Do you have your 2026 getaway plans sorted out? If you are ready to make your Disney dreams happen next year, there's no better way to spend them than in Disneyland®. The Happiest Place on Earth is packed with exciting events that will delight guests of all ages. Planning for your Disney trip is important to create the best itinerary and manage your expectations, especially on crowds.
For a more relaxed and intimate Disneyland® adventure, the resort has a fantastic lineup of after-dark events happening from early 2026 to mid-summer. Want to know the exact dates and details of these unmissable happenings? Read more.
What is Disneyland® After Dark?
Disneyland® After Dark events are separately ticketed and themed experiences that provide access to Disneyland® park and select attractions during after-hours, often with shorter wait times. Guests can enjoy captivating entertainment, character meet-and-greets, delicious food and drink options, unique merchandise collections, and more!
These enchanting parties occur on select nights from January to June 2026. Whether you're an avid Disney fan or a first-time visitor, there's a Disneyland® After Dark event perfect for you.
Your Disneyland® After Dark ticket inclusions.
Each Disneyland® After Dark event is held at Disneyland® Park, starting at 9:00 PM and running until 1:00 AM. You'll have an exciting 4-hour window to savor the park after its closure! Your tickets include admission to Disneyland® Park and other exclusive experiences.
- Pre-party park mix-in - When you get into Disneyland® After Dark, you can actually enter the park from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This gives you fun 3 hours before the party starts! Use that time to explore what's happening during the usual park hours.
- Photos from the party - Delight in unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos captured at the event. You'll have no restrictions on the memories you can cherish! Simply scan the QR code on your event wristband through the Disneyland® app to access your collection of photos.
- Commemorative event guide: Enjoy the themed festivities, plus a stunning keepsake and a well-designed event guide map included with your ticket. The map is helpful during the event and makes a great souvenir that you can keep.
Important reminders
- Event tickets are valid only for the specific date and hours of the event.
- Digital photo downloads for Disney PhotoPass do not include some separately priced packages and products available at specific locations.
- Parks, attractions, entertainment, and services may change or be unavailable without notice.
- Event elements are subject to restrictions without notice or liability.
- All merchandise and food items available during the event require separate payment and are not included in your Disneyland® discount tickets.
All the Disneyland® After Dark events you should not miss in 2026.
Sweethearts' Nite
Disneyland® After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite is a delightful event for you and your partner, family, or close friend. Treat your lovely sweetheart to an evening they won't forget. This wonderful evening event takes place on the following dates:
- Thursday, Jan. 22
- Sunday, Jan. 25
- Tuesday, Jan. 27
- Tuesday, Feb. 3
- Thursday, Feb. 5
- Sunday, Feb. 8
- Tuesday, Feb. 10
- Thursday, Feb. 12
- Tuesday, Feb. 17
Sweet shows and live entertainment
- In 2026, the "Celebrate Love Cavalcade" will parade down Main Street, U.S.A., celebrating loved ones, including friends and family. Expect Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and friends to spread love during this magical event.
- Launching in 2026, "Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook" is a romantic show featuring live singers and Disney royalty, culminating in a magical evening ball.
- Team up for Disney Duets karaoke at the iconic Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland, with a unique Disney flair.
- Experience a joyful Valentine's Dance Party with Donald and Daisy Duck at Tomorrowland Terrace.
- In the park, scenic backdrops bring to life moments from beloved films like The Aristocats, Tangled, Aladdin, and Lady and the Tramp.
Specialty food and beverages.
Nothing's more wonderful than sharing sweet and savory treats with your beloved. Here are some of the finest food and drink items you can indulge in during the event.
- Galactic Grill's new offering for 2026 is a triple berry slushy with a Mickey-shaped glow cube. Returning favorites include Surf n' Turf loaded fries at Red Rose Taverne and a Mickey-shaped strawberry cream puff at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante.
- More special menu items will be offered at Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace, and Carnation Café, depending on availability. It is recommended to book online closer to the event dates. Make sure to have your Disneyland® app handy!
Sweethearts' Nite Merchandise
The perfect souvenir is one you can show off during the event and later! This year features a Mickey Mouse ear headband, trading pin, T-shirt, zip-up hoodie, and tumbler.
Score your Sweethearts' Nite tickets
- Magic Key pre-sale: Inspire Key holders can buy pre-sale tickets for Disneyland® After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite on December 9, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM PT from Disneyland® website. All Magic Key holders can purchase tickets the next day, December 10, at 9:00 AM PT.
- General: On Thursday, December 11, 2025, tickets will be sold to the public starting at 9:00 AM PT, but they are limited and may sell out.
70 Years of Favorites
70 Years of Favorites is a new theme celebrating seven decades of cherished experiences at the park. Inspired by Disneyland®'s 70th Celebration, this event highlights favorite music, shows, and characters, immersing you in the park's magical history. Catch this colorful and nostalgic theme park experience on these dates.
- Tuesday, March 3
- Thursday, March 5
Fun and nostalgic shows and entertainment
- Experience the fun of swing dancing at the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland, where the best bands once played. Now it's your chance to dance!
- Get your dancing shoes on for the Videopolis Dance Party happening at Tomorrowland Terrace! We're talking '80s tunes, a live DJ spinning great tracks, and some super colorful retro vibes all around.
- Get ready to have a blast with some line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe! It's all about having fun while stepping along to "Woody's Round Up," the beloved cowboy show that lit up the Frontierland stage back in the late '90s and early 2000s.
- You can find amazing photo opportunities at Disneyland® that highlight classic experiences like "Mad T Party," "Main Street Electrical Parade," and Club Buzz, plus some rides you might not notice. Time to get your camera and smile ready!
- Revisit your favorite classic characters like "Long Lost Friends" from Disney Afternoon, "Mother" and "Father" from Carousel of Progress, Merlin, Flik, Atta, and Fantasmic.! Monkeys.
Tasty munchies and sips to celebrate 70 years of favorites.
Indulge in themed food and drinks inspired by the classic Disneyland® kitchens, including:
- Mushroom Philly sandwich (plant-based) and maple bacon cinnamon roll at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
- Birria mac and cheese in a bread bowl at Refreshment Corner
- Gaston Brew at Red Rose Taverne
River Belle Terrace will introduce a new specialty dish: Blackened New York steak and prawns. It's best to make reservations for table-service restaurants as the event dates approach.
Getting your event tickets.
- Magic Key pre-sale: On December 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM PT, Inspire Key holders can buy from a select number of pre-sale tickets for Disneyland® After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites on the official website. On December 10, at 9:00 AM PT, all Magic Key holders can also buy pre-sale tickets.
- General: Tickets for the general public will be available for purchase on Thursday, December 11, 2025, starting at 9 a.m. PT. Availability is limited.
Disney Channel Nite
Disneyland® After Dark: Disney Channel Nite is back! It's got a fun mix of entertainment, awesome characters, and music that celebrates those classic shows we all know and adore. Catch your favorite Disney characters on the following dates:
- Sunday, April 12
- Tuesday, April 14
- Thursday, April 16
More details will be revealed soon. Follow our blog for the pre-sale and general ticket sale dates for this exciting event. Don't miss out as Disney Channel Nite returns!
Star Wars Nite
In 2026, prepare for the exhilarating return of Disneyland® After Dark: Star Wars Nite, promising unforgettable nights of excitement. Join family and fellow fans for character meet-ups, amazing photo ops, and fun activities. It's one of the fan-favorite Disneyland® offerings, so be sure to mark these dates on your calendar.
- Tuesday, April 28
- Thursday, April 30
- Monday, May 4
- Wednesday, May 6
Your nights in 2026 will be filled with force and mystery. Other details and ticket information about this event will be dropped soon. Be sure to follow us.
Pride Nite
Come together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community! It's going to be a fun night with allies and friends, filled with colorful rainbow lights, joyful decorations, exciting performances, and so much more. Witness the Happiest Place on Earth glow in rainbow colors with love and pride. Swing by the resort on the following dates:
- Tuesday, June 16
- Thursday, June 18
On-sale dates and additional details will be available soon.
Pro tips to fully enjoy your Disneyland® After Dark experience
Now that you already know the basic details like specific event dates and hours for each After Dark experience, here are some tips.
Pick the best outfit for your chosen event.
These five exciting after-dark events are themed. So, to make the most of your experience, rock the best outfit for your chosen event. Whether you're planning to dress in bright colors or don your favorite Disney-themed merchandise, your outfit will add to the fun and magic of your after-dark adventures!
Save more for exclusive dining experiences (and merch!).
There are plenty of after-dark menu options at select Disneyland® park restaurants. And we are 100% sure that you don't want to miss the Disney deliciousness. With many returning favorites and new for 2026, some sweet and savory menu options can be a bit pricy. Save for your trip and don't miss the opportunity to purchase themed food and merchandise.
Have the Disneyland® app handy.
It doesn't matter if you are a Disneyland® first-timer or a regular guest. The official Disneyland® app is your best friend when exploring the resort. Create an account and discover helpful features that can help you maximize your Disneyland® getaway. This app lets you manage your reservations, order food in advance, monitor real-time wait times, use virtual queues and more.
Soak in the magic of Disneyland® in unforgettable moments after dark.
Ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Disney After Dark? Treat yourself and your favorite people to colorful moments of laughter, nostalgia, and celebration of pride. In 2026, the Happiest Place on Earth will welcome new spectacular shows and experiences for Disney fans of all ages.
Grab your discounted Disneyland® tickets now and soak in fun, love, and magic with your loved ones. Let's make your Disney dreams happen, FunExplorers!
