It’s time to start thinking about Christmas at Disney World! One of the most anticipated events of the holiday season in Orlando is The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays presented by Advent Health. The final of the four annual Epcot festivals will begin this year on November 24.
For 2023, the festival will include returning favorites such as the Candlelight Processional, holiday kitchens and storytellers from around the globe. As always, the festival is included with the price of admission to the park. There’s so much to share, so let’s get started!
First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Entertainment
The sounds of the season are evident all-around Epcot. Here’s a look at what you will see and hear during your visit. Christmas at Disney has never been more magical!
The Candlelight Processional Returns with Celebrity Narrators
This year new and returning celebrity guests will retell the story of the original Christmas alongside the talent of a choir, the Voices of Liberty, as well as a 50-piece orchestra. The following schedule was recently released by Disney Destinations:
- Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25
- Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27
- Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29
- Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
- John Stamos: Dec. 3-5
- Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8
- Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11
- Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
- Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16
- Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
- Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
- Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
- Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
- Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
- Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30
Book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package
For an extra special evening, guests can once again choose to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. That package includes a meal at 1 of 7 different eateries inside Epcot (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) and a reserved prime seat for the processional that night.
Bookings for the dining package open on October 17.
Storytellers From Around the World
During the Epcot Festival of the Holidays, the park is full of the rich culture from each of the countries around World Showcase. Part of that feature includes animated storytellers sharing their country’s traditions during the holiday season.
Guests will delight in seasonal stories of Christmas and Hanukkah from France, Norway and more. Christmas at Disney comes to life with the story teller’s tales.
Santa Visits Epcot
This year, guests can meet Santa himself at the Odyssey Building. This merriest of photo opportunities will be available from November 24- December 24, 2023.
Celebrate the Season with Music in Your Heart
Gospel and R & B performers “Joyful” will entertain guests with music celebrating both Christmas and Kwanzaa at World Showcase Plaza
Attractions Come to Life with Christmas Décor
One of the most beloved rides in Epcot is decorated for the holiday season during the festival. During Christmas at Disney, guests who board Living with the Land will not only learn about horticultural innovations but also enjoy the holiday overlay with wrapped gifts, lights, snowmen, and whimsical Christmas hidden Mickeys.
In the past, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, one the parks newest attractions had added a Christmas playlist to its soundtrack during the holidays.
The Food of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The Sweet and Savory Side of the Season
More than 15 holiday kitchens will open around Epcot for guests to “taste test” global goodness around the park. Menus and theming for the kitchens are yet to be released.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll will return for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays this year. Guests can purchase the 5 official cookies on the stroll and receive the corresponding stamp in their booklet available around the park.
Take your time! The stroll can be completed over as many visits as you like. Once you have all 5 stamps, return your passport to Holiday Sweets and Treats (holiday kitchen) for an extra special cookie. You have until December 30, 2023 to get all 5 for your reward treat!
Olaf’s Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Another returning experience for guests at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays includes the snowman with the warmest hugs. Guests can purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations and find Olaf in all the pavilions around World Showcase.
This lovable guy is hiding out where you least expect. Find him, place your sticker on the map and return it to the Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler for a special festival keepsake. Fun fact- you can return it completed or not and still take home your souvenir.
My advice if this sounds like an event you have to experience, stay at a Disney World Skyliner resort. In addition, Magic Kingdom area or EPCOT area resorts provide quick and easy access to the event by foot or by monorail. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays 2023 presented by Advent Health is set to return November 24. This year might be the best time to indulge your Christmas wish of a magical holiday season.
If you are considering a vacation to Disney World to celebrate the holiday season, I encourage you to submit a free no obligation quote request to start planning that trip right away. You can also reach out to DizN Vacations to choose from a team of experts on all thing Disney travel.
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