Hollywood Studios Christmas Guide 2025
This is Mikayla with The Curious Mortal - your go-to for Disney World secrets, hacks, and better planning.
Today we’re dialing in Hollywood Studios for Christmas 2025: what’s actually included with a day ticket, what’s party-only, and the smartest way to see it without wasting steps (or bedtime).
Let’s do this.
Hollywood Studios Important Dates:
Christmas Season window: Nov 14 – Dec 31, 2025 (daytime/regular offerings)
Party window (separate ticket): Jollywood Nights, Nov 8 – Dec 22, 2025
Pro Tip:
Because Jollywood starts early, most décor is up by Nov 6–8. Santa also starts Nov 8. Food/merch/entertainment tied to the “resort-wide” holiday season typically go live Nov 14.
The vibe: old-Hollywood tinsel
Hollywood Studios is that friend who barely tries and still looks iconic in photos. Think 1930s holiday postcard energy: silver garlands across Hollywood Boulevard, glowing red-and-white stars on Sunset, a 65-foot Christmas tree floating on Echo Lake, and Gertie the dino wearing her Santa hat like she owns the park (because she does).
Where it lands on the “how much is included?” spectrum:
- More than Magic Kingdom during regular hours
- Less than EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
- Sweet spot if you love nighttime shows and vintage décor
When Is Hollywood Studios the Busiest During Christmas?
Hollywood Studios at Christmas hits a sweet spot most of the season - festive but not shoulder-to-shoulder… until you hit those peak weeks.
Here’s what to expect:
Hollywood Studios Busiest times:
- Jersey Week (Nov 3–8, 2025): New Jersey schools are closed for the NJEA teacher convention, and families flood the parks for a pre-holiday escape. Expect noticeably higher crowds all week, especially around Echo Lake and Sunset Boulevard in the evenings.
- Thanksgiving Week (Nov 23–30): Packed. Most people arrive the weekend before and stay through Black Friday.
- Christmas through New Year’s (Dec 22–31): The most crowded days of the entire year. Lines, parades, everything maxed.
- Jollywood opening weekend & Saturdays (Nov 8, 15, 22; Dec 6, 13, 20): Crowded from 4–7 p.m. as day guests overlap with party arrivals.
Easiest weeks to manage:
- Nov 10–21: After Jersey Week, before Thanksgiving - near-perfect balance of decorations and lighter crowds.
- Early December (Dec 2–12): Everything’s running, but kids are still in school. Great time for low waits and solid weather.
- Weekday Jollywood Nights (Mon/Wed): Smaller overlap crowds and easier to navigate pre-party.
Pro tip:
If you want to catch all the decorations without chaos, aim for mid-November or early December - or stay late at night when families with little ones tap out.
What’s included with your day ticket (no party required)
Sunset Seasons Greetings (looping nightly on Sunset Blvd)
Tower of Terror morphs into the Hollywood Toy Hotel, a gingerbread tower, and more while animated billboards play mini-skits. Expect lasers, music, and snow (soap bubbles, protect your lens). It runs in a ~15-minute loop from around sunset to park close. You do not need to stake out a spot for an hour. See it as you pass, or watch two loops to catch different sequences.
Frozen Sing-Along - Holiday Finale
The regular show with an added holiday tag (~5 extra minutes) and a certain snowman making things… extra flurry. Because the finale lengthens the show, assume ~30+ minutes door-to-door. Great way to dodge that late-afternoon slump and give those feet a break.
Characters in festive looks
Toy Story Land, the Brown Derby lawn, along Hollywood Blvd - keep eyes open for holiday vests, scarves, and candy-cane details. Times/locations shift - check the My Disney Experience app the morning of your visit.
Toy Story Land holiday touches
Woody’s scarf, popcorn garland, Rex in antlers, alien ornaments - and Alien Swirling Saucers sometimes swaps to holiday music on select cycles. It’s not advertised or guaranteed (think “fun surprise” not “hard promise”).
Santa (starting Nov 8)
Santa moves into his seasonal meet. This year he will be at Walt Disney Presents. Some years use a virtual queue - open the My Disney Experience app, search “Santa,” and join if available.
Bonus: Santa Goofy appears at Minnie’s Holiday Dine (see below).
The decoration map (aka your photo route)
- Hollywood Boulevard: silver/gold garlands, star toppers, vintage figurines; a classic “first look” and perfect for end-of-night PhotoPass.
- Sunset Boulevard: red/white star lamps, tinsel-heavy façades; home of Sunset Seasons Greetings.
- Echo Lake: the tree, floating ornaments, reflections on the water, Gertie & Santa hat. Must-shoot at dusk.
- Toy Story Land: whimsical details that photograph best once the bistro lights glow.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: no traditional décor; look instead for Life Day merch vibes.
Holiday Treats Available During Regular Park Hours
All holiday treats are available November 1 through January 4. Mobile order is available for each item.
The only item that is available through January 31st is the Hot Cocoa Lunch Box Tart at Woody's Lunchbox.
Let's jump into all the different treats available during regular park hours meaning you don't need a Jollywood Nights party ticket to eat them.
ABC Commissary
- Linzer Cookie Mousse Torte: Layers of hazelnut cake, raspberry-blackcurrant mousse, raspberry jam, and sweet snow-dusted linzer cookie
Backlot Express & Rosie’s All-American Café
- Coquito Wreath Cupcake: Coquito custard-filled vanilla cupcake topped with coquito buttercream, chocolate bow, gold crispy pearls, and rainbow sprinkles
Dockside Diner
- Red Velvet Holiday Milk Shake: Red velvet milk shake swirled with chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a holiday tree sugar cookie
The Trolley Car Café
- Mickey Gingerbread Cookie: A soft gingerbread cookie with white chocolate Mickey details
Woody’s Lunch Box
- Hot Cocoa Lunch Box Tart: Chocolate fudge filling, hot cocoa-marshmallow fondant, and mini marshmallows
Minnie’s Holiday Dine
This is a special character dining at Hollywood & Vine for Lunch and Dinner. Minnie, Mickey, Pluto - plus Santa Goofy - in festive outfits. If you want guaranteed character time without chasing lines, this is the best way to guarantee it.
Reminder: Breakfast is Disney Junior pals (not the holiday crew).
As soon as you know that you want this a part of your plan, Make Reservations. Since this is a festive Character Meal, it books quickly.
Night is prime time (do this order)
- Frozen Sing-Along late afternoon (avoid post-sunset crunch)
- Land at Echo Lake at dusk for the tree lighting and reflection shots. Ask a nearby Cast Member when the lights usually flip that day.
- Roll to Sunset Blvd for your first Sunset Seasons Greetings loop and “snow.”
- Head to Toy Story Land for night photos and a spin or two.
- Circle back to Sunset Seasons Greetings for a different loop and cleaner crowd pockets.
Sample half-day plan (no party ticket)
- 2:30 PM arrive, grab a seasonal sweet (or coffee)
- 3:00 PM Frozen Sing-Along
- 4:00-5:00 PM Echo Lake photos and visit Santa in Walt Disney Presents
- Dusk Echo Lake tree lighting
- After dusk Sunset Seasons loop > quick service dinner/treat crawl
- Evening Toy Story Land rides and photo laps > one more Sunset loop > bounce
Pro Tip:
Go to Magic Kingdom in the morning and then do this Hollywood Studios afternoon/evening plan.
Make sure you do this day on a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party day so you have low crowds at Magic Kingdom (and minimal ride wait times).
Learn all about this strategy here.
At 12:30 PM go back to your hotel, take a little nap. Then at 2 head out to Hollywod Studios to get there at 2:30 PM. Then run through the above laid back itinerary.
Disney Jollywood Nights (separate ticket)
Dates (select nights): Nov 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29; Dec 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22
Entry: 5:30 PM(earlier than ever)
Event: 7:30 PM–12:30 AM
Pricing: Range from $159 to $199 per ticket, plus tax (prices vary by event date).
Why go: Lower waits, party-exclusive entertainment & characters, specialty bites, PhotoPass downloads included.
What’s new or notable in 2025
- Earlier entry at 5:30 p.m.
- Two stage shows operating party night: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (open during the event). Please note: these are both available during regular park hours, so plan accordingly.
- Backlot Express gets a party-only specialty menu.
- New Ollie (gingerbread mascot) merch drop: Spirit Jersey, Loungefly, ears, mug, ornament.
- New Character Meet & Greets
- Chewbacca – appearing at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Partysaurus Rex – appearing at Toy Story Land
- Bing Bong from Inside Out – appearing on Grand Avenue
- Miguel from Coco – appearing at Holiday Fiesta en la Calle near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Headliner shows
- Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! - Chinese Theater - 10:00 PM (fireworks + projections + lasers + snow).
- Disney Holidays in Hollywood - Theater of the Stars - 8:15 PM, 9:15 PM, 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM
- “What’s This?” Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along - The Hyperion Theater - 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM
- Glisten! Skating Show - in front of the Chinese Theater - 8:10 PM, 9:10 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:10 PM and 12:00 AM
Please Note:
Times can nudge. Always confirm in the event guide the night of.
Parties and pop-ups you should actually prioritize
- Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club (Hollywood Blvd): live holiday jazz sets throughout the night.
- Pixar Disco (Pixar Plaza): dance party windows 7:30-9:30 PM and 10:30 PM-12:30 AM
- Holiday Fiesta en la Calle (new location: Coaster Courtyard on Sunset): Latin holiday street fair with Miguel (Coco) joining José & Panchito; themed food + live music.
Characters you’ll only nab at Jollywood
New in 2025
- Chewbacca – appearing at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Partysaurus Rex – appearing at Toy Story Land
- Bing Bong from Inside Out – appearing on Grand Avenue
- Miguel from Coco – appearing at Holiday Fiesta en la Calle near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Returning in 2025
- Baloo or King Louie from TaleSpin – appearing at Echo Lake
- José Carioca or Panchito from The Three Caballeros – appearing near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Lotso from Toy Story 3 – appearing at Toy Story Land
- Bo Peep from the Toy Story movies – appearing at Toy Story Land
- The Mandalorian and Grogu – appearing at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Joy from Inside Out – appearing at Pixar Place
- Phineas and Ferb – appearing at Echo Lake
- Max Goof as Powerline – appearing at Echo Lake
- Chip ‘n’ Dale from Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers – appearing at Echo Lake
- Stitch dressed as Santa – appearing at Celebrity Spotlight at Echo Lake
- Duffy dressed as Santa – appearing at Walt Disney Presents
- Edna Mode and Frozone from The Incredibles – appearing at Pixar Plaza
- Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. – appearing at Pixar Plaza
- Donald Duck and Daisy Duck – appearing near Commissary Lane
- Scrooge McDuck – appearing on Grand Avenue
- Goofy and Pluto – appearing on Grand Avenue
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse – appearing at Red Carpet Dreams
Character strategy:
From 5:30-7:15 PM, hit one rare meet (two if the lines cooperate) before shows kick off. After 10:15 PM, lines often soften again - perfect for one last rare meet before the night wraps.
Rides typically open
Subject to change
- Rise of the Resistance
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Tower of Terror
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Last hour = ride hour. After 11:15 p.m., crowds shift toward the final shows, which means shorter waits at the big attractions. Take advantage and loop your favorites one more time.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby
A lounge-y breather with live music and elegant bites. If you’re the “holiday jazz + cocktail” type, set a reminder to reserve when bookings open (historically September).
This is a limited-capacity experience; reservations are strongly recommended to help you plan your evening.
Tickets & savings
- On-sale pattern: Select resort guests usually get first dibs mid-July, general sale around July 22.
- Discounts: Annual Passholders and DVC members frequently see price breaks.
Translation: If Jollywood Nights is a must, buy early!
Park-hopping & resort detours that make sense
Hollywood Studios is a Friendship Boat ride, Skyliner hop, or 15-minute walk from the BoardWalk / Yacht Club / Beach Club triangle.
If you’ve got evening stamina, swing over for lobby trees, gingerbread displays (BoardWalk & Beach Club are standouts), and model trains (often at Yacht Club).
You can also take the Disney Skyliner to reach resorts like Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, or Art of Animation for a quick detour or post-park meal.
Just keep in mind that the Skyliner usually stops running 60-90 minutes after park close, so double-check hours before you linger too long at a resort.
If you’re really feeling up for it:
EPCOT fireworks + Hollywood Studios Sunset Seasons projections in one night is doable - just wear good shoes (or be ready for that final Skyliner glide under the stars).
FAQ's
When do decorations go up?
Most are installed by Nov 6-8 thanks to Jollywood’s early dates; regular daytime holiday offerings start Nov 14.
Is Sunset Seasons every night?
Yes, typically looping from around sunset to close throughout the season.
Where do I meet Santa?
He will be in Walt Disney Presents. Check My Disney Experience App the day you’re going for timing.
Any ride overlays?
Only light touches. Alien Swirling Saucers sometimes gets holiday tracks. No coaster overlays.
Is PhotoPass included at Jollywood?
Yes, photo downloads are included with your event ticket.
Final word
Hollywood Studios at Christmas absolutely hits - especially at night. If Magic Kingdom is “nostalgia Christmas,” Hollywood Studios is “cool-girl Christmas,” all tinsel canopies, neon reflections, and that perfect shot of Gertie across the water.
Build one focused evening here (party or not) and you’ll leave with the kind of photos and memories that feel cinematic without trying.
