On Sunday, December 14, 2025, D23 hosted its holiday party at the iconic Walt Disney Studios lot. This holiday party came after a couple of nights of cast member parties that were also held on the lot. D23: A Jolly Holiday on the Lot gave D23 Gold Members the chance to visit the historic Disney lot, do some holiday shopping, experience merchandise, food, and even snow!

The party technically began at 4:00 PM and continued until 8:00 PM. There was the opportunity for an additional hour of shopping, arriving an hour early with a special party ticket that had an additional cost. By 2:00 in the afternoon, fans could already be seen streaming onto the lot. Some walked, and some drove; all were excited. After checking in, they were put in lines to enter the event based on shopping window times.

Entertaining Shopping

At 3:00 PM, the shopping began. Outside of a shopping tent in the parking lot, entertainers and game booths made the time in line go by quickly. There were many different games to play with prizes that were Disney merchandise being given out to winners. There was also a booth that was simply for giveaways. People walked away from the booth with Lady and the Tramp blankets, pins, surprise boxes, and other things. It is cliché to say it, but… it was like Christmas!

Along with the giveaways and booths, entertainers were also on hand. There was a musician and a juggler who went around the outside of the store queue and entertained people as they waited. The brass band, Blow, also stopped by to entertain with holiday, Disney, and even Star Wars music. Their performances can be seen here:

The band also played Jingle Bells when entering the area. They played this when moving around throughout the evening to different locations.

Party Time!

The party officially began at 4:00 PM. At this time, more entertainment began to be found around the lot. Booths with individual vendors like Disney Fine Art, RSVLTS, and more could be found around the lot as well. The lines for shopping continued to be one of the longest throughout the evening. There was also popcorn, chips, hot cocoa, and cider being given out throughout the night. For those who wanted to get extra festive, face painting was available as well. A D23 booth also showcased the upcoming premium items for 2026 D23 Gold Members.

For those who wanted more food, the commissary was open. There was also a booth with more food, including Walt’s Chili, that was open near the Studio Store. Over at the other end of the lot, on the other side of the Animation Building, there were food trucks as well. Nearby, there was also the opportunity to decorate cookies (and then eat them, of course). A bar was also open for those who wanted an adult beverage (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic). The Starbucks at the Studio was also open. There was no shortage of offerings.

As one would expect from any Disney party, there was no shortage of Disney characters on hand as well. Dressed in their holiday best, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Buzz, Bo-Peep, Woody, and Jessie brought added holiday cheer to the event. Santa Claus was also on hand to meet with guests who shared their Christmas wishes. One special moment saw Santa Claus meeting Santa Goofy at Pluto’s Corner!

MeloD23

Shortly after the official start of the party, The Walt Disney Company Cast Choir, known as MeloD23. This is an offshoot of the main cast choir and was started by Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline about five years ago. They sang many well-known and a couple of not-so-well-known Christmas carols. There were some real gems found in their performances throughout the night, including some Disney holiday tunes.

Snow

Throughout the night, there were also snow moments to be enjoyed. The first snow moment also saw the head of D23, Michael Vargo, welcoming everyone to the evening. This kicked off the event with added holiday cheer as he finished speaking, and then the snow came down on the area. It really was beautiful and occurred every 30 minutes throughout the evening.

Toys for Tots

One of the most beautiful areas of The Walt Disney Studios lot was an area dedicated to Toys for Tots. There, guests could build a bear (with Build a Bear!) and then give them to a Marine who was collecting toys for children in need. This area had a little Christmas village in front of it, with plenty of Christmas lights. This was beautiful in every way one looked at it. The area looked gorgeous, and the mission that was happening there was equally moving.

More Magic

Throughout the lot, there were lots of magical things to be found as one wandered around. For example, the first-floor hallway was open for the original Animation Building. Throughout the night, D23 members wandered through the historic hallway in this legendary building and checked out the artwork on the walls. Outside of the Animation Building in Disney Legends Plaza, live jazz could be heard performed. This was quite lovely to listen to as people lined up to take a picture with the Partners Statue in the plaza. This is where the bar could be found as well. An exhibit in the lobby of the Frank G. Wells Building showed off some artifacts from The Muppet Christmas Carol. There were also other artifacts to be found in the lobby, which is where The Walt Disney Archives can also be found. There was even Santa’s workbench from The Santa Claus 2 and The Santa Clauses. Couple all of these things with the decorations that could be found just about everywhere, and there was no shortage of Disney or holiday magic.

A Magical Night

D23: A Jolly Holiday on the Lot was quite simply a magical night at The Walt Disney Studios. On top of all of the offerings that D23 had, there were also all of the magical moments that organically happened. This included bumping into fantastic people throughout the night, seeing magical unscripted moments happen (like Goofy and Santa!), and then making new friends while waiting for things. This was a party that had many different things to do and see. In fact, there was so much to do that I would venture that it was impossible to do it all. However, that is never a bad thing! It was all about choices, and there were plenty to be made! This night was full of fun and magic, and was a holiday party that was perfect for Disney fans. This has become a favorite tradition for many in recent years.

One final thought, there are few things more magical than getting to walk where Walt Disney once walked. There are only a few places that, as Disney fans, we can do this. Disneyland is the main place that Disney fans can easily go to walk where Walt once walked. There is something even more special about getting to walk where Walt worked as well. The Walt Disney Studios does not give public tours. Yes, there are D23 Gold Member tours that can be taken, but those are structured. This holiday party gave D23 members the chance to just enjoy being on the lot for a few hours. As they took in all of the holiday offerings, they also had the chance to just be where Walt Disney once was and imagine what the holidays must have been like for him decades before. It really is special.

In recent years, D23 has offered a holiday party at the Disney lot. This is an event that sells out, and that should be no surprise. It really is a magical and merry event! Presumably, D23 will again be offering another holiday party like this next year. Be sure to watch Daps Magic and the D23 website so you don’t miss your chance to go! You won’t regret it!