EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Celebrates Global Holiday Traditions
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There’s something truly special about the holidays at Disney World. And if you’re lucky enough to visit EPCOT during this season, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind celebration. The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is a magical mix of international holiday traditions, incredible food, joyful entertainment, and heartwarming moments that only Disney can deliver. This guide will help you make the most of your festive visit to EPCOT this holiday season.
What Is the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?
The 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is a seasonal event that takes place from November 28 through December 30, 2025. It celebrates holiday traditions from cultures around the world, showcasing festive foods, music, and storytelling.
The event is included with your EPCOT park admission, though some experiences, like food and beverage purchases, come at an extra cost.
Think of it as a global holiday celebration where each pavilion in the World Showcase brings its own unique flair to the season. From traditional treats in Germany to festive storytellers in Norway, you can explore how different cultures celebrate while soaking in all the Disney holiday magic.
Holiday Kitchens You Can’t Miss
One of the biggest highlights of the festival is the Holiday Kitchens. These are the food booths located around the World Showcase that serve seasonal bites and drinks inspired by global holiday traditions.
Each year, new dishes are added alongside returning fan favorites. If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to grab a Festival Passport and pick out your must-try items.
Some of the returning favorites often include:
- American Holiday Table (The American Adventure Pavilion): Try the slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce. It’s like Thanksgiving on a plate!
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany Pavilion): Don’t miss the cheese fondue in a bread bowl and Linzer cookies.
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between Morocco and France): Serving up pastrami on rye, potato latkes, and black and white cookies.
- Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan Pavilion): Warm up with soba noodles in broth and indulge in a matcha crème brûlée.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll
The Holiday Cookie Stroll isn’t just a sweet treat. It’s a fan-favorite activity and one of the best budget-friendly ways to enjoy the festival.
Grab your Festival Passport (available at the park entrance and most Holiday Kitchens) and find a list of the official Cookie Stroll locations.
Purchase five qualifying cookies (typically around $3–$4 each) and get a stamp at each booth.
Once you collect all five stamps, you can head to the Holiday Sweets & Treats location to claim your complimentary completer cookie.
The best part? You don’t have to do the stroll all in one day. You can complete it over multiple visits as long as it’s within the festival dates.
A Must-See Gingerbread Display at EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
If you love Disney’s holiday gingerbread creations, you won’t want to miss the gingerbread version of Spaceship Earth featured during the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. This impressive display is located inside CommuniCore Hall, one of the newest additions to the park.
Pastry artists recreate the park’s iconic geosphere in edible form, using gingerbread, icing, and colorful candy to bring the festive scene to life. The detail is incredible, and you might even spot some hidden surprises worked into the design. It’s a beautiful blend of Disney creativity and holiday tradition.
The display is free to view and makes for a great indoor stop during your festival day. Whether you’re ducking out of the sun or just looking for something unique to experience, it’s well worth the visit. Plus, they have fun festival foods inside!
Be sure to take a photo while you’re there. The gingerbread Spaceship Earth is one of the sweetest hidden gems at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved EPCOT holiday traditions. It features a celebrity narrator reading the Christmas story, backed by a 50-piece orchestra and a full choir. It’s both beautiful and moving and it gives the festival a sense of peace and togetherness.
This experience is incredibly popular, and the best seats go fast. Consider booking a Candlelight Processional Dining Package that includes guaranteed seating, especially for popular narrators.
Storytellers Around the World
One of the most heartwarming parts of the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is learning about different holiday traditions from around the globe. In several World Showcase pavilions, you’ll find holiday storytellers sharing traditions and folklore in fun, engaging ways.
Here are just a few to watch for:
- Norway: Sigrid tells the story of mischievous Julenissen.
- Mexico: Celebrate with Los Posadas and vibrant mariachi music.
- Italy: La Befana, the kind-hearted witch, shares her legend.
- China: The Chinese Lion Dance brings the Lunar New Year to life.
- United Kingdom: Father Christmas rings in the season, sharing the traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer.
These performances are great for kids and adults alike. They give you a deeper appreciation for the global spirit of the season.
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More Magical Entertainment Throughout the Park
Besides the Candlelight Processional and World Showcase storytellers, EPCOT is packed with festive entertainment that adds extra sparkle to your visit. Live music and seasonal performances pop up all around the park.
- JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: This high-energy show at the CommuniCore Plaza Stage features powerful gospel and R&B renditions of holiday classics.
- Meet Santa Claus: Santa meets guests through Christmas Eve in CommuniCore Hall. It’s a great opportunity for a holiday photo and some personal magic with the big guy in red.
- Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers: In the rotunda of The American Adventure pavilion, this iconic a cappella group performs in Victorian costumes. Their harmonies will give you chills.
- Spaceship Earth Lights at Night: The iconic structure lights up with synchronized dancing lights set to a special holiday soundtrack intermittently from dusk until park close. It’s a stunning way to end your evening at the festival.
EPCOT really shines during the holidays because it blends festive vibes with authentic cultural touches. The music and shows feel meaningful, not just seasonal fluff.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
If you’re visiting with kids (or just young at heart), don’t skip Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition. This interactive scavenger hunt takes you around the World Showcase to help Olaf collect holiday traditions he’s discovered.
Purchase a map, find all the hidden Olafs, and redeem your completed hunt for a fun surprise. It’s a great way to keep little ones engaged while exploring the festival.
Ride Through the Holidays in the Glimmering Greenhouses
The Land pavilion features one of EPCOT’s most peaceful attractions and during EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, it gets a sparkling seasonal twist. Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses turns this relaxing boat ride into a serene holiday experience.
As you glide through the greenhouses, you’ll see how Disney transforms everyday agriculture into something truly magical. Twinkling string lights wrap around trees and trellises, oversized ornaments peek out from planters, and cheerful holiday décor is tucked between the growing produce. Everything glows softly, especially after sunset, creating a peaceful and festive atmosphere.
The wait for this ride will likely be longer than normal during the holiday overlay. If you can, ride it during the day for a closer look at the greenhouse details, and then come back at night to see the full effect of the glowing lights. It’s a quiet little holiday moment you’ll definitely want to make time for.
Festival Merchandise and Photo Ops
The holidays are all about the memories, and EPCOT has plenty of exclusive festival merchandise to help you bring the magic home. From festive spirit jerseys and holiday mugs to adorable ornaments, there’s something for every Disney fan.
Make time for the holiday-themed photo ops scattered throughout the park plus fun Magic Shots with Disney PhotoPass photographers. You’ll find gorgeous decorations, oversized presents, and more.
Tips for Visiting EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
To make your visit smooth and stress-free, here are a few quick tips:
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy lower wait times.
- Check the entertainment schedule on the My Disney Experience app so you don’t miss storytellers or showtimes.
- Pack for the weather. Florida can be warm or chilly in December. Check the weather app leading up to your trip and bring a couple of backup options just in case!
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated between tastings.
- Rope drop EPCOT to enjoy attractions before the Holiday Kitchens open (usually around 11:00 AM).
- Split up your tastings with friends or family so you can try more food without filling up too quickly.
EPCOT Festival of the Holidays FAQs
- When is the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?
- The 2025 festival runs from November 28th through December 30th.
- Is the Festival of the Holidays included in my park ticket?
- Yes, general admission to the festival is included with your EPCOT park ticket. Food, drinks, and certain experiences (like scavenger hunts or dining packages) are an additional cost.
- Do I need a reservation to see the Candlelight Processional?
- No, but seating is first-come, first-served unless you book a dining package that guarantees reserved seating. These do sell out, so plan ahead.
- Is this event good for kids?
- Absolutely! From Olaf’s scavenger hunt to the live entertainment and sweet treats, there’s plenty for kids to enjoy. It’s a great way to mix learning with fun.
- How much time should I plan for the festival?
- Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the Holiday Kitchens and shows. If you want to do it all, including rides, a full day is best.
- Are the holiday experiences available every day?
- Yes! All festival offerings like special menu items, storytellers, JOYFUL!, and Candlelight Processional are offered daily during the festival. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes since they may vary.
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Make This Holiday Season Extra Magical
The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is a beautiful blend of joy, culture, and celebration. Whether you’re sipping a hot cocoa martini in France or listening to the Christmas story under twinkling lights, it’s a Disney experience that brings the season to life in the most magical way.
Other EPCOT Festivals:
- EPCOT Festival of the Arts
- EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
- EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
- Comparing EPCOT Festivals
