9 Merry Must-Dos at 2023’s EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
The Holiday fun is in full swing at Epcot with the International Festival of the Holidays and today we are going to go over 9 must-do’s to get you in the holiday spirit! From amazing entertainment to yummy treats, there is something for everyone!
Photo: Disney
Candlelight Processional is a Disney Parks Tradition
Top on the list is none other than the Candlelight Processional. Celebrity narrators retell the Christmas story with an amazing choir of Disney Cast Members and local community groups with a 50-piece love orchestra with herald trumpets. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
Here’s an updated list of celebrity narrators performing now through to the end of the festival:
- 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*
Performances are nightly at America Gardens Theatre. Showtimes are at 5:15, 7:00 and 8:30 p.m.
Spaceship Earth Shines Bright for the Holidays
Spaceship Earth lights up with a sparkling light show that isn’t to be missed. The amazing light display can be seen nightly and is accompanied by an original version of “When You Wish Upon A Star”.
Photo: Disney
Holiday Kitchens Cook Up Festive Recipes, Drinks
There are 15 Holiday Kitchens to enjoy this year during the International Festival of the Holidays. There are festive drinks and delicious food from all around the world to taste. Check out the Foodie Guide for this year’s festival!
Photo: Disney
One-of-a-Kind Holiday Cookie Stroll at EPCOT
Got a sweet tooth? Then don’t miss out on the fun Holiday Cookie Stroll. Cookies include:
- Linzer Cookie
- Gingerbread Cookie
- Black and White Cookie (Plant-based)
- Snickerdoodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces
- Spiced Chocolate Cookie
- Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
- Holiday Sugar Cookie
- Jingle Sugar Cookie made with M&M’S chocolate candies
Don’t forget your to collect the stamps in your Festival Passport when you purchase five or more cookies from the official locations. Head to Holiday Sweet & Treats when you’re done to receive a specialty cookie.
Photo: Disney
Visit Santa Claus at EPCOT Until Dec. 24
Stop by the Odyssey Pavilion for a visit with the big man himself, Santa Clause! Meet and greets with Santa begins each day at 11 a.m. and can also be experienced at 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. now through Dec. 24.
Photo: Disney
Holiday Storytellers Share Traditions from Around World
Stop and enjoy the Holiday Storytellers while you are strolling through the World Showcase. They share stories of each country’s holiday traditions. Here’s the list:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration: Sunday through Thursday
- Join the fun of Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas and the music of Mariachi Cobre.
- Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa: Daily
- Celebrate the season with laughter as a mischievous Barn Santa visits Sigrid, an unsuspecting Christmas storyteller.
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer: Daily
- Catch a glimpse of a colorful performance that brings good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New Year.
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana: Daily
- Come hear the tale of La Befana, the kind hearted witch who visits sleeping young children on the Eve of the Epiphany.
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller: Daily
- Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year!
- Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller: Daily
- Witness a storyteller recount traveling abroad to explore the diverse music and traditions of Hanukkah around the world.
- France Pavilion – Pere Noel: Daily
- Visit with Père Noël and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child.
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas: Daily
- Join Father Christmas as he rings in the season, sharing the traditions of the United Kingdom with good cheer.
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs: Daily
- Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North with the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.
Photo: Disney
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season Holiday Music
Catch an amazing performance that celebrates the meaning of Christmas and Kwanzaa with JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season. Performances are daily (1:15, 2:20, 3:25 and 4:30 p.m.) at the World Showcase Plaza Stage.
Photo: Disney
Disney Attraction Sparkles with Holiday Decorations
Experience Living with the Land as it comes to life during the Festival with the fan favorite Glimmering Greenhouse. The entire greenhouse is decorated and lit up with festive holiday decor.
Photo: Disney
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Want something fun to do while exploring the World Showcase? Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt takes you on a journey through festival merchandise locations looking for traditions Olaf has discovered in every pavilion. Purchase your map with stickers, and when you complete it, take it back to participating locations for a prize!
Photo: Disney
Festival-Exclusive Magic Shots from Disney PhotoPass Service
We can’t forget the fun photo ops! Strike a pose with several different PhotoPass MagicSHots such as Olaf and Sven or The Three Caballeros. These are exclusive to the Festival.
There is so much holiday fun to do and see at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, what is your favorite?
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Source: Disney
