I’ve always loved EPCOT for the way it celebrates cultures and connections from around the world – but during the holidays, that spirit feels even more magical. Thrilling attractions, first-class entertainment, delicious international cuisine, and plenty of Disney magic are just a few of the reasons EPCOT has become one of the most beloved Disney parks. But as the year winds down, EPCOT transforms into something even more special – a global celebration of holiday traditions from around the world.
Each year, beginning in late November, the International Festival of the Holidays fills the park with festive decor, seasonal flavors, heartwarming storytelling, and a whole lot of holiday cheer. From the Holiday Kitchen food booths to the beloved Candlelight Processional, there’s so much to experience. It’s truly one of the best times of year to visit!
If you’re planning a visit during this special season, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your holiday time at EPCOT – and help you soak up every bit of the festivities!
Holiday Kitchens
If you’ve ever visited EPCOT during the fall, you might already be familiar with the Global Marketplaces of the Food & Wine Festival. During the holidays, the park gives that popular experience a festive twist. As you make your way around World Showcase, you’ll find Holiday Kitchens serving up seasonal dishes inspired by holiday traditions from all over the world. Each booth offers a taste of how different cultures celebrate this time of year – from hearty favorites like the Slow-Roasted Turkey at American Holiday Table to sweet treats such as Pizza e Cioccolato at Tuscany, and festive drinks like the Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini at Le Marché de Noël in France. Sampling your way through them is such a fun (and delicious!) way to spend the day.
Be sure to pick up a Festival Passport when you visit. They are available at both park entrances, at every Holiday Kitchen, and digitally in the My Disney Experience app. The passport is your guide to all the food and beverage offerings, and it makes a great keepsake, too!
Holiday Cookie Stroll
Calling all sweet tooths – this one’s for you! The Holiday Cookie Stroll is one of the most delicious traditions at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays. As you make your way around the festival’s Holiday Kitchens, you’ll find an assortment of unique cookies, including some fun new additions this year like a Ginger-Molasses Cookie, a Mickey-shaped Almond Black and White Cookie, and a Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookie. Each time you purchase a cookie, you’ll collect a stamp in your Festival Passport. After earning five stamps, you can redeem them for a complimentary specialty cookie at the Holiday Sweets & Treats booth! It’s yet another fun and tasty way to sample your way around the World Showcase, and the perfect excuse to make “dessert first” your holiday motto!
Must-See Holiday Shows
The Candlelight Processional is one of EPCOT’s most beloved holiday traditions, and it’s easy to see why. Each evening at the America Gardens Theatre, a celebrity narrator retells the story of Christmas, joined by the Voices of Liberty, a mass choir, and a full orchestra. Between the glow of the candles, the incredible music, and the peaceful atmosphere, it’s a truly moving performance. Whether you attend for the story or for the music, this show captures the heart of the season so beautifully and stays with you long after the evening comes to a close.
If you love live music, you’ll also want to check out JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season at the World Showcase Plaza stage. This high-energy concert features D’Vine Voices, a vocal group from Central Florida. They perform an upbeat blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and holiday favorites celebrating both Christmas and Kwanzaa, with multiple shows each day. It’s one of those performances that is guaranteed to lift your spirits instantly! Check the My Disney Experience app for daily showtimes.
Holiday Storytellers
One of the neatest parts of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is getting to see how different cultures celebrate this special time of year. Throughout the season, storytellers from the World Showcase pavilions share the legends, customs, and traditions that make their country’s celebrations unique. From the tale of La Befana, who brings gifts to children in Italy, to the Las Posadas festivities in Mexico honoring Mary and Joseph’s journey, each story brings a world of holiday traditions to life. These performances are heartwarming, fascinating, and the perfect opportunity to slow down and take in the spirit of the season.
Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses
If you’re a fan of EPCOT’s classic boat ride, Living with the Land, you’re in for a treat! During the Festival of the Holidays, the greenhouses are transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland. Christmas lights are strung along all of the plants, trees, and displays, creating a beautiful, colorful glow as you make your way through the attraction. It’s a simple, peaceful experience that really captures the beauty of the season, and it’s a perfect chance to rest your feet while still enjoying something special.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Looking for a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together? Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition is a scavenger hunt that takes you all around the World Showcase, and is a hit with guests of every age. To play, pick up a map and stickers at select merchandise locations, then set off to find Olaf as he explores holiday traditions from each country. Whenever you find Olaf, mark his location on your map with a sticker. Once the map is complete, visit any redemption location within Epcot to redeem a prize. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged as you explore the pavilions – and who can resist seeing Olaf spreading his holiday cheer around the world?
Santa Claus Meet-and-Greet
You can’t have the holidays without Santa Claus himself! You’ll find him greeting guests inside CommuniCore Hall through Christmas Eve, ready to hear all about your wish lists and pose for some photos. And for an extra dose of holiday fun, Santa Goofy is also making appearances over at the Odyssey Pavilion through December 30th. He’s all dressed up in his bright red suit and spreading plenty of his signature goofy cheer. Whether you prefer the classic visit with Santa or want a more playful take on the tradition, EPCOT has you covered!
Between the festive sights, sounds, and flavors from around the world, EPCOT celebrates the season in a way that feels uniquely its own. Whether you’re collecting stamps on the Cookie Stroll, listening to the Candlelight Processional, or spotting Olaf among the pavilions, there’s something here to make everyone smile. These experiences capture the warmth, joy, and togetherness that make this time of year so special, and they’re sure to become some of your favorite Disney holiday memories, too!
For even more holiday fun around the Walt Disney World Resort, check out my guides to the holidays at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom!
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