Some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site.
Disney Starlight Schedule Change
If you are planning to “Dream the Night Away” at Magic Kingdom in the new year, take note: Disney Starlight is shifting its schedule. While the glowing nighttime spectacular has typically run twice per night since its debut in July 2025, the park will reduce the show to a single nightly performance on select dates in early January 2026.
Related-Music from Disney’s Starlight Parade Now on Apple Music & Spotify
Why the Change?
Historically, January and February are considered the “slow season” at Walt Disney World. As holiday crowds dissipate, park hours often shorten, and entertainment schedules are streamlined. Concentrating the audience into a single 7:45 p.m. showing is a common move during these lower-attendance weeks, though it does mean you’ll want to stake out your viewing spot a bit earlier than usual!
Related-New Disney Starlight Parade Window Displays on Main Street USA
Disney Starlight Parade Schedule: Winter 2025/2026
To help you plan your evening, here is the confirmed schedule for the upcoming weeks. Note how the times shift from the double-header holiday rush to the single-show pattern in early January.
Peak Holiday Performances From December 22 through December 29, you can catch the parade at 7:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. nightly. For the big New Year’s Eve rush on December 30 and 31, the times move slightly earlier to 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Starting the New Year To kick off 2026, the schedule remains busy. From January 1 through January 3, performances are set for 7:45 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. On January 4 and 5, the second show happens a bit earlier, with showtimes at 7:45 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The Shift to Single Showtimes The real change begins on Tuesday, January 6. From January 6 through Thursday, January 8, Disney Starlight will only be performed once per night at 7:45 p.m. The schedule briefly returns to two shows on Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10, with performances at 7:45 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Showtimes are not currently available after January 10, but it is highly possible the parade will continue with only one performance on weekday evenings throughout the rest of the slow season in January and February.
Pro-Tips for the New Schedule
With only one chance to catch the parade on those mid-week January nights, follow these tips to ensure you don’t miss the magic:
Check the App: Always verify showtimes on the My Disney Experience app. Disney frequently adjusts schedules based on park capacity and weather.
Know the Route: Remember that Disney Starlight travels in reverse of the daytime parade; it begins on Main Street, U.S.A., and winds its way back toward Frontierland (ending near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure).
Arrival Time: On single-performance nights, popular viewing spots in the Hub and on Main Street will fill up quickly. Aim to be in place at least 45–60 minutes before step-off.
The Disney Starlight parade has been a massive hit for its cutting-edge lighting and nostalgic nods to classics like SpectroMagic. Even with a reduced schedule, it remains a “don’t-miss” part of any Magic Kingdom day.
Get all the best Disney News
and more, straight to your inbox!
We don't spam. Read our privacy policy for more info.
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
