Tonight’s the night! Disney Jollywood Nights officially kicks off its 2026 holiday season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, bringing glitz, glamour, and plenty of holiday cheer to the park after dark. Now in its fourth year, the after-hours Christmas party has become known for its old Hollywood atmosphere, live entertainment, festive treats, and, maybe most of all, its rare character encounters. For many guests, the chance to meet characters you won’t find anywhere else at Walt Disney World is the biggest reason to buy a ticket.Disney has revealed this year’s character lineup for Jollywood Nights, and it’s packed with fan favorites, holiday costumes, and a few brand-new surprises. Two characters from Monsters, Inc. are making their Jollywood Nights debut, while favorites like Santa Duffy, Max as Powerline, the Rescue Rangers, and Chewbacca celebrating Life Day are returning for another festive season.If you’re heading to the party tonight or on a future date, knowing where to find your favorite characters can save you time and help you plan the perfect night. Here’s a complete guide to the characters at Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 and where you can expect to meet them.When Is Jollywood Nights?Disney Jollywood Nights runs on select nights from November 7, 2026, through January 5, 2027, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is the first year the event extends into January, giving guests more chances to attend.Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicA Quick Note on LocationsDisney has announced the character lineup, but not every meet-and-greet location has been officially confirmed. Some of the locations below are based on where characters have appeared in previous years.Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app during your visit for the most accurate character locations and appearance times.Echo LakeEcho Lake is home to some of the party’s most nostalgic characters:Chip and Dale as Rescue RangersBaloo or King Louie in their TaleSpin costumes (alternating)Max as Powerline from A Goofy MoviePhineas and FerbStitch dressed as SantaIf you grew up watching Disney Afternoon cartoons, this area is a must.Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the MagicCommissary LaneClassic Disney characters can be found here:Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet DreamsDonald Duck and Daisy DuckMeeting Mickey and Minnie in their Hollywood setting makes for a glamorous holiday photo.Grand AvenueAlong Grand Avenue, guests may find:Goofy and PlutoScrooge McDuckBing Bong from Inside Out appeared at Jollywood Nights in 2025, but his status for this year is unclear, so check the app if you’re hoping to meet him.Star Wars: Galaxy’s EdgeStar Wars fans will want to head to Batuu for:Chewbacca celebrating Life DayThe Mandalorian and GroguChewbacca’s Life Day appearance is a fun holiday twist that you won’t see the rest of the year.Credit: Subhash Roy, FlickrToy Story LandToy Story Land brings out some fan-favorite toys:Lotso from Toy Story 3Partysaurus Rex from Toy Story Toons: Partysaurus RexBo Peep from the Toy Story moviesCredit: DisneyWalt Disney PresentsDuring the party, Walt Disney Presents will host:Duffy the Disney Bear dressed as SantaDuring regular park hours, Santa Claus meets guests in this location, but Santa Duffy takes over during Jollywood Nights.Pixar Disco at Pixar PlazaPixar Plaza transforms into the Pixar Disco, featuring:New: George Sanderson from Monsters, Inc.New: Needleman from Monsters, Inc.Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.Frozone from The IncrediblesEdna Mode from The IncrediblesJoy from Inside OutThe new Monsters, Inc. characters are expected to be some of the most popular meets of the night, so plan accordingly.Credit: DisneyCharacters in Live ShowsSome characters appear in Jollywood Nights’ live entertainment rather than meet-and-greets.Disney Holidays in Hollywood (Theater of the Stars)Kermit the FrogMiss PiggyMickey MouseMinnie MouseBelle from Beauty and the BeastTiana from The Princess and the FrogGlisten!Donald DuckDaisy DuckGenie from AladdinThis is the first year Disney characters are joining the ice-skating show.What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along (Hyperion Theater)Oogie BoogieJack Skellington in puppet formTips for Meeting Characters at Jollywood NightsPrioritize rare characters. Head to George Sanderson and Needleman early.Check the app often. Locations and times may change throughout the night.Group nearby meets. Plan your route by area to save walking time.Don’t forget PhotoPass. Digital downloads are included with your Jollywood Nights ticket.Leave time for shows. Some characters only appear on stage.Enjoy the PartyWith rare characters, holiday costumes, and new faces from Monsters, Inc., Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 has plenty to offer character fans. Whether you’re hunting down Disney Afternoon favorites or meeting Santa Duffy, a little planning can help you make the most of your night.Which Jollywood Nights character is at the top of your list this year?The post Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 Character Guide: Who You Can Meet and Where to Find Them appeared first on Inside the Magic.