From Christmas to Kwanzaa, you’re invited to celebrate the holidays like never before at EPCOT with the return of the International Festival of the Holidays. With festive entertainment, traditional dishes from around the world, and plenty of family fun, we can’t wait to get into the festive spirit at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
When is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is taking place from November 24th to December 30th 2023.
But don’t worry if you’re not visiting during this time, as there are plenty of other seasonal festivals at EPCOT throughout the year: the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Food & Wine Festival and International Festival of the Arts.
What is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a celebration of how different cultures around the world celebrate throughout November and December. From the food they eat to the songs they sing, there’s so much to discover. Here’s some of what you can expect:
Holiday Kitchens
As you make your way around the World Showcase you can get a taste of the holidays from 15 speciality holiday kitchens like the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, American Holiday Table, L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen, and Holiday Hearth Desserts.
Make sure you pick up a festival passport when you’re in the parks so you don’t miss any of the delicious offerings, including:
- Slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce
- Cheese fondue in a bread bowl with steamed baby vegetables and marble potatoes
- Potato latkes
- Turkey Poutine: sweet potato fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions
- Bûche de Noël au Pain D’Épices, Ganache Chocolat au Lait et Noisettes: Gingerbread Christmas log with milk chocolate and hazelnut ganache
Each booth has festive beverage options too (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) including Frozen Apple Pie, Japanese Christmas Punch, Apple Margarita, and Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini.
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat, the following items are part of the Holiday Cookie Stroll; if you get your festival passport stamped when you purchase each one, you can head to the Holiday Sweets & Treats booth to claim an exclusive treat!
- Linzer Cookie
- Gingerbread Cookie
- Black & White Cookie (Plant-Based)
- Snickerdoodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces
- Spiced Chocolate Cookie
- Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
- Holiday Sugar Cookie
- Jingle Sugar Cookie made with M&M’s chocolate candies
Live Entertainment
Candlelight Processional
Each night at 5:15pm, 7pm, and 8:30pm, gather with friends and family at the America Gardens Theatre to hear the story of Christmas brought to life by a choir of Disney Cast Members, a 50 piece orchestra and a special guest celebrity narrator!
This year’s narrators include Simu Liu, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Sterling K Brown and Brendan Fraser!
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
Head to World Showcase Plaza throughout the afternoon to catch the JOYFUL! Ensemble celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa with gospel, R&B and holiday songs.
World Showcase Storytellers
Learn the stories of different holiday traditions as you travel around the different pavilions of the World Showcase. Listen to the music of Mariachi Cobre in the Mexico Pavilion, laugh along with the mischievous Barn Santa in the Norway Pavilion, Marvel at a Chinese Lion Dancer in the China Pavilion, and meet Pere Noel at the France Pavilion.
Family Fun
Cookies aren’t the only thing you need to be looking out for as you walk round the World Showcase! Pick up an Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt map from select merchandise locations (additional charges apply) and begin the hunt for Olaf! You’ll find him celebrating a different holiday tradition at each Pavilion - mark these on your map using the stickers then take your completed map to Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler to redeem your prize! The whole family can get involved in this fun adventure as you learn about how the holidays are celebrated around the world.
Are you ready to experience the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays? The festive fun is included in the cost of your Disney Magic Ticket, but make sure you book your Disney Park Pass Reservations as soon as possible to be able to visit EPCOT on your preferred days.
