Experiencing EPCOT during the International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth has become a cherished tradition for many visitors to Walt Disney World. Exciting details about this year’s event are now available.
During the festival, EPCOT will be adorned with stunning decorations, delightful character interactions, and a variety of flavors that embody the holiday spirit. Begin planning your visit by making a list of the entertainment, food, and experiences you wish to enjoy.

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Dates
The festival traditionally begins the day after Thanksgiving, allowing guests to experience a festive atmosphere filled with Christmas trees, seasonal treats, and joyful customs. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Festival of the Holidays, which runs from November 28 to December 30, 2025.
Getting organized in advance is essential for a smooth vacation! Tickets for the theme parks and accommodations can be booked now for the holiday season. Numerous resort hotels capture the essence of the holidays with enchanting lights, festive music, and decorations, all infused with the magic of Disney for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Festival of the Holidays Shows and Entertainment
Exciting Entertainment Options
During the Festival of the Holidays, guests can immerse themselves in a variety of thrilling entertainment experiences. Enjoy the lively performance of JOYFUL!, discover diverse holiday traditions showcased throughout the World Showcase, and witness the enchanting Candlelight Processional.

Candlelight Processional Overview
Every evening during the festival, the America Gardens Theatre hosts the enchanting Candlelight Processional, which narrates the nativity story accompanied by beautiful holiday hymns. This cherished event features a large live orchestra, herald trumpets, and vocal ensembles, including the Voices of Liberty, Disney Cast Choir, and various local community groups, performing beloved Christmas carols and traditional songs.
A standout feature of the Candlelight Processional is the celebrity narrators who bring the Christmas story to life. Notable past narrators have included Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jodi Benson. This year’s lineup has been announced, showcasing both returning favorites and new talents.
Performance Details and Seating
Shows take place nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., each lasting about 50 minutes. Seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis and tends to fill quickly, so it’s advisable to plan ahead to enjoy this spectacular performance. For guests seeking a more convenient experience, dining packages that include reserved seating are also available – further information can be found here.

Experience Holiday Storytelling
As you wander through the World Showcase pavilions, take a moment to enjoy the performances from Holiday Storytellers, who present festive traditions and narrate seasonal tales representative of their countries. EPCOT offers a wonderful opportunity to discover how various cultures celebrate this joyous time of year.
Each pavilion features distinct stories and performers, including:
- Mexico Pavilion – Las Posadas Celebration
- Norway Pavilion – A Mischievous Magical Barn Santa
- China Pavilion – Chinese Lion Dancer
- Italy Pavilion – La Befana
- Japan Pavilion – Daruma Storyteller
- Between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Hanukkah Storyteller
- France Pavilion – Père Noël
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas
- Canada Pavilion – Canadian Holiday Voyageurs
Performances are held regularly, and specific showtimes can be checked daily using the My Disney Experience app.

Experience JOYFUL! This Holiday Season
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season is a concert series that honors the essence of Christmas and Kwanzaa. The talented D’Vine Voices from Central Florida deliver holiday favorites through a lively blend of musical genres such as gospel, jazz, and R&B. For showtimes, refer to the My Disney Experience app.
This event features a mix of timeless classics and modern renditions, performed by exceptional vocalists, creating a nostalgic and festive atmosphere for all attendees.

EPCOT’s Holiday Culinary Delights
The festive season is truly enhanced by a variety of seasonal treats and beverages, with EPCOT standing out for its remarkable food experiences.

Taste the Season with Holiday Kitchens
Food and drinks play a vital role in EPCOT festivals, and this year’s Holiday Kitchens will offer a delightful variety of dishes and drinks. These individual booths will showcase heartwarming holiday recipes and festive flavors from around the globe, and the excitement to sample them all is palpable.
While the final list of vendors is still being finalized, there is enthusiasm about a mix of new selections and beloved classics. For those who enjoy exploring culinary options, the food & beverage offerings available during the festival can now be discovered.

Sweeten Your Day with the Holiday Cookie Stroll
A delightful experience for food enthusiasts is the Holiday Cookie Stroll, making its return this year. Many cherish the memories of baking and decorating delicious treats, and during the Festival of the Holidays, guests can enjoy cookies crafted in the kitchens of Walt Disney World.
The full list of cookies featured in this festive stroll is available in the Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide, where items are marked with a 🍪 icon. A returning favorite is the Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs, and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans, which consistently garners popularity.
By purchasing any five cookies from designated locations and collecting the corresponding stamps in your Festival Passport, you can exchange them for a special surprise at Holiday Sweets and Treats. This activity is an ideal way to indulge your sweet cravings during the festive season.

Festival of the Holidays Activities and Ride Overlays
Seasonal Activities at EPCOT
Immerse yourself in the diverse range of holiday-themed activities available at EPCOT, ensuring you experience the magic of the season. Enjoy various events and festivities that capture the essence of this joyous time.
Festive Attractions with a Twist
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a beloved attraction enhanced with a seasonal flair. The holiday overlay adds a unique touch, making it a must-see during your visit.

Santa’s Locations at EPCOT
Santa is known for his travels, and this is evident at World Showcase. Visitors can meet Père Noël in the France Pavilion, where he shares the tale of Babette and her holiday letter. Meanwhile, Barn Santa will be entertaining guests in the Norway Pavilion.

CommuniCore Hall: A Festive Destination
Throughout the festival, CommuniCore Hall will serve as a central spot for holiday festivities, transforming into a magical space filled with seasonal joy. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, who will be welcoming families with his warm demeanor and cheerful “ho-ho-ho.”
For additional details, visit the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays entertainment webpage.

Gingerbread Display at CommuniCore Hall
CommuniCore Hall will showcase a remarkable Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display that combines sweetness with visual splendor. This immersive attraction highlights creativity and skill, allowing guests to appreciate the artistry that goes into this holiday symbol. It serves as an ideal photo opportunity and stands out as a key feature of the festival.
Celebration Countdown Light Show
While visiting, be sure to experience the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, an enchanting light show that takes place every 15 minutes.

Holiday festivities are truly enhanced by delightful sweets and seasonal beverages. The Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow offers a unique experience for guests looking to enjoy a variety of cookies. Among the offerings are the Prototype Cookie, featuring a sugar base topped with orange cranberry icing and dark chocolate, as well as the Ginger-Molasses Cookie adorned with cream cheese icing. To complement these treats, visitors can savor comforting drinks like a Gingerbread Milk Shake or Hot Cocoa from Joffrey’s.

Festive Atmosphere at the Odyssey
The Odyssey is transformed with holiday cheer, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors. Enter Glittering Grove, presented by Balsam Hill, where a stunning arrangement of artificial trees illuminates the space with twinkling lights and sophisticated decorations, ideal for capturing memorable holiday snapshots.
In close proximity, Santa Goofy awaits to bring joy in his festive attire. This charming character encounter adds a fun element to the holiday experience. For further details, be sure to visit the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays entertainment page.

When it’s time to treat yourself, Holiday Hearth Desserts offers a variety of delightful sweets and warm drinks. Enjoy Red Velvet Cake Pops adorned with festive sprinkles, Reindeer Chow made with M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies Holiday Blend, and Joffrey’s Cocoa Peppermint Warmer Hot Cocoa enhanced with peppermint schnapps. Each bite and sip brings a taste of holiday joy.
For a comprehensive list of treats, refer to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide!
Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances
Returning for its second consecutive year, Scentsy is set to enhance the atmosphere with enchanting fragrances. Stroll along the pathway connecting the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase to discover Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy, a delightful garden showcasing holiday ornaments infused with favorite seasonal scents.
Among the featured fragrances are Christmas Cottage, Sleigh Ride, Silver Bells, and Perfect Peppermint. This experience is designed to engage the senses and add an extra touch of holiday enchantment to your visit.

Join Olaf’s Festive Scavenger Hunt
This year, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt invites visitors to embark on a delightful adventure to find Olaf in 13 locations across EPCOT.
Maps and stickers can be purchased at designated festival merchandise spots. The goal is to uncover the holiday traditions that Olaf has found in each pavilion. After collecting them all, guests can head to either Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to claim a special prize.

Experience the Holiday Transformation
Throughout the Festival of the Holidays, the beloved attraction Living with the Land becomes a radiant greenhouse experience, adorned with twinkling holiday lights and stunning decorations that evoke a sense of wonder for visitors of every age.
What holiday experience at EPCOT are you most excited to enjoy during the Festival of the Holidays?

