Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays

Any day at Disney World is magical. Holidays are perhaps even more so. Although Magic Kingdom gets notably more attention during the Christmas season than the other three Disney parks in Orlando, all offer an extra dose of sparkle for the season. Today’s post takes a look at one of my favorites, Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays. You have about a week left to check it out for yourself this year, or, you can relax and enjoy this virtual tour today instead.

Overview

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays is precisely as it sounds. It’s a park wide festival that offers unique decorations, treats and entertainment options specifically designed for the holiday season. Additional food booths with holiday treats line the path of World Showplace. Christmas topiaries, poinsettias and other seasonal surprises decorate the many flower beds throughout the park. Entertainment offerings range from concert performances to ride overlays to casual storytellers. And the best part? The vast majority of these seasonal treats are included with standard park admission.

This year Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 29 to December 30. The dates tend to vary a bit by each year, so if you’re hoping to visit in future years start checking Disney’s calendar in late summer. In 2018, for example, the event ran from November 18 to December 30.

Food

Let’s start with the treats, because well, the holidays are famous for them. Epcot is too. Similar to the other events hosted at Epcot throughout the year, the International Festival of the Holidays features unique food booths or “kitchens” ON TOP of the already generous amount of quick service and table service offerings. Most of the holiday kitchens remain somewhat consistent year over year, although new options are always available too if you want something different. If you happen to be on a Disney Dining Plan, many of the treats are also a great use of a snack credit.

One of my personal favorites is the Maple Bûche de Noël from the booth in Canada shown above. (C’est magnifique!) Of course there are hundreds of other options which you can explore for yourself on Disney’s full list of menus on Disney’s site here.

Just remember to pace yourself! So many treats, so little time.

Decorations

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays also features holiday decorations throughout the park. I already mentioned the numerous topiaries and poinsettias. (Festive Mickey!)

Of course, you’ll also find abundant amounts of garland, lights and trees.

The World Showplace in particular is a fun place to explore during the event. Each pavilion offers seasonally appropriate designs that are based on the traditional practices of the host country.

It truly is a beautiful place to explore, perhaps even more so during the busy holiday park season because you don’t have to wait in lines to enjoy it.

Entertainment

Speaking of waiting in lines, a surprising number of entertainment options at Epcot during the International Festival of the Holidays don’t require them! (score!) You can catch Mariachi singers in Mexico. Watch Lunar New Year performances in China or listen to the story of Hanukkah between France and Morroco. That’s just three, you can check out the full list here.

One of my favorite entertainment options at Epcot over the holidays is the Voices of Liberty a cappella group. Technically called the “Dickens Carolers” during the Festival of the Holidays, this talented group of singers share traditional Christmas hymns in the acoustically perfect American pavilion. They truly are a gem any time of year. The Christmas music just takes it to the next level.

Another fun way to explore World Showplace is you use the event’s official Passport. Pick up a free copy when you enter the park and track your progress (with coordinating stickers!) around the World. (Canadian snacks, um, check!) Disney also offers a kids’ option involving searching for ornaments with Chip and Dale for a small fee ($7). If both of those sound like too much work on your holiday vacation, you can also leisurely stroll the World Showplace and learn about holiday traditions via new SCROLL displays this year.

Close to the Dickens Carolers in the American Pavilion, you’ll also find the very popular Candlelight Procession. This holiday favorite features a celebrity narrator sharing the story of the birth of Christ with a full orchestra and accompanying choir. The Procession takes place three times a night throughout the festival. You can secure a seat in the pavilion with a dining reservation, or take your chances by visiting the space about an hour before showtime. Even if you can’t secure a seat, it’s easy to catch a portion of the show from the walkways near the American pavilion.

Of course all of Epcot’s rides are also available during the festival. Some, like the Living on the Land attraction, even have fun holiday overlays.

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays

So with that I’ll wrap it up. (pun totally intended)

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays offers food, decorations and entertainment options galore. It’s a fun way to celebrate the holidays at Disney World… or wherever you might be today!

If you want another (free!) dose of Disney holiday cheer, check out my previous posts on the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs or the gorgeous gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian.

Happy Holidays friends. Thanks for joining me on this smittenwithmickey adventure!

Add a little (festival) magic to your world!