Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Beginner’s Guide

Planning to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but not really sure where to start? We hear you, we’ve been there too! The cost alone can be a little overwhelming, so we’ve created this beginner’s guide to help you understand all things Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. From how to add the Christmas Party to your trip to all the extra things you can do at this special event.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Details

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Includes a variety of exclusive entertainment, character meet and greets, and select complimentary treats you can get across the park throughout your party evening.  Some of these things are available ONLY at the party. Here’s the lineup of what is INCLUDED in your Event Ticket.

• Snowfall on Main Street 
• Complimentary Christmas Cookies and Hot Cocoa 
• Select Disney Christmas Characters in Costume
• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show 
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade 
• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

Snowfall on Main Street

• Snowfall on Main Street is included as part of the magic at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. But you can also see snowfall on Main Street USA if you’re visiting Christmas Week. And at Hollywood Studios at Christmas when snow falls as part of the free Sunsets Seasons Greetings show in the evenings. 

Complimentary Cookies and Cocoa

• Complimentary Christmas Cookies and Hot Cocoa are included with your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Ticket. Available throughout the party at stations across the park. 

Disney Characters in Christmas Outfits

• Select Disney Christmas Characters in Costume are available only at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  Often adorned with a festive scarf or new Christmas outfit, you can find select characters across the park ready for photo ops. These characters do not get dressed up elsewhere throughout the season, so if you’re hoping for a pic, the party may be the only place you get that. 

Christmas Fireworks Show

• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show is shown only at the party and is a wonderful way to ring in the season. Complete with beautiful holiday music and digital projects on the castle, this Christmas Fireworks at Disney World display is well worth the time if you’re attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Disney’s Christmas Parade

• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is shown at the Christmas Party, but you can also see this parade if you are visiting Magic Kingdom during the week of Christmas, during the day. The parade typically runs at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. from Dec. 23 through Dec. 31.

Mickey Mouse Christmas Show at the Castle

• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is also included in the party. This jolly stage show includes Mickey and friends on stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration can also be seen Dec. 23 through Dec. 31 to regular daytime guests. Showtimes vary. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns on select nights in November and December. Know that party dates fill up fast and vary in the ticket price. 2026 Dates TBD.

What Time Does Mickey’s Christmas Party Start?

If you’re heading to the Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts at 7:00 p.m., but party guests can arrive as easily as 4 p.m. at Magic Kingdom for the party. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a limited capacity five hour holiday event kicking off Nov. 7 and running on select nights through Dec. 21 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets, become available on the website mid-July.

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom included with your Magic Kingdom Ticket?

No. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate-ticketed event, that includes park entry from 4 pm ( for a 7 pm start time) to midnight. If you are planning to visit Magic Kingdom for the day you will need to purchase a Magic Kingdom Park Ticket, AND have a Park Pass Reservation. 

What’s the Best Time to Go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party happens every year from the 2nd week in November to the 3rd week in December, the week right before Christmas, at Magic Kingdom. Much like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, this is an evening party. As such, we recommend trying to attend the party before December if you want to avoid the crowds. The week right before Thanksgiving is usually less crowded and is a great way to kick off the season before the holiday chaos starts at WDW.

If attending this party in December, know that this is the busiest time of year at Walt Disney World, after December 12th all the way through New Year’s Day. So be okay with the crowds and the nuances of visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays.  Also, be aware that the weather can get pretty chilly at night in Orlando, so be sure to dress accordingly.

When Can We Arrive for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Ticket holders will be admitted to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4:00 PM on the valid date of their ticket. These date-specific event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or theme park reservation. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party runs from 7:00 PM until 12:00 AM Midnight. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Cost

Unfortunately, the prices for special events are going up every year. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are $169 to $219 per ticket, plus tax (prices vary by event date).

Do you Need a Magic Kingdom Park Ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Not unless you plan to spend your day in the park. In fact, since tickets are so expensive, we recommend not buying or using a Park Ticket that day. Plan to show up at Magic Kingdom around 4 pm, which is typically when they start letting guests check in for the party at 7 pm. Since it will likely be a late night for you, this is a good day to spend the day at the Disney Resorts, or head over to Disney Springs to explore the Christmas Tree Stroll.

How Much Are Tickets for Mickey’s Christmas Party?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are $169 to $219 per ticket, plus tax (prices vary by event date). Grab your Special Event Ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Are there Discounts for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Yes, Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, valid for select event nights.

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Worth it?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an expensive experience. And since it happens during the most expensive time of year at Disney World, you may feel the tight purse strings a bit more. The answer is really up to you! There are so many ways to enjoy Christmas at Walt Disney World, that you can have a magical Christmas without this party ticket.

For us, we knew this was probably a one-time thing. And it was worth it for us to experience it once.  If you use the strategy to swap out a park ticket day for a party ticket instead, you’ll end up budgeting about the same. Or if you’re not concerned about budget and prioritize special Character Meet and Greets, the Disney World Christmas Parade, and snow on Main Street, then you might feel it is worth the cost. If you’re on a budget or traveling with a large party that could really break the bank buying Party tickets, then we say there is enough to do at Walt Disney World during the holidays without attending such a high-priced ticketed event.  Read more in our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Reviews post. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Foodie Guide

This Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom offers a combination of complimentary cookies and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as Party Exclusives that you can buy extra. Here’s the lineup of Christmas Treats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Do You Get Free Food at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Yes, Select cookies, cocoa, apple cider, egg nog and more are available throughout the Magic Kingdom during the Christmas Party. Each location has a specific cookie/drink combination and you can hunt down your favorites as you like. They’re all included in the price of the Christmas Party ticket so they’re technically “free”. 

Lines for these cookie stations can get pretty long and you likely won’t want to spend all of your time waiting in line for cookies. And, honestly, you probably won’t need or want all of the cookies available. We recommend choosing your favorites rather than waiting in line for every cookie station.  You can also find some EXCLUSIVE party treats throughout the Magic Kingdom as well.

Complimentary Cookies and Treats

A major perk of your Christmas party ticket is that you get Free Cookies and Cocoa throughout the park “for free”. We’ve talked before about how there’s a danger of just focusing on collecting these cookies. But, that’s no reason you shouldn’t try for at least a few.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Entertainment

If you’ve ever wondered how magical it would be to have snow on Main Street USA, it’s pretty magical and only happens at the Christmas Party. In addition to the snow on Main Street, you can see Elsa light the castle in the new Frozen Holiday Surprise, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Castle Show, and Santa Claus in the Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade. You can also see the new fireworks show for the holidays! Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show includes classic holiday music, curated by Minnie Mouse herself! 

Frozen Holiday Surprise | 8:15 PM

Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the snowgies at 8:15 PM as Cinderella Castle turns into a frozen wonderland. You can also see this during the day at Magic Kingdom throughout the season. 

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration | 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM and 11:55 PM

The show features nostalgic and modern medleys of holiday music paired with dance performances and favorite Disney characters on the Cinderella Castle Stage. Christmas dancers, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale, Goofy, and Pluto are all part of this must-see show! This show can also be seen throughout Christmas Week at Walt Disney World during the day; showtimes vary. 

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks | 10:00 PM

Minnie Mouse orchestrates a sparkling spectacle over Magic Kingdom as a part of “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.” Full of holiday magic, the show includes dazzling castle projections, fireworks, and seasonal songs. 

If you’d like to snag the best spot to watch the Christmas Fireworks at Magic Kingdom, then you can book the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace for treats and a reserved seating area.  A Fireworks Dessert Party ticket is in addition to your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Ticket and must be purchased separately. 

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade | 8:30 PM, 11 PM

A major perk of attending the Christmas party is seeing the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. It features the flying reindeer, elves, and Santa Claus himself! You can also see this parade the week of Christmas after the party dates have finished, but up until that holiday week, the only place to see this parade is at the party. Check out our Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Photo Tour for a glimpse at the magic. The Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade follows the parade route, starting in Frontierland and ending at the Main Street Fire Station. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Character Visits

There are oh so many character opportunities at the Christmas party! Scrooge McDuck and Sandy Claws are the main attractions so be in line super early for those characters if interested or plan to catch them near the end of the evening when lines are shorter. You can also meet a variety of other characters dressed in their holiday best for the occasion. You can find these meet-and-greet locations on the Party map, however, characters are not specified on the map, so if you have a particular character you’re hoping to meet, just ask a cast member where you can find them!

Club Tinsel Holiday Dance Party at Rockettower Plaza Stage

Head to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café for fun on the dance floor with friends from the North Pole, in this intergalactic dance party that runs all night long. Perfect if you’re grabbing food and need to let the kids shake their sillies out! 

Disney Junior Jingle Jam at Cosmic Rays

If you’re bringing little ones to this evening party at Magic Kingdom, let them join in the fun over at Cosmic Rays! This fun-filled dance celebration features holiday favorites and Disney Junior friends to add some holiday cheer. This event includes characters from popular Disney Junior shows Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and The Lion Guard.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Rides 

Get ready for holiday fun at select Magic Kingdom Rides! Decorated or amped up with seasonal sounds, these rides at Magic Kingdom get holiday ride overlays to add more spirit to the season. 

• Jingle Cruise: Take an exotic cruise down the Amazon river this holiday season with Christmas cheer, and holiday puns! Check out the lineup of Disney Jingle Cruise Jokes. 
• Space Mountain: Complete with a holiday soundtrack and digital displays, Space Mountain becomes an out-of-this-world Christmas trip to outer space! 
• Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor: Funny jokes, holiday cheer, and more take over Monster Inc. characters as they navigate the holidays in this fun show for families. 
• Mad Tea Party: Christmas lights and holiday tunes help you twirl your teacup with a whole lot of merry and bright on this festive spin around Mad Tea Party. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dining

Not included in your ticket, you can also add special holiday dining to your evening in the park. Advance Reservations are required for dinner during the party. 

Christmas at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Head to the Beast’s Castle at Be Our Guest to indulge in delectable French-inspired fare amidst enchanting décor—très délicieux! Check availability.

Christmas at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Dine inside Cinderella Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table Restaurant during the one-of-a-kind experience inspired by the classic fairy tale. Check availability.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise

One of the best parts of visiting Disney during the holidays is seeing all the amazing Disney Christmas merchandise. There is special merchandise for the party, for annual pass holders, and for the holidays in general. You can also grab almost all of it, except party-specific merchandise, at Disney Springs at World of Disney if you don’t attend the party. Be sure to head to Shop Disney’s Holiday Shop for everything to grab this holiday season. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tips

Watch the Parade on Main Street

The spot right in front of the Christmas Tree in Town Square is best because the view of Cinderella Castle really can’t be beaten! You’ll have to camp out and wait to have a spot here, so plan some time for that if you’re looking to grab that spot for the parade.

Do the Second Parade Instead

The second Parade is always less crowded, so if you don’t need to watch both, aim to watch the second one to get a better parade viewing spot.

Ride Popular Rides During the First Parade

If you’re not planning to watch both parades and want to ride rides, the wait times during the parades will be some of the lowest wait times during the Christmas Party.

Head to the Character Lines Early

If you’re committed to meeting a special character, get in line to see them as soon as you arrive. We’ve seen these Character Meet and Greet lines last over two hours at times, so be prepared for these and plan wait time into your night. You can start lining up before the Party even starts and some of the more popular characters actually will start meeting as early as 5:30.

Have a Must-Do List

Have a plan! While this Magic Kingdom Holiday party does not have as much to do as the Halloween Party, you are paying a premium price for these tickets. Know what you want to do and decide what is worth your time while there. There is no right or wrong answer here and the time will always go faster than you realize, so having a plan will help maximize your time at the Party.

Grab a Map

Grab a map! It should be the first thing you do when you enter the Party. A map will be super helpful during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to help you find the special offerings and also make for a cute and FREE souvenir!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Guide

There is so much magic at Walt Disney World during the holidays. While MVMCP isn’t an annual party for us, we do recommend you attend it at least once, to see if it’s something you want to add to your Disney Christmas!

Merry Christmas Party just makes things a little more magical. While this isn’t an annual party for us, we do recommend you attend it at least once, to see if it’s something you want to add to your Disney Christmas!