EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Reference Guide | The Best Things to See and Do
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is one of the most magical seasonal events at Walt Disney World! It celebrates global traditions, has festive entertainment, and some incredible holiday flavors at the Holiday Kitchens. This is one event that I enjoy making a special holiday trip just to see these festive events that only happen for a short time during the holiday season.
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If you’re planning a visit this season, this is a fantastic festival to plan to spend the day at!
Here are some of the highlights that we love at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
Highlights of EPCOT at the Holidays
EPCOT transforms during the holidays with sparkling decorations, a towering Christmas tree at the entrance of the World Showcase, and special entertainment throughout the day.
You’ll want to spend a good amount of time in the World Showcase, as there are special treats and performances happening throughout each of the pavilions. I also love taking part in the Holiday Cookie Stroll! Get a stamp for each cookie that you purchase from the list and get a complimentary completer treat when you fill up your passport book with stamps!
Download our free reference guide for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays to plan your must do activities!
This guide can help you plan your route and your must do holiday activities at EPCOT!
Enjoy Holiday Kitchens Around World Showcase
One of the biggest highlights of the festival is the Holiday Kitchens, which offer seasonal dishes and drinks inspired by winter celebrations around the world.
You can sample everything from savory favorites to sweet holiday treats while strolling through World Showcase. This is a great way to get a snack as you’re visiting the theme park, or make it your lunch!
Be sure to pick up a festival passport so you can browse menus, plan your must-try items, and complete the popular Holiday Cookie Stroll!
Visit Holiday Storytellers
Around World Showcase, each pavilion shares its own holiday customs through Holiday Storytellers. These live performances highlight traditions from countries like Norway, Japan, Italy, and Mexico.
Check on performance times for these special Holiday Storytellers:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
- Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion – Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
It’s a fun and educational way for families to learn about celebrations from around the world while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Showtimes happen throughout the day and typically are only during daylight hours. So make sure to plan stopping at these performances earlier in your day!
Experience the Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is a fan favorite tradition, featuring a celebrity narrator, a full choir, and a stunning orchestra retelling the story of Christmas. This nightly show fills up quickly, especially on evenings with well known narrators.
Booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package is highly recommended. It’s one of the most moving and iconic performances at Walt Disney World during the holidays.
Planning Your Holiday Trip to EPCOT
EPCOT truly shines during the holidays! There’s lots of sparkling decor, themed entertainment, and festive music throughout the park.
Don’t miss the holiday overlays at attractions, special character greetings in seasonal outfits, and the beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the entrance of World Showcase. Kidcot Fun Stops also offer holiday themed activities that little ones will love.
Use these other helpful planning guides to help plan your holiday trip to EPCOT!
- EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
- What to Pack for December at Disney World
- Planning a Holiday Resort Tour at Disney World
- Cute Christmas Outfit Ideas for Disney
Disclaimer:
** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
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