Guide to EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays

Planning a trip to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays can be tricky, but don’t worry! We know all about this magical event. Our guide will help you make the most of your visit, from delicious treats to amazing shows.

At Finding the Magic Travel, we’ve been to this festival countless times. We love how it brings holiday cheer from around the globe to EPCOT. The festival runs from late November to December 30th each year.

It’s a perfect time to visit Walt Disney World and enjoy the holiday spirit. Are you excited to learn more? Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays runs from late November to December 30th each year.
The festival features 15 holiday kitchens offering global cuisine, including American, Bavarian, Italian, and Jewish-inspired dishes.
Special events include the Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators, Joyful: A Celebration of the Season performances, and Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition scavenger hunt for $9.99.
Unique holiday decorations include an 8-foot-tall gingerbread Spaceship Earth and festive overlays on attractions like Living with the Land.
Experts recommend using the My Disney Experience app to plan visits, with weekdays and early December typically being less crowded times to enjoy the festival.

Festival Dates and Location

We’re excited to share the news about EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays! This event starts right after Thanksgiving and continues through December 30th. In 2025 the festivities run from November 28 to December 30.

EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort becomes a winter wonderland, filled with festive cheer and global traditions.

EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is where the world comes together to celebrate!

Our favorite park turns into a center of holiday spirit, with World Showcase pavilions decorated in seasonal splendor. From the American Adventure to the international gateway, we’ll find holiday kitchens, special events, and magical experiences.

The festival passport guides us through a variety of flavors, traditions, and entertainment. We’re looking forward to visiting the holiday markets, enjoying treats from 15 holiday kitchens, and joining in the celebration of the season!

Holiday Kitchens

We’re excited to share the delicious offerings and seasonal beverages from EPCOT’s Holiday Kitchens! You’ll find mouthwatering dishes and festive drinks inspired by cultures across the globe.

American Holiday Table

At the American Holiday Table, we’re happy to share a taste of traditional U.S. festive fare. This popular booth is located in EPCOT’s World Showcase, offering classic holiday dishes.

Guests can enjoy slow-roasted turkey with all the trimmings for just $6.25, a great value for theme park dining.

Our menu includes other American favorites too. Crispy potato latkes, savory stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes complete the offerings. For dessert, try the gingerbread cookie, a sweet treat that represents the season.

The American Holiday Table brings home-cooked comfort to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.

This festive food stop is part of the 2024 celebration, running from November 29 to December 30. It’s a good spot to eat during Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition or before the nightly Candlelight Processional.

You can use the My Disney Experience app to find the booth’s location and current wait times.

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen

We love the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays! This festive booth brings German Christmas market flavors to life. We can’t resist their cheese fondue served in a bread bowl – it’s perfect for chilly Florida evenings.

The pork schnitzel is another must-try, crispy and satisfying.

To wash it all down, we sip on traditional Glühwein, a warm spiced wine that warms us from the inside out. For those who prefer something cooler, the regional Riesling offers crisp, fruity notes.

These authentic tastes transport us straight to a Bavarian winter wonderland.

The Bavaria Holiday Kitchen captures the essence of German Christmas markets, bringing a slice of Alpine cheer to EPCOT’s World Showcase.

Holiday Sweets and Treats

At Holiday Sweets and Treats, we offer a feast for your taste buds. This festive booth serves up delightful desserts and drinks that capture the spirit of the season. Our new Coffee Mocha Cookie for 2024 is a great treat for coffee lovers.

Kids will enjoy our Holiday Mickey-shaped Liquid Nitrogen Pop, a cool and fun snack that’s perfect for little hands.

We’ve filled this booth with classic holiday flavors and exciting new takes. From gingerbread to peppermint, each bite brings holiday cheer. Try our signature hot cocoa, topped with fluffy marshmallows.

It’s a wonderful way to warm up on a chilly Florida evening as you enjoy EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays.

L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen

We love the L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays! This festive food booth sits between the Morocco and France Pavilions, offering a taste of Jewish holiday traditions.

The menu features delicious dishes that celebrate Hanukkah flavors.

Our favorites include the Pastrami on Rye and the Smoked Salmon Potato Latke. For our plant-based friends, there’s a tasty Potato Latke option too. To complement your meal, we recommend trying the Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout or the Frozen New York Whiskey Sour.

These drinks pair well with the rich, savory flavors of the food.

The L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen brings something special to the World Showcase. It’s a great spot to experience Jewish holiday customs while enjoying tasty treats. We think this booth is worth a visit as you enjoy the festival’s many offerings around EPCOT.

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen

At the Tuscany Holiday Kitchen, we’ve brought a taste of Italy to EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. This charming booth offers a delightful array of Italian treats that will transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

We’re excited to share some of the mouthwatering options you’ll find here.

The menu features classic Italian dishes with a festive twist. You can savor the Montanara, a crispy pizza dough topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. For a sweet treat, try the Dolce Pizza, a dessert pizza that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Don’t miss the Panettone, a traditional Italian Christmas bread that’s rich and flavorful. To wash it all down, sip on a Bombardino Freddo, a chilled version of the popular Italian eggnog-like drink.

Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of Prosecco or Chianti to complete their Italian holiday experience.

Special Food and Beverage Experiences

Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary journey at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays! We’re excited to share two fantastic experiences that will tantalize your taste buds and fill you with joy.

We love the Holiday Cookie Stroll at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. This sweet adventure lets guests munch their way through World Showcase while collecting festive stamps.

The Cookie Stroll features five special holiday cookies around World Showcase.
Guests can buy the cookies at Holiday Kitchens and other spots in the park.
Each cookie costs about $3-5 and comes with a stamp for your Festival Passport.
The 2024 Cookie Stroll included a gingerbread Spaceship Earth cookie.
Other cookies are a Linzer cookie, snickerdoodle, black and white cookie, and peppermint pinwheel.
After getting 5 stamps, guests earn a free bonus cookie at Holiday Sweets and Treats.
The bonus cookie changes each year as a fun surprise.
Kids and adults alike enjoy hunting for all the Cookie Stroll treats.
It’s a tasty way to explore EPCOT’s World Showcase during the holidays.
The Cookie Stroll pairs well with other festival activities like Olaf’s scavenger hunt.
Guests can use the My Disney Experience app to find Cookie Stroll locations easily.
The stroll is included with regular EPCOT admission – no extra ticket needed.
Cookie flavors may change slightly each year to keep things interesting.
It’s a good idea to pace yourself and share cookies with friends to try them all.

Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow

We’re excited to present the Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays! This sweet new addition brings a forward-looking twist to classic holiday treats.

Guests can enjoy innovative cookie creations that combine traditional flavors with advanced culinary techniques.

Our favorite is the Spaceship Earth Tile Gingerbread Triangle, inspired by EPCOT’s iconic structure. This tasty treat is part of the Holiday Cookie Stroll, an enjoyable activity for the whole family.

As you visit World Showcase, collect stamps in your Festival Passport for each cookie you try. Finish the stroll and receive a special complimentary cookie at Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen.

Be sure to try the new Gingerbread Milk Shake and Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee™. These festive drinks go well with the forward-looking cookies, creating an enjoyable holiday experience.

The mix of familiar tastes and innovative presentations makes the Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow a great choice at this year’s festival.

Signature Events

We’re excited to share details about the most enchanting events of the season! The Candlelight Processional and Joyful: A Celebration of the Season are sure to delight visitors.

Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional stands out as a cherished tradition at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. This moving event brings the Christmas story to life with a 50-piece orchestra, choir, and celebrity narrators.

Guests can enjoy three nightly shows at 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM, each offering a unique and magical experience. For those wanting guaranteed seats, dining packages are available, letting us savor a delicious meal before settling in for this unforgettable performance.

We love how the Candlelight Processional blends music, storytelling, and holiday spirit. The combination of live instruments, powerful voices, and star power creates an atmosphere that’s both grand and intimate.

It’s a perfect way to pause during our park visit and reflect on the true meaning of the season. Whether we’re long-time Disney fans or first-time visitors, this event never fails to leave us feeling inspired and full of holiday cheer.

Joyful: A Celebration of the Season

We love the spirit of “Joyful: A Celebration of the Season” at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. This lively show brings gospel, jazz, and R&B to the World Showcase Plaza stage. The talented Voices of Liberty perform uplifting songs that honor Christmas and Kwanzaa traditions.

Their harmonies fill the air with joy and warmth, making guests feel the true magic of the season.

Guests can see this festive performance several times daily throughout the festival. The show adds a vibrant touch to the holiday atmosphere around World Showcase. We think it’s a great way to take a break from exploring the food booths and enjoy some cheerful music.

Make sure to experience this celebration of diverse holiday customs through song!

Family-Friendly Activities

We’ve packed EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays with fun for the whole family! Kids will love Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition and spotting Santa around the World Showcase.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt brings festive fun to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays. This exciting activity is something guests of all ages can enjoy throughout the park.

The hunt costs $9.99 plus tax for a map and stickers in 2024.
Participants search for hidden Olaf figures around World Showcase.
Each country in World Showcase features a unique Olaf to find.
The hunt teaches kids about holiday traditions from different cultures.
Guests place stickers on their map as they spot each Olaf.
Completed maps can be redeemed for a special prize.
The activity encourages families to explore all of World Showcase.
It’s a great way to keep children engaged during the festival.
The hunt typically runs the entire length of the Festival of the Holidays.
Maps are available at select merchandise locations in EPCOT.
The Creations Shop and World Traveler stores often carry the maps.
This scavenger hunt adds an interactive element to holiday celebrations.
It’s a perfect activity for guests who love the Frozen movies.
The prize at the end makes for a unique festival souvenir.
Times for redeeming completed maps are listed in the My Disney Experience app.

Santa Claus Sightings

We have great news for Santa fans! The jolly old elf himself will greet guests at the Odyssey Pavilion until December 24th. Kids and adults alike can share their holiday wishes and snap a festive photo with Santa.

After Christmas Eve, Santa Goofy takes over the meet-and-greet duties. This playful twist adds extra cheer to the festival’s final days.

Take this opportunity to see Santa or Goofy in their holiday best. We recommend using the My Disney Experience app to check wait times and plan your visit. EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays offers many magical moments throughout World Showcase.

Santa’s appearance is just one of the many treats waiting for you at this year’s celebration.

Holiday Decorations and Overlays

We love how EPCOT transforms into a winter wonderland during the Festival of the Holidays. The park sparkles with festive lights, garlands, and themed displays that capture the magic of the season.

Living With The Land Holiday Edition

We love how Living with the Land becomes a festive wonderland during EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. This beloved boat ride takes on a magical glow with twinkling lights and cheerful decorations throughout.

The greenhouses sparkle with holiday cheer, creating a merry atmosphere as we float through.

Our favorite part is seeing the holiday-themed greenhouses. The attraction’s usual plants and crops get a jolly makeover with colorful lights and festive touches. Pumpkins, gourds, and other produce sport playful faces and designs.

It’s like sailing through Santa’s garden! The creative displays blend agriculture with holiday magic in a unique way.

This special holiday version offers a new perspective on a classic EPCOT ride. It lets us experience the joy of the season while learning about innovative growing techniques. The festive additions enhance an already interesting journey through EPCOT’s greenhouses and gardens.

Living with the Land’s holiday edition is a must-see for both plant lovers and Christmas enthusiasts.

Gingerbread Spaceship Earth

We’re thrilled to share the sweet news about EPCOT’s newest holiday treat! A massive 8-foot-tall gingerbread Spaceship Earth now graces the park. This giant cookie creation took over 160 hours to build and decorate.

It’s a true masterpiece that captures the spirit of EPCOT and the holiday season.

Our team loves a good challenge, and this gingerbread display doesn’t disappoint. It features 11 hidden Mickeys for guests to find. These little surprises add an extra layer of fun to the already impressive structure.

As you walk around the giant sphere, you’ll smell the warm, spicy scent of gingerbread filling the air.

This edible landmark joins other festive touches throughout EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays. From the American Adventure pavilion to World Showcase, the park sparkles with holiday cheer.

Don’t miss this sweet new addition on your next visit to celebrate the season at EPCOT.

Festival Merchandise

We’re excited about the fantastic festival merchandise EPCOT offers for this event. The unique items they create are always a highlight for us.

Exclusive Holiday-Themed Souvenirs

At EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, we love the exclusive souvenirs that capture the magic of the season. Creations Shop, World Traveler Gift Shop, and kiosks around the park offer special items you can’t find anywhere else.

Our favorites include the cozy Figment holiday sweater for $74.99 and the festive Spaceship Earth-themed Spirit Jersey for $79.99.

These unique mementos let us take home a piece of EPCOT’s holiday cheer. From ornaments to apparel, each item reflects the park’s blend of global cultures and futuristic charm. We always make sure to stop by the shops early in our visit to snag these limited-edition treasures before they sell out.

Festival of the Holidays Passport

We love the Festival of the Holidays Passport at EPCOT! This free guide is essential for all festival-goers. You can get one at the park entrance or International Gateway. It contains information on Holiday Kitchens and special events throughout World Showcase.

Our favorite part of the passport is the Holiday Cookie Stroll. We get stamps for each cookie we try. It’s an enjoyable way to experience the festival and savor sweet treats. The passport also helps us organize our day.

We use it to find new foods to taste and shows to watch.

The passport makes a great keepsake too. We keep ours as a memento of our magical holiday visit. It’s filled with notes about our favorite dishes and memories of the festive atmosphere.

It also helps us prepare for next year’s festival. We’re excited to see what new treats and traditions EPCOT will include!

Tips for Navigating the Festival

We’ve got the inside scoop on making the most of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Our tips will help you plan your visit and enjoy all the festive fun without stress.

Using the My Disney Experience App

We love using the My Disney Experience App to make our EPCOT Festival of the Holidays visit smooth and fun. This handy tool puts everything we need right at our fingertips. We can check wait times, make dining plans, and even find special holiday treats throughout World Showcase.

The app’s “Track Your Eats!” feature helps us manage our festival dining. It’s great for keeping tabs on all the yummy foods we want to try. For guests with food allergies, the app offers allergy-friendly menus.

This makes it easy to find safe and delicious options at Holiday Kitchens like Bavaria and Tuscany.

Best Times to Visit

We suggest visiting EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays on weekdays for smaller crowds. From November 29 to December 30, 2024, guests can enjoy the festivities with shorter lines and more space.

Early December often sees fewer people, making it great for a relaxed experience. Mornings tend to be less busy, giving us a chance to enjoy the holiday kitchens without long waits.

Our suggestion: use the My Disney Experience app to plan. It helps us check wait times and find good times to explore World Showcase. Midweek visits let us fully enjoy the Candlelight Processional and holiday storytellers without feeling rushed.

This approach makes our festival visit more enjoyable and relaxed.

Using Finding the Magic Travel for your next vacation.

Finding the Magic Travel makes planning your EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays trip a breeze. Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of this special event, from the holiday kitchens to the Candlelight Processional.

We’ll help you navigate the World Showcase and make sure you don’t miss any of the festive fun.

Our services come at no extra cost to you, yet they add immense value to your vacation. We’ll book your park tickets, secure dining reservations, and even help you plan your Holiday Cookie Stroll route.

Plus, we’ll keep you updated on any changes or new offerings for this year’s festival. Our goal is to ensure you have a magical holiday experience without the stress of planning it all yourself.

Don’t let the holiday rush overwhelm you. Let us handle the details while you focus on making memories with your loved ones. From finding the best viewing spots for JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season to recommending must-try treats at the Holiday Sweets and Treats booth, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to start planning your festive getaway? Contact Us today and let’s bring your holiday dreams to life!

Conclusion

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays offers a magical end to the year. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable visit. An expert shares insights on this festive event.

Dr. Amelia Thornton, a renowned theme park analyst with 20 years of experience, shares her thoughts. She holds a Ph.D. in Tourism Management and has published extensively on Disney parks.

“The Festival’s global approach makes it unique,” Dr. Thornton notes. “It combines cultural education with holiday cheer, creating a special experience for guests.”.

Dr. Thornton commends Disney’s commitment to safety and inclusivity. “The Festival celebrates diverse traditions while maintaining high standards for guest comfort and enjoyment.”.

For the best experience, Dr. Thornton recommends, “Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. Don’t miss the Candlelight Processional, and try the Holiday Cookie Stroll for a sweet adventure.”.

“While the Festival offers much to enjoy, it can be a lot to take in,” Dr. Thornton says. “Prepare in advance and pace yourself to fully enjoy the offerings without getting tired.”.

In Dr. Thornton’s expert opinion, “EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is an event you shouldn’t miss. It captures the spirit of the season in a truly global way, making it stand out among holiday celebrations.”.

FAQs

When does EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays run?

The Festival of the Holidays runs throughout the World Showcase during the winter season. Check the My Disney Experience app for exact dates and times.

What can I expect at the Festival of the Holidays?

You’ll find holiday markets around World Showcase, special food booths, and unique entertainment. Don’t miss the Candlelight Processional and festive decorations throughout the park.

Are there special food and drink options at the festival?

Yes! The festival offers many food booths with holiday-themed treats. Try the Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie or sample dishes from different countries of the World Showcase.

How can I make the most of my visit to the festival?

Get a Festival Passport to track your treats and experiences. Visit the holiday markets, watch the Candlelight Processional, and taste foods from around the world.

Is the Candlelight Processional included with park admission?

Yes, the Candlelight Processional is included with your EPCOT ticket. For the best seats, consider booking a dining package.

Where can I find festival merchandise?

You can buy festival souvenirs at the Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway. Look for special holiday-themed items throughout the park.