Christmas is officially taking over Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and another piece of Disney Jollywood Nights is falling into place! With the holiday event returning on November 7, preparations are underway throughout the park, including the installation of the skating rink for Glisten!, one of Jollywood Nights’ signature entertainment offerings.
The performance area has appeared along Hollywood Boulevard, directly in front of the Chinese Theater and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. And this year, guests can look forward to a few familiar Disney characters joining the show!
Glisten! Skating Rink Takes Shape on Hollywood Boulevard
The temporary skating rink is located at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, with the Chinese Theater providing a beautiful backdrop for the holiday performances. Crews began installing the structure in late October, with the skating surface, surrounding coverings, and additional show equipment taking shape ahead of opening night.
By October 30, decorative snowflakes, lighting equipment, and additional staging elements had also appeared around the performance area. Although Glisten! is described as an ice-skating show, the performers actually skate on a synthetic ice surface, rather than traditional frozen ice.
The specialized surface allows professional skaters to perform their routines using figure skates, even in Florida’s warmer weather. It’s a clever way to bring a little winter magic to Hollywood Studios without needing actual freezing temperatures!
What’s NEW for Glisten! in 2026?
Glisten! is returning with its signature combination of professional figure skating, festive music, and Disney storytelling. International champion skaters perform choreographed routines set to original holiday songs and familiar Disney favorites, including “Be Our Guest” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
But for 2026, Disney is adding something new! Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Genie will make appearances during Glisten! for the first time. The additional characters will bring more Disney personality to the production, giving returning guests something new to look forward to.
Disney has not specified whether the characters will actually skate or participate in the show from alongside the rink, so we’ll have to wait until opening night to see exactly how they’re incorporated.
When Can Guests Watch Glisten! at Disney Jollywood Nights?
Glisten! will be performed on Hollywood Boulevard during Disney Jollywood Nights, which takes place on select evenings from November 7, 2026, through January 5, 2027. The separately ticketed event runs from 7:30 PM until 12:30 AM, with guests able to enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning at 5:30 PM. The show is expected to offer multiple performances throughout the evening, giving guests several opportunities to catch the holiday spectacle.
Because the rink is positioned along Hollywood Boulevard rather than inside a traditional theater, guests can enjoy the performances against the backdrop of the Chinese Theater and surrounding holiday decorations. Glisten! is exclusive to Disney Jollywood Nights and is not part of the park’s regular daytime entertainment lineup.
More Holiday Entertainment Is Returning to Hollywood Studios
Glisten! is just one part of the entertainment lineup for Disney Jollywood Nights 2026. Other returning favorites include Disney Holidays in Hollywood, featuring Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular.
Guests can also enjoy character encounters, festive food and beverages, themed lounges, and other exclusive holiday entertainment throughout the park. New this year is the Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard, along with additional character appearances, including George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc.
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My Take
Seeing the Jollywood Nights preparations start appearing around Hollywood Studios makes me so excited! Glisten! is such a unique offering for a Disney holiday party, and having professional figure skaters performing right in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard is something you don’t typically get to experience at a theme park.
I’m especially excited to see how Donald, Daisy, and Genie are incorporated into this year’s show. The skating performances are already impressive on their own, but adding Disney characters could make the experience even more memorable. I’m definitely curious to see whether any of them actually make it onto the skating surface!
Is Glisten! a “must-do” or a “skip” during your Disney Jollywood Nights visit?
Stay with Theme Park Scope for more Disney Jollywood Nights updates, holiday preparations, and everything happening around Walt Disney World!
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