Highlights of This Year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
The holidays are about to arrive at EPCOT big time when the International Festival of the Holidays kicks off on November 25 and runs through December 30. There are so many incredible experiences you can have at EPCOT during festival time and for those wanting a crash course, we thought we’d put together some of this year’s highlights.
NEW- Spaceship Earth Light Show
We are excited to reveal the news that a brand-new light show debuts at Spaceship Earth. Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering have revealed that the light display will invoke some of the sights of winter, including snowflakes, northern lights and warm candles.
Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
Head over to The Land pavilion where Living with the Land -Glimmering Greenhouses will be on full display! In addition to all of the incredible flora and fauna you’ll find some wonderful holiday touches.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Holiday Mix
Celebrating it’s first Christmas, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will include a special holiday playlist. Enjoy the festivities November 25th through December 30th.
Candlelight Processional
One of EPCOT’s most popular holiday traditions returns. Disney’s Candlelight Processional is a heartwarming production that takes place nightly at the America Gardens Theatre. The production features celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble. There’s also a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets and massed choirs comprised of Disney cast members as well as local community groups.
Celebrity narrators for 2022 include Gloria Estefan, Josh Gad, Simu Liu, Mariska Hargitay, Raúl Esparza and Daymond John.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
You won’t want to miss a stirring an uplifting performance from JOYFUL! The setlist includes songs that celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa. Performances will happen throughout the day at the World Showcase Plaza Stage.
Storytellers, Musical Acts and More
Holiday traditions of the world will be coming to the World Showcase including storytellers, musical acts and other performers. Highlights include Las Posadas Celebration (featuring Mariachi Cobre) at the Mexico pavilion, the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in the Canada pavilion, a Hanukkah storyteller along the promenade between Morocco and France. You’ll find other delightful holiday storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway and United Kingdom.
Holiday Kitchens
Food booths around the world showcase will be serving up treasured recipes and festive drinks from around the globe. You’ll find highlights that include spiced pumpkin punch, cranberry mimosas, slow-roasted turkey with stuffing and pork schnitzel with braised red cabbage. An eye-popping selection of sweets and treats including linzer cookies, maple buche de noel to chocolate-peppermint donuts will satisfy her sweet tooth.
Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen – Latin-American heritage will be celebrated and savored featuring traditional dishes served throughout the holiday season. This includes Pernil (Mojo Pork with Tostones) and Alfajores (Vanilla Shortbread Cookies with Dulce de Leche and Coconut.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll
Embark on a sweet adventure around EPCOT with the Holiday Cookie Stroll. When guests purchase five cookies from the official Cookie Stroll locations and collect matching stamps in your Festival Passport. Once you’ve collected all the cookies on your list head to Holiday Sweets & Treats to receive a specialty cookie.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Guests of all ages can take part in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt to search for holiday traditions which Olaf has gathered from around the world- and lost along the way!
Shop Around the World
For those that want to check items off your holiday fit list, head to the World Showcase to shop around the world. From designer French fragrances and handmade treats to festive holiday wines and teas from around the world, there is something for everyone.
Santa Claus
No holiday celebration is complete without a chance to visit Santa Claus. From November 25 through December 24 Santa Claus pays a visit to The Odyssey giving guests the opportunity to say hello, pose for a photo and share their Christmas wishes. EPCOTholidays.com.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays which runs through December 30th.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week.
Did you know? Disney packages for 2023 are now available to book!
With new policies and procedures in place during the year ahead, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney’s new way of doing things! I’ll be on hand to assist with everything from finding that perfect package and getting the best deals to organizing park passes, Disney Genie+ and dining reservations. Best of all- my services are ABSOLUTELY FREE!
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