stars, this dazzling musical stage show is hosted by none other than Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy! Inspired by classic Hollywood holiday TV specials, this glamorous gathering features appearances by beloved Disney friends like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Belle, and Tiana, blending a vintage vibe with a fresh seasonal twist.

“What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along”

Head over to the Hyperion Theater for a unique holiday experience that blends spooky charm with festive cheer. Follow the story of Halloween Town and Christmas Town coming together with Jack Skellington as "snowflakes" gently fall. Sing along to classic tunes like “What’s This?” and “Sally’s Song” surrounded by an eerie yet enchanting holiday glow.

“Glisten!” Skating Show

Returning for 2026, this spectacular holiday skating show takes place right in front of the Chinese Theater. World-class skaters twirl, leap, and dance across a shimmering synthetic rink set to classic holiday tunes and original Jollywood songs. Complemented by twinkling projections and Art Deco flair, it’s pure winter magic.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

This high-energy nighttime spectacular lights up the Chinese Theater with fireworks, lasers, projections, and holiday music. Starring Wayne and Lanny from Prep & Landing on a mission to rescue Santa, the show features iconic scenes from classics like Beauty and the Beast, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. A festive "snowfall" on Hollywood Boulevard and synchronized MagicBand+ effects wrap the night in pure holiday wonder.

Holiday Vibes Around the Park

• The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club: Step into the courtyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel for a glamorous, 1930s-style swingin’ celebration complete with live holiday music.

• Pixar Disco: Head over to Pixar Plaza for a holly jolly dance party featuring Edna Mode and Frozone from The Incredibles, Joy from Inside Out, and Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.

• Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby: Enjoy a refined, adult-oriented retreat within the festive atmosphere. It's the perfect choice for a sophisticated blend of culinary delights, live music, and holiday elegance. Note: Space is limited, and advance reservations are highly recommended. Stay tuned for details.

Jollywood Character Greetings

With so many rare and beloved Disney friends joining the party, there are plenty of photo ops to celebrate! Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Phineas and Ferb

• Max Goof as Powerline

• Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers

• Stitch dressed as Santa

• Baloo and King Louie

• The Mandalorian and Grogu

• Chewbacca celebrating Life Day

• Lotso and Partysaurus Rex (Toy Story)

• Bing Bong (Inside Out)

• Duffy the Disney Bear

• Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck

• Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto

• ...and even more character appearances to be announced at a later date!

Open Attractions with Lower Wait Times

As a special holiday treat, you can experience a premier lineup of Hollywood Studios attractions with much lower wait times during the event:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

• Slinky Dog Dash

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Toy Story Mania!

Ready to Book Your Magical 2026 Getaway?

Contact Wandering Travel Company Today

Don't let these limited-capacity holiday events pass you by. Reach out to Wandering Travel Company to start planning a customized, stress-free 2026 Walt Disney World vacation filled with holiday magic!

Whether you are sampling global bites at EPCOT, singing carols with Mickey at Magic Kingdom, or rocking a vintage look at Disney's Hollywood Studios, fall and winter 2026 at Walt Disney World are bound to be unforgettable. Which event are you putting at the top of your wish list?