Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is back again in 2024 with all the holiday magic and fan-favorite ways to celebrate! From free cookies and hot chocolate, to rare character meet-and-greets, to parades and firework shows that you can only see during the event, you’re sure to have a festive time. So, whether this is your first, second, or twentieth time attending the holiday party, we’ve got everything you need to know to plan for and make the most out of your evening!

What is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays during your Walt Disney World vacation, then Mickey’s Very Merry Party is the perfect event for you! This separately ticketed seasonal event is held annually on select nights in the winter at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. It’s a family-friendly event that’s perfect for all ages – even if you’re on an adults-only trip!

During the party, Magic Kingdom is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with festive decorations, special entertainment, and LOTS of cookies and hot chocolate. Some of the highlights of the event include an exclusive Christmas-themed parade, fireworks show, and stage show at Cinderella Castle. Plus, characters that usually can’t be spotted in the parks come out for meet and greets or dance the night away at dance parties throughout the park in their most festive attire. And, because this is a separately ticketed event, you’ll get to enjoy fewer crowds and lower wait times for popular attractions throughout the park including the newly opened ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

When is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

In 2024, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place on select nights in Magic Kingdom from November 8th to December 20th. Each event begins at 7PM and ends at midnight. If you plan on attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it’s important to know when the event is being held so that you can plan your vacation accordingly.

The dates for the 2024 event have been announced and are as follows:

• November – 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27 and 29
• December – 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 20

While the holiday party festivities don’t begin until 7PM, it is worth noting that anyone who purchases a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4PM without a separate park ticket. However, if you’d like to go to Magic Kingdom or another Disney Park earlier in the day, you will need to purchase a separate theme park ticket.

Keep in mind that these dates are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Walt Disney World website for the most up-to-date information.

How Much Do Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Cost?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a ticketed event that is a separate cost from your theme park tickets. In 2024, ticket prices for the event begin at $169 and go up to $219 per person, plus tax. The price varies based on the date of the event. Though, you can generally expect ticket prices to be cheaper in November and most expensive in December as Christmas approaches.

If you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder or a Disney Vacation Club Member, you can save $10 per ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This discount is valid only for select nights in November and December. Cast Members can also save on select nights by visiting the Cast Life Web or My Disney Today.

When are Christmas Party Tickets available?

If you’re planning on attending Mickey’s Very Merry Party, you’ll want to make sure you know when tickets are available and mark your calendar – tickets can go fast and often sell out early. The good news is that tickets are released well in advance of the event, so you have plenty of time to plan. And, they’re already on sale for the 2024 season!

To purchase tickets, you can visit the official Disney website at Disneyworld.com/Holidays. Or, you can call the Disney Reservation Center at 407-934-7639 to purchase your tickets over the phone.

It’s important to note that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a popular event, and tickets often sell out quickly. You may be able to get a ticket on the day of the event at the ticketing window if the event has not sold out for that night. However, if you’re planning on attending, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Event-Exclusive Entertainment

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an event that offers a ton of exclusive entertainment options that are only available during the event. Here are some of the highlights:

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade

One of the highlights of the event is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade. This parade features Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, festive floats that even smell like Christmas, and – of course – Santa Claus himself. The parade runs twice during the party, so make sure to plan your schedule accordingly.

In 2024, the parade will take place at 8:30PM and 11PM on party nights. The earlier parade time is usually the most crowded, so we suggest waiting to see it later in the evening if you can.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show is another must-see at the Christmas party because it’s the only time that you can catch it in Magic Kingdom! The park’s traditional fireworks show takes a pause for the night to make way for this holiday-themed spectacular featuring classic holiday music with a Disney twist, jaw-dropping fireworks, and projections of your favorite Disney characters on Cinderella Castle.

In 2024, the fireworks show will take place at 10PM on party nights. We recommend finding a spot to watch about 30 minutes prior to the show, as Main Street, U.S.A. can fill up fast with party-goers ready to see the fireworks.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show is a festive stage show that takes place on the Cinderella Castle stage multiple times a night during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The show features Mickey and his friends singing classic holiday songs and even includes a visit from Olaf and other Frozen characters.

In 2024, the stage show will take place at 7:40PM, 9:25PM, 10:35PM and 11:55PM each party night,

Frozen Holiday Surprise

While Frozen Holiday Surprise isn’t necessarily a Christmas Party-exclusive offering (as it does take place during regular park hours on non-party days), you don’t want to skip it! As sunset nears, head to the Cinderella Castle Stage area. You’ll join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the snowgies as they transform Cinderella Castle into a “frozen wonderland.”

In 2024, this special stage show will take place at 8:15PM on party nights.

Special Character Meet-and-Greets

During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you have the opportunity to meet Disney characters who are not usually available for meet-and-greets. Plus, even the ones that are usually out to meet day guests are dressed up in their very own festive costumes during the party. Some of the rare characters that have been out in previous years include Jack Skellington dressed as Sandy Claws, Scrooge McDuck, Disney Princes (greeting with their Princess counterparts), and – of course – Santa Claus.

Dance Parties

There’s a whole lot to keep you busy over the five-hour holiday party. And, one of the most fun ways to celebrate is by dancing along with your favorite Disney characters! Throughout Magic Kingdom, there are four different locations with DJs or other musical entertainment to enjoy. In 2024, this includes:

• Club Tinsel at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland
• Disney Junior Jingle Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

Check the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party times guide or the My Disney Experience app for the full list of dance parties and their locations.

Christmas Ride Overlays

While many rides and attractions are open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, five rides in Magic Kingdom get a special holiday overlay for the night. This includes Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain, “Tomorrowland Speedway Race Through the Holidays,” “Jingle Cruise” (a.k.a. Jungle Cruise), and Mad Tea Party. Be sure to ride each one to experience it like never before!

Free Cookies and Hot Drinks

No holiday party would be complete without treats, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is no exception! Throughout the park, you can find stations offering free cookies and hot drinks, including hot chocolate and warm cider. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter night (though, it’s not always necessarily “chilly” in Florida). Just look for the big peppermint-printed inflatables in the park to find the free treats!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Exclusive Merchandise

There is exclusive merchandise available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that you can’t get during any other time of the year (or even day!). This merchandise includes spirit jerseys, long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, mugs, ornaments, trading items, and other items that are only available during the event.

Head to the Emporium or Star Traders during the party to do some shopping!

Snow & Photo Ops

It may not naturally snow in Florida in the winter, but Disney creates their very own “snow” for the event! Head to Main Street, U.S.A. to enjoy what’s been deemed as “snoap” (because of its soap-like features) and walk in Disney’s version of a winter wonderland!

And, be sure to stop for photos when you pass the Disney PhotoPass Photographers during the party! There are several holiday-themed photo backdrops, special props, and magic shots that are only available during party hours throughout the park.

Dining Options

If you’re attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and find yourself hungry, there are plenty of dining options available to you. Both table service and quick service restaurants are open during the event. Plus, event-exclusive treats and drinks are available that you won’t find anywhere else. However, not all restaurants remain open during the party, so it’s important to know your options before you go.

Table Service Restaurants

For table service options, you can check out the following restaurants:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant
• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• The Plaza Restaurant

These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from American to French. Keep in mind that reservations are highly recommended, as these restaurants tend to fill up quickly.

Quick Service Restaurants

If you’re looking for quick service options, you can check out the following locations:

• Casey’s Corner
• Main Street Bakery
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Sleepy Hollow
• The Friar’s Nook
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• And more!

These locations offer a variety of quick and easy meals, such as burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Mobile ordering may not be available during party hours, but check the My Disney Experience App just in case!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

Don’t forget to check out the event-exclusive treats! These treats are only available during Mickey’s Very Merry Party, so be sure to try them while you can. Some of the treats that have been offered in the past include the Christmas Cookie Cake, a Winter Milk Shake, Holiday Waffle Sundae, and the Hot Cocoa Churro.

Disney has confirmed that a flourless chocolate cake, hot cocoa mousse, and marshmallows topped with chocolate pieces will be available for purchase during the party in 2024. You can check out the full foodie guide with all the eats, treats, and drinks that will be available here.

Christmas Fireworks Dessert Party Add-on

For an additional fee, you can purchase a ticket to the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party. There are two different dessert parties available for booking. Each includes reserved viewing for the fireworks show and a variety of Christmas-themed desserts and drinks. This includes Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace (costing $119 for guests ages 10 and older and $75 for guests ages 3 to 9) and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing (costing $99 for guests ages 10 and older and $59 for guests ages 3 to 9).

Each dessert party includes:

• Delicious desserts prepared by our pastry chef, including classic favorites as well as holiday-inspired sweets—like Candy Cane Tarts
• A selection of cheeses
• Refreshing beverages—including an assortment of beer and wine for Guests ages 21 and over with a valid form of identification
• A reserved viewing area for the fireworks show. The exact viewing area will differ depending on which dessert party you book.

Reservations can be made 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. Same-day reservations are limited and often unavailable.

What’s New in 2024

So far, Disney hasn’t announced anything new for the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. All of the classic favorites will return! However, there are plenty of new ways to celebrate the holidays coming to the other parks in Walt Disney World this year that you should know about if you’re planning a visit. Click here to learn all about these new offerings in 2024!

Is the Christmas Party Worth It?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the most beloved special events that Disney puts on every year. However, as costs only continue to rise year after year, the question remains: is it really worth the price?

Ticket prices for the Christmas Party can be quite steep and are more expensive than ever before in 2024, ranging from $169 to $219 per person depending on the night you plan to visit. And, while this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that the party offers exclusive experiences that are not available during park hours. Plus, you’ll have access to the park with fewer crowds. This means that you can save money by not having to purchase Lightning Lanes and still experience shorter wait times for popular rides and attractions in Magic Kingdom.

You also get a bit of a “freebie” with your ticket thanks to the complimentary cookies and hot drinks that are set up throughout the park. And, if you really want to get the bang for your buck, we recommend bringing a bag to store some extra cookies to take home with you. Trust us, you won’t regret having more – these cookies are GOOD!

Overall, whether or not the Christmas Party is worth it depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re a fan of the holidays and Disney, and don’t mind spending the extra money, then the party may be worth it for you. However, if you’re on a tight budget or not particularly interested in the holidays, then it may not be the best investment. You CAN have a great Disney World vacation without attending the party and still get your “festive fix” thanks to the holiday decorations and treats that are available to all guests outside of the special ticketed event.

Comments

Have you ever been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Do you think it’s a must-do for any Disney-goer? Let us know if you’ll be attending the party this year in the comments!