updated September 2026
There is something special about EPCOT during the holidays.
The lights are brighter. The music seems to follow you around World Showcase. The food smells amazing. And everywhere you turn, you’re reminded that holiday traditions may look different around the world—but the feeling behind them is often remarkably similar.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates the season through global traditions, storytelling, music, food and festive experiences throughout the park.
And while Christmas is certainly part of the celebration, that’s not the whole story.
From holiday storytellers and international traditions to the Candlelight Processional, JOYFUL!, seasonal food, decorated pavilions and some seriously fun scavenger hunts, there is a lot to experience.
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2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth returns November 27 through December 30, 2026.
Disney has once again packed the festival with returning favorites, along with plenty of beautiful holiday details to discover throughout EPCOT.
And honestly, you don’t have to experience every single thing on the festival schedule to have a wonderful time.
For me, this is a festival where slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere is part of the experience.
Take your time. Listen to the music. Watch a storyteller. Try a holiday treat. Look at the decorations. Then keep wandering.
That’s EPCOT at the holidays.
Related article: Discover the Magic of Disney’s Epcot
Holiday Traditions from Around the World
One of my favorite things about Festival of the Holidays is that it doesn’t treat the holidays as one-size-fits-all.
Throughout World Showcase, Holiday Storytellers share traditions, legends and celebrations from different cultures.
You’ll find:
- Mexico: Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway: A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China: Chinese Lion Dancer and Si-Zhu Trio
- Germany: Adventskalender
- Italy: La Befana
- Japan: Daruma Storyteller
- Morocco/France: Hanukkah Storyteller
- France: Père Noël
- United Kingdom: Father Christmas
- Canada: Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
These aren’t simply characters posing for photos. The storytellers help explain the traditions behind the celebrations, making this one of the more educational—and genuinely interesting—parts of the festival.
And kids tend to love them because they’re getting a story rather than another “educational” experience.
Santa Comes to EPCOT
Yes, Santa Claus is making appearances at EPCOT!
During the festival, guests may spot Santa traveling around World Showcase spreading holiday cheer.
You can also encounter some of his international counterparts, including:
- Père Noël in France
- Barn Santa in Norway
- Santa Claus at CommuniCore Hall
And if you’re looking for a festive Disney character photo, Goofy will be dressed in his holiday best at The Odyssey.
So bring the Christmas list—and the camera.
Related article: Meeting Disney Characters: The Magic of the Moment
The Candlelight Processional
If there is one Festival of the Holidays experience I would encourage you to prioritize, it’s the Candlelight Processional.
This beloved EPCOT tradition takes place nightly at America Gardens Theatre and features a moving retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a full orchestra and mass choir.
And then there are the celebrity narrators.
Each year, well-known actors, performers and other celebrities take turns telling the story. Past narrators have included names such as Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg and Josh Gad.
The combination of the narration, orchestra, choir and setting makes this one of those Disney experiences that can be surprisingly emotional.
Even if you’re not normally someone who seeks out holiday entertainment, I think it’s worth experiencing at least once.
How to Get a Seat at the Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional is included with EPCOT admission, but seating is first-come, first-served.
If you don’t want to spend a significant amount of time waiting in line, consider a Candlelight Processional Dining Package.
You’ll enjoy a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant and receive reserved seating for one of that day’s Candlelight Processional performances.
Learn more about EPCOT Festival Dining Packages.
My advice: If seeing the Candlelight Processional is high on your priority list, plan for it rather than hoping you’ll get lucky with standby seating.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
If the Candlelight Processional is reflective and moving, JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season brings a completely different energy.
This high-energy performance celebrates the holidays through gospel, jazz and R&B, highlighting the traditions of Christmas and Kwanzaa.
It’s upbeat, soulful and the kind of performance that makes it difficult not to start moving along with the music.
If you walk by and hear the music, stop.
You won’t regret it.
Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers
The Voices of Liberty are already one of my favorite entertainment experiences at EPCOT, and during the holidays they become the Dickens Carolers.
Performing classic holiday songs in the style of Victorian-era England, their incredible harmonies are the perfect complement to the holiday atmosphere in the American Adventure pavilion.
This is another experience that doesn’t require a reservation or extra ticket.
Just check the entertainment schedule and make time to enjoy it.
Holiday Kitchens: Let’s Talk Food
Of course, it wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without food.
The Holiday Kitchens bring seasonal dishes and beverages inspired by holiday traditions from around the world.
You’ll find savory dishes, desserts, specialty drinks and plenty of opportunities to snack your way around World Showcase.
And this is one of those times when I recommend sharing.
You can try more dishes, sample flavors you might not normally order and avoid being completely stuffed before you make it halfway around World Showcase.
That’s a win in my book.
As Disney releases the current year’s menus, I’ll update this guide with the details so you can decide which Holiday Kitchens belong on your must-try list.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll
If you have a sweet tooth—or you’re traveling with kids—the Holiday Cookie Stroll is a fun way to explore the festival.
Here’s how it works:
- Pick up your Festival Passport.
- Purchase five qualifying cookies from participating Holiday Kitchens.
- Collect a stamp for each cookie.
- Complete your passport.
- Redeem it for a special holiday treat.
And you don’t have to complete the stroll in one day.
That’s important because attempting to eat five cookies while touring EPCOT in a single afternoon may sound like a good idea at the beginning.
Ask me how I know.
Related article: The Must Do Snacks at Disney World
EPCOT’s Holiday Decorations
Don’t overlook the decorations.
EPCOT is beautiful during the holiday season, and each World Showcase pavilion incorporates festive details inspired by its culture and traditions.
You’ll find decorated trees, garlands, lights and plenty of photo opportunities throughout the park.
Take some time to simply wander.
This is one of those Disney experiences where the details are part of the attraction.
Gingerbread Spaceship Earth
One of the newer holiday details to watch for is the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display.
It combines culinary artistry with one of EPCOT’s most recognizable landmarks—and yes, it is exactly the kind of thing that makes you stop and take a picture.
The display is also part of a Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, featuring lights and music that bring the display to life at regular intervals.
It’s another fun reason to slow down as you make your way through EPCOT.
Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses
Want to experience something a little quieter?
Hop aboard Living with the Land during its holiday transformation, Glimmering Greenhouses.
The greenhouses are decorated with twinkling lights and seasonal touches, creating a peaceful holiday version of one of EPCOT’s classic attractions.
I especially like this one because it gives you a chance to step out of the hustle and bustle for a few minutes.
It’s relaxing, it’s indoors, and it’s just different enough to make a familiar attraction feel new again.
Lights on Spaceship Earth
As evening arrives, Spaceship Earth gets its own holiday glow.
The iconic geodesic sphere lights up with festive colors and dynamic effects, creating a beautiful backdrop as you explore EPCOT after dark.
If you’re visiting during the holidays, make sure you experience EPCOT both during the day and after sunset.
The atmosphere changes completely.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Traveling with kids—or simply love a good scavenger hunt?
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition is a fun way to explore World Showcase while searching for Olaf as he discovers holiday traditions from around the globe.
Purchase the game board, look for Olaf, add the corresponding stickers and complete your expedition for a holiday keepsake.
It’s a relatively simple activity, but that’s part of the appeal.
It gives kids something specific to look for while adults get to enjoy exploring the pavilions.
Related article: Exploring the Vibrant World of Epcot Festivals
Festive Fragrances: A Sensory Wonderland
For something a little unexpected, check out Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy.
Returning for its third year, this experience explores holiday scents from around the world, with fragrances inspired by celebrations and traditions including Noche Buena and Diwali.
You’ll find the experience along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, where snow-globe-inspired displays create a colorful and sensory holiday experience.
It’s one of those festival additions that you might easily walk past if you don’t know it’s there—so now you do!
My Tips for Enjoying Festival of the Holidays
A few things I’d keep in mind when planning your EPCOT holiday day:
Don’t rush through World Showcase. The holiday storytellers and decorations are a big part of the experience.
Prioritize the entertainment you care about. Check the daily schedule for Candlelight Processional, JOYFUL!, Voices of Liberty and the storytellers.
Plan your Candlelight Processional strategy ahead of time. If this is a must-do, consider a dining package.
Share your Holiday Kitchen purchases. This is the best way to sample more without filling up immediately.
Leave room for dessert. The Cookie Stroll exists for a reason.
Visit after dark. EPCOT’s holiday lights and decorations take on a completely different feel once the sun goes down.
Don’t overlook the little things. Some of my favorite festival memories aren’t the big-ticket experiences—they’re the music, decorations, food and little moments you stumble upon while wandering.
Is EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Worth Visiting?
Absolutely—especially if you love the atmosphere of the holiday season.
Festival of the Holidays isn’t just about Christmas decorations and seasonal food. It’s about discovering how different cultures celebrate, listening to incredible music, watching beloved Disney traditions and enjoying EPCOT at one of the most beautiful times of the year.
For me, the combination of Candlelight Processional + holiday storytellers + seasonal food + EPCOT after dark makes this festival particularly special.
And you don’t have to be a huge fan of Christmas to enjoy it.
There’s something about EPCOT that makes exploring the world during the holidays feel just a little more meaningful.
Continue Planning Your Disney World Vacation
Planning a Disney World vacation during the holidays?
Start with my complete Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for everything you need to start building your trip.
You can also continue exploring:
- EPCOT’s Annual Festivals
- Disney EPCOT Area Resorts
- EPCOT Festival Dining Packages
- Disney World Holiday Crowds & Planning Tips
- EPCOT Festival of the Arts Guide
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