By Sydney Sheridan
Looking for a way to add some extra magic to your holiday season? EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays at Walt Disney World is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in global holiday traditions, indulge in seasonal treats, and enjoy Disney magic all at once! From November 24 through December 30, EPCOT transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with festive decor, incredible food, live performances, and family-friendly activities.
As a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, I’m here to break down everything you need to know to make the most of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disney pro, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable holiday experience!
🎄 Explore Holiday Traditions from Around the World
One of the most unique aspects of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is its focus on international holiday traditions. Each pavilion in the World Showcase is decorated to reflect the holiday spirit of its country, and many offer special performances, storytelling, and traditional holiday foods.
A few highlights to look forward to:
- Japan Pavilion: Learn about Japanese New Year traditions from the Daruma storyteller.
- Norway Pavilion: Meet Julenissen, the mischievous Christmas gnome, and hear holiday tales from Norway.
- Italy Pavilion: Watch a performance by La Befana, the legendary witch who brings gifts to children in Italian folklore.
Each pavilion brings something special to the festival, making it feel like a holiday tour around the world without ever leaving EPCOT. It’s a fun way for kids and adults alike to learn about holiday customs from different cultures and create some memorable moments!
🍪 Don’t Miss the Holiday Cookie Stroll
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, EPCOT’s Holiday Cookie Stroll is the perfect activity for you! The Cookie Stroll is a fun, interactive “scavenger hunt” that allows you to sample a variety of cookies from different kiosks around World Showcase.
Here’s how it works:
- Pick up a Festival Passport when you enter the park. This passport has all the details for the Cookie Stroll.
- Visit the five designated Cookie Stroll locations and purchase a cookie at each one.
- Collect a stamp in your passport for each cookie you try.
- After you’ve collected stamps for all five cookies, head to the designated redemption spot to claim your complimentary specialty cookie!
The Holiday Cookie Stroll is a fun way to add a little extra sweetness to your day, and you don’t have to do it all at once. You can spread it out over your entire visit to EPCOT or even across multiple days if you have a Park Hopper ticket. It’s a great activity for families, and you’ll get a unique souvenir at the end!
🎶 Enjoy the Candlelight Processional
A highlight of EPCOT’s holiday season, the Candlelight Processional is a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story, complete with a celebrity narrator, a live choir, and an orchestra. The atmosphere is magical, and it’s a holiday tradition for many Disney-goers who come back year after year.
Some celebrity narrators you might see this year include:
- Neil Patrick Harris (a fan-favorite!)
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Josh Gad (yes, the voice of Olaf!)
The Candlelight Processional is extremely popular, so if you want guaranteed seating, I highly recommend booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. With the dining package, you’ll enjoy a meal at one of EPCOT’s restaurants and get reserved seating for the show, which can save you hours of waiting in line.
As a travel agent, I’m happy to help you book a dining package and find the best time to enjoy this beautiful show without the stress of a long wait.
🍷 Taste Global Holiday Flavors at the Holiday Kitchens
Food is a big part of any celebration, and EPCOT’s Holiday Kitchens are a major draw for festival-goers. These outdoor food kiosks are scattered around World Showcase, each offering a menu inspired by holiday traditions from different countries. It’s like a holiday food tour, with each kitchen serving up festive dishes, snacks, and drinks that are perfect for the season.
Some fan-favorites include:
- American Holiday Table: Classic holiday dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen: Celebrate with traditional Jewish favorites like pastrami on rye and potato latkes.
- Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada Pavilion): Enjoy Canadian holiday flavors with seared scallops, maple-flavored desserts, and more.
The Holiday Kitchens also offer a range of seasonal sips, from holiday cocktails and wines to hot chocolate (some spiked for the adults!). It’s a perfect way to stay warm and enjoy a little taste of holiday cheer.
🎅 Meet Santa Claus and Holiday Storytellers
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays includes special meet-and-greet opportunities with Santa Claus himself, plus holiday storytellers sharing traditions from around the world. Each country’s storyteller adds a cultural touch to the holiday magic, explaining how the season is celebrated in their country. It’s both entertaining and educational, especially for families with young kids who are curious about global holiday customs.
You can meet Santa at the American Adventure Pavilion, where he’ll be available for photos and holiday greetings—making it a perfect opportunity for a memorable family photo!
Pro Tips for Visiting EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
To help you make the most of your day at the Festival of the Holidays, here are a few travel agent tips:
- Arrive early: EPCOT tends to get busier as the day goes on, so arriving early gives you a chance to explore the World Showcase with fewer crowds.
- Start with a plan: With so much to see and do, it helps to have a rough plan. Decide which Holiday Kitchens, storytellers, and activities are must-dos for you, and map out a route so you can enjoy the day at a relaxed pace.
- Consider the Park Hopper: If you want to visit multiple parks in one day, a Park Hopper ticket can be a great option. It allows you to start at another Disney park in the morning and head over to EPCOT for the Festival in the afternoon and evening.
- Book dining in advance: If you’re interested in the Candlelight Processional Dining Package or any other EPCOT restaurant, make sure to book in advance! Dining reservations fill up quickly during the holiday season, and securing a reservation can make your day go much smoother.
Ready to Plan Your Holiday Adventure at EPCOT?
If you’re ready to experience the magic of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, I’d love to help you plan an unforgettable holiday getaway! From securing park reservations and booking dining packages to designing a custom itinerary for your visit, I’m here to handle all the details so you can focus on making holiday memories.
Let’s get started! Schedule a complimentary consultation with me here, and we’ll create a plan to make your EPCOT holiday experience truly magical. 🎄
Happy holidays, and see you at the festival! 🎉