Walt Disney World is celebrating a spooky seasonal triumph! The live show “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along”, part of Disney’s Jollywood Nights event, has just snagged a prestigious Brass Ring Award at the 2025 IAAPA Honors, held this year at Europa-Park in Germany.
The production was named Most Creative Winter Holiday Production, a fitting title for a show that fuses eerie charm with holiday cheer in classic Tim Burton fashion.
A Win for Creativity and Fan Favorites
The award is no surprise if you attended last year’s Jollywood nights and are familiar with the show. It’s a lively, interactive experience where guests sing along to beloved tunes like “What’s This?” “This Is Halloween,” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” with Jack Skellington and friends. The performance combines theatrical flair, immersive visuals, and festive spirit into something truly unique.
A Brass Ring Award, the Ultimate Park Recognition.
The Brass Ring Awards are widely recognized in the theme park entertainment industry. Handed out by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) during the Honors annual event, the industry recognizes the best in innovation, creativity, and guest experience worldwide.
The name “Brass Ring” comes from an old carousel tradition: riders reaching for a brass ring as a symbol of aspiration and achievement. For entertainment creators, earning this award is a mark of excellence and dedication.
Standing Out in a Competitive Winter Lineup
This year’s competition was packed with standout holiday shows. Disney’s sing-along faced off against:
-
The Six Flags Holiday Special at Six Flags Over Georgia
-
Frosty’s Electric Snow Party at Universal Studios Japan
Each contender brought unique energy and visuals, but Disney’s mix of storytelling, nostalgia, and audience participation gave it the winning edge.
More Nominations for Disney Magic
Walt Disney Imagineering wasn’t done there. Additional nominations included:
-
Best Custom Retail Souvenir for the Starspeeder 3000 Vehicle Playset, created by Disney Parks Product Development & Retail (though that honor ultimately went to Africam Safari’s imaginative Sketch Hoodies).
-
Most Creative Spectacular for Disneyland Paris’s dazzling Disney Electrical Sky Parade. The award instead went to 20 Jahre Colosseo by Europa-Park Resort, marking two decades of their Colosseo area with a massive celebration.
Even without taking home all the trophies, Disney’s multiple nominations highlight the brand’s ongoing innovation across retail, entertainment, and immersive experiences.
A Seasonal Staple in the Making?
This win highlights how Disney continues pushing seasonal entertainment boundaries with bold, imaginative storytelling. What’s This? Proves that the unexpected often leaves the biggest impression.
With this prestigious recognition, there’s strong hope that the show will return and continue to grow in popularity, potentially becoming a beloved seasonal tradition at Jollywood Nights. Its unique blend of spooky charm, holiday cheer, and fan-favorite characters makes it a standout production that guests could look forward to year after year.
