Disney World Holiday Entertainment for 2023

Dates and details for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the brand-new Jollywood Nights have been out for a while. Now that the hour is drawing near, Disney has confirmed details of other entertainment and holiday offerings that will be rolling out beginning November 11, 2023.

Jollywood Nights

Everything we’ve heard so far about Jollywood Nights shows that it’s being positioned as a swanky grown-up alternative to Mickey’s Very Merry. Now, it’s Disney of course, so it’s definitely still kid friendly. Kids will undoubtedly have a good time. But it can’t be denied that adults are way more likely to rate “jazz lounge” as something that gives party appeal than your average 8-year-old.

Two new shows have been announced in the entertainment lineup, joining the previously revealed Latin street party Holiday Fiesta en la Calle and the Tip Top Soiree that will take over the courtyard of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. At Theater of the Stars, guests will enjoy a classic variety holiday special with featured guest stars Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Tiana, Belle, Mickey Mouse, and Minnie Mouse.

Over at the Hyperion Theater, the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will bow out for the evening, making way for Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along. Jack Skellington hosts a rousing good time where you can sing along as you conquer Oogie Boogie.

If you’re feeling tempted to dress up for the festivities, you’ll be pleased to hear that Minnie, Mickey, and friends will have new outfits as well. They’ll be meeting in Animation Courtyard, but you’ll also have a chance to pose at several PhotoPass locations as you stroll through the park. And don’t forget that the rides will be open; Rise of the Resistance will be operating with a Virtual Queue.

Meanwhile, at the Magic Kindom …

Friends from Arendelle are rolling out a new show for the holidays. Fractal Frenzy: NEW Frozen Holiday Surprise lets guests join in the celebration as Olaf and more than 100 of his siblings apply festive touches and glistening decor to Cinderella Castle. Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff will be live on stage for the gathering. And as the event comes to a close, Elsa will transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering crystal palace for the remainder of the evening. Frozen Holiday Surprise debuts on November 7, and will occur nightly throughout the holiday season.

More Gingerbread Than Ever Before

The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is the most famous, because it’s the one that’s an actual working shop with people inside it. But there are marvelous displays at other resorts, and this year will see a brand new one at the Yacht Club.

Look for holiday gingerbread displays at the following Disney World resorts.

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Festival of the Holidays

Heading back to the parks, there’s a Festival for every EPCOT season, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins on November 24. Candlelight Processional narrators have already been announced, and you know that we’re eagerly waiting to hear what’s on the menu at the Holiday Kitchens!

Merry Menagerie Returns to Animal Kingdom

The Merry Menagerie is one of our TouringPlans favorites. Life-size animal puppets in wintry white and blue are out daily on Discovery Island, enchanting and interacting with guests. Visitors to the park will also be able to meet Santa, and enjoy a special holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakenings in the evening.

Dine, Shop, and Stroll at Disney Springs

There are Christmas trees and decor all over Disney World during the holidays, but you’ll find nineteen on the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Guests will also be able to see Santa at Once Upon a Toy, and see “snowfall” every evening in Town Center.

What’s your favorite part of the holidays at Christmas? Are you planning a trip this year? Let us know in the comments!