Behind the Scenes of Disney’s Newest Holiday Event
Celebrate the season in dazzling style with the debut of Jollywood Nights, the all-new nighttime holiday celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Running select nights from November 11 through December 20, 2023, this limited-capacity event brings a vintage holiday vibe, incredible entertainment, and glamorous flair to the park.
We had the honor of attending the Media Preview Panel for this exciting new event, and we’re thrilled to bring you a complete look at what went into its creation—straight from the creative minds behind the magic.
Meet the Creative Team
The panel included a powerhouse lineup of show directors and creative leads:
- Tom Vazzana, Creative Director of Jollywood Nights
- James Silson, Show Director for What’s This? – a Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired sing-along show
- Matt Hamel, Show Director for Holidays in Hollywood – a modern twist on retro TV holiday specials
- RJ Temple, Show Director for the all-new street entertainment and character experiences around the park
Each speaker offered unique insights into how they crafted immersive storytelling, blending Disney magic with holiday nostalgia and modern flair.
From Concept to Curtain Call
Tom Vazzana opened the panel by sharing the origin story of Jollywood Nights. The event aims to deliver a sophisticated yet approachable evening filled with holiday joy, theatrical moments, and unexpected surprises.
James Silson walked us through the development of What’s This?, a crowd-favorite featuring Jack Skellington. It brings guests into a whimsical, musical journey through The Nightmare Before Christmas, inviting them to sing along in a setting that feels both festive and cinematic.
Matt Hamel highlighted how Holidays in Hollywood pays tribute to vintage holiday specials while adding new characters and moments that feel fresh and inclusive. Meanwhile, RJ Temple gave an energetic rundown of street-level entertainment, from roaming performers to spontaneous sing-alongs and character meet-and-greets.mber 11 through December 20, 2023, this limited-capacity event brings a vintage holiday vibe, incredible entertainment, and glamorous flair to the park.
We had the honor of attending the Media Preview Panel for this exciting new event, and we’re thrilled to bring you a complete look at what went into its creation—straight from the creative minds behind the magic.
