What to Do at EPCOT During the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us, and I’m absolutely unbearable right now.

You’ll change the channel from Hallmark Christmas movies over my dead body, ya hear me?

I’m watching these films while fantasizing about EPCOT, since my family had to cancel our November vacation.

If I were there, I know exactly how I’d be spending my time.

Here’s what to do at EPCOT during the holiday season.

Celebrate the Season at Living with the Land

We’ve officially reached the time of year when Living with the Land officially transitions to its Glimmering Greenhouses overlay.

You’re probably wondering what that is.

In simplest terms, Disney adds holiday decorations to the second half of Living with the Land.

So, the entire greenhouse offers the soft glow of Christmas lights.

I always recommend Living with the Land, but the holiday season is when it’s a can’t-miss attraction.

Complete a Scavenger Hunt Before Olaf Melts

In a matter of days, the International Festival of the Holidays begins.

As part of the festivities, Olaf hosts a scavenger hunt.

You’ll want to grab a map and stickers and go hunting.

You must find the various traditions Olaf uncovers at each pavilion.

Should you prove successful in your hunt, you’ll gain a keepsake memento of your victory.

Disney will give you a prize just for trying, anyway.

Finish Your Holiday Shopping

No matter what anyone tells you, gift giving is a blood sport where you either win or lose.

In my household, we do NOT lose during the gift-giving season.

If you’re anything like me – or someone who just likes giving nice things to people you care about — you’ll want to do most of your holiday shopping at the World Showcase.

I speak from many years of experience when I say that the souvenirs, trinkets, and knick-knacks available here will warm the hearts of your loved ones.

Whether you’re searching for basic Disney swag or something unique from places like the China and Morocco pavilions, you can legitimately find something at EPCOT for everyone you love.

These gifts are somehow from Walt Disney World AND various parts of the world, which makes them that much better.

Listen to a Story Told

While you’re roaming through the World Showcase pavilions, you absolutely must seek out the various Storytellers.

These Cast Members happily relay details of the holiday traditions of their home countries.

Some of these tales are more elaborate than others, and seeking out each of them dovetails nicely with your scavenger hunt.

The Storytellers are one of the highlights of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.

Don’t make the mistake of being in so much of a rush while shopping and exploring that you walk right past them.

Listen to the Voices of Liberty

You’ve noticed a recurring theme by now.

The World Showcase is the place to be at EPCOT this holiday season.

Even though you probably know this, you may not prioritize The American Adventure pavilion.

After all, you live in America, which makes it less of a priority than the international options at the World Showcase.

Notably, that’s a rookie mistake during the holiday season, as The American Adventure celebrates the season the right way.

For starters, you should look for the gingerbread display here, as it’s quietly one of Disney’s best, although it’s notably smaller than most.

While you’re there, you should check the schedule or ask a cast member about the Voices of Liberty.

This choral group performs holiday classics, and they’re really, really good.

Once you’ve watched the Voices of Liberty, you’ll have holiday music swimming around in your head the rest of the day.

Re-Introduce Yourself to Test Track

Okay, this one isn’t very wintry. I mean, part of it’s an outdoor ride.

Still, Test Track 3.0 reopened earlier this year. If you’re visiting EPCOT, you have to ride it.

For that matter, don’t miss Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, either.

You can celebrate the season while still experiencing the attractions.

Spend the Holidays at Arendelle

In 2016, the Norway pavilion became the de facto Frozen-themed land at EPCOT.

Don’t get me wrong.

The Norwegian themes remain, but the parts of the place definitely recreate Arendelle, Anna and Elsa’s home in the film franchise.

You can meet the two most recent queens of Arendelle at the character spot here, Royal Sommerhus, and then you can ride the E-ticket attraction.

Disney doesn’t offer a more wintry ride than Frozen Ever After, so it’s a no-brainer this time of year.

Stroll for Cookies

Efficient park guests can kill three birds with one stone, although I really hope that you’re showing more kindness to our avian friends.

Since you’re already roaming the World Showcase for Storytellers and Olaf’s traditions, you might as well grab a few cookies along the way.

You’re burning so many calories by walking that you can do so guilt free!

Also, let’s be honest. Your inner child will ADORE the idea of a cookie stroll.

If you eat all the qualifying cookies, you’ll unlock a bonus cookie. This year’s bonus cookie has M&Ms. Enough said.

Visit the Nearby Hotels

You may not know this, but Disney decorates all its hotels during the holiday season.

Several of them are destination viewing due to their gingerbread constructs.

Disney has been known to build entire stores and lighthouses made of gingerbread.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn recreates the BoardWalk itself.

You can even see baked goods in the stores.

As impressive as that is, I’d argue that Disney’s Beach Club Resort surpasses it with something that blows my mind.

The Cast Members there build a gingerbread carousel, which somehow isn’t the amazing part.

Folks, that carousel spins.

You obviously cannot ride it, because this isn’t a cartoon.

Still, you can stand beside the carousel and admire its artistry.

The cast members even list the ingredients and their names on a nearby pastry plaque.

Watch the Nativity Story

Finally, we have the seminal event of EPCOT’s holiday season.

The stars align at the Candlelight Processional.

I mean that literally, as Disney hires celebrity narrators to host the nativity story.

This year’s celebrities include Academy Award winners Brendan Fraser and Brie Larson, along with Golden Globe winner Gary Sinise.

The Candlelight Processional sells out every show, so for you to watch this one, you should book a Candlelight Processional dining package.

Please speak with a MickeyTravels agent to learn the best options during your visit.

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Feature photo: Disney