2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: A Global Celebration of Cheer at Walt Disney World

The most wonderful time of the year gets even more magical at EPCOT during the International Festival of the Holidays. This beloved seasonal event transforms the park into a dazzling showcase of holiday traditions from cultures around the world, blending festive music, global cuisine, heartwarming storytelling, and twinkling decorations. Whether you’re a longtime Disney fan or visiting for the first time, it’s the perfect way to kick off (or extend) the holiday season.

When It Happens

The festival typically runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30. For example, the 2025 event took place November 28–December 30. It’s included with standard EPCOT admission—no extra ticket required!

A World of Holiday Traditions

EPCOT’s World Showcase truly shines during this festival. Each pavilion highlights authentic holiday customs, often through live storytelling sessions with Holiday Storytellers. Listen to tales of Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, Three Kings Day, and more as cast members share cultural insights and folklore in their home countries. These performances add depth and warmth that go beyond the typical theme park experience.

The entire park gets decked out with beautiful holiday décor, including sparkling lights, themed overlays, and festive touches on attractions. Don’t miss the glimmering greenhouses on *Living with the Land* or special projections on Spaceship Earth.

Festive Entertainment Highlights

• Candlelight Processional: The crown jewel of the festival. This nightly performance at the America Gardens Theatre features a celebrity narrator, a large choir, and orchestra retelling the Christmas story with beloved holiday hymns. It’s emotional, majestic, and often sells out—book dining packages if you want guaranteed seating.
• JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: An upbeat, high-energy musical show filled with gospel, pop, and holiday favorites that will have you dancing in the aisles.
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Spot Disney characters in their holiday attire, and don’t forget to visit Santa himself at CommuniCore Hall.

Holiday Kitchens & Global Flavors

Foodies rejoice! Dozens of Holiday Kitchens (specialty booths) pop up around World Showcase, offering international holiday dishes, drinks, and treats. Expect everything from:

• Warm, comforting classics like cheese fondue or salted caramel cookies.
• Unique global flavors, such as coconut shrimp curry noodles or peppermint chocolate mousse.
• The popular Holiday Cookie Stroll, where you collect stamps by purchasing cookies from participating locations and earn a complimentary treat at the end.

Menus change yearly but always feature a mix of returning favorites and new creations. Grab a Festival Passport for maps, menus, and allergy info.

Family-Friendly Fun

The festival offers something for every age. Kids love the scavenger hunts (like Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition), cookie stroll, and character sightings. It’s a magical, low-stress way to experience EPCOT during the busy holiday period.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early for popular shows and dining.
• Layer up—Florida evenings can get chilly.
• Use the mobile app to check showtimes and wait times.
• Pair your visit with other EPCOT favorites like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or a walk around the lagoon at night.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays perfectly captures the spirit of the season: joy, togetherness, and discovery. It’s more than just lights and treats—it’s a beautiful reminder that holiday magic looks a little different (but equally wonderful) everywhere in the world.

Dates and offerings for the 2026 festival will be announced in the coming months—stay tuned!