BREAKING! Disneyland Merriest Nites Party Will NOT Return to Disneyland in 2022

Disneyland's Merriest Nites was a NEW Disneyland Christmas after hours event that debuted last year. The holiday party took place on select nights in November and December.

The event included special holiday entertainment, limited capacity access to popular rides, a special viewing of A Christmas Fantasy parade plus snowfall on Main Street!

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Disneyland Merriest Nights Party 2022

Disneyland has confirmed that the Merriest Nights Disneyland Christmas party will not return to the resort for the 2022 season.

The event previously took place on 5 select nights. Some guests were waiting to decide which dates to book park tickets to avoid coming during the Christmas party. That concern is now alleviated. There is no wide ranging after hours party that would cause early closures throughout the holiday planned.

The party offered unique entertainment that was really a special treat. As a special surprise, I'd love to see some of the highlights from the party (you can see details in our review from the event below) rolled out for the 2022 season. More specifically, please let us see the Muppets singing Christmas carols again!

If you are visiting Disneyland during the holiday season, we highly recommend that you purchase your Disneyland tickets now and make your park reservation to avoid the headache of checking for dates and seeing them sold out as you get closer to your trip days. We expect that the holiday season will again be an extremely popular time to visit.

For more information on the Walt Disney World Christmas after hours party, click here.

For more on the previous year's event and photos, please see our original article below.

The details were confirmed with Disneyland Public Relations by Scott Gustin.

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NEW Disneyland Holiday After Hours Party: Merriest Nites

Here all the most important details of Disneyland's Merriest Nites after hours event:

  • Disney Merriest Nites will take place on Nov. 11, Nov. 16, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 9.
  • Ticket prices are $165 per person for ages 3 and up Nov. 16, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 9. Ages two and under are free. Opening night on Nov. 11 is $175 per person.
  • Guests with ticket can enter Disneyland beginning at 5PM.
  • The party takes place from 8PM to midnight.

Tickets will be available for purchase on Sept. 14, 2021 beginning at 9AM.

Special Holiday Entertainment

The after hours event includes special entertainment hosted by beloved characters, popular holiday offerings, snowfall on Main Street plus themed photo ops across the resort.

Merry Parties

The main entertainment of Merriest Nites features six holiday parties in most of the lands around Disneyland featuring favorite characters such as:

Victorian-Themed Party on Main Street, U.S.A.

Mickey Mouse on Main Street, U.S.A. with Victorian flair along with  Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and other Muppets traveling in a special coach singing Christmas carols.

New Orleans Holiday in New Orleans Square

Princess Tiana rings in Noel in New Orleans Square with a bayou-inspired celebration including beads and beignets.

Feliz Navidad Party in Frontierland

Miguel from “Coco” will be featured in Frontierland with dancing, live music, and more.

Tropical Party in Adventureland

Lilo & Stitch will host a tropical party in Adventureland.

Frozen-Themed Party in Fantasyland

Elsa will host a wintertime celebration in Fantasyland.

Tomorrowland Party in Tomorrowland

Buzz Lightyear will host his holiday celebration in Tomorrowland featuring a DJ.

A Christmas Fantasy Parade

The after hours event also includes a special showing of A Christmas Fantasy parade which will give guests a chance to view the parade without competing for a spot in advance due to the limited capacity.

Access to Attractions

Access to attractions includes all those inside Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square and Frontierland… which includes Haunted Mansion Holiday and it's a small world Holiday.

Keep in mind that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey’s Toontown and Critter Country will not be accessible during the party.

Exclusive Merchandise and Holiday Treats

disneyland after hours christmas party

Disneyland's Merriest Nites will also feature exclusive event merchandise along with holiday themed treats and food.

Costumes Encouraged

Disneyland is encouraging costumes during Merriest Nites for all ages but any costumes should abide by theme park guidelines.

  • All Guests may dress as their favorite character during the event, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests
  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent
  • Costumes may not contain any items that resemble (or could easily be mistaken for) an actual weapon
  • Costumes may not contain sharp/pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest
  • Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening
  • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses)

For Guests Ages 13 and Under

  • Costumes and some costume masks may be worn as long as the entire face isn’t covered and eyes are visible

For Guests Ages 14 and Older

  • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist
  • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are permitted
  • Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus
  • Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face
  • Costume masks of any kind may not be worn

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay has been called on as a Disney expert and has been featured by CNBC, SFGate, NerdWallet, Visit Anaheim, and more. She has been writing about the Disney Parks and Universal since 2017. Lindsay visits Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando multiple times a year. She has sailed on every Disney Cruise Line class ship and has experience visiting both of Disney's private islands along with specialty themed cruises like Marvel Day at Sea. Lindsay provides expert advice for the Disney Parks, Disney Cruises, Universal Theme Parks, and more. As the content director of Mickey Visit she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to provide news updates, reviews, and money saving tips for guests to experience more and save more money. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and has been visiting Disneyland since the 1990s.

2 comments

  1. Is this still the case. I ask because DCA is closing early at 5PM on November 16th, which just happens to be the day I was planning to go. So, I’m wondering if there is some sort of after hours event on that day.

    • Yes, there will be no Merriest Nites this year. DCA is likely closing for a private event so this is unrelated.

Comments are closed.

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