Disney Jollywood Nights is back for its fourth year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we were there for opening night on Saturday, November 7. The short version? Jollywood is a great party, and a couple of the shows are better than ever. Here’s our full review of the entertainment, the food we tried and a few tips to help you plan your night.
What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
If you only see one show at Jollywood Nights, make it this one. What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along.
Get ready for a little Halloween mixed in with your Christmas cheer! Head over to the Hyperion Theater, where Jack Skellington brings the worlds of Halloween Town and Christmas Town together for a holiday experience unlike any other.
With snowflakes falling, familiar songs like “What’s This?” and “Sally’s Song,” and decorations that combine the spooky fun of Halloween with the magic of Christmas, it’s a festive experience with a fun twist!
Glisten Is Greatly Improved
Over the years I wasn’t a fan of Glisten. Not because of the performers at all, they are very good. Just it never seemed like a great “ice” show. Coming from the North and growing up where every city near me had a yearly ice show, i have higher expectations. I can say now, Glisten got a big upgrade this year, and it shows. Disney added characters into the show, and it made a huge difference. It feels more alive and much more enjoyable than before. If you saw it in past years and were not wowed, give it another try.
The Muppets Are Back
Disney Holidays in Hollywood with Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog show returned, and it is a great time. It is fun, silly and full of the kind of holiday chaos only Kermit and the gang can pull off. With Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets also getting its first holiday overlay this season, it really is the Muppets’ year at Hollywood Studios.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Fireworks
The night wraps up with Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the party’s holiday fireworks show. Find your spot early, because the area fills up fast as showtime gets closer. If you don’t care about seeing the projections, you can honestly be anywhere in the park and see the firworks.
Characters and Dance Parties
We saw a handful of characters dressed in their holiday best around the park, and we checked out the dance parties, which are a fun way to keep the energy up between shows. If meeting characters is a priority for your family, plan for lines and pick your top few to focus on.
The Jollywood Nights Treats We Tried
We tried four items on opening night, and every one of them was a hit. You can see the full lineup in our Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 menu guide.
Jolly Jam Slider
An Angus burger with bourbon garlic bacon jam, smoky paprika aïoli and chili pepper sauce, served on a Hawaiian roll. It has very good flavor and makes a great little snack between shows.
Hickory Holiday Mac
Macaroni and cheese topped with barbecue pork, crispy onions and chili pepper sauce. This one is very good, with a little bit of a kick from the chili pepper sauce.
Christmas Taco Cookie
Cranberry cheesecake filled chocolate cookies dipped in cranberry white chocolate, then topped with pistachio whipped cream, gold crispy pearls, a chocolate holly leaf and holiday sprinkles. It is packed with flavor and is a real eye catcher, so get your camera ready.
Street Corn Chicken Empanada
We had this one last year and had to try it again. It is topped with cilantro lime crema, Cotija and chili lime seasoning, and the flavor and spice are fantastic. This is our must try savory snack of the party.
Jollywood Nights Merchandise
We also checked out this year’s Jollywood Nights merchandise, and there is plenty to take home as a souvenir of the party.
Fewer Costumes This Year
One thing we noticed: during the first two years of Jollywood Nights, it felt like a lot more guests dressed up for the event. The party has a fun Hollywood glam theme, so if you love an excuse to dress up, this is your night to shine. Just know you will not be the only one in jeans or shorts.
Your Free Jollywood Nights Keepsake
Don’t leave without your gift! As you exit at the end of the night, every guest picks up this year’s complimentary keepsake, a festive metal wreath ornament featuring Chip ‘n’ Dale, with a sparkly gold bow, colorful ornaments and a film strip showing the Disney Jollywood Nights and Disney’s Hollywood Studios logos. It’s the perfect little souvenir to hang on your tree and remember the party every Christmas.
Is Disney Jollywood Nights Worth It?
Jollywood is a great party. The Nightmare Before Christmas sing along is a highlight, Glisten is better than ever, the Muppets are as fun as always and the food is worth planning around. If you love Hollywood Studios and want a different kind of holiday party than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights is a great choice.
Before you go, read our Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 guide for dates, sold out nights, hours and our rain plan. Heading to Magic Kingdom too? Check out What’s New at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026, and for more from the park, visit our Disney’s Hollywood Studios News and Guide.
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