Christmas is here again; stand up and cheer again! It’s officially the first night of Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we can’t wait to show you everything.

Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed holiday after-hours event at Hollywood Studios. The party takes place on select nights from November 7th, 2026 through January 5th, 2027, from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Of course, we had to go on the first night to check out the exclusive entertainment, delicious festive treats, and more. Another thing Jollywood Nights offers is rare character meet-and-greets, and we’re here to tell you who you can see!

There are so many things we love about Jollywood Nights, and one of them is meeting rare Disney characters that only come out for the holiday party. Characters are scattered in specific spots around the park during the evening, which is why we recommend using the Jollywood map!

There are two NEW characters joining the lineup of characters you can meet this year. They’re George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc. We were SO excited to meet these two, and we had such a fun meet-and-greet with them! Needleman is one of the squeaky-voiced maintenance workers from the iconic Pixar movie. George Sanderson is the furry orange monster who needs to get shaved because of a Code 2319.

We could have probably spent all night with them, but there are way too many characters to meet for that!

If you love characters, then Jollywood Nights is the event for you. There are so many rare characters you can meet, including Lotso from Toy Story 3…

…Bo Peep from Toy Story…

…Joy from Inside Out…

…Phineas and Ferb…

…Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.…

…Frozone from The Incredibles…

…Baloo or King Louie from TaleSpin…

…Duffy dressed as Santa…

…Max Goof as Powerline…

…Partysaurus Rex…

…Bing Bong from Inside Out…

…Chewbacca celebrating Life Day…

You’ll see so many characters during an evening at Jollywood Nights, and it can get pretty busy. There’s a chance you may not see everyone you want to. However, meet-and-greets aren’t the only way to see rare characters. Some Disney characters will also appear in Glisten!, a holiday skating show. This year is the first time Disney characters are included in the show.

Here’s a look at all of the characters you can meet at this year’s Jollywood Nights:

• George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc.
• Baloo or King Louie from TaleSpin
• 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
• Phineas and Ferb
• Max Goof as Powerline
• Chip ‘n’ Dale from Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
• Stitch dressed as Santa
• Duffy dressed as Santa
• Edna Mode and Frozone from The Incredibles
• Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.
• Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
• Scrooge McDuck
• Goofy and Pluto
• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

We’re so happy Jollywood Nights is back and that the holiday season is finally here. We have a lot more to show you, so keep following us at the Disney Food Blog!

What Happens If It Rains During Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios?

Have you been wondering what’s happening at Hollywood Studios? Check out the video below!

Are you going to Jollywood Nights this year? Let us know in the comments!