Browsing Tag

Festival of the Holidays

2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Dates and Details

Special Events By July 14, 2025 Tags: , , No Comments

Visting EPCOT during International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is a fan-favorite holiday tradition for Walt Disney World guests, and we are thrilled to share the first details about what you can expect when the event returns this year.

Start making your list (and checking it twice) to plan for which entertainment, eats, and experiences below you want to enjoy this holiday season.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Spaceship Earth

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Dates

As usual, the festival kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, so you can trade the turkey for Christmas trees, holiday treats, and cheerful traditions! Mark your calendar to attend Festival of the Holidays from November 28-December 30, 2025. 

Planning ahead is the best way to start your vacation! Walt Disney World theme park tickets and lodging reservations are already available to book during the holiday season. Many of our resort hotels embrace the spirit of the season with classic holiday lights, music, and decor, all with magical Disney flair, for you to take in during your visit.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Storytellers

Festival of the Holidays Shows and Entertainment

There is plenty of exciting entertainment to enjoy during Festival of the Holidays – jam with JOYFUL!, learn about holiday traditions around World Showcase, and experience the magic of the Candlelight Processional.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Candlelight

Experience the Candlelight Processional

Each evening during the festival, the America Gardens Theatre will come alive with the stirring Candlelight Processional, a retelling of the nativity story featuring holiday hymns. This beloved performance boasts a large live orchestra, herald trumpets, and vocal ensembles including the Voices of Liberty, Disney Cast Choir, and local community groups, who perform Christmas carols and traditional tunes for all to enjoy.

A highlight of the Candlelight Processional are the celebrity narrators who bring the story of Christmas to life onstage, with previous guests of honor including Josh Gad, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jodi Benson. This year’s line-up will be announced at a later date, so be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

Performances are held nightly at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., with a runtime of approximately 50 minutes. Seating is first-come, first-served and often fills up fast, so we suggest planning ahead if you want to experience this stunning show. Dining packages with reserved seating are another great option for guests – more details will be available soon.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Storytellers

Learn from the World Showcase Storytellers

While you’re exploring the World Showcase pavilions throughout the day, you can stop to see performances from Holiday Storytellers as they share festive traditions and bring holiday tales to life in their respective countries. EPCOT is the perfect place to learn about how different cultures celebrate this special season.

Each country will spotlight unique 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 happen frequently, but showtimes can be confirmed each day in the My Disney Experience app.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Joyful

Feel the Rhythm of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season is a concert series that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and Kwanzaa. Holiday hits are performed by Central Florida group D’Vine Voices in an upbeat mix of music styles including gospel, jazz, and R&B. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

The combination of classic songs and updated arrangements with powerhouse vocalists will surely ignite warm holiday memories for every guest.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Food and Beverage

Festival of the Holidays Food and Drink

The holidays are not complete without a seasonal selection of snacks and sips, and of course EPCOT is known for its exceptional culinary offerings.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Funnel Cake

Taste the Season with Holiday Kitchens

Food and drinks are a staple ingredient of EPCOT festivals, and this year’s Holiday Kitchens will be serving up an amazing assortment of bites and beverages. These standalone booths will highlight heartwarming holiday recipes and festive flavors from around the world – we can’t wait to try them all.

The final list of vendors is still being cooked up in our kitchens, but we are thrilled to share that there will be a blend of new offerings and returning favorites. For loyal fans of our Foodie Guides, you can look forward to a full Festival of the Holidays-focused guide coming at a later date.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Cookie Stroll

Sweeten Your Day with the Holiday Cookie Stroll

Another can’t-miss activity for foodies is the Holiday Cookie Stroll, returning this year. We all have magical memories of being in the kitchen learning how to bake and decorate the tastiest treats, and at Festival of the Holidays you can take a bite of cookies made in our Walt Disney World kitchens.

The complete list of items for this cheerful cookie crawl is still in the works, but we can tell you today that the stroll will again feature the Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with Coffee-infused Buttercream, Cocoa Nibs, and Chocolate-covered Espresso Beans.

When you purchase any five cookies from the official locations and collect the corresponding stamps in  your Festival Passport, you can redeem a special surprise at Holiday Sweets and Treats. This adventure is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Glimmering Greenhouse

Festival of the Holidays Ride Overlays and Activities

Get wrapped up in the array of seasonal activities to enjoy throughout EPCOT, and don’t miss out on an iconic attraction with a festive twist.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Pere Noel

Where to Find Santa at EPCOT

Santa is always traveling around the world, and the same is true at World Showcase. Guests can see Père Noël (Father Christmas) appear in the France Pavilion where he tells the story of Babette and her Christmas letter, and Barn Santa will be up to his old tricks in the Norway Pavilion.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Olaf Scavenger Hunt

Embark on Olaf’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt returns this year, which sends guests on a jolly journey to locate Olaf in 13 different spots throughout EPCOT.

Guests can purchase a map and stickers, available at select festival merchandise locations. Your quest is to find holiday traditions that Olaf has discovered in every pavilion. Once you have them all, you can visit Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway to redeem a gift that’s worth melting for.

2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Glimmering Greenhouses

See How Nature Shines on Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses

During Festival of the Holidays, the classic attraction Living with the Land transforms into a glittering greenhouse tour, featuring sparkling Christmas lights and dazzling decor, sure to fill guests of all ages with childlike wonder and awe.

The peaceful boat ride still chronicles the incredible work of Walt Disney World plant scientists and their innovative growing techniques and technologies, with a bit of frosty flair. A holiday-themed narration can also be heard to guide you on your cruise.

Share:

What to Eat this Winter at Disney: an Ultimate “Foodie” Guide

Foodie Guide By November 30, 2018 Tags: , , No Comments

Celebrating the happiest season of all at the most magical place on earth? If you plan on spending any part of the holidays at Walt Disney World, here’s everything to knock off your “foodie” bucket list!

We’ve got the scoop on sweet freebies found exclusively at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and what you can’t miss at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays. Plus find out where to dine on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and each day in-between!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

From now through December 21st, guests can attend this annual ticketed event on select nights granting after-hours entry into Magic Kingdom.

Foodie Party Favors

While partying with all your favorite Disney characters (Santa included!) and checking out dozens of iconic park attractions, don’t forget to look for giant Peppermint Stick Treat Markers signaling free goodies for the whole family!

In previous years, freebie locations were limited to simply Snickerdoodles and Hot Cocoa all across the board. But now party-goers might not want to miss out on any of these yummy surprises!

(Pro-Tip! The classic Snickerdoodles and Hot Cocoa is still available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café!)

  • Santa Claus Cookie and Sno-Cone at Auntie Gravity’s
  • Peppermint Crunch Cookie and Nestle Chocolate Milk at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus
  • Ginger Molasses Cookies (these have that “holiday spice” kick!) and Egg Nog at the Ticket Booth in Liberty Square
  • An assortment of all cookie options (plus an allergy-friendly option) and Apple Cider at Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Dove Chocolates and Sparkling Apple Cider at Friar’s Nook
  • Soft Snowman Pretzel and Sno-Cone at Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland

Hungry for More?

For the serious foodie fanatics: try these exclusive Very Merry Christmas Party treats available for purchase.

Old and Favorites Reinvented at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

If you can’t get enough of Disney’s staple Mickey-shaped waffles, be sure to stop by Sleepy Hollow Refreshments for Red Velvet Mickey Waffles topped with Vanilla Ice-cream, Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, and Holiday Sprinkles.

Are you a fan of the Pumpkin King? Put the nightmare back in Christmas with Sleepy Hollow’s Sandy Claws Push-Pop. This dessert features Orange Vanilla Cake, Cranberry Cherry Mousse, White Crispy Pearls, Cream Cheese Buttercream, Holiday Sprinkles, and a Jack Skellington “Sandy Claws” White Chocolate.

Yule Log Love

Lovers of the Yule Log can discover a few twists to the classic dish at the Main Street Bakery and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. The “Fruity Yule Log” at Main Street has a base of Flourless Chocolate Cake underneath Raspberry Mousse, White Chocolate Mousse, and Casses Pate de Fruit. Pecos’ “Chocolate Yule Log” consists of a similar base, but with a swirl of Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Ganache as well as a Chip, Dale, and Donald Duck White Chocolate Piece.

Pro-tip! The Chocolate Yule Log is closest to its classic model: the ribbed chocolate outside mimics bark and a nob of marshmallow and chocolate appears on top like a stump!

Sweet Treats From a Few Originals

Bring beauty to the holiday celebration with an Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert from Gaston’s Tavern. This Flourless Chocolate Cake and White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse is topped with Yellow Glaze and a White Chocolate Belle Piece.

Get tiny like Tink with the Tinker Bell Dessert at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. This mini cake has layers of Chocolate Peppermint and Flourless Chocolate Cake, plus Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Mousses.

For an extra shine, order the Eggnog Custard Dessert from Storybook Treats. Eggnog Custard is topped with Spiced-Chocolate Cake, Meringue, and a Scrooge McDuck Chocolate Gold Coin.

Can’t Make it to the Party? No Problem!

If you aren’t able to score tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year, you can still satisfy your holiday sweet tooth. Many counter service locations across Magic Kingdom will be offering festively-themed treats during regular park hours!

The Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Bun at Main Street Bakery are super shareable, plus they have extra icing and a White Chocolate Snowflake!

The Main Street Plaza Ice-Cream Parlor and Storybook Treats are both offering Peppermint Cupcakes and Peppermint Ice-Cream Sundaes. Peppermint Mousse Filling sits inside a Red Velvet Cupcake that is topped with White Chocolate Peppermint Bark and Cream Cheese Frosting. Or keep it simple with a Mint Chocolate Chip Sundae and Candy Cane Sprinkles.

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays

Already in full swing through December 30th, Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays is an ultimate global celebration of the season. Guests will experience holiday traditions from an array of cultures around the world through décor, stories, music… and of course, fantastic cuisine!

Load Up and Chow Down!

If you’re familiar with Food & Wine Fest’s Marketplace Booths, you will love the full-themed food booths called “Holiday Kitchens”!

However, you might want to come prepared because these Holiday Kitchens feature nearly entrée-sized offerings unlike the sample sizing found at Food & Wine.

It could get difficult to make another snack stop after indulging on Slow-Roasted Turkey from the American Holiday Table. Or try saving room for dessert after finishing the Latin-American-based Pastelon aka Soffrito-Marinated Beef from Feast of the Three Kings. (We also recommend pairing the Pastelon with the kid-approved Tropical Eggnog aka Coquito!)

Collect the Cookies

This challenge is for cookie connoisseurs only! As you explore Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, watch out for select holiday cookies offered throughout the park. Once purchased, each cookie earns you a unique stamp in your Festival Passport.

After 5 stamps have been collected stop by Holiday Sweets and Treats for a final complimentary cookie and glass of milk!

To get more information on Epcot’s full menu for Festival of the Holidays click here.

Food-Inspired Seasonal Extras

It’s easy to get lost in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Here are a few foodie-inspired favorites to find while exploring Walt Disney World!

Throughout the parks and within Disney Resorts guests will be amazed by the massive Gingerbread displays ranging from life-size cottages to huge carousels. Be sure to ask your resort about cookie decorating, as many spots are offering this kid-approved activity!

Hollywood Studios Options for Everyone

Enjoy more casual seasonal eats for lunch and dinner at Minnie’s Holiday Dine. This character-filled buffet at Hollywood & Vine features an opportunity to meet Mickey, Daisy and Donald, and Goofy through January 6th, 2019.

Re-imagine everyone’s favorite at Fairfax Fare on Sunset Boulevard. This year’s Hot Cocoa Flight features 3 “spiked” hot chocolates, and there’s even a new Strawberry Mint Crème dessert. The Hot Chocolate Martini is made with Vanilla Vodka. Then there’s the Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate made with Jim Bean Red Stag Black Cherry. And finally, finish off your flight with Bailey’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate made with Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Disney Springs Delivers

The Daily Poutine’s Holiday Turkey Poutine has become a super-favorite among Disney diners over the past few holidays. With a combo like turkey, gravy, French fries, cheddar curds, and cranberry relish for under $10, it’s easy to see why!

For a spin on traditional treats (or a round of wine slushies!) Amorette’s Patisserie is a can’t miss. This sweet shop offers Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments, Peppermint Chocolate Milkshakes, Spiced Plum Petite Cake, Pear Mousse, and more!

Keep it classic at Goofy’s Candy Company and Disney’s Candy Couldron; both feature an assortment of candy apples and holiday cake pops!

Where to Eat: Christmas Day

Nothing says vacation like an authentic Christmas Day dinner minus the prep and clean-up! We’ve put together this list of guest-voted top picks for best restaurants to reserve dinner at on December 25th

Guest Favorites

Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern isn’t just a regular winner for Thanksgiving: it’s a hit on Christmas Day, too. Traditional holiday dinner fare like Roasted Turkey Breast, Herb Stuffing, Pot Roast, and House-made Macaroni and Cheese make this the best choice for a genuine celebration!

Located in Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana’s family-style service is next in line. A popular preference for those hoping to be merry in a more tropical setting, ‘Ohana also offers entertainment for the kids and it’s outside Magic Kingdom (meaning you get to avoid much of the park’s commotion on one of its busiest days!)

The cozy atmosphere and extended drink menu earns Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse a spot on several must-eat lists, and the holidays are no exception. Relish in the spirit of winter with Canadian-based steak and seafood choices by candlelight.

California Grill is your go-to if Christmas dinner must include an amazing view of Magic Kingdom’s spectacular fireworks show! Try something new from globally inspired seasonal options as you sit atop the Contemporary Resort overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon.

Last but not least is Artist Point at Magic Kingdom’s Wilderness Lodge. Pine trees outside combined with the restaurant’s Northwestern furnishings and robust dishes provide a true expression of the season. Signature ingredients include bison, rich cheeses, mussels, and venison.

Other Go-Tos

For a wider meal selection to choose from, here are a few more popular eateries we recommend  on Christmas Day.

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – Narcoossee’s, Citricos, Victoria and Albert’s
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Chef Mickey’s
  • Magic Kingdom – Cinderella’s Royal Table, Crystal Palace, Ale and Compass
  • Animal Kingdom – Saana, Jiko
  • Epcot – Rose and Crown Dining Room, Biergarten
  • Hollywood Studios – 50’s Prime Time Café

Where to Eat: New Year’s Eve

What better way to ring in the near year than with a night spent dining and celebrating at Disney?

*Because these meals are also considered special events, you will need to book them by calling 407-939-3463.

NYE Fun for the Whole Family

Flying Fish on Disney’s Boardwalk will feature a multi-course, prix-fixe menu at two seatings on December 31st. Dishes include Aged Cognac Lobster Bisque, Oak Grilled Cool Water Lobster, Chilean Sea Bass, and Wild Alaskan King Blue Crab. There is also the Cocoa Beach (Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Warm Ganache) or the Florida Sunset (Vanilla Custard with Lemon Broth, Segmented Fruits, and White Chocolate) desserts.

5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Adults are $121.75 each, children are $63.52 each*

8:30 to 10:00 p.m. Adults are $153.51 each, children are $83.64 each*

 *(Tax and gratuity included)

Monsieur Paul in Epcot’s France Pavilion will be open for several lunch and dinner seatings on December 31st. The menu will include Braised Ribs with Bordelaise Sauce, Roasted Halibut with Beurre Blanc Sauce, and Roast Turkey.

12:00 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. All seatings are $110.81 per person*

*(Tax and gratuity included)

For something everyone in your party will love on NYE, check out Epcot’s World Showcase Pavilion. This distinctive dinner experience features a buffet with items like Seafood Mac and Cheese, Fried Chicken Breast with Corn Gravy, Oven Baked Cod, and Apple Cider Brined Pork with Roasted Apples and Cherries. After you finish eating, be sure to take a photo-op at one of the various unique vignettes rolled out just for the occasion!

4:00 to 9:30 p.m. Adults are $72.90 each, children are $ 44.38 each*

*(Tax and gratuity included!)

Fancier Fun

If you’re searching for a more upscale NYE, look no further than Napa Rose at Disneyland Resort. Book the first seating to experience a family-friendly dinner featuring Chef Andrew Sutton’s 4-course wine country feast. Or wait until the late-night festivities including a Napa-style 5-course tasting menu.

5:00 to 6:30 p.m. All guests are $140 each

Starting at 8:15 p.m. All guests are $300 each

Adults-Only Party

Also celebrating on Disney’s Boardwalk is Atlantic Dance Hall. This NYE bash will have views of the Epcot fireworks, a live DJ, party hats and horns plus a “light-bite” menu, two beverage vouchers, and a Champagne toast at midnight! Snacks include a Create-Your-Own Slider and Taco Bar and a Dip Station featuring veggies, chips and salsa, pretzel bites, assorted flatbreads, and more.

8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Guests must be 21 to attend $75 each

For every single Disney World restaurant holiday option in detail, click here.

Click here for a guide to helping you budget your time during the holidays at Disney.

Share: