updated 2026
There’s something extra magical about EPCOT when the holidays roll in. The lights shimmer a little brighter. The storytellers speak a little softer. The smells drifting around World Showcase instantly transport you into the heart of winter celebrations around the world. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth 2026 is hands-down a top event. It is one of my favorite seasonal experiences at Walt Disney World. This year’s festival promises to be bigger. It will be tastier. It will also be more joyful than ever.
Whether you’re planning your first holiday visit or you return every year, here’s your personal guide. This guide explains what you can expect between November 27 to December 30, 2026.
Explore More Walt Disney World
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation involves more than planning the perfect festival visit. Before you continue, be sure to visit our Explore Walt Disney World hub, where you’ll find destination overviews, planning resources, dining recommendations, park guides, seasonal events, and the latest Disney news—all conveniently organized in one place to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
A Season Filled with Heartwarming Traditions
The festival officially begins the day after Thanksgiving, making it the perfect kickoff to your holiday celebrations. Many Disney Resorts transform with classic holiday décor and music. Arriving early enhances your experience. Staying on property adds even more joy to your trip.
But EPCOT is truly the star of the season. It offers a park-wide celebration of global holiday traditions. These traditions blend culture, cuisine, entertainment, and heartfelt storytelling.
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The Candlelight Processional: A Must-See Holiday Classic
If you’ve ever experienced the Candlelight Processional, you know this. This stunning retelling of the nativity story is one of the most emotional performances. It is also one of the most breathtaking at Walt Disney World.
Held nightly at the America Gardens Theater (5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 8:15 PM), it features:
- A full live orchestra
- Voices of Liberty
- Disney Cast Choir
- Community choirs
- And of course, beloved celebrity narrators
Seats fill quickly, so I always recommend considering a Candlelight Processional Dining Package for guaranteed seating. Trust me — it’s worth it.
Related article: Epcot Festival Dining Packages
Holiday Storytellers Around the World Showcase
One of my favorite ways to spend a festival day is wandering through World Showcase and discovering the Holiday Storytellers. Each pavilion shares its own cultural traditions through music, folktales, and live performance.
Some of this year’s highlights include:
- Las Posadas Celebration in Mexico
- Barn Santa in Norway
- Chinese Lion Dancer in China
- La Befana in Italy
- Père Noël in France
- Father Christmas in the U.K.
- Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in Canada
- Hanukkah Storyteller between Morocco & France
Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes so you don’t miss your favorites.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
JOYFUL! is pure energy — a gospel, R&B, jazz-infused celebration honoring the spirit of Christmas and Kwanzaa. Local group, D’Vine Voices, bring powerhouse vocals that will have you smiling (or dancing!) every time you pass by the stage.
Holiday Kitchens: An Around-the-World Culinary Celebration
If you’re like me and plan EPCOT days around what there is to eat (no shame!), this festival is a food lover’s paradise.
This year’s Holiday Kitchens offer a blend of brand-new dishes and returning favorites, including indulgent bites like:
- Cheese Fondue in Germany
- Kālua Pork in Mele Kalikimaka
- Sushi Tree Roll in Japan
- Tostada de Carne in Mexico
- Panettone Holiday Trifle at Favorites of Festivals Past
- Liquid Nitrogen Chocolate–Peppermint Mousse at Swirled Showcase
- Seasonal floats, cocktails, ciders, wines, and more
You could spend a whole day snacking around the world — and still not try everything.
Don’t Forget: The Holiday Cookie Stroll
If you love sweets, this is the festival tradition to try! Purchase five designated cookies, get your stamps, and redeem a special treat at Holiday Sweets & Treats.
Some of this year’s cookie standouts include:
- Prototype Cookie (new!)
- Ginger-Molasses Cookie (new!)
- Hazelnut Linzer Cookie
- Coffee-Mocha Cookie
- Maple Leaf Shortbread Cookie
It’s a fun and delicious way to explore EPCOT.
Santa, Gingerbread Magic & Festive Fun at CommuniCore Hall
CommuniCore Hall becomes a hub of holiday cheer with:
- A meet & greet with Santa Claus
- A massive Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display
- The Celebration Countdown light show
- Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow (yes, more cookies!)
This area is a perfect family stop — and incredible for photos.
The Odyssey & Glittering Grove
The Odyssey hosts Holiday Hearth Desserts, Santa Goofy, and Glittering Grove presented by Balsam Hill. This display features faux winter trees that look stunning both day and night. Great spot for relaxing and snacking between food booths!
Scentsy’s Festive Fragrances
A returning favorite — this enchanting outdoor walkway features oversized ornaments. These ornaments are infused with holiday fragrances like Christmas Cottage, Sleigh Ride, and Perfect Peppermint. It’s such a unique sensory experience and a fun pause between booths.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition
Families (and Frozen fans!) will love this scavenger hunt around the park. Find Olaf in 13 locations, collect your stickers, and redeem a cute prize.
A Twinkling Twist: Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses
This classic EPCOT attraction transforms into a glowing, holiday-themed boat ride filled with sparkling lights and seasonal narration. It’s peaceful, charming, and a perfect way to end an evening at EPCOT.
Final Thoughts: Why We Love Festival of the Holidays
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays 2026 offers a joyful blend of global traditions. It features meaningful storytelling and holiday entertainment. Additionally, there is incredible food. You might go for the Candlelight Processional. You might choose the Cookie Stroll, the festive kitchens, or the storytellers. No matter your choice, there’s something about this festival that brings out the warmth and wonder of the season.
Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Now that you’ve learned more about the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, continue exploring our Walt Disney World resources to plan every part of your vacation.
You may also enjoy:
- Explore Walt Disney World – Your complete destination hub for planning resources, news, and travel inspiration.
- Disney Resort Guides – Compare Disney Resort hotels to find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.
- Park Guides – Discover attractions, entertainment, and tips for each Walt Disney World theme park.
- Dining Guides – Find character dining, quick-service favorites, signature restaurants, and must-try Disney snacks.
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