It may seem too soon for talk of Santa, snowmen and holiday spirit. However, we’re officially halfway to the holidays and Disney is gifting us with the details of upcoming holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.Just as many other pre-pandemic offerings have been easing their way back into the parks, this year marks the first time since 2019 that the holidays are back in full swing at Disney on both coasts.(Photo by Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World)At Disney World, this means the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, helmed by none other than Santa himself. This popular after-hours event includes entertainment, seasonal treats and decor, fireworks and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.Over at Disneyland Resort, there’s no separately-ticketed party. All visitors can revel in the holiday-themed decor, entertainment, treats and even a nightly “snowfall.“Here’s what you need to know before visiting Disney World or Disneyland during the most wonderful time of the year.For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter.Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket informationMickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event that takes place at Magic Kingdom after the park closes to daytime guests. The party typically starts at 7 p.m., but guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. and sneak in a few attractions before the party officially begins.(Photo courtesy of Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World)This year, Mickey’s Very Christmas Party will take place on 24 select nights beginning Nov. 8, 2022, and running through Dec. 22, 2022. Ticket prices vary based on the date you select but will range from $149-$199 per person (discounted tickets are typically available for Disney World annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members).Tickets go on sale beginning July 7, 2022.Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.Official event dates include:November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29.December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22.During the party, guests can experience holiday stage shows like Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. There will also be photo opportunities, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and holiday ride overlays at Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party and the Jungle Cruise.Even without a party ticket, if you visit Disney World any time during the holiday season, you’ll be treated to decor, seasonal food and drink offerings, holiday merchandise and special appearances by Santa at all four Disney World parks.The Holidays at Disneyland Resort informationAs in past years, there is no after-hours party at Disneyland. That doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t transform the resort into a full-on winter wonderland, though.Disney California Adventure Park celebrates winter holidays from around the world with music, dancing, food and more during the Disney Festival of the Holidays. Guests can also meet Santa at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and ride holiday versions of Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Cars Land.(Photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort)At night, World of Color – Season of Light will take place at Paradise Bay in Disney’s California Adventure, with dancing fountains, projections, holiday music and beloved scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar films.(Photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort)Over at Disneyland Park, the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular will illuminate the night sky behind Sleeping Beauty Castle. You can even experience a southern California snowfall during the show. How’s that for holiday magic?“it’s a small world” and the Haunted Mansion will both receive their annual holiday makeovers and “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade will take to the streets daily.The holiday season at Disneyland resort officially kicks off on Nov. 11, 2022 and runs through Jan. 8, 2023.Bottom lineReady or not, here come the holidays. If you want to spend them at a Disney park, you have to plan well in advance of the actual holiday season.Both Disney World and Disneyland still require guests to make advance theme park reservations and the parks still occasionally reach capacity on busy days.If your only wish from Santa this year is to be at Disney for the holidays, start planning your trip now — even if it’s still much too warm to break out those ugly Christmas sweaters.
